What is the difference between the two? I know the .300 win mag is bigger and travels further, but does it really make a big difference? I'm trying to practice long range shooting mostly (600+ yards) and also use the gun to hunt deer if need be... I'm stuck between two bolt action rifles, the Savage 111 (chambered in 300 win man) and Remington 700 in 30-06. The guy wants $250 for the Remington without a scope and 400 for the Savage 111. Which would you choose? I also noticed that the 300 win mag rounds are significantly more expensive..
2013-03-05T16:31:37Z
So many great answers.. I'm having trouble choosing a best answer..
Dave B.2013-03-05T13:42:09Z
Favorite Answer
Getting into shooting by starting at long-range shooting is like getting into medicine by starting out as a brain surgeon. Long range shooting requires a LOT of time, money, knowhow, and dedication. That's not meant to sound condescending; there are so many variables that go into long-range shooting that it just isn't worth the expense and frustration for the average shooting enthusiast. I fall into that group.
If you are truly intent on getting into the hobby, then I will simply suggest that you start with research. Read everything that Google has to say on the subject, and then consider buying some books from reputable authors that will go into more detail and (hopefully) are vetted against inaccuracies. Not to be trite, but this isn't a hobby to get into by asking, "I saw two random rifles, which one should I get?" Do your homework, and you'll save yourself a lot of money and a lot of heartache.
Moderate-range target shooting (300 yards) may be worth considering. The hardware needed is significantly less expensive, and the necessary knowledge is more limited. Basically, it's less planning and a lot less money for more shooting--and you still get the same holes in paper at the end of the day. 300 yards is a lot further than you think, too.
In regard to your original 30-06 vs. .300 win mag question, I like the 30-06. The ammunition is cheaper, it's an accurate round within reasonable ranges, there are lots of ammunition choices available, and it will kill anything in the North American continent. The '06 has significant, but tolerable kick. The .300 win mag feels like getting hit in the shoulder with a baseball bat. Once you shoot it, you will very likely not want to shoot it again. The .270 is another caliber to consider, as is the .308. Again, some light reading will guide you to something that you're going to be happy with.
I shoot a .300 win mag the recoil is a lot for some people and is very destructive on a whitetail I m from sc the .300 is a flater and longer range gun where the 30-06 lobs my advice for deer hunting is a 30-06 and for long range is 300 but if I was shooting long range competition I would go with a 22.250 but I love my 300
There's quite a few things that might figure into your decision: - Enough people find that the 30 06 is comfortable to shoot but the 300WM is painful (with tendency to flinch) when shooting at the range. - Deer would go with an even smaller caliber than either of those. The 300 seems a bit overkill to me. - Depending on how serious you are with the long distance shooting, that might give you a heavier gun than you really want to lug around chasing deer unless you only hunt out of a stand. (I hunt elk primarily and go with the lightest set-up possible because I move hard in tough terrain.) Long range shooting means more glass and more weight. I've just started shooting a gong at 400yds with current set-up with 30-06. Fun, but I honestly shoot elk, deer and pigs well within 100yd and don't need a super powerful scope. - Buy only as much gun as you need in the most accurate package. If this is someone you know I would ask if you can shoot both before deciding. One of those will be more accurate. Cheaper ammo means you can practice more and if you want to start shooting long range, you have to shoot a lot to get decent. 30 06 is a great caliber as far as the range of types of bullets and weights that will handle everything you want to hunt (pretty much.) But I really prefer shooting .223 if I'm just hanging on the range.