30-06 vs .300 win mag?

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.

So I'd choose the 30 06...

The .30-06 is ok out to ~1000 yards depending on shooter. The .300 win mag will give you a bit more but i would go with a .30-06.

Remington 700 Long Range 30-06

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RE:

30-06 vs .300 win mag?

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,...

To be honest, I wouldn't buy either one. I'd choose a Savage 110 in .30-06 Springfield if I had the option. I take it, though, that you're talking to a friend who wants to sell you one of his two rifles?

If that's the case, go for the .30-06. You don't need the extra power of a .300 Win Mag for deer, and .30-06 Springfield is more than capable of making 600 yard shots.

The .300 Winnie and the .30-06 both use a .308 caliber bullet. With the .300 Winnie, you can push a 180 grain bullet to about 2950 fps. The .30-06 will push the same bullet to about 2700 fps. That certainly equates to less drop at a given distance and a longer effective range for the .300 Winnie, but the difference isn't necessarily that profound. Whichever one has better intrinsic accuracy will probably be the better rifle for long range target shooting.

I highly recommend that you purchase the .30-06 because you're probably going to get pretty frustrated with long range shooting, drop the hobby and be left with a rifle for deer hunting at mere mortal ranges. .30-06 factory ammunition is plentiful (even now), inexpensive and it will not punish your shoulder as much.

Also, it's WAY easier to buy a bunch of tactical add-ons for a Remington 700 than a Savage.

I'd have to go with Dave's answer. Neither out-of-the-box rifle will give you the accuracy or consistency needed for 600+ yard shots. Sure, you could lob rounds out and probably hit a huge target, but it wouldn't be the kind of accuracy you're expecting. Target rifles have special barrels, actions, scope mounts/rings, and $1000+ scopes.

Either rifle would be sufficient for shots inside of 300 yards. I prefer .30-06 because the round recoils less, is less expensive, weighs less, and is readily available. The .30-06 is adequate for taking any North American game at a reasonable range.

They are both good rounds, but I would go with the 30-06.