Guest seasonstoshort Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 I know this is a very popular topic. I have been hunting southern zone upstate NY which is shotgun/bow only for 18 years now. I am looking into a land lease in upstate NY northern zone and may hunt elk/deer out west in the next few years. I am looking for advice on the best all around rifle for big game hunting. Where should I start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hunter36 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? I use a .308 winchester. works great for me. it used to be my dads and he has killed elk, deer, bear, antelope with it. I normally shotgun hunt so i've never killed any deer with it but did go to Africa and shot some plains game with it. 7mm aint too bad either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? Welcome to the forums! It all depends on the action you want. I'd say the most popular is bolt action. You can never go wrong with a Remington 700. For elk and deer I'd reccommend a .30-06 or .300 Win Mag. Those are both great calibers, good for long distance and also popular calibers, so finding ammo will never be a problem. Browning A-bolts are also nice rifles and are available in the newer WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) cartridges. One of those in any of the WSM's or previously mentioned cartridges would be a great choice as well. I own a .300 WSM and love the cartridge. Ballistically it's almost identical to a .300 Win Mag, but in a shorter cartridge comparable to the length of a .308 Win. The shorter shell is a lot nicer to carry around opposed to the Win mags. Along with the shorter shell comes with a shorter action, which is also a big plus in my books. If you want something that has a smaller diameter bullet, look into a .270 Win, 7mm Remington Mag, 7mm STW, .270 WSM, or 7mm WSM. Best of luck with the new purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ronin Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? I like the magnums for everything. Elk and deer combo guns for me are 7mm to 300 Mags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] I like the magnums for everything. Elk and deer combo guns for me are 7mm to 300 Mags. [/ QUOTE ] Same here ronin. I even hunt wolves and groundhogs with my mags! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? Magnum. Definitely a magnum!! For an "all-around" big game rifle (assuming North America and nothing that bites back too much) you can not beat a .30 caliber magnum of whichever flavor you choose. I would choose the old standard .300 Win Mag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? 270, 30-06 or 308 are plenty for what you need and they won't break the bank when your buying shells. I have the nef handi-rifles which are single shots. They are very inexpensive guns that shoot great. If you want a bolt gun I would look at the Browning A-bolt, Remington Model 700, Savage, Mossberg ATR. That's kind of a top down breakdown for you the Mossberg is a good utility gun with little bells and whistles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ousoonerfan22 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? .270 or 30-06 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Colorado Bob Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? The 30/06 has never let me down. It's good for everything in the 48. Plus you can practice will cheap factory ammo-----If you pick a Mag----you'll have to get into reloading to practice as cheap. I'll stick with the 06.-----CB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? Welcome to the group. The standard rounds like the 7-08 Rem, 308 Win, 338 Federal, 270 Win, 280 Rem, 30-06, 338-06, and 35 Whelen will all work extremely well for the majority if not all game on this continent. Ammo is reasonably priced, and recoil is not too bad. Can be had in some very compact configurations. The magnums like the 264 Win Mag, 270 WSM, 270 Wby Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm SAUM, 7mm WSM, 7mm Wby Mag, 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, 300 H&H Mag, 308 Norma Mag, 300 SAUM, 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag, 300 Wby Mag, 300 RUM, 300/378 Wby Mag, and up, will work but are definately not necessary. They generate more recoil, and muzzle blast. The ammo is more expensive on average. Depending on which magnum you buy, it can be significantly more expensive. And magnums perform best with longer barrels. If you can afford to hunt the big things that bite back, you can afford a second, bigger gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] ......... magnums like the 264 Win Mag, 270 WSM, 270 Wby Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm SAUM, 7mm WSM, 7mm Wby Mag, 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, 300 H&H Mag, 308 Norma Mag, 300 SAUM, 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag, 300 Wby Mag, 300 RUM, 300/378 Wby Mag........... [/ QUOTE ] Sometimes, AJ.............you give me goosebumps!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? Welcome to the forums. Cannot argue with what AJ says here. Really think for deer and elk I would chose between the .270 and .308 or 30-06. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSU_Seminole Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? I also vote the 30.06 with a 300 win mag & .270 closely behind. Not only is the 06 very capable in North America, ALOT of African animals from the Leopard to a Zebra to wild hogs & every deer sized aminal in Africa has been taken with a 30.06. The only game animals not recommend to hunt with an .06 there are the African deadly 5. Hippo Lion Water Buffalo Elephant Crocodile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] The only game animals not recommend to hunt with an .06 there are the African deadly 5. Hippo Lion Water Buffalo Elephant Crocodile [/ QUOTE ] I always thought it was: Elephant Rhino Cape Buffalo Lion Leopard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian_Goose Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] ......... magnums like the 264 Win Mag, 270 WSM, 270 Wby Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm SAUM, 7mm WSM, 7mm Wby Mag, 7mm STW, 7mm RUM, 300 H&H Mag, 308 Norma Mag, 300 SAUM, 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag, 300 Wby Mag, 300 RUM, 300/378 Wby Mag........... [/ QUOTE ] Sometimes, AJ.............you give me goosebumps!! [/ QUOTE ] LMBO.... Use the .300 win mag, unless your hunting the mountains, than go with a .270 utralight Sorry strut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest seasonstoshort Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? I appreciate all the input I guess I will have to buy both the 06 and 300 mag. Thanks to all who posted.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] I appreciate all the input I guess I will have to buy both the 06 and 300 mag. Thanks to all who posted.. [/ QUOTE ] If you're really gonna buy two rifles.........better make the '06 a 25-'06. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? I'd buy a .300 win mag and be done...if you were planning on buying one gun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Colorado Bob Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? Seasons-----the 2 I have picked----30/06 & 375 H&H But that's just me-------It's great to have so many choices. None of them are all right or all wrong. CB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSU_Seminole Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] The only game animals not recommend to hunt with an .06 there are the African deadly 5. Hippo Lion Water Buffalo Elephant Crocodile [/ QUOTE ] I always thought it was: Elephant Rhino Cape Buffalo Lion Leopard [/ QUOTE ] No, leopards have a vicious bite & very ferocious, but more people are attacked & killed in Africa by hippos & crocs than anything else. I was just watching a special on national geographic about it. Its quite amazing but it makes sense if you think about it. Most people are killed in or near the rivers there where these animals also hang around. I think the top 5 in this order is Hippos, crocs, elephants, lions & buffalo. As for hunting Leopards with an 06 I've read several articles about them being taken with an 06, even with 150 grain bullets. Me personally I'd pick something a little heavier 165 or 180. BTW I do plan on buying a 300 WSM within the next year or 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] The only game animals not recommend to hunt with an .06 there are the African deadly 5. Hippo Lion Water Buffalo Elephant Crocodile [/ QUOTE ] I always thought it was: Elephant Rhino Cape Buffalo Lion Leopard [/ QUOTE ] No, leopards have a vicious bite & very ferocious, but more people are attacked & killed in Africa by hippos & crocs than anything else. I was just watching a special on national geographic about it. Its quite amazing but it makes sense if you think about it. Most people are killed in or near the rivers there where these animals also hang around. I think the top 5 in this order is Hippos, crocs, elephants, lions & buffalo. As for hunting Leopards with an 06 I've read several articles about them being taken with an 06, even with 150 grain bullets. Me personally I'd pick something a little heavier 165 or 180. BTW I do plan on buying a 300 WSM within the next year or 2. [/ QUOTE ] Then somebody better tell Winchester (and JJL) because they made a beautiful set of rifles depicting the wrong critters. Description: Winchester Model 70 Classic Custom African Express Big Five set of Five. Ser. number set G0059BF1 through G0059BF5. This is all five guns .375 H&H, .458 Win., .338 Win., .470 Capstick, .416 Rem. Each gun engraved w/ one of the Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo. Checkered fancy walnut stock, Dietrich Apel Express sights, 24" bbl., Super Grade configuration. Sold as set only, all five guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? Actually, Strut is correct. The collection consists of the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhinoceros. The members of the big five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and not their size, which is why the leopard is on the list and the enormous hippopotamus (noted for lazing around in pools and rivers all day) is absent. The big five are among the most dangerous mammals. Check out Winchester's Big 5 rifle collection: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mathews4 Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? 7mm and .300's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSU_Seminole Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] The only game animals not recommend to hunt with an .06 there are the African deadly 5. Hippo Lion Water Buffalo Elephant Crocodile [/ QUOTE ] I always thought it was: Elephant Rhino Cape Buffalo Lion Leopard [/ QUOTE ] No, leopards have a vicious bite & very ferocious, but more people are attacked & killed in Africa by hippos & crocs than anything else. I was just watching a special on national geographic about it. Its quite amazing but it makes sense if you think about it. Most people are killed in or near the rivers there where these animals also hang around. I think the top 5 in this order is Hippos, crocs, elephants, lions & buffalo. As for hunting Leopards with an 06 I've read several articles about them being taken with an 06, even with 150 grain bullets. Me personally I'd pick something a little heavier 165 or 180. BTW I do plan on buying a 300 WSM within the next year or 2. [/ QUOTE ] Then somebody better tell Winchester (and JJL) because they made a beautiful set of rifles depicting the wrong critters. Description: Winchester Model 70 Classic Custom African Express Big Five set of Five. Ser. number set G0059BF1 through G0059BF5. This is all five guns .375 H&H, .458 Win., .338 Win., .470 Capstick, .416 Rem. Each gun engraved w/ one of the Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo. Checkered fancy walnut stock, Dietrich Apel Express sights, 24" bbl., Super Grade configuration. Sold as set only, all five guns. [/ QUOTE ] Strut I think we may be talking "differences" in Big 5 & we both could be right. Winchester may be talking about the most difficult to hunt like AJ said. Natl Geographic meant the big 5 that actually kill most people. Leopards in fact are very hard to hunt & even more dangerous when wounded but they don't kill as many people or hunters as the others I mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian_Goose Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Re: best all around big game rifle? Well that makes sense becuase I think there is a better chance that Strut has a subscription to "Magnums" or some highpowered rifle mag, opposed to national geographic ... I could be and have been, wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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