30.06 vs 270 yes I'm going there

[frankski]

The choice given is .270 and .30-'06, suggesting another caliber is moot (or should be). I went with '06 for reasons stated by others..."brush-bucking" ability (a point of argument that will likely never be settled satisfactorily) choices of bullets commercially and loads if reloading, and probably a lot more different rifles available in the caliber.

I differ. Half the fun of these debates is challenging A vs. B when C is just as good if not better. The discussion is enlightening, even if the choice offered is rejected.

[arjohnson]

Had plenty of both and IMO the 30-06 is probably the best all around hunting caliber for anything in the lower 48. But for just Pa hunting I'd go with the 270,really don't need anything bigger in a long action caliber.

[ExFlyinguy]

The choice given is .270 and .30-'06, suggesting another caliber is moot (or should be). I went with '06 for reasons stated by others..."brush-bucking" ability (a point of argument that will likely never be settled satisfactorily) choices of bullets commercially and loads if reloading, and probably a lot more different rifles available in the caliber.

I differ. Half the fun of these debates is challenging A vs. B when C is just as good if not better. The discussion is enlightening, even if the choice offered is rejected.

I was just going to post a popcorn meme but, I agree with frankski. Since the rifle has not yet been purchased and given the OP's parameters of less than 400 yds, I think it's crazy to omit the 308. It's just as good at those distances, and more friendly to the wallet, and therefore I can not in good conscience cast a vote for the other 2

[sgtsandman]

My choice would be the .30-06 but it depends on if there are other game options you might get into. .30-06 will allow you go go bigger, like Elk or Bear, with the right bullet choice.

.270 would allow you to go smaller, like coyotes.

If deer hunting is all you are really interested in and don't plan to branch out, then flip a coin.

[Dodahdude]

I'm partial to .270 but its really all about shot placement.

[*Klutch*]

My choice would be the .30-06 but it depends on if there are other game options you might get into. .30-06 will allow you go go bigger, like Elk or Bear, with the right bullet choice.

.270 would allow you to go smaller, like coyotes.

If deer hunting is all you are really interested in and don't plan to branch out, then flip a coin.

Yes there is a possibility that I would go elk or moose in Maine which is why I think the 06 would be better but I will mainly but hunting PA deer and I think for elk in PA the 270 would do just fine.

As far as the 308 I like it and think it's adequate for the job but I just prefer the long actions in bolt guns. I also like the bigger bullets like the 06/270 I'm not sold on magnums but I have zero experience with them. I don't think the 308 can do anything the 06 can do better. I'm not too worried about the small amount of powder difference there is, in 243 I loaded about 40 grains in 270 I loaded 57 grains. Not that big a difference.

[Yoder]

"Brush busting" is a myth. I watched a video testing this nonsene. He shot 6 different rifles fron a .223 to a .50 cal all were deflected by a small amount of brush several feet in front of the target. Everything was deflected. It's physics.

An 06 will do everything a .270 will do. A .270 is limited by a lighter weight bullet. I have both and they kick ass for deer. One of my old friends in Oregon used his .270 for elk.

[Lycanthrope]

With the selection of bullets available and particularly with bonded and solid copper bullets you really don't have to worry so much about caliber these days.

The .270 does shoot slightly flatter and recoils slightly less. The .270 will eat a barrel a little bit faster if you shoot a lot.

Flat shooting may not be important for some, but there is a real advantage to shooting your rifle in 3" high at 100 and only being 4" low at 400. It's why I chose a faster magnum and has paid off in several nice deer over the years that weren't about to let me use a rangefinder and dial the turrets (although I do that too). In your case the differences aren't so pronounced, but there it's there.

For most people, this comparison is a moot point and I'd start looking for the nicest gun in your price range that just happens to be in one of these calibers.

Lycanletthedealsmakeyourchoicethrope

[FO 1/501]

I voted for the 06. Did I read U reload? In that case the 06 is right on.
I did own both at 1 X. Kept the 06 Ruger MR77. It is a older 1.

Ammo & bullet selection=endless
Now, the 308?

My ? to U? What rifles are U looking at? New Or Used?

[Qtrborecrazy]

Shouldn't you be shooting a 25-06?

257 Weatherby unclejumbo, you were close. I'm looking into a 6.5x06 though.