7mm mag and .30-06 Pros and Cons??

I'll vote for the 30-06. I've had a 30-06 for the last 10 years and I can tell you that it is the ultimate all around hunting cartridge. To prove my point, go to a sporting goods store and check out all of the different bullet weights/grains available for hunting/shooting a 30-06. From varmit rounds all the way up to heavy duty loads for bear, moose, and elk. Plus, the 30-06 is such a popular round that you could find rifle parts and supplies easily at any sporting goods store and/or mail catalog site. My 2 cents worth....Bill Trott

i've owned both and have stated publicly here more than once, that if i could only have one gun, it would be the 30 06. there simply isn't another caliber that is as popular here in north america and with such an extensive selection of ammunition. and now federal offers the premium high energy shell in 180 and 165 gr ( fabulous rounds by the way - very accurate in my browning 30 06. ), the energy levels vary from 2000 ft lbs to 3600 ft lbs at the muzzle.

i've dropped a lot of deer using 180 gr silvertips, although some might argue the 150 or 165 gr bullets are better for smaller-sized deer. i went for that round because my browning shoots them very well and, without adjusting my scope at all, i can shoot the 180 gr HE shells for elk. it just happened to turn out that when i zeroed my rifle for the 180 gr silvertips at 100 yards, the HE 180 gr bullets were zeroed almost precisely at 200 yards.

so, one can't go wrong with a bolt action 30 06.

opinions are my own.................................................... .....................

I agree with Robert. I have seen polls over the past years that put the 7mm at, or near, the top of the list as most overrated or unnecessary cartridges.

It offers 150 fps more velocity and only has a 2' advantage at 300 yds (about the max that a responsible hunter will normally take a shot) In exchange for these insignificant advantages you will have a rifle with much more kick, or will weigh much more, and will be much less versatile.

I would take a .270 or '06 any day over a 7mm, .270 in the S/W , '06 in the rest of the country.

Rick,

Don't be silly. All of the cartridges mentioned are excellent and will do the job. My point, obviously, was simply that the super mag's advantage exist only at extreme range. As the vast majority of game is taken at will under 200 yrd., the slight ballistic advantage of no significant concern. Its unnecessary baggage. On the other hand, if it makes you feel good, go for it.

Are the animals you have shot with the 7mm Mag more dead then those you have shot with your .270?

though the .30-o6 is a very gd round an yes alot of hunters use it as well as the 30-30 an the 7mm mag an i like all them rounds and at 100yrds with a 7mm mag 4 out of 5 shots r in the same hole an putting the 5 shot a 1/4 off at 300 3 shots in the same hole shots 4 and 5 1\4 off however i can not pull this off with any of my 30-06s