I'm just entering the hunting scene for big game in the Pacific Northwest and I'm looking for a great all-around rifle(elk and d

[HillbillyDeluxe]

I'm just entering the hunting scene for big game in the Pacific Northwest and I'm looking for a great all-around rifle(elk and deer) for the next season (2009). I have in mind a Browning A-bolt .30-06. Is there something else I should be looking for?

[hunt_fish_sleep]

Your right on with the .30-06, there's not a more versatile round. For deer 150 to 165 grains will work well. For the elk try a well constructed 180 grain bullet such as the Nosler Partition, or Winchester XP3. I could argue with you about the platform that is going to fire that .30-06. I am a die hard Remington model 700 fan. Specifically the BDL. I think it is a better, more accurate gun. The bolt is also a lot more sturdy and smooth. You should be able to find a good 700 for less than an A bolt. Try Wally World first.

[kvlazer22]

The .30-06 is one of the best deer guns around that is a proven fact. However, if you bring elk into the equation you may want to bump up to a magnum; maybe a 300.

[dukerjj]

I hunt colorado and there is some similar ground there and here i have used anything from a savage 300 win mag to a remington 30-30 and have had great success but u also have had the best success with my Browning A-bolt .30-06. so great choice

[Ruff Grouse and Woodcock]

The overall best gun to hunt with is a 30-06. The gun is so versatile, you can go from deer to brown bear. The 30-06 is probably one the best guns ever made.

[Carney]

HillBilly, I too am from the Pacific Northwest. Though I do not have a 30-06 it is a very versitile round -- especially if you handload.

My passion is lever guns so you are on your own if you are committed to a bolt action.

Another consideration in the Pacific Northwest is if you are on the East side or West side of the mountains. East side you are typically looking at longer shots and a more target rich environment. 30-06 is good. I am getting a 300winmag someday for east side hunting. West side -- where I have been hunting since I started 5 years ago is a whole different ball game. The climate is typically cold and raining; the terrain is rugged; shots are typically under 100 yards or over a thousand! (It's not really a "shot" if it's over a thousand...) I hunt west side with my 45-70.

I'd be happy to carry on the dialogue. You can reach me easiest at myspace.com/cmlayne

[koeka]

30.06 will bring down any game animal in North America. F & S, posted an article I believe in the Dec issue where one of their writers brought his 30.06 to Africa and did very well there and harvested rather large game. It all depends on the ammo at that point, which with this caliber round there are more available in more places.

Also, Marlin came out with a new synthetic stock 30.06, Model XL-7 under $400; I purchased it and was able to hit two button bucks at 120-130 yrds

[Jim in Mo]

HillbillyDeluxe,
I'd go '06 165-180gr Barnes TSX for elk or 300 mag 180-200gr. Whatever you can handle. Use softpoints with both for deer unless there's bear where your hunting, then use premium Partitions, Tsx or Bear Claws.

[CPT BRAD]

The 30-06 is a great all around rifle if weight is not an issue I would go with a Browning BAR in 300 win mag. It will kick about the same as your 30-06 and weigh about 2-3 pounds more. It'll give you about 100 more yards and open up elk moose and bear if you ever want to hunt them.

[60256]

Good choice.

Nate

[DakotaMan]

The 30-06 will do it but I would personally like the advantage of the 300 Winchester Magnum. It has a little more speed when you need it but can be loaded to perform like the 30-06 when you want to. It does have recoil though.

[rogeed]

You.ve picked one of the better rifles and the 30-06 is probably the best all around cartridge. I have a Weatherby Vanguard with a Nikon scpe that shoots under 1 and 1/2 inch groups at 100 yds. Federal 165 BTSP

[PSEbowhunter]

the 30 06 is a good round but there are better shooting loads out there it just depends what your looking for

[jscottevans]

There is no perfect round or "Magic Bullet" if you please. But the .30-06 is the most versatile round around and the closest to perfect. There is not an animal in North America (and few in the world) you could not effectively hunt with the right round of .30-06. There are better rounds for individual purposes. But no other round is as available or useful as the .30-06.

[jscottevans]

A .30-06 and a 12ga are the only two guns a hunter "NEEDS". Anything other than those are just "WANT" and "DESIRE".