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If you had to choose just one!
#7133503
04/05/18 05:50 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 482
Deersteaks
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 482 |
If you had to choose 1 rifle for your son or grandson to hunt with, and it was going to be the only gun he was able to own for his whole life. Not knowing what his hunting opportunities will be, but being able to use your knowledge and past experiences to help you guide him with his decision. Also, consider that he may hunt anything from coyotes and coues deer, to moose, or even say a lion or giant eland. You may also assume he can hand load his own rounds! This sounds like a tough question, but for me, all things considered, I would lean towards a 30-60!
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133518
04/05/18 06:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,787
Mr. T.
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,787 |
I am almost 70 and I started hunting when I was 6. I have used the same 30/06 my entire life. Yes, it kicked the fool out of me when I was little, but I learned to handle it. I have shot mountain goat in British Colombia and was laughed at by the four other hunters who all had 300 mags. However mine was the only one shot kill of the group. I've used it for antelope, whitetail, mule deer, pigs, bobcats, coyotes. It has never failed me. The only thing I ever did to it was upgrade the scope twice. However, two years ago, I bought a 270. Not because my gun ever failed me, but because it was a great great deal on a Weatherby and I had always wanted one. So now there are two rifles in my truck. If I could only pick one, I might shed a tear as I throw the Weatherby out the window and pick up my old trusty 30/06.
Cabin rental in Pagosa Springs, Co. Sleeps 10, If interested please PM me.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133523
04/05/18 06:07 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,919
maximum
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,919 |
a .308 or 30/06 without a doubt if we're including large game outside of Texas. ammo availability is a factor reloading or not. you can find .308 or 30/06 everywhere at every mom and pop store.
although everywhere i've hunted in Texas a 30/30 has been more than adequate.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133531
04/05/18 06:23 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 580
ErnestTBass
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 580 |
Been shooting the same old Winchester Model 70 .270 at everything bigger than birds or varmints since I was a small child, and it has been consistently great.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133538
04/05/18 06:33 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
With reduced recoil loads you can start him on what you think is the best. I started with a 6mm and still have it. Although I use a .270 90% of the time and my .280 or .223 the rest. I have not killed a deer with my 6mm in 23 yrs.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133544
04/05/18 06:42 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 917
DUKFVR
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 917 |
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133550
04/05/18 06:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,542
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,542 |
I think I would have it down to 7mm08 280 rem 7 mag and 30-06.
In honesty I think its impossible though, anything that would serve well for a across the board cartridge over here would be ill suited to lion, cape buffalo, elephant etc.
Last edited by redchevy; 04/05/18 06:52 PM.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133644
04/05/18 08:29 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,025
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,025 |
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133654
04/05/18 08:42 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091
Always ready 2 hunt
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091 |
30.06. The first rifle I purchased was a Sako 30.06 for exactly OP reason... for life for a do-all gun with lots of ammo choices for subject game. Still use that as my go to choice most of the time over my others 30.30, 223, 270, 6.5CM and others.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: skinnerback]
#7133667
04/05/18 08:54 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,459
majekman
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,459 |
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133695
04/05/18 09:14 PM
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 99
M1John
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 99 |
I purchased a Browning A-Bolt Gold Medallion chambered in 30-06 in the late 80's. Chambering was chosen because I knew it would kill anything I would ever hunt and that the ammunition could be purchased anywhere. It has served me well and it will be one I will be handing down to my children...that is when I'm finished with it. LOL
John
Texas LTC Instructor NRA Patriot Life Benefactor Member NRA Instructor in Pistol, CCW, PPITH, PPOTH, Shotgun, Rifle, Reloading, and a NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133718
04/05/18 09:36 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,937
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,937 |
too broad a spectrum. whats overkill on coyotes would be undergunned for big bears and stuff like eland.
For a true one gun do it all in north America, I would opt for a .300 win mag. Yes a .30-06 will do it but a .300 win mag will do it better.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133728
04/05/18 09:49 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,114
Flashprism
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,114 |
Amazed to see that so many see the versatility of the honorable 30-06. A 110 grain for small game and a 220 grain for moose, elk and bear and many choices in between. The gun I used successfully for 40 years until I could afford the whim of some less versatile but useful calibers. If only one could be had the 06 would be it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by Flashprism; 04/05/18 09:53 PM.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Flashprism]
#7133738
04/05/18 10:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,937
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,937 |
Amazed to see that so many see the versatility of the honorable 30-06. A 110 grain for small game and a 220 grain for moose, elk and bear and many choices in between. The gun I used successfully for 40 years until I could afford the whim of some less versatile but useful calibers. If only one could be had the 06 would be it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! question.... why so little mention of the .300 win mag? spitting the same bullets as the 06' but at faster speeds = more versatility
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133753
04/05/18 10:25 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198 |
One of the big 300's would be a great choice if a lot of big stuff was going to be hunted. Particularly dangerous game. Would be a bit over gunned on smaller animals. 30-06 would be a logical choice if mostly medium sized animals were hunted. You could get by going after big stuff too. Maybe a bit under gunned on large dangerous game but it would work. I think I would gravitate to my comfort zone and opt for the 7RM though.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Mr. T.]
#7133755
04/05/18 10:26 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 552
gollygee
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 552 |
I am almost 70 and I started hunting when I was 6. I have used the same 30/06 my entire life. Yes, it kicked the fool out of me when I was little, but I learned to handle it. I have shot mountain goat in British Colombia and was laughed at by the four other hunters who all had 300 mags. However mine was the only one shot kill of the group. I've used it for antelope, whitetail, mule deer, pigs, bobcats, coyotes. It has never failed me. The only thing I ever did to it was upgrade the scope twice. However, two years ago, I bought a 270. Not because my gun ever failed me, but because it was a great great deal on a Weatherby and I had always wanted one. So now there are two rifles in my truck. If I could only pick one, I might shed a tear as I throw the Weatherby out the window and pick up my old trusty 30/06.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133781
04/05/18 10:46 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,115
Ranch Dawg
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,115 |
30-06, no questions. I got one when I turned 14, bought my son one for his 14th bday. My grandsons will each get one too.
THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER AND THE PARTY NEVER ENDS.
F##K YOU JOE BIDEN !!!!!
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133792
04/05/18 10:54 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,865
PMK
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,865 |
"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."
~PMK~
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133858
04/06/18 12:02 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,063
Wilhunt
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,063 |
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133909
04/06/18 01:00 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795 |
It would either be a 270 or a 30-06.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133918
04/06/18 01:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
Spacemonkey
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243 |
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133929
04/06/18 01:22 AM
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,823
RattlesnakeDan
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,823 |
Just like Jesus, sometimes you gotta kill some hogs. Lone Star Mesquite . com RattleSnake Dan's Shredding Service
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133946
04/06/18 01:45 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,234
gusick
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,234 |
378 Weatherby will kill pretty much anything but ammo is expensive and the rifles are heavy. It might not be the best mountain or sheep rifle because of the weight. One of the 338 or 300 magnums are probably the closest you can get in a reasonable weight rifle.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7133950
04/06/18 01:48 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
If I could only leave them one it would be a .300 Win Mag.
Glad that it’s just a hypothetical though.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: If you had to choose just one!
[Re: Deersteaks]
#7134090
04/06/18 11:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759
snake oil
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759 |
"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
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