First rifle - 300 WM or 7mm Rem Mag?

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Grains

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Newbie alert. Finally got my PAL, and am pumped about hunting this year. I did a quick search, but couldn’t find a similar thread, so here goes:

I’m looking at buying my first hunting rifle. Due to limited budget, I want to get one rifle that will last for years, and can be used for just about anything. I’ll be out for deer, moose, elk, black bear, and eventually antelope and sheep.

Can I get away with one rifle for all of these? (Though in the future, I know I’ll build my collection - for now the pocketbook dictates things.)

Although I’m sure most of my shots will be under 200 yds, I'll be practicing my longer shots for when the need arises. I was thinking of a Rem 700 SPS SS (decent value) in either 300 WM or 7mm Rem Mag; I figure either should pack enough punch for the longer shots (esp. for antelope and sheep), their recoil isn’t too bad, and factory ammo selection should be good (I don't reload right now).

Your thoughts are appreciated - 300 WM or 7mm Rem Mag?
 
*** SHAME ON ME FOR SUGGESTING ANYTHING BUT A .30-06 ***

Magnums don't make good first rifles, there are better options. Get a standard action to start and build your collection from there.
 
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For my first big game rifle I wouldn't buy a magnum, IU would get a 30-06. Ammo is cheaper, you need to shoot as often as possible and it's way easier with a lighter recoiling calibre. A 30-06 with a good 165 gr bullet will easily kill anything on your list.

The SPS is a decent value, but I would buy a good used one off the EE here that someone has altready bedded and done th trigger.
 
I think the above two posters are pointing you in the right direction. Magnums aren't needed for the game you mention, especially under 200 yards.
 
What about for shots over 200 yds - I figured a magnum would be better for those. This is going to be my only rifle for a few years, so I want it to be capable for different uses.
 
308 or 30-06

lots of choice for cartridges, enough punch for anything you wanted. Only problem is that it doesnt say magnum anywhere.. so its not that cool.

If you really wanna save some $$.. go get a .303 british or a 7.62 x 54 milsurp rifle.
 
Grains said:
What about for shots over 200 yds - I figured a magnum would be better for those. This is going to be my only rifle for a few years, so I want it to be capable for different uses.
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*** ONLY THE .30-06 WILL DO *** .


If you're going to be shooting game past 200yds, you want to be practicing past 200 yds as well.

If you can't hit a paper target with the above cartridges out to 300-350 yds., a magnum won't help you any. The above 3 with a 200yd zero will show a 6" - 9" drop at 300yds, depending on your load.
 
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yeah, as has been said a .308 or .30-06.
a .300 win mag or 7mm rem mag would make a poor first rifle, despite the fact that year after year new shooters keep buying them as first rifles.

worst thing you could possibly do is buy a mag and then decide the recoil is too much for you, develop a flinch, etc. stick with the basics.

also, consider other rifles than just the 700. nothing wrong with the Remmy 700s, but there are other options out there. *cough* Ruger *cough* for example, with its controlled round feed and better extractor/ejector and integral rings.
 
Wildfoot said:
308 or 30-06

If you really wanna save some $$.. go get a .303 british or a 7.62 x 54 milsurp rifle.
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Won't my arm fall off if I'm lugging around a Lee-Enfield all day?

To change the subject a bit, my mother's got my gradfather's old Rem 788 in 308 (condition unknwon, she's never used it, just inherited it). I've been talking to her about getting it. I've done a bit of research, and I think I've seen more good than bad about the 788. Thoughts?
 
That 788 in 308 will take care of 98% of all hunting situations, plus it won't beat the tar out of you while you practice. That 788, BTW, is likely to be a very accurate rifle. Just don't lose the magazine, they are becoming difficult to find. Regards, Eagleye.
 
My first hunting was done with a 308, later I got a 7mm RM and 2 years ago got a 300WM.

the Rem788 is a fine rifle and if I was you I would jump at that rifle, 308 is a great round for hunting and has enough poop for the ranges your looking at.

Oh I've been hunting for over 20 years.
 
Grains said:
Won't my arm fall off if I'm lugging around a Lee-Enfield all day?

To change the subject a bit, my mother's got my gradfather's old Rem 788 in 308 (condition unknwon, she's never used it, just inherited it). I've been talking to her about getting it. I've done a bit of research, and I think I've seen more good than bad about the 788. Thoughts?
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Perfect thats all youl ever need , with the right bullet a 308 still carries enough energy to drop a mose at 500yrd if you figure out the arc. If i remember right a 165 grn balistic tip drops 10-12" at 300 when zero at 100 yrd zero at 200 & Bobs ur uncle .
 
Grains said:
Newbie alert. Finally got my PAL, and am pumped about hunting this year. I did a quick search, but couldn’t find a similar thread, so here goes:

I’m looking at buying my first hunting rifle. Due to limited budget, I want to get one rifle that will last for years, and can be used for just about anything. I’ll be out for deer, moose, elk, black bear, and eventually antelope and sheep.

Can I get away with one rifle for all of these? (Though in the future, I know I’ll build my collection - for now the pocketbook dictates things.)

Although I’m sure most of my shots will be under 200 yds, I'll be practicing my longer shots for when the need arises. I was thinking of a Rem 700 SPS SS (decent value) in either 300 WM or 7mm Rem Mag; I figure either should pack enough punch for the longer shots (esp. for antelope and sheep), their recoil isn’t too bad, and factory ammo selection should be good (I don't reload right now).

Your thoughts are appreciated - 300 WM or 7mm Rem Mag?
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FOR your first rifle you should look at a .308 it is one of the best all around guns out there the ammo is alot cheeper then the mags, but if i did pick from the .300 or 7mm i would pick the .300 you can have a load all the way to a 220 grain apose to the 7mm max's out at 175 grain.
i hope that helps you out man:D
 
In order of my personal preference (only including rounds for which factory ammo is reasonably easily obtainable): 270, 7mm08, 308, 7mm Mag, everything else.
 
My First "Big" Rifle was a 308win. It has put deer, moose,
elk, yotes down with no problem.

If you must buy a Magnum then I would go with the 7mm
But
that 308win will work for years and won't beat you up at the bench.;)

Russ...
 
None of the above...

6.5 Swede Mauser......Better ballistics than 308 at longer ranges......

Far less recoil

Bullet design (long/thin) kills as good or better......
 
you aren't going to get the "right" answer here or anywhere and it is going to very from every guy you talk to. if you have a choice but not in the same gun then buy the gun that fits you the best then go with that caliber. if you have a choice in the same gun then look at the ballistics charts, recoil charts and where you buy your ammo for availability and price.
I personally like the .30 caliber being 300wm in your situation. why? its my personal choice as all the other answers you have read up to this point.
 
The 788 is still one of the most accurate actions around. I know gunsmiths that build their target guns from them. Take it if you can get it. I shoot a 270 and have taken moose, deer, and bear. 308 is a capable gun and can be converted to 7-08 later if you like.
 
As long as you are not worried about it being too much gun for you I say grab it in 300wm. I base this on the fact I just bought one, now if it would just arrive. And use the EE you will find a good rifle. Dave
 
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