30-06. What next?

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WilliamSA

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I recently moved to Canada, but unfortunately my 30.06 will only be joining me after hunting season due to export permits etc. I also own a 243 that will only be here in a few years (still being used by my father). I am planning to do some deer hunting this year and looking for something to tide me over, but also a quality rifle to complement the 30.06.

Looking around I had the 7mm08 or 6.5mm Creedmoor in mind as possibilities, but open to suggestions.
I don’t see myself getting proficient with reloading any time soon and most of my hunting I prefer to do under 350m.

The Tikka T3x looked like a solid/accurate/quality but not breaking the bank choice as a base - but once again - would love to hear about some alternatives

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
I'm a big fan of the 7-08 as I help load ammo for my buddy with one. He's taken moose and giant elk with it, along with bear and deer.

But I think for factory ammo the 6.5 CM has the 7-08 beat these days. And the 8.5 CM will kill stuff just as well as the 30-06.
 
X2 ...... If I was only going to have two BG rifles, I think that a 6.5CM / 30-06 combo would be hard to beat, esp with factory ammo.
 
Im a 7mm-08 hunter and can vouch for it decking big Sambar Stags which are equiv to Bull Elks!
its all about projectile choice and unfortunatly alot of the 7mm-08 stuff is for lighter game and varmints? but You guys in CAN will have alot better ammo available at better prices!

down under, this is what we think of the Creedmore LOL

D6U0xon.jpg
 
Not sure where in Canada you are residing or what possible caliber restrictions you may be facing but if looking to buy new and for a big game rifle I have to agree with the 7mm-08, 6.5 Creedmoor tikka t3 choice. I'd also consider the Ruger American as a budget new rifle leaving more budget for optics and ammo. Personally I prefer the 7mm-08 but not enough to ignore the positive attributes of the 6.5, I'd probably decide based on which one was in stock when I walked in the LGS. Another option is the used market like the EE here or Tradex, you may have to consider a .270 or something else much closer to your .30-06. A used rifle with a quality scope could always be resold with very little or no loss.
 
Since you are becoming Canadian I suggest a sporter enfield. It will serve you just fine for your hunting needs and it won't cost you much.
 
Thanks for all the input. Living in Alberta so no big restrictions on my RPAL. Do you think the 7mm08 or Creedmoor is to similar to the 30-06? Will have a look at the EE and see if anything interesting pops up.
 
WilliamSA said:
Thanks for all the input. Living in Alberta so no big restrictions on my RPAL. Do you think the 7mm08 or Creedmoor is to similar to the 30-06? Will have a look at the EE and see if anything interesting pops up.
Click to expand...

The two are ballistically similar until past your stated shooting preferences, based on what I've seen happening with the calibres the last few years, I'd lean more towards the Creedmoor as it currently has more options for factory ammo availability since it's the darling of the shooting world at the moment. You really don't NEED anything bigger than the '06 for anything in this province, I have one, but I also stepped up to a .300 WM last year. Check your LGS(es) for what ammo is on their shelves and choose accordingly- pick something you can get ammo for readily for those range days when Cabela's shipping isn't gonna cut it for you. Just my opinion.
 
Well WhelenLad that made my day:) Me, I would buy a 7mm-08. Almost identical bc’s with lighter bullets but can go up to the 160’s with ease in bonded or regular cup and core and feel secure harvesting any game short of the big bears. Love mine, punches above it’s weight class.
 
The 7-08 is an excellent choice. It is the ballistic twin to the 7x57 Mauser, which has
proven itself beyond any doubt in the game field. Buy it in a T3 or a Vanguard S2, and
you will be all set. Dave.
 
I have a bunch of rifles in 6.5mm and 7mm, including a 7-08, and although I did a brief stint with a 6.5 Creedmoor and decided it was not for me, in this current market and only shooting factory ammo, I would say the Creedmoor is the way to go to complement your .30/06.
 
With a .243 and a 30-06 already in the gun locker, I'd go up in power in case the great bears should come into my sights.

in a good CRF rifle:

.338 Win mag

.375 Ruger

or the king of the medium bores and really overkill for most of Canada: the venerable .375 H&H
 
About 30 years ago I chose to go with 338 Win Mag as appropriate partner for my 165 grain 308 Win (which is very close to factory 30-06 ballistics). You say you do not yet hand load, but the 338 can use 180's in the 30-06 velocity range on up to 250's or more for any heavy lifting. I still think that is a good pairing for Western Canada (after having the obligatory .22 and 12 gauge).
The scheme kinda went nuts after I retired, as I now have or had rifles in most calibers between .22 and 458 Win Mag, but I still think the original two would still be fine for anywhere out here.
 
Considering your situation I wouldn't consider anything similar to what you already have. Since it's just a short while and you're just deer hunting, I would suggest something different:

1. Forget about the caliber and just find a gun that really speaks to you. Something just right, that fits you perfectly, functions flawlessly, and gives you confidence. Whether it's some obscure chambering or if it's another .30-06, buy the gun based on its own inherent qualities aside from caliber and consider it an upgrade to what you have.

-and/or-

2. Get something very different from what you already have. For example, get a .44 or .357 carbine if you're hunting in close woods, or go the other way and get something much bigger than what you have like a bolt .338 win mag or a 9.3x62. If you get something too similar to your current guns, you might be bored with it later.

In that case, for your situation I might suggest a husqvarna 9.3x62 from trade-ex. It's nice, it's different, it's inexpensive, and it's handy. Get one with open sights or put a 1-5x bush scope on it to keep it different from the rest of your guns. And go get that deer.
 
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