Trying to figure out what caliber to start with. Opinions?

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DjRags604

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I'm sure I'm not the first to ask this but would love some input. Trying to figure out what caliber to start my collection with. Already have an sks but that's for plinking. Going to be joining some Friends out in the woods later this winter. I figure I will be earning a few rifles eventually and would rather start off with something that is versatile but hopefully won't break the bank. I was thinking 30-06 or 308 but is there something else that won't break the bank that will still allow take big game cleanly (says the newbie who more than likely will not see anything). Probably should invest in warm underwear first
 
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30/06 is one of the most versatile cartridges in existence. Found everywhere. Cheap ammo can be found. It's available in every platform and every price range
 
The choices out there are as varied as the opinions on them.

When it comes right down to it, almost all of them will work for taking Canadian game.

Your two choices are very common and very capable, a lot the chamberings out there are based on the .308 and 30-06 case.

I only have one question.How are you with recoil?
 
Kelly Timoffee said:
The choices out there are as varied as the opinions on them.

When it comes right down to it, almost all of them will work for taking Canadian game.

Your two choices are very common and very capable, a lot the chamberings out there are based on the .308 and 30-06 case.

I only have one question.How are you with recoil?
Click to expand...

I'd say the gun I've handled with the biggest kick was an Enfield chambered in .303. (outside of a single .460 Sw round for a bachelor party) Shot 10 rounds and felt fine after. Shoulder was a little purple after the last time I went out skeet shooting but that was my fault for not using a proper stance as the shooting went on. I'm not going to one hand a .50 but generally recoil doesn't bother me.
 
A lot depends on what you will be hunting.
.308 and 30-06 are excellent choices for most game. Maybe something like a .223 for yotes and other small critters.
 
Then you should be fine, the .308 and 30-06 have a HUGE selection of game bullets.

You can go from coyotes to moose with either.Smaller faster bullets as your game gets smaller and faster.

One thing I will emphasize , go and shoulder as many models as you can possibly try, get the one that fits and feels best for you, this will be the biggest factor for consistent and accurate shooting and recoil tolerance.Then , choose a chambering , but, don't feel stuck with the .308 or 30-06 if you find an awesome fitting rifle that isn't chambered in the two.

DjRags604 said:
I'd say the gun I've handled with the biggest kick was an Enfield chambered in .303. (outside of a single .460 Sw round for a bachelor party) Shot 10 rounds and felt fine after. Shoulder was a little purple after the last time I went out skeet shooting but that was my fault for not using a proper stance as the shooting went on. I'm not going to one hand a .50 but generally recoil doesn't bother me.
Click to expand...
 
30-06 has won by a wide margin. It was my choice when I purchased my first centerfire. Once it was rebarreled it was gifted to my son.
Price, availability and a wide choice of options for different loadings makes me wonder why some would go against the majority!

Of course I could agree with them but that would make us both wrong!
 
Some great advice in this post for sure.

.30 cal (.308/.30-06) will consistently be a chambering that many will pick, but don't overlook the ever universal .270 Winchester. Many manufacturers and cartridge choices make it a very versatile hunting rifle. I've taken both deer and moose with one and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone. That said, I also own .308s and had in my collection at one time, a .30-06.

In reality, it's going to come down to how much you can afford and what feels good in your hands when you put it to your shoulder. Perhaps reach out to some friends to see if you can try your final choices before purchasing if you're lucky enough to have some friends that have a few to choose from.

Also, as a mention, perhaps check out the ballistics tables and see what works for you - sometimes a little research can help you when you're stuck at an impasse...

https://www.federalpremium.com/education/bullet_breakdown.aspx
http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ballistics/2016-Standard-Ballistics.pdf
http://guide.sportsmansguide.com/ballisticscharts/

Good luck!
 
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