Time for a second rifle

Newhunter1234 · #1 10-01-2017, 04:16 PM

Thinking of buying a second rifle, currently own a weatherby vanguard s2 in 30-06. I’m considering either a .270 or 7mm rem mag. I hunt deer and will be hunting moose and elk in the future so looking for an all around rifle. Open to suggestions on any rifle and scopes. Prefer a wooden stock. Let me know what you guys recommend.

morinj · #2 10-01-2017, 04:22 PM

Get the 7mm, as the 30-06 is very similar case to the 30-06, and the 7mm packs more punch! This puts you in two different caliber classes vs staying in the same, IMO!

58thecat · #3 10-01-2017, 04:22 PM

Well the 270 is a 30-06....same category in my world so that being said a step up in horse power would be the 7 Rem Mag, a very nice rifle to compliment this calibre would be "keeping it all Remington" the Model 700 CDL SF.

image.jpg

Ahhh choices eh?

nube · #4 10-01-2017, 04:23 PM

Blaser R8 or R93. Just buy extra barrels for any size you want and get it in wood or synthetic. Put a good Swaro on it and it's all you will need the rest of your life.

Digger1 · #5 10-01-2017, 04:24 PM

If you have a little reloading setup, go 6.5x55! Very accurate, low recoil, decent power, flatter shooting than my .243, and I paid $340 for my first one! It's only been in production since 1894.

badbrass · #6 10-01-2017, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digger1

If you have a little reloading setup, go 6.5x55! Very accurate, low recoil, decent power, flatter shooting than my .243, and I paid $340 for my first one! It's only been in production since 1894.

X2!

Prairiewolf · #7 10-01-2017, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Thinking of buying a second rifle, currently own a weatherby vanguard s2 in 30-06. I’m considering either a .270 or 7mm rem mag. I hunt deer and will be hunting moose and elk in the future so looking for an all around rifle. Open to suggestions on any rifle and scopes. Prefer a wooden stock. Let me know what you guys recommend.

IMO those three are essentially the same rifle. I'd take a look at the scope you currently have and potentially upgrade that (what are you currently using?).

That, or treat yourself to new binos. You'll spend alot more time using those than the rifle and scope.

shooter12 · #8 10-01-2017, 05:08 PM

My first rifle was 30-06 as well.
Second I got 270 wsm and liked it much more then 30-06 especially for open country longer shots.
If you reload I would go with 270 wsm over 270 win any day.
Can easily duplicate velocity of 270 and with max loads you are 200-250 ft. per sec. faster.
Sound like a good all arounder to me.

Another option to consider would be 300 wsm .
Just my 2 cents..

roger · #9 10-01-2017, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nube

Blaser R8 or R93. Just buy extra barrels for any size you want and get it in wood or synthetic. Put a good Swaro on it and it's all you will need the rest of your life.

totally agree with ya nube.
having a 270 and 30-06 is for all purposes the same cartrdidge. neither one can do more or less than the other.
now if you had a 25-06 and 30-06 or a 30-06 and 338 win mag id be a litle more receptive put a little more spread between calibers would be my advice

Flight01 · #10 10-01-2017, 06:14 PM

I love guns and have overlap in my own collection.

Really you don't need anything more than the 30-06. Make that your elk/ moose gun shooting whatever well built 165-180 grain projectiles that the rifle likes

The second rifle I would go smaller and faster call it a deer and varmint rifle...
Maybe a 24" 25-06 . Again the 270 is very close to the 30-06. If you keep it light and shoot 130 grain bullets I guess it has a different purpose??

The OP says an all around rifle , which is the 30-06....

Argh... so many choices....

If you're going t keep running the 30-06 for deer than skip the 7mm and go to 300 win mag for moose... with a leupold 3-9x50

Newhunter1234 · #11 10-01-2017, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flight01

I love guns and have overlap in my own collection.

Really you don't need anything more than the 30-06. Make that your elk/ moose gun shooting whatever well built 165-180 grain projectiles that the rifle likes

The second rifle I would go smaller and faster call it a deer and varmint rifle...
Maybe a 24" 25-06 . Again the 270 is very close to the 30-06. If you keep it light and shoot 130 grain bullets I guess it has a different purpose??

The OP says an all around rifle , which is the 30-06....

Argh... so many choices....

If you're going t keep running the 30-06 for deer than skip the 7mm and go to 300 win mag for moose... with a leupold 3-9x50

Thanks, this was definitely helpful. The second rifle will be used by my son aswell. We hunt together so it would be nice to have 2 different guns for different purposes. I was thinking the tikka t3 hunter in a wood stock and a quality scope. Any suggestions?

lone wolf · #12 10-01-2017, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Thinking of buying a second rifle, currently own a weatherby vanguard s2 in 30-06. I’m considering either a .270 or 7mm rem mag. I hunt deer and will be hunting moose and elk in the future so looking for an all around rifle. Open to suggestions on any rifle and scopes. Prefer a wooden stock. Let me know what you guys recommend.

As others have stated, for the majority of hunting situation, picking one of the calibers listed over the others is like splitting hairs. If I were you I would invest the $$ in upgrading the optics instead of buying another rifle. If you are comfortable with what you have, invest the money in a reloading setup whereby you can load premium bullets at a reasonable cost and shoot more to a) become more comfortable with your equipment and b) become a better shot.

Newhunter1234 · #13 10-01-2017, 06:34 PM

Since a 270 is very similar to my 30-06, there is no point. My two options now are still the 7mm or the .308. The .308s ammo is cheaper, that being said ammo price isn’t going to make me chose the .308 over the 7mm. Ammo availability though will play a factor. Which would you guys recommend for a stronger caliber gun?

Digger1 · #14 10-01-2017, 06:52 PM

Maybe 7mm08? Better ballistics than 308, a little tamer than the 7 mag. If I was starting again 20 years and untold pieces of artillery ago, (for cow elk and down) I'd go 7mm08 or 6.5mm (.264 cal), nice long barrel for speed, and spend my Christmas bonus on good optics. Have never regretted good glass. And you can actually have fun target shooting to become a great shot. I remember trying to become a good shot with a shoulder bruiser. After 10 rounds, forget it. Don't worry, once you have 2 friendly irons in the cabinet they start breeding like bunnies and you wind up with all kinds of critters to experiment with!

Deer Hunter · #15 10-01-2017, 07:44 PM

Take a look at that tikka M695 in 300 win mag in the buy sell.
Great gun that's priced well imo

bigwolf · #16 10-01-2017, 07:58 PM

Not sure what you really are looking for out of caliber but I do recomend Nikon glass. I shoot 50mm and would never go back. Just my 0.2

elkdump · #17 10-01-2017, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Thinking of buying a second rifle, currently own a weatherby vanguard s2 in 30-06. I’m considering either a .270 or 7mm rem mag. I hunt deer and will be hunting moose and elk in the future so looking for an all around rifle. Open to suggestions on any rifle and scopes. Prefer a wooden stock. Let me know what you guys recommend.

You already own one of the most versatile big game calibers on earth , with quality amminition the 06 will give up very little to .270 Win or .7mm Rem ,

I don't understand what short comings you think you will have using a 30-06 for moose or elk ,

that will be noticeably enhanced if you are packing a .270 or 7 mag

Getting to know the 30-06 and becoming expert with a quality bullet, be it 150 , 165 or 180 will give your more than enough knock down power , easily out to 400 yards for both elk and moose,

Put the bullet in a vital zone with the 30-06 and the big critter is dead,

Put it anywhere else with ANY caliber ? And you will be xxit out of luck and tracking/losing an animal,,

And Fact , 95% of big game is shot inside of 100 yards,,,,

Digger1 · #18 10-01-2017, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkdump

you already own one of the most versatile big game calibers on earth , with quality amminition the 06 will give up very little to .270 win or .7mm rem ,

i don't understand what short comings you think you will have using a 30-06 for moose or elk ,

That will be noticeably enhanced if you are packing a .270 or 7 mag

Getting to know the 30-06 and becoming expert with a quality bullet, be it 150 , 165 or 180 will give your more than enough knock down power , easily out to 400 yards for both elk and moose,

put the bullet in a vital zone with the 30-06 and the big critter is dead,

put it anywhere else with any caliber ? And you will be xxit out of luck and tracking/losing an animal,,

and fact , 95% of big game is shot inside of 100 yards,,,,

x2! ^

Cowtown guy · #19 10-01-2017, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Well the 270 is a 30-06....same category in my world so that being said a step up in horse power would be the 7 Rem Mag, a very nice rifle to compliment this calibre would be "keeping it all Remington" the Model 700 CDL SF.

Attachment 138213

Ahhh choices eh?

There happens to be one of those in 300 Winnie on the sale board....

Flight01 · #20 10-01-2017, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digger1

Maybe 7mm08? Better ballistics than 308, a little tamer than the 7 mag. If I was starting again 20 years and untold pieces of artillery ago, (for cow elk and down) I'd go 7mm08 or 6.5mm (.264 cal), nice long barrel for speed, and spend my Christmas bonus on good optics. Have never regretted good glass. And you can actually have fun target shooting to become a great shot. I remember trying to become a good shot with a shoulder bruiser. After 10 rounds, forget it. Don't worry, once you have 2 friendly irons in the cabinet they start breeding like bunnies and you wind up with all kinds of critters to experiment with!

308 is just a shorter 30/06...sort of... still really close in performance. I am with Digger in this. Go with the 7-08.
30-06 for the heavy hitting and 7-08 for sweet shooting and still capable of taking elk as a backup gun or heck even a primary gun.
You also said your son was going to use this one. So again pointing towards the 7-08 as a great choice. I do like the tikka. My vote is stainless laminate and a leupold rifleman 3-9x40 from cabelas that's on sale right now ...

rembo · #21 10-01-2017, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Thanks, this was definitely helpful. The second rifle will be used by my son aswell. We hunt together so it would be nice to have 2 different guns for different purposes. I was thinking the tikka t3 hunter in a wood stock and a quality scope. Any suggestions?

A T3 in 7mm-08 would be a good choice.

marlin1 · #22 10-01-2017, 09:37 PM

my vote goes for the 7mm mag , versatile caliber and good choice for a second , hell can u really have too many rifles

Flight01 · #23 10-01-2017, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rembo

A T3 in 7mm-08 would be a good choice.

Agree, lightly used and with a wooden stock would be my preferred.

skidderman · #24 10-01-2017, 10:05 PM

The 7mm is a very small step up from the 30-06 if at all. Don't argue with me but look at the numbers. 7mm pushes 175 grain bullet at 2850 fps, 30-06 pushes a 180 grain at 2750 to 2800 fps. If you want a step up from the 06 you need to go to 300wsm, 300 mag or larger. I've had two 7mm's & sold them both as my 06 can do everything they could. It really boils down to what you like & that is different for many of us. Good luck on your search!!!

t.tinsmith · #25 10-01-2017, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

Thinking of buying a second rifle, currently own a weatherby vanguard s2 in 30-06. I’m considering either a .270 or 7mm rem mag. I hunt deer and will be hunting moose and elk in the future so looking for an all around rifle. Open to suggestions on any rifle and scopes. Prefer a wooden stock. Let me know what you guys recommend.

Do you handload? It will make that '06 shine 110-220 bullet weights and the'06 works great out of a shorter barrel. The 7mm mag will not.

gunluvr · #26 10-02-2017, 05:47 AM

The "need" for a second hunting rig doesn't have to be all about caliber. Your Vanguard has a 24" barrel. I don't know what you have on it for optics, but I would use something in the 3-12 or 4-16 range, not worrying too much about weight. This can be a long range rig, or a truck-hunting gun.
That being said, for a second rifle, I would look at something shorter, lighter, for a "carry" rifle or one for hunting in bush. A T3 Lite in 7-08? With a light 3-9 Leupold you'd have something you don't mind packing all day.
Either one is suitable for deer, moose, even elk.

cody c · #27 10-02-2017, 10:00 AM

In my opinion you have one of the best all round rifles to start with.

If you wanna cover all the bases, you should get a heavier cal and a lighter one.

Like 338 WM or 9.3x62 and a 6.5CM or 260 or 270

Newhunter1234 · #28 10-03-2017, 07:51 PM

One rifle that caught my eye would be the browning xbolt white gold. Very nice rifle but on the expensive side when I have to buy a quality scope and rings aswell. Does anyone know if this rifle goes on sale often? Is it worth what it’s going for ($1600) or are there better choices for the price.

LeonH · #29 10-03-2017, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

One rifle that caught my eye would be the browning xbolt white gold. Very nice rifle but on the expensive side when I have to buy a quality scope and rings aswell. Does anyone know if this rifle goes on sale often? Is it worth what it’s going for ($1600) or are there better choices for the price.

I have the exact rifle in 30-06 and do also have another Xbolt in 6.5CM. Both rifles were purchased with $100 mail-in rebate from Browning. I also see Xbolt go on sale at retailers from time to time too.

Personally I am very happy with my Xbolts

roger · #30 10-03-2017, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newhunter1234

on the expensive side when I have to buy a quality scope and rings aswell. ($1600) or are there better choices for the price.

consider spending this much or more on a optics and rings bases package as well. if your looking a unique Alberta made design check out NEAR MFG aplhamount