Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 270, 280, 30-06. Which would chose?

If there could only be one in your safe, which would you choose? I think I’d go 30-06, because you have to have at least one. I like all three, as well as 25-06 and 6.5-06.

Have had scads of big game rifles over the years. Done all my hunting for the last 39 years with a single rifle. Killed several truckloads of elk, deer and antelope with it. Winchester model 70 made in 1947 in 30-06. See no need for anything else. Just don't tell my wife I said that.

I believe a 3006 will Handel bullets from 100 grains to 220 grains.

I don’t think the 270,280 have that range of variety.

.30-06

280 AI

280

I like the .280 best, but really it’s splitting hairs. The other two have supply chain advantages. I got a .270 Classic 700 from some yahoo in Texas. It looks like a keeper. Might even make me sell my .280. 🫤

If only one… then 30-06. I like your other two options as well as many others. But if only one…. The rifleman’s rifle in aught six.

I’m a big 30 caliber fan. Killed most of my deer with a 30/06 and handloads of 57 grains of 4350 and 165 grain Hornady. Rest were 30/30 and 308. Big variety in bullet weights. Of course I’m an old school old fart. Used the M-14, M-60, and Baby Browning. Old doesn’t go out of style. Sorta like, “The older the fiddle, the sweeter the music” Gus in Lonesome Dove.

30-06, bullets from 150 to 220 grain for anything in North America.

Like many above, if only one, 30-06. It works and is not fussy to make shoot at all in any mechanically sound rifle with a variety of weight bullets.

Brass is everywhere, I got several thousand brass most of which was given to me from a variety of people that don't reload. Once fired factory Remington core lokt is 10-1 the ammo of choice or I'd pick up the same for $2 a box at flea markets. I like Remington brass.

Chances of neighbors that hunt/shoot having at least one 30-06 in the stable or as their only rifle, is pretty high. Take from that what you will, if dire things in a community would happen where people have to organize.

30 caliber bullets were far and away the most available during the long stint when everything seemed out of stock both online and local. Lots of things to make a 30-06 a wise choice to keep at least one around. Not the least of which again, it works.

30-06. I'd load it with 200gr Nosler partitions and call it a day..

A 280 Rem loaded with 160 Accubonds for thicker skinned game, and 160 BTs for thinner skinned game.

Just an excellent all around caliber with superb killing power.

30-06 for me.

Do us all a big favor pal; words are cheap so show us pics of what must be a classic classic! Dying here!

I really like and have had no complaints in 52 years with my 270 Winchesters.

BUT if I could have only 1 center fire rifle and had to choose one of those 3 calibers , it would be a 30-06.

For what I do, a 270.......which I already have.

30-06. The classic

For NA, don't know what a 140 gr. TSX, from a .270 Winchester, wouldn't kill at 300 yards.

And for everything else, the 150 gr. Grand Slam.




GR

30-06 for sure