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

.30-06 about the most boring caliber of gun that you should want to own and I've had one my entire life.

Hanco, have you ever shot a 280ai on game? I’ve read it was Fred Huntingtons favorite cartridge. I’ve hunted with 30-06, and 270. Of those two, I’d pick the 270. I picked up a 1970ish Sako in 270 recently. But! I have a Ruger no1 I bought a few years ago for a project and have all the stuff including the reamer for the 280ai. 26 inch barrel is hot on the heals of a 7mag. Buy yourself one! It’s fun to buy a gun. Hunt with it and let us know of your findings. Cheers, Alan

If I had to choose only one it would be a .30-06 because it can shoot heavier bullets for large game. But I sure like my .280. The difference between these cartridges is not great and any of them is a good all around choice in North America.

I hate a 3006. Every one I've shot brutalized my shoulder. And I love my 340 Weatherby. Go figure.

BUT, if I could only own one, it would have to be an 06 because I could shoot 110 or 130 Barnes ttsx for light game, and 220's for brown bear if needed. If, you could truly only own one.

.280

Launched from a R700 SS KS...

I have the 280, like it a lot, have 270, 6.5-06 and 25-06. All kill plenty well like Mule Deer stated. I’d really like a 338-06 and a Whelen also. I have a 338 Federal, fine cartridge for my hunting as well. I could ream my 280 out, but never shoot past 300 yards. The regular version does that easy, don’t need the Ethyl an AI 280 gives a shooter.


I remember pulling up to the gas pumps with my Mom on Washington Ave in Houston. They would ask her “Regular or Ethyl?”. 66 or 67 years ago.

270 for me. Has worked well from for pronghorns to elk. If I feel the need for something bigger I usually am stepping up to something in 300win mag or larger territory.

It might come down to where I lived, for anything meaningful between the 3. I’d find the rifle, then the bullet. Not enough difference between the cartridges for me to lose sleep over. The 30-06 would seem to get the nod for going heavier, but if the 270 or 280 are twisted fast, then that’s far less of an issue….especially with monos these days. If you live in the lower 48, it’s all probably irrelevant between them.

For my purposes which is eastern whitetail and hogs I would keep my 270. I own two 30-06s and hunted exclusively with one for 20 years.
But I currently favor my 7mm08.

None.

.30/06

My 280AI Montana is my go to hunting rifle right now. The 06s have been silent lately. But if it came down to it?
Ughhhh

‘06

Guess it depends on the specific rifle and how well you like it.

Generally speaking, IMO the old ‘06 is probably the most versatile round there is. And even more so for the reloader.

Getting down to one rifle isn’t Loony. Sorta depressing.

DF

270

My "30-06" is a 308 Win.

The original... The good ol' '06

Ditto

06, and in a pinch, ammo is everywhere..

40 years ago the 30/06. These days with our wonderful selection of bullets I choose the .270 wcf.
I expect a little less recoil, and carry light short rifles.
The .25/06 is also doable

Well, I'm a fan of 30 caliber, with 30/30, 300Sav, and .308Win rifles, so my choice was the 280 Rem! Had one for about 35 yrs, then traded it for another 300 Savage.

this is the true reason to own a simple 30-06, ammo is everywhere in the world.