I have the opportunity to get a lightweight mountain rifle in 280AI or 30-06 for a smoking deal. While I don't need either for whitetail hunting in my area, as I have a 6.5CM in a Barrett Fieldcraft and a Q Fix rifle in 308 and 6.5CM they are such good deals I can't pass them up, unfortunately I can't get both. My question is which would you recommend? I don't do any North American big game hunts, but sometime in the next couple years I'm probably going to go on a guided elk, black bear, sheep, whatever I can come up with.
Pros for 30-06: Lots of ammo selections, easy to get practically anywhere, less expensive, heavier bullet selections
Cons: Slightly more recoil, not as flat shooting
Pros for 280 AI: flatter shooting, slightly softer recoil
Cons: expensive ammo, less ammo selection, not as readily available
The pros/cons list pushes me towards 30-06 but I personally feel the 280 would be easier for me to shoot. The softer shooting in a 5LB rifle really appeals to me. Is there something I'm missing? Is there anything in North America I could shoot with a 30-06 that wouldn't be recommended in 280AI?
