Rifle Caliber Recommendation - 270/308/30-06

[BayouBuck985]

Hey guys, I’m currently revamping my current arsenal by dealing away my Weatherby Mark V Fibermark S/S in 7mm Wby Mag along with my Bergara B-14 Hunter Wilderness in 6.5 Creedmoor to pursue a different caliber. I thought I was set on getting a .30-06, but I am now strongly considering a .308 or possibly .270 (since they appear to be ballistically similar out to 300 yards). It seems that a .308 would be a better choice for me than the .270 as most of my shots down south are usually all within 200 yards. This would be primarily for whitetail and hogs, but I was considering the .30-06 in the event I get to go elk hunting, but I did also just get a CVA Scout in .35 Whelen. Which caliber would you go with? I’m likely set on either a Browning A-Bolt or X-Bolt, Remington 700 CDL, or a Bergara B-14 (either the green Hunter model or the Timber model with the walnut stock).

 

[toad face]

They all do the same thing

 

[Carl 9.3x62]

Go with the .270

 

[MTLabrador]

.308, .270, or .30-06 are all perfect choices for your future elk hunt. I lean towards the .270 for sentimental reasons, and the .308 for practical reasons.

 

[BayouBuck985]

.308, .270, or .30-06 are all perfect choices for your future elk hunt. I lean towards the .270 for sentimental reasons, and the .308 for practical reasons.

It’s not like that elk trip will happen anytime soon, but I was a little surprised to hear that these are fine calibers for elk (except the .30-06). I’ve always heard that you need a .300 Win Mag or similar to take down elk.

 

[MTLabrador]

It’s not like that elk trip will happen anytime soon, but I was a little surprised to hear that these are fine calibers for elk (except the .30-06). I’ve always heard that you need a .300 Win Mag or similar to take down elk.

The .270, .308, .243, 7-08, etc are all great elk rifles.

 

[jbseamus83]

For what you are personally talking about with where you hunt and what you hunt, I would definitely lean .308. You have so many options of rifles and rifle setups, along with some of the cheapest rifle ammo you will find. For me, I would probably lean toward the .270, but I hunt out west and tend to have some shots that are a little longer poke. The .308 seems like a fantastic choice for you.

 

[brymoore]

It really doesn’t matter especially for 200 yard whitetails. I have all three calibers. I’d pick the 270 because I like that rifle the best, not because of the caliber.

Edit: I’ve killed a bunch of elk with 270 and had family/friends use the other two calibers. Elk all died quickly.

 

[Bill Zent]

The 30-06 for many reasons.

 

[Jnasa]

As others have said all three will do the job. I like all three cartridges and don't think you'll go wrong with any. I've killed elk with 270 and 308. For primarily deer I'd lean more towards 308 or 270. Partially depends if you prefer a short action or standard length.