[johndeere]

I am looking for a good long range deer hunting gun and am choosing between a 30-06 winchester which is what i have been hunting with, a 300 or a 308. If a 300 or 308 which producing company is the most reliable

[purehavoc]

how far of distance ? Out of those the 300 win mag would be my choice for the longest distance but its not cheap ammo , the 30-06 is a decent rifle at long distance but again its still a bit expensive , .308 would be my choice for mid length distance out to 600+ yards as its the cheapest ammo out there of the 3 listed . Really depends on what you call long distance . Will this be a bolt gun or a semi auto ?

[johndeere]

Probably a bolt and would like to reach around 800 yds

[HockaLouis]

.30-06 Ackley Improved.

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by johndeere

Probably a bolt and would like to reach around 800 yds

sorry John Deere, but you are approaching unethical hunting practices. what is the furthest you have ever shot at accurately? do you fully realize how far 800 yrds is? it's pretty dang far!

remember that in hunting you need to be able to hit a target of about 4-5 inches in diameter, consistently, each and every time you pull the trigger. realisticly can you really shoot that accurately?

the furthest distance i advocate anyone shooting at is the distance they can hit each and every time a person pulls the trigger. this distance will vary by caliber and the person doing the shooting. practice and more practice is the key factor in shooting accurately.

[johndeere]

I have had coyotes run across the field further than 800 yds away therefore being out of my range. While running a cattle farm you need to limit the amount of coyotes out of range so I can maximize my profits

[robocop10mm]

What does that have to do with deer hunting? IMHO, taking a "pot shot" at a coyote at 800 is a bad idea. I believe the first shot a coyote hears should be his last. I will not shoot "at" a coyote. I WILL shoot a coyote.

Deer are a different matter entirely. Until one can consistently hit a pie plate with the gun at the desired range, the shot should NOT be taken. 800 yards is well beyond the capability of 95% of the shooting populace. Way too many variables to consider. I would probably consider anyone who took such a shot to be not worthy of my conversation. I would not take that shot.

[kalboy26]

I would recommend a 300wsm, as that is what I use and love it. it is extremely flat shooting though, and can really reach out there. A buddy that I used to shoot with(until he recently moved) was out to 1000 yards consistent on a 12 in steel plate. I've only gotten mine out to 700, but I'm limited past that by my scope and me, not the round.

[johndeere]

Originally Posted by kalboy26

I would recommend a 300wsm, as that is what I use and love it. it is extremely flat shooting though, and can really reach out there. A buddy that I used to shoot with(until he recently moved) was out to 1000 yards consistent on a 12 in steel plate. I've only gotten mine out to 700, but I'm limited past that by my scope and me, not the round.

Thanks i am now convinced to go with the 300

[bamashooter68]

My choice would be a 30-06 just because I reload for that caliber. A quality bolt action and optic is a must at long range, as well as skill. Shots past 400yrds gets a bit tricky unless you have done it. To hunt past that range you have to do it very well. If you take a shot at a deer at 500+yards you had better be able to hit the deer in the sweet spot. Like axxe55 said, you better be able to hit a 4-5'' target at those distances every shot. If you cant you have no business trying.

BTW if I wasnt reloading 30-06 I would go with the 300 Win Mag. I would love to have a 30-06 Ackley Improved. That turnes a very good .30 caliber into a great .30 caliber. .308 would be my last choice.