[WhaleNoises]

30-06 will kill anything you want to hunt. Personally I'm sensitive to recoil so I went with .308. Exact same bullet as the 30-06, just a shorter brass. I've taken bull elk with it, but you have to use the heaviest bullet you can get and watch shot placement.

[gearhead396]

30-06 it is then I'm a big guy recoil isn't an issue for me thanks for all the info guys ill post when I find something to let everyone know what I wind up with.

[jpattersonnh]

Originally Posted by gearhead396

30-06 it is then I'm a big guy recoil isn't an issue for me thanks for all the info guys ill post when I find something to let everyone know what I wind up with.

Your jumping the gun, no pun intended. I'm 6'3" and 240 pounds. The .30-06 and .308 both can be abusive in certain platforms. Look at the Howa/ Hogue scoped rifles. They are outstanding. Being a big guy I use my heavy barrel to hunt w/ now. I changed the scope from a 6-24x40mm to a 3-12x42mm to make it more hunting friendly. Mine has a 22" barrel, the new ones have a 20". I can swing it all day long using a Browning sling. Your not going to find a nicer action. It is a modified Mauser, push feed. Find a rifle that fits, shoot one 1st if you can. Then decide on the caliber.

[kalboy26]

Look at the 25 06. Great power, mild recoil, and will kill most anything in the US. I'm currently in Colorado and have met quite a few people who use them on elk. You can also shoot a good distance if needs be as well.

[CrackbottomLouis]

Both are great rounds. Ive killed lots of deer and hog with both. Personal preference at this point. Wide open in TX. Id probably shoot the 30-06. Have a blast and post a pic of your first critter

[fmj]

First off...the .22, 12 and sweet 16 ARE hunting guns!!

Secondly .308 and 30-06 have the same ballistics @ 100 yards. Where the 30.06 starts to shine is when you want to ramp up range and/or heavy bullets.

Originally Posted by brasskicker

30-06 is always a good choice in case you get the opportunity to hunt something else later. That way you won't have to buy a new gun unless you go to Africa or something. I have never hunted hogs but 30-06 might be overkill. .257 30-30win or .35rem would be other calibers to consider. All of these are around the middle of the firepower spectrum of the calibers for deer. I was once told that .35 Remington is the perfect amount of power for deer and is the best whitetail caliber ever made. Dont ask me why that's just what he told me.

The .35 Rem is an AWESOME deer cartridge. My dad and both grandpas carried .35s for deer. Great brush guns!

[jcd390]

I would have to agree with some of the others, a 30-06 is going to be the most versatile of all calibers. You can shot deer at 150grain then change to 180-200 grain for elk or moose. The kick is going to be moderate depending on grain size.

If you not interested in the 30-06 then stick with the classic .270. Either one of these calibers will do you good and the ammo can be found almost anywhere at an average cost.

[gearhead396]

Originally Posted by CrackbottomLouis

Both are great rounds. Ive killed lots of deer and hog with both. Personal preference at this point. Wide open in TX. Id probably shoot the 30-06. Have a blast and post a pic of your first critter

Will do thanks everyone

[GaCory]

Also take a look at the Ruger American rifle. Comes in both 308 and 30-06. I picked up a 30-06 for $300 new. And put a Redfield scope on it. Love it for a cheap (price only) gun. I have about $500 in the package.

I also have a Marlin 336 in 35 Remington. I really love this gun also. I've carried it out in the woods more this past year. Picked it up in a pawn shop for about 325 with a scope. Don't discount buying a used gun usually get more for less

[Txhillbilly]

While the 308 and 30/06 are great calibers,and I shoot both of them.
I'd suggest the 7mm-08 or 25/06 calibers if you just want to shoot deer and hogs.Both are flatter shooting,and will put down any hog or deer you aim at.