What rifle to get???

[XC700116]

the big box stores have remington model 700 rifles in .223, 308 and 30-06 (maybe more calibers) with "scope" for right around $400.

That's pretty much what I bought (700 ADL .308 @ Cabela's for $439.99) to get the donor action for my rifle build. Great deal when a new stripped action is $459 now that Brownell's has the exclusive on them.

[jmg8550]

If you want a jack of all trades, it's tough to beat the .30-06. 110 to 220 grain bullets. There's faster, there's better trajectories, and there are more efficient cartridges out there, but the '06 has been uncontroversial for a century. With the advent of bonded bullets, it is still improving in my opinion. Load it up, down, wood chucks to black bear. Boring, cliche... I guess. Just works.

7mag is no slouch, and honestly, either will serve you well. I personally hate belted cases, but it's not the end of the world. Most likely will work better for long range shots.

That and the 30-06 has had more research and development than any other caliber in the world. There is a ton of info on that caliber. It's also the first caliber a manufacturer chambers in for a new rifle line.

My vote goes for a 30-06.

[duke_39a]

I own a 7mm Mag and have told everyone that has asked to get a 30-06. Versatile, common, easy to load for, tons of reloading supplies and commercial ammo. Good enough terminal performance to take almost everything in North America.

[djbar2]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I went with the 30-06.