I don’t anticipate taking any shot beyond 500 yards and at that distance the planets would have to align. I expect the vast majority of shots would be inside of 300 yards. I anticipate outfitting a high quality scope commensurate with that type of distance. I compete in F Class to 1000 yards so I have a good idea of what 500 looks like and the type of glass required.What distance? What type of hunting?
For deer it would be a wash for all three. They would all equally get the job done at distances up to 750 yards, dependent on shooter ability and rifle / optic capability. If youre shooting past 750 the .300 win mag outshines both the .308 and .30-06 in trajectory and energy. I guess the question should really be, what do you want?
Thanks for the info. It’s really helpful.Given your parameters, the 30.06 would be tough to beat.
Excellent perspective. Your experience serves you well. Thanks for taking the time to respond!Over the life span of a rifle, it often sees duty in contexts other than the reason it was originally purchased and in the hands of shooters other than the original shooter. I recommend more folks see rifles as a 20-40 year investment and consider the likely usage and users over that span.
Most folks who ask caliber questions don't have the experience to know how recoil sensitive they are or how recoil sensitive others who may shoot the rifle are. Nor do they really know whether the average number of rounds shot each year are likely to be in the dozens or hundreds over the lifespan of the rifle. Nor do they really know how much they need to practice or how much practice is likely to be needed for the desired level of proficiency at the intended uses.
But as a shooting instructor, coach, and mentor, I have seen many new shooters go through these processes. Most are best served by the choice with the least expensive ammo available, especially if this choice is also the lightest recoiling for the simple fact that these features are most amenable to the most shooting practice. And it is the volume of shooting practice that separates rifle performance much more than the marginal differences between the calibers under consideration.
Short answer: .308.