Winchester Model 70 Featherweight

[Adrien]

So my Grandfather has one of these in a 30-06 and I really like this gun. I am thinking it's the gun I'd like to buy as my go-to hunting rifle. Currently I take my Remington 700 7MM REM MAG when we're hunting together. I know the history of the 30-06 round and I understand it's a great all around caliber. Even so, I'd like to explore all options.

I'm looking for something to use out of and in state for Hogs, Deer, Antelope, Elk and eventually a Moose hunt for my 30th birthday gift. What would you guys recommend? And if you were buying this rifle what caliber would you buy and why?

Thanks,

Adrien

[JTROKS]

Wow! 308 Winchester is winning by a landslide. That's always been my ultimate hunting rifle to take game from goats to elk. It will be just the ticket for black bear and deer. When I saw this rifle I've modified my choice a little. I'll be getting one of these in the near future.



My current hunting rifle is build on an Interarms Mark X action w/ 23.5" barrel chambered in 270 Win. It has a B&C stock and topped with a Burris 3x9 FFII. The 270 is another great round, but I'm starting to like the short actions a lot more.

[ChrisO]

30-06 is one of the best rifle cartridges every made IMHO and my go to hunting rifle for deer up on to elk and bear is a 30-06, This season I used my .308 but the 30-06 is a very versatile round.

[Adrien]

The extreme weather model is no doubt a nice rifle--but I'm a sucker for a classing wood stock with a blued barrel.

Thanks for your input!

Adrien

[tankerman]

M70 and 30 06 just go together.

[Fjold]

If I'm goimg to use one medium bore for all my hunting it would be the 300 Win Mag.

[Spyder]

300 WinMag, excellent round for just about everything but expensive to shoot. Ya don't really need that much oomph either.

I LOVE my M70 in .243, and it'll take anything in California if you shoot the right round and are a decent shot.

.308 has damned near an unlimited number of options for ammunition. 270 is about the same.

22-250 is probably too small for a good elk/moose gun.

I don't have experience with the WSM cartridges, but they cost more than .308, .270 and 30-06.

My vote would be for .243, except you're planning on moose and elk. In that case I'd say .270, .308, 30-06. Or maybe 7mm Magnum. Good round, not too awful expensive or rare, not TOO much recoil, will take anything in North America.

[swerv512]

300 WIN MAG hands down if you really intend on going after elk and moose- although the .300 may still be questionable on moose....
my hunting rifle ideology is to buy the rifle that'll without question (NO DOUBT!) put down the largest game you intend to hunt. any other way is simply not ethical....

[redcliff]

30-06 and .308 can handle everything you listed. I'd probably go with the 30-06 for the higher velocity and larger assortment of bullet weights to choose from. Many moose have fallen to the 30-30 with good shot placement at appropriate distances.

Having bench rested a few featherweight rifles in .308 for sighting in, I would not be anxious to do it with a .300 win mag.

[ChrisO]

My brother has a tikka T3 lite in 300 WSM and we went through a couple set of rings before we got the right combination that would not knock loose, A WSM or Magnum caliber in a light rifle without a break is not fun.

[Adrien]

My brother has a tikka T3 lite in 300 WSM and we went through a couple set of rings before we got the right combination that would not knock loose, A WSM or Magnum caliber in a light rifle without a break is not fun.

Yeah I was kind of thinking I should stray away from the WSM rounds since I'm wanting a light rifle. 30-06 is really looking to be a winner. Plus, me and my Grandfather can use the same ammo.

Adrien

[00BuckShot]

IMO 30-06 is the best all around North American Game gun.

[chuckdc]

I have the Win 70 Lightweight, which is pretty similar. Mine's a .30-06, and I would NOT want it to be a .300. It has enough whack at the pad already. '06 is enough for moose at pretty much any distance you have any business trying to shoot one.

Just remember.. moose bites can be very painful... (/python)

[Bug Splat]

I voted 270 win. No reason to bash your shoulder up with an over powered round. 270 can take care of just about anything and there are a wide range of bullets to pick from. Accuracy and BC are also better with the 270 bullets over the 30-06.

[Adrien]

Thanks for all of the input. If I decide to purchase one in the near future I've decided I'm going to pick up a 22-250 for hunting small game as that's what I do most around here. I'll continue to use my 7MM for bigger game until I get closer to my Moose hunt in a few years at which point I might need a new rifle.

Adrien