A dilemma , what to do...

[jjrothWA]

bought a M70 post 64, (first series) in 7mmMag for use on elk, do to lack of time and finds, I have yet to develop reloads for it. [Note: I also from Gunbroker a .338Win Mag barrel, as apossible switch barrel.]
I recently came across a M70 "Ranger" in 30-06 NIB, with present resources I can develop reloads faster for use on elk and when my "bucket list" trip of Alaska occur and use it there or get a .35 Whelan made for it.

So I'm asking for opinions??

Thanks.

[BudT]

jj
I have to ask you whats wrong with the 7mmRem. mag or the 30-06 for use for elk or what ever else you plan to shoot? Are you worried that they dont pack enough punch for something?

[BOB LOUGHLIN]

+1 Bud. I have both, but just like all my friends, prefer the 7mm Mag on animals over 800 lbs.

[BudT]

I live in griz country, at times I'm packing a heck of a lot less gun than a 06 or 7mm mag and I dont feel under gunned. With the right bullet in any of my bolt action 06's say a 150-200 grain Barns tipped tripple shock or Nosler partition loaded up to the upper end I wouldnt hesitate to hunt "any" big game in North or South America and a heck of a lot of animals in Africa to boot. Ya sometimes it's probably good to have more gun than needed and when you need more and dont have it it can pucker ya right up. I guess what ever makes a guy comfortable is what they should carry.

[Darreld Walton]

I'm with you on swapping out that 7 mag barrel for .338. My choice was to turn an early 700 "long" action 7mm into a .375 H&H. The Model 70 is even easier, as all it takes is getting the right magazine box, and ejector, and it may be that you'd be able to use the parts you have in the rifle to do it.
I've owned several 7mm Rem's over the years, and honestly, can't see enough advantage to make me give up my .270 Winchester with 150's, or '06 with 180 and 200's.
I am far from an expert, or even experienced, at Alaska hunting, with exactly one trip into the 40 Mile country for moose under my belt. I took a .300 Winchester and a .375 up with me, Mike took a .35 Whelen, and Dave, (a retired AK State Trooper, and 30+ year resident) had a "shorty" push feed M70 .375 H&H. I left the .375 in the hangar, and took the .300 in. Mike took a very nice 62" bull with the Whelen.
I've heard from more than a few residents up there, that there are probably more animals killed every year with the .30-06 than any other cartridge. Any of the options you're talking about doing will cleanly take any elk that walks in North America! Whatever you decide to do, good luck, and have fun!

[Bill H]

I have never fired a 7mm mag, but have some experience with the others mentioned. For years, my deer rifle has been an Ackley version of the .35 Whelen, and I cannot think of a better all round rifle. Planning a plains game hunt in Africa, and having a Rem 700 long action lying around, I installed an E.R. Shaw .375 H&H barrel on it, and it worked wonders on plains game. Some of these can go upwards of 1000 lbs, and are tough, so not entirely overkill.

With a 260 grain Nosler Acubond, accuracy is very good, recoil is not bad, and I would not hesitate to hunt US game with it. Weight of the rifle is a bit less than a standard pre 64 model 70 .30-06.

If I were starting out now, I would first find a good .270, then a .338 Win mag, and probably not need to buy anything else unless a .22-250.

[Johnny in Texas]

.338 is very accurate with 4350 powder near max loads out of my old M70 with 200 gr and 250 gr bullets

[da gimp]

the main question for the original poster is, What is the largest calibre rifle that you can accurately & comfortably shoot, with repeated results.................. & most importantly,with no flinch? Only he can answer that...........