I'm getting a Savage Rifle. What kind of caliber should I get it in?

Question

Hello there.

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/Default.aspx?action=browsepagedetail&storeid=2540217&rapid=474135&listingid=-2092505055&pretailerid=-98565

This is the rifle i'm getting. It's available in 30-06 and 7mm. I will be using this rifle for target shooting. I was wondering what caliber I should get it in. Also, If anyone owns this rifle or one like it, i'd like to know what you think of it.

Answer 1

I personally would get the .30-06. There are situations where the 7mm would be better suited, but the .30-06 should be capable in most situations, if not more, be cheaper and easier to find.

I do own a Savage 10FP, pre Accu-Trigger, but I have handled the Accu-Trigger models, and I don't think there's any other rifle out there near this price with a trigger that nice. Mine still has a good trigger, but it's had a spot of work done. The best part is that it's pretty much completely drop safe, so carrying it through the woods you'd be somewhat safe to keep one in the chamber. But it's still not a good idea. I believe this model does have a detachable magazine, which is far easier that stuffing rounds in under the bolt track.

Another nice thing about Savages is the floating bolt face. This allows for easy caliber changes, just in case you do change your mind on which caliber you want.

If you're getting the lightweight barrel version, I assume you're planning on lugging this through the woods, anyways. You shouldn't have any problems with it, as Savage makes quality rifles, and still keeps them affordable.

With a sturdy Savage action, you should be safe using the hottest loads for either caliber, as well as loading your own over SAMII specs.

Also, remember: a 7mm may or may not expand a little, but a .30 will never shrink. Not a huge difference, really, but something to think about.

All in all, I've owned a 700 as well as a Savage 10FP, and if I had to pick from one or the other, I'd go with the Savage pretty much any day.

Answer 2

That looks like a good buy. If you're strictly target shooting then get the .30-06 which will allow you to shoot it longer, more economically. You can actually 'burn out' a 7mm Mag. barrel in as little as 2,000 rounds.

If you are hunting any North American game this is still a top choice. The 7mm Remington Magnum has a small ballistic edge on the '06, but not enough that say a deer-size animal will notice the difference. In fact with the better .30-06 loads the two calibers are ballistically similar. The 7mm may shoot a bit flatter further, but both are good choices for game like elk, moose n big horn sheep.

Best.

H

Answer 3

I would get either caliber......30-06 is a pretty popular caliber. Not to familiar with the 7mm caliber, even though a buddy of mine owns one. Compared to a 300 WM, its almost the same size bullet. Both have great range.

I own a Savage Model 12FLV 22-250. I like this gun and use it for Hunting Coyotes and Target shooting. My advice is, if you do indeed buy a Savage......Don't reload for it. I made a mistake of shooting a reload bullet through my Savage. It blew in the ejector on the bolt. I had to strip off the Nikon Prostaff I was borrowing and the sling. Then had to send the gun back in for repair. I was with out a coyote rifle for three months, til I got the gun back.

Answer 4

The 7mm covers the same weights as the low end .30-06 but noses in slightly with the ballistics (drop over 100m; windage etc) so if you're after a target rifle that you can still hunt with I'd go for the 7mm. As for reloading choices, projectile wise there's quite a spread for both, powder-wise the 7mm is more economical. the .30-06 was good for the powders in '06 (1906 that is) but with better powders nowadays, the smaller 7mm case wins out.

Answer 5

I have one in 30-06 and I like it. It is as accurate as rifles costing twice as much.

IMHO 30-06 is plenty for just about anything you might hunt in the lower 48. It's also a whole lot cheaper to shoot than 7mm Mag.

The scope is already bore sighted from the factory. I was quite pleased with the zero when I got it and never took the scope adjuster covers off.

Answer 6

just go for the 30-06, it's more comfortable to shoot than the 7mm and will do just about the same job. There's better bullet choice in 30-06 and the rounds cost less, but the 7mm has little practical advantage.

Answer 7

You'll probably be happy with either. The 7 Mag has more punch--on both ends, but nothing you can't handle. If you're going to be taking a lot of long (whatever that means to you), the 7 Mag has less bullet drop. Another thing to consider is your hunting style. if you'll be hunting close to home you probably don't have to worry about ammunition availability. But if you're 500 miles away from home driving through Bugtussle and you suddenly discover you forgot to bring your ammunition you can probably get 30-06 at the local hardware store--can't say the same about 7 Mag.

Answer 8

One the 270 is a bullet the gun is the Savage a hundred and ten, seven-hundred Remington, or form 70 Winchester all are advantageous chooses. As for bullets 270, 308, 30/06 or 30/40 Krag are all sturdy chooses and could serve you nicely in case you identify to seek Elk or Mule deer.

Answer 9

A little while ago, I got a savage .270. I love it. I've used it heavily and have never had a problem with it. My neigbor has a ruger 7mm, and a 30-06, he likes the 7mm better, he says it'll outshoot his 30-06 any day.

Answer 10

Go with the 30-06. Todays powders and range of bullet weights make it an ideal all-round caliber. It can be used to take any game on the North American continent with a decently skilled user holding it.