What is a better elk cartridge; 30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag?

Question

Also, which one do you think is a better all-around cartridge? For example, which is better for brown brown? I know they are both great for every other big game animal. Thanks.

Answer 1

Easily the .30-06, much better ammo section in the .30 vs. the 7mm(.280), not to mention being .02 bigger in diameter, better wound channel.  I can't think of anything that the 7mm would be better for than the .30-06, I'm sure it's a good caliber, but the .30-06 is just better, not to mention the ammo being more affordable, and less recoil.

Answer 2

The .30-06 is better for elk.  

Answer 3

The 30-06 is a more economical caliber to shoot, and will kill Elk just fine.

I assume you mean brown bear rather than brown brown(cocaine and gun powder). I dont think either is suited for Brown Bear. While an ought-6 has a wide array of ammo, I would rather have a smoothe bore shotgun with 3 inch mag slugs for a bear; don't under estimate the power of a 550 grain, 74 cal slug, going 1800 fps.

I think the 7mm mag is more of a plains gun, and is utilized for long range(beyond 400 yards).

I have never hunted brown bear, but if I do, I would get a 375 H&H at least.

Answer 4

Personally  I prefer 00 00 , Ive hand fed Elk so I prefer to try to talk someone out of hunting....Oh I use to hunt..I also use to smoke...take it from there

Answer 5

30-06 is better because you have more ammo choices, it's got a long history, there's a good reason its been around for over 100 years.

Answer 6

There isn't enough difference to spit at, and unless you have a PH backing you up, neither is a dangerous game cartridge. If a brownie decides you're lunch, anything with a trigger instead of a lanyard begins to look puny, but it's certainly better to have a 9.3 mm, 375 caliber, or better somewhere that it can be brought to bear (pun intended).

Answer 7

The proper answer switches sides wildly, depending on whether you handload. The Nosler Partition bullet is available in 175 grain weight, which because it is a Partition design for deep penetration on heavy bones, and loaded to top 7mm Mag velocities, is marginally adequate for big Brown. But both Hornady and Speer say their standard design 175 grain bullets in 7mm Mag are light for Brown bear. Currently, the 7.62 NATO/ 308 Win is commonly handloaded with 200 or 220 grain bullets and used with good success on the biggest Brown bears on the planet in Siberia. The 30-06 with modern powders and loadings and the big 200-220 grain bullets will no doubt do the job as well. But all this is contingent upon good hits at reasonable range. Bullet size being a major factor, as shown, lines up with the very good success of the 45-70 modern steamy loads on Brown bear. And the Model 1895 Marlin looks so darn good doing it! Just an idea. Regards, Larry.

Answer 8

silly question, the.30-06

Answer 9

Haha, i'd go with the 30-06. why? because if i can kill a 1993 Ford F-150 with a 30-06, then you can kill an elk with a 30-06...if you wanna know the hole story them E-mail me and i'll be glad to tell you.

Answer 10

The 7 Mag is the better "all around" cartridge.  It can be used for elk and deer and it's better for the long range shots that are often encountered out west.  Ammo might be limited compared to the '06 but what is on the market will cover both scenarios

Answer 11

Ballistically they are very close with the Magnum having a slight edge at longer range.  I'd still get the '06 because it offers more diverse factory bullet weights and is of a slightly wider bore than the 7mm.

H