6mm-06 or 300 Win Mag?

[pepper savage 111]

Hi guys. So I'm getting ready to plan another build and I'm torn between these two cartridges. I already have Savage actions built around .308 and 30-06 so I have those to tame my concerns about ammo availability and barrel life. I would just like to know what everyone's thoughts are on choosing one of these two cartridges and why. I don't mind case prep and I imagine barrel life will be pretty similar between the two.

So, let her rip!

[scope eye]

They are both viable options, but do yourself a favor if you go the 6-06 route go they AI version.

58gr Vmax's 4700 fps
105gr Amax's 3700 fps

Dean

[pepper savage 111]

WOW! That's cruising! I take it the 6mm-06 would be inherently more accurate?

[Robinhood]

Compromise - 280AI

160 BT 3100FPS

[scope eye]

Compromise -

Isn't that what married people do.LOL

Dean

[pepper savage 111]

I guess it's a good thing I'm not married. }:)

[Robinhood]

You will get 500 more rounds out of your barrel Dean. I know when your gun goes off it is a big bang with lots of velocity but sometimes you need to hit it a little harder with a little more lead.

[FW Conch]

To me, the 6mm/06 and the 300win mag are two different animals. Since you already have the 30/06 action, I would build the 6mm/06 first, and then decide if you need a magnum and the bolt face required for it.

JMHO ... Jim :-)

[GaCop]

Compromise - 280AI

160 BT 3100FPS

+1!

[LoneWolf]

You would have more bullet options with a 6.5-06. And still get the 3100FPS depending on barrel length.

[pepper savage 111]

Decisions, decisions... ok, first of all, thank you guys for all the replies.

So I've decided to stick with the '06 case but now I'm between 6.5 and .338 pill. Someone please sway my decision.

Moderators- please feel free to move this if it no longer fits in this category of posts.

[Dewey7271]

I have both and like them.
I think your answer depends on what is the intended use? Long range deer/antelope/maybe varmint gun or a thumper.:cool:
Both are terrific choices IMO. The 6.5 will sling a 140 fairly quickly and hold ballistic integrity a long way out, the 338-06 is more of a inside 3-400 yard stopper/thumper. Depends on how you set it up naturally but uses due to bullets are going to be different. A lot of guys shoot elk with 6.5s but I have not as yet although with the right bullet and shot angle I wouldn't be afraid of it. The 338-06 really can bring the bigger critters into the mix but will still level a deer right now. 338-06 probably would not be my first choice for "beanfield style rifle" but I would have no qualms about the 6.5-06 in that role.
Guess we can keep circling around on this. What it really comes down to is what you really want.
Or.....you can do what I did and build both.

[benchrest]

As stated above , it all depends on what your plans are for it. The 6mm-06 would be a great performer on deer size game & under. But if your going to play long range with the bigger game you might want to look pretty close to the .300WM.

[pepper savage 111]

No hunting with this rig. Just looking for a predictable and consistent long range gong ringer.

[LoneWolf]

No hunting with this rig. Just looking for a predictable and consistent long range gong ringer.
Go with a 6.5 great ballistics, lots of bullets choices and a lot more barrel life then the 6mm or 300WM. Even a moderate load with a 140gr at 2950fps the ballistics are the same as a 243 with a 105. Push it to 3000 or 3050 and you still haven't hit MAX load yet.

Only reason I shoot a 6mm is for competition purposes.

[benchrest]

Go with a 6.5 great ballistics, lots of bullets choices and a lot more barrel life then the 6mm or 300WM. Even a moderate load with a 140gr at 1950fps the ballistics are the same as a 243 with a 105. Push it to 3000 or 3050 and you still haven't hit MAX load yet.

Only reason I shoot a 6mm is for competition purposes.

Now that is some very good advice......

[LoneWolf]

And one more note, the 338-06 is a great cartridge for thumping critters within a couple hundred yards, but unless it's in a magnum case you'll never take advantage of the high BC 338 bullets.