Just traded a old Matthews in for down payment on a rifle. They have two rifles I like. One is a Marlin 30-06 2008 model. The other is either a Browning or a Weatherby Vanguard 7mm Rem Mag. I'm completely on the fence as to which one I like the best. Both are scoped and are the same price at 340 dollars. I only intend to get one season out of the scope. It will get something better on it next spring. Brand really makes no difference to me on this purchase. I will probably rework most of the rifle after this season is over. I got rifles for long range shooting already so that's not that big of an issue. I just don't want to drag a 3000 dollar rifle plus 1000 dollar scope in a boat. Then trek to our new hunting grounds through the marsh to where we are setting up camp. I'm sure the rifle will be up for the challenge. I would just be on pins and needles the whole time.

So it boils down to which of these calibers will be good for intermediate range deer (between 200 to say 400yards)? I honestly don't see myself popping a deer at 400 yards in the tangles of woods down here, but want to cover my bases. I also want to use it occasionally for hogs. So that's a factor too. Any input fellas?

I know absolutely nothing about hunting or guns but dang, 400 yards seems like a loooooong shot.

Of those 2 choices I would take the 7mm Mag.  I had one before when I hunted and it was by far the best rifle I have ever owned.  The only downside to it is that the ammo cost more than the 30-06.

Of those 2 choices I would take the 7mm Mag.  I had one before when I hunted and it was by far the best rifle I have ever owned.  The only downside to it is that the ammo cost more than the 30-06.

x2. My pops has the Vanguard and loves it!

Of those 2 choices I would take the 7mm Mag.  I had one before when I hunted and it was by far the best rifle I have ever owned.  The only downside to it is that the ammo cost more than the 30-06.

I've been paying 6 bucks a round for .338 Lapua Magnum. Least until we started reloading them. So cost per round isn't anywhere near that bad. Thanks for the advice.

I'd go with the 7mm rem mag. It's a good accurate round.

When I first purchased my 700 rem in 338mg the ammo was $24 a box. Now it's around $70 a box. I still have 10+ boxes of the $24 ammo. I do reload too.

For what you want, both will be fine. Id probably lean toward the 7mm. Im a 300win mag myself..

I've been paying 6 bucks a round for .338 Lapua Magnum. Least until we started reloading them. So cost per round isn't anywhere near that bad. Thanks for the advice.

 

Lots of Taliban running around Alabama these days?  Or are their numbers shrinking?

Lots of Taliban running around Alabama these days?  Or are their numbers shrinking?

I believe they are almost nil now. Us good ol boys don't play around down heya.