which caliber
 

Thinking about buying a long gun just to have around just incase SHTF or just to shoot. 30-06 or 308 any suggesstions.

.308 for your purposes beyond a doubt.

just to "shoot", is that range use?

308 is a good choice, but seems a little overboard.. Id say 5.56 and never look bad...

Or .22 Magnum

308, 2nd choice 223.

I'd go with 223, unless you plan on firing at ranges in excess of 500 yards.

223 is a lot cheaper to shoot than 308.
30.06 is more expensive than both of them.

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... Covers the whole conversation in one thumbnail ... :thumbsup:

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Ruger M77 International would fit the bill
don't let the MSRP put you off, they are both about $650
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/d...+International

made in .308 and 30-06

If you want to spend a little more look up the Gunsite Scout

Agreed

Another .308 vote here...

From what I've seen there isn't a lot of difference in price right now.
I would get the 308.

The OP mentioned SHTF,

for me, in that case I would rather have power and range, and not need it, than need power and range, and not have it.

If ammo cost isn't a factor you could pick up a .270 Winchester or .243 Winchester rifle. Less popular caliber may mean more on the shelves.
Of the two you mentioned I'd go .308

BTW: Both 30-06 and .308 ar correct answers!

If you are a hunter and want bolt guns primarily-- 30-06 has some advantages over .308 for heavy bullet use. e.g. one can load/buy a 200+gr in a 30-06.

If you want a semi-auto at some point go .308.

They are like brothers--very simular in strength, one taller (30-06). The length of the 30-06 makes for longer action bolt guns and fewer semi-auto options (almost no black rifles in 30-06 if that matters). Modern semis are basically .308 by sales numbers. (NOT THAT MODERN IS BETTER, an old Garand in 30-06 is a bad ass gun!)

Ammo prices are simular but the .308 is winning over time.

As other posters mentioned, know going in that each round you shoot will be $.50-for steel case non reloadable to around a buck for common brass case ammo. Hunting rounds can be more.

So--my big question to the OP... Now you know the price of ammo--does .223 at $.20-40 sound a lot better--this option is basically only if you want to plink or not hunt--still good for self defense but so a shotgun etc...

Bottom line: Think about ammo prices and avialablity then the gun... I made the mistake in the past buying the new *****en round only to regret it.

BTW: Both 30-06 and .308 ar correct answers!

I would go .308 as well. I love shooting it.

Not me I would say 5.45x39. Better round than the 5.56 cheaper (by far) & if you get the milsurp even better. That's just IMO.

Mosin Nagant FTW. Buy a handful and a few hundred rounds and still have plenty of change in your pocket.

300 Blackout

^^^Normally, I would agree 100% with the above statement. ^^^
(Around here, .223 is getting to be $1.00/round!!!!!)




^^^'Today', I think I'd go with either .270 or .243, simply because of 'the market' on ammo and reloading supplies.

Around here, you cannot find .223, .308 or .30-'06 ammo and/or components.
However, .270 and .243/6mm 'stuff' is fairly plentiful.


Another option is a .30-30 levergun.
That 'old catridge' :supergrin: has been going strong and is more than plentiful, still.

Easy:

1. US RIFLE CAL. .30 M1 Service Grade Garand ($650 delivered) from the CMP.

2. A few 200 round cans of M2 ball 30-06 HXP (at ~ $0.55/round delivered) from the CMP.


Solving problems out to 500 Yards since 1936.

:supergrin:



GR

For the purpose posted, buy a AR-15 in 5.56mm. Then buy magazines and ammo.

308 is the easy answer to the broad question IMO.

For a pure SHTF gun/ammo/scenario I would limit it to common easy to get calibers that you can get in bulk. Today there isn't much out there to get in the common 5.56, 7.62 Nato, and 7.62x39. You might have better luck getting the good old .30-06, but I wouldn't count on it.

Guns to consider are the AR type, AK type, lever action type, and perhaps a good bolt gun or if money isn't an problem an M1A.

Personally I would rather have...

AR15
M1A
Winchester 94.


However if you are limited in only the two calibers you list. I would go with the 7.62 over the .30-06 even though I love the M1 and cartridge.

I've found that 30-06 and .270 is plentiful in my area and I wonder how much .308 you could find in a SHTF situation.

If you had to rely on military for .308 surplus what grain do they use?

Thinking about something in a Savage bolt gun.

Standard would be 147 Grain.

SHTF is like Fire Insurance - If you wait 'till you smell smoke to worry about gettin' your policy in force?

You are a Victim. (a/o Prey) :supergrin:




Nutter