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Benjamin Tangeman

Hello all.

This is my first post to the forum. I've been visiting this site for a year or two now and finally ordered one of Nathan's books for my brother for Christmas. Eager to get the next one for me. Probably his second.

In the mean time I have a couple things I'd like to get some input on.

First, a little about me and my goals. I live and hunt in the eastern US where my main quarry is whitetail deer with the potential for boar, black bear and a hope for some trips to hunt our western states for Mule deer, antelope and elk. I've been hunting with 7mm-08 for years and am impressed with its performance on the whitetail I have taken with it. In addition to hunting I am keen on the idea of range shooting.

Now to the topic/questions:
1. My brother has recently adopted the 300 WSM, built a rifle and developed a load he likes. Up until now my preference has been the 7mm's. I like the idea of there efficiency. However my brothers success and my desire to build a new rifle I have been considering adopting the 30 caliber myself. I am not sure that I want a magnum, and have been leading towards the 30-06 for the versatility. I know Nathan's general rule is that if 90% of your game is greater than 90 kg (I think) that the 30 magnums come into their own and make sense. However, I am wondering if there are other reasons why it may make more sense to adopt the 300 WSM over the 30-06? (Recoil has not been a problem for me up to this point; having shot up to a 30-378 belonging to my uncle.) Should I just stick with the 7mm-08 or adopt another 7mm? Ultimately I'm looking for the max performance within realistic flexibility. Maybe I'm just thinking to hard....

2. The next question comes to your thoughts on the rifle itself. I've been looking for a gun that will support a single caliber hunting style and yet allow the load to be as efficient in it's flexibility as it can be. The 3 rifles I have found so far that will support the 30-06 or 300 WSM are the Remington 700 Long Range, Sako A7 Roughtech (Pro/Range) and the Savage 11/111 Long Range Hunter. I would prefer the Sako, but the Remington's price point is kinder to my means at the moment. These all have barrel contours and lengths that will allow for field work as well as bench rest, actions and features that allow for a limited amount of upgrading and just look cool to me.

I appreciate your time reading, this is longer than I expected. I'm excited to learn what I can from those who care to share.

Cheers!