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Woodsman
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Last Login: 12/24/2008 11:01:20 PM
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I have never owned a rifle before. It has always been a shotgun or muzzleloader but, after the first of the year when income tax rolls around I was planning on buying one.
I am thinking of 30/30 because I don't shoot long distances. Where I generally hunt it is all hardwoods and swamp so I generally try to keep it short.
I was thinking originally 270 or 308 but I'm told that is overkill for the short distances I shoot and I was also thinking of a 243 because of less recoil but isn't that for long range as well.
Any help would be appreciated! I am usually a short range shooter if that helps.
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http://connecticuthuntingtoday.com/blog/
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Gameskeeper
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A 30/30 would be a great choice....I would'nt say that a 270 or 308 would be overkill though. Alot depends on if your planning on scoping it or not too. Obviously the 270 and 308 are longer distance shooters than a 30/30, So packing either of those without a scope would severly limit the capability of them, in that case you'd be better off with the 30/30. I've made some real short shot's with my 270 and it does'nt destroy tons of meat, Plus you never know when Mr Big is gonna give you only a 200yrd shot Basically what I'm trying to say is that you might be better off buying a caliber that will reach out there if necessary, so you don't limit yourself.
I'd say that the 243 round is a touch light for deer even though alot of people use them with success. If your looking for something with less recoil, check into a 7mm-08 that's a hot little round with some great knockdown power.
Jason.....Making links "clickable" since July 2007! 
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Trophy Buck
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If this is your first rifle I would reccommend getting one that is versitile enough for about any game out there, from shooting woodchucks to elk. If your hunting thick stuff like you say a .30 cal is a good choice, either it be a .308 or a 30.06. There's all kinds of loads out there for a 30.06 and you can find it just about anywhere.
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Marksman
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Nothing wrong with a 30-30.
I have found the .308 offspring to be pretty snappy with the .243 or the .260 Rem being the lightest recoil of this group. The .243 with some of the specialized Hornaday rounds like with a Banes X bullet, would be more than enough for deer!
I find the 7-08 kicks me about the same as a .308 due mostly to the similar bullet weight.
Whatever you decide on, Jan to April is the best time to get a deal as everyone is hard up for cash at tax time.
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Gameskeeper
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I bet the 30-30 has killed more deer than any other caliber out there. That is what I started out with and loved it. I eventually moved up to a 30-06 though. Anything in the .30 cal range would be a good choice.
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Woodsman
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Last Login: 12/24/2008 11:01:20 PM
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Thanks a lot for all your input. it help very much.
I really don't think I would shoot farther than 100 to 150 yards max. I do plan to put a scope on it due to the fact that I'm blind as a bat and can't see the iron sites anymore.
What is the effective or maximum range for a 30/30 with a scope?
What is the effective or maximum range for a 308 with a scope?
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http://www.skinnymoose.com/tailsandtrails/
http://connecticuthuntingtoday.com/blog/
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Gameskeeper
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My first rifle was a Marlin 30-30............ but then shortly moved to a .308....... and have stuck with it for many many years! Absolutely my most favorite caliber for deer!!
I now own the Winchester Super Lightweight Bolt Action .308.......... and will keep it for LIFE!!
You can see it in the Varmint section I believe.......... under "MY VARMINT GUN"..... or something like that.
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Gameskeeper
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Button Buck
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My first rifle was a 30-30. I didnt really care for it because you cant really reach out there for the long shots. In thick woods you can still get a nice long shot conditions pending. I moved up to a Remington .308 semi auto. Model 1400 i believe. I could be wrong though. I love that rifle. I just recently bought a .243 Winchester Super Short Mag but have not hunted with it yet. I will next year though. If i were you i would go with something a little bigger than a 30-30 just in case a few years down the road you end up hunting somewhere with a little more distance.
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One Shot, One Kill.......Semper Fidelis!
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Woodsman
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Last Login: 12/24/2008 11:01:20 PM
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Bowbo that is a real nice 308 you got there. All you guys have been really helpful.
Thank god I have time to decide. They all sound good but, I can only buy 1. 
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http://www.skinnymoose.com/tailsandtrails/
http://connecticuthuntingtoday.com/blog/
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