Which caliber?
I have a number of guns, but I am looking for my final rifle (for now[;)]) to add to the collection. I have all I need for varmint, plinking, shotgunning, but I want one final hunting rifle that I can also use for medium range target shooting (500-700 yds) Am looking at the Rem. 700 in .270. I have a .243, and a couple of 30-30's, but don't have a bigger caliber for bigger game. What do you guys think?[?]
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mrkirkland,
Always funny how you should follow your gut instinct. A .270 is big enough for anything in the lower 48. No question about that. You don't need a magnum. I suggested it in case you do go somewhere outside the lower 48.
As you mentioned the .270 you go back and take a look at it's ballistics. In my first post I stated it is anything but obsolete. It's just a smidge under the power of a 7mm Mag. And it will handle bullets up to 160 gr. That's almost as much as a 7mm Rem mag.
Don't second guess yourself too bad. A .270 is not a bad rifle to have. And of course....it leaves the door open for one bigger[;)]somewhere down the road.[:D]0 -
kirkland
Well now, did this all help or hinder? It seems that you got a lot of good feedback!
Regarding the magnums, I've only got the 308 Norma and my 7mm RM.
Because of that fact, I've myself been asking and receiving feedback from everyone regarding the other magnums, especially the newer, fuller length, non-belted magnums.
I wanted to mention, that regarding perceived recoil and muzzle blast, they and the 30-06 family of cartridges are on a par with one another (seemingly). The greatest differences that I have noted, have to do with the results of loading-up for a given cartridge to a hotter, faster load or bumping-up the weight of the bullet.
The other difference is regarding the particular make and model, the fit, cut, weight and the recoil padding. But to me, one to another they seem to be comparable.0 -
Kind of fond of the .308 Norma Mag. Cause not everybody has one of those. 0 -
Hi Dave,
That's one of my sentiments regarding the .308 Norma Mag. also.
Then also is the fact that I recall searching high and low for such a critter when I was first looking for the "best" all around big game cartridge I could get my hands on.
Back then I located beautiful custom builds that I could not even come close to touching ... but none the less, beautiful.
Eventually saw some Husqvarna and the Schultz & Larsen. I never found them in any of the gunshops that I prowelled. Found them occasionally at the range, but I generally came across them with knowledgeable hunters. Especially, if they were familiar with European rifles and Cartridges. It seemed back then, that too many guys were either unfamiliar or seemingly anti-European or maybe had the prerequisite of American developed and American manufactured.
The Normas though were not generally seen with the routine "Ford vs Chevy" shooter or hunter.
I had best not heist this forum thread from Mark! It has been running nicely. I had best post a new topic. Would like to get input regarding loads for the Norma.0 -
9.3x62 Mauser. This is one of the best calibers I own. Very accurate in the CZ rifle. It will take down anything that lives in North America, and several other continents. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by mkirkland
DANG!!! OK, I thought a .270WIN would be enough gun, but now am thinking I might just need to get a magnum. Although I want to be able to put some rounds down range for target without blowing my arm out.
Sandwarrior is right. You can't go wrong with a .270 WIN. Have one - LOVE IT. I do lament selling the 7mm Mag, but when it came to it, the .270 is the one I kept.
As far as the 30-06. I still think everyone ought to have one, but it's still the .270's daddy. Just necked down a bit.
In a nutshell, with all the info you put down, price, reloading ease, and satisfaction - I think the .270 would be an excellent choice.0 -
Unless it was filling in some gap in my line-up ... I myself would sure not be getting the 270 nor the 30-06 nor many of the other chamberings pushed here on this thread!!! ... but again that is what helps to make this such a kick!
If I were going to be having a rifle because it related to many that have come since, why not one of them instead to represent the parent case?
Otherwise I'd have the H&Hs and one would not do, I'd have to have several or it would not do! With those you'd to have the mothers to go with the dad (who ever he was)! In fact one should have not just several, but all, to represent the many belted mags that have come our way.
And just a couple of the classic African Nitro work horse chamberings would do!
You know they are the basis or cases for many, the 404 Jeffery vs the RUMs, the 416 Rigby and the several potent new Norma non-belted magnums and a lot of wildcats too.
Then the Mausers are classics and should not be forgotten or many of the other European also and ma. How about the 308 and its children too?
I'd take a minimum of a .280 in memory of the 30-06 or a 7 Rem Mag to rep the belted rims and all of the varied, but "lesser" but very interesting 7 mm s!
I guess that this explains why the gun safes hold more than just one or two or just a mighty few!
You take care and have a great week!0 -
quote:Originally posted by mkirkland
I want one final hunting rifle that I can also use for medium range target shooting (500-700 yds) Am looking at the Rem. 700 in .270. I have a .243, and a couple of 30-30's, but don't have a bigger caliber for bigger game...Mule deer, Antelope, other various medium game, and maybe up to Elk.
If you are going for Elk, this is why I originally bought the 300 WIN Mag and the 7mm Mag. As far as everything else, I would be very confident in my .270.
quote:Originally posted by mkirkland
30-06 seems to be the standard in everyones arsenal. And truth be told it seems to be a very capable and versatile round. I don't see how I could go wrong with one of my own. But there are also rounds that are faster, shoot flatter, faster and have just as much punch at distance.
The 30-06 is probably the easiest to get into. Everything is readily available, and probably the most economical. As far as bigger, better, badder - you can bet ur safe combo.
quote:Originally posted by mkirkland
What terrain are you expecting to hunt or having to contend with? Mountainous, open valley's and flat lands (Read longer shots 100-250yds)
What sort of...optics? Leupold VXII
I have aspirations of shooting this set-up maybe once a month for target, w/ increased outings before hunting season.
.270 and 30-06 are perfectly fine in 100-250 yards. Optics have come a LONG way. Just depends on your wallet. Mine ain't that big, and I still LOVE the Leupold (still not cheap). Just custom ordered a VX3-L. Never had a problem with them or their mounts, and I hope I never do. Not only that, I have a lot of confidence in them. They used to be the undisputed king, but just like new calibers, there are A LOT of other offerings.
quote:Originally posted by mkirkland
I would love to put a round in a target at 1000yds, but how realistic is that?
Don't give up on that one. Now for this one, you are probably going to want the bigger stick, and there isn't ANYTHING wrong with the 7mm Mag or the 300 Win Mag. You now have me looking for another 7mm, and reloading yet another lot of 300 rounds.
It really all depends on what you are really looking for, and how much you are compfortable investing. No one here knows that better than you. This topic has caused quite a stir. Why? Everyone loves to talk about their favorite acquisitions. Jeez Louise - Look at how much Alan and I have rambled.[:D] When you are ready to make the purchase, get the most out of the experience; take your time; scan GB daily; and go to your local stores. You never know what bargain you may find that might save you a few to work on that next last gun purchase.[:D][:D]0 -
Sandworrior was right that the .270 will take Elk out to a good distance, just ask anybody that lives in the midwestern states and they will tell you that they hunt Elk with .270 on a regular bases. Do not under estimate the potential of the 30-06 and the .270, they have taken many game all around the world. Read some the stories of the hunters from Africa and they will tell you that they hunted with them on the dark continent years ago with great success. 0 -
THE BEST:6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser. End of discussion!! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by ENBLOC
THE BEST:6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser. End of discussion!!
I too have a 6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser (Carl Gustaf M94) but don't want to end the discussion. [}:)]
Go with .300 WM[:p].0 -
Get the one your wife likes.
Can't go wrong with that one.[8)]0 -
Everyone has a "favorite" caliber. Many have been listed for you. However, my advice is to get one that you want, that you like to shoot and will keep. The old classic 30-06 cannot be beat and is also about the maximum (in recoil) that many can handle efficiently. It is always a good choice. The 270 (another classic) will suffice for your needs. My personal favorite is the 7x57. Mild recoil and has always done the job that I needed it to do. Back in the days when I was a "rifle hunter" (hunt strictly with handguns now), I had a "big" one made --- 338-06. It was my "hammer." Did not really need it, just wanted it. I still have it.
My father lived his life with only a model 94 Winchester in 30-30. He hunted with it and used it very effectively. If I described some of the shots that he made with it and that I personally witnessed, most of the readers of this forum would doubt my truthfulness.
There is no "magic" caliber. Choose one that appeals to you. I like the older "classic" calibers (I do not own a 243 -- mine is a 257 Roberts). Others prefer the "magnums." Etc. They will all work --- but only if you do your part.0 -
30-06!!!!!! 0 -
30/06 or 308 0 -
My vote is for the .300 Win. Mag. It is housed in a 30-06 length action , you can load it down to .308 velocity . it will handle bullets above 180 GR. should the need arise . and it doesn't beat the snot out of you . A premium recoil pad is always a plus though ! My son has , over the last 16 years harvested every game animal in the Con. U.S. with his .300 Win Mag . The only one that required a second shot were do to marksmanship issues (as most are). He has a bunch of other rifles but the 300 has many more miles on it than all the others put together . 0 -
270...
quote:Originally posted by redhead71
30/06 or 308
Cant go wrong.0 -
A lot of nice rifles mentioned.
A 30/06 on a good platform is
all you realy need, the rest is
all talent[;)]0 -
7mm Rem mag !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 0 -
I live north of you and you already have what you need for the state. 243 is one of the most under rated guns out there. For shorter range like pig 30-30 is great. That said, I have 22-250, 223, 243, 270 and 25-06. I like the 243 for deer. 223 coyote and groung squirel. 270 for elk, pig and deer. 22-250 for prong horn. 25-06 for everything thats too far to shoot with everything else.
I would say 270. If you are thinking bigger find a friend with one and shot the gun first some people can't stop the flinch when shotting mag cal's.0 -
So have you made your mind up yet????? Let us know. 0 -
Seems that nearly every favorite cartridge of evey person here that does or doesn't match your criteria has been covered a least several times over here. When several people choose the same cartridge, or firearm; i think that many people get to the same place for very different reasons.
Have you given any more thought to when and which way you are going to go, and "the why for"? Is this subject simering, setting on the back burner, or discarded all together?0 -
So life got in the way for a minute. Had a kid, got a promotion, finally making that move up north. You know those things that seem to happen when you are making plans. OK so the purchase has been made. I stewed for many a month on this one. I was settled on the 270, then switched to the 7mmRM, I even had a week or two of considering a 260. Have a work associate who shoots competition with 260 out to 500yds, 100lb steel silhouette, and figured that might be the ticket. So I finally bought the 270. I figured it was a flat shooting round w/ enough knock down power for a longer shot, that wouldn't break the bank to reload and wouldn't tear my shoulder off if I spent a few hours at the range. Looked at a few manufacturers, but decided on the Rem. 700 CDL. OK now that I decided on the gun I now need to figure out the optics and accesories. It took me 8 months to decide on the gun, can't imagine how long it will take me to decide on a scope![:0] 0 -
300 H&H Magnum. Time tested and proven. 0 -
It's hard to beat the 270. It might not be a 1000 yd paper puncher but as a hunting round it's fantastic. You didn't really want to limit yourself to only one more gun, did you? 0
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