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Too many to choose from! Which one to pick?

sentry dog 69
I am an "old fart"(sorta) but a novice with all of the calibers in use today. I want a rifle with an accurate range of 400 yards and 5-600 in a pinch. Small enough caliber for varmits(up to a coyote) but still able to take a deer.

I have asked some of my friends and have recieved the following: 223, 243, 270, 25.06, 30.06 with each one saying the others are just not a good choice! Geeezzzz!

Is there ONE caliber that would do what I am looking for or do I need 2 or 3 rifles? I was thinking along the lines of a 243 with a 24" barrel....but now I don't know.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • tocamoha
    you're right 243
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  • Horse Plains Drifter
    Of the ones you mentioned, I would pick the 25-06. My opinion is that it's squeazing a 243 a little hard to take deer at 400 yards. The 270 is a good choice also but getting to be a little overkill on the varmit front.
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  • gskyhawk
    If you're using a bolt action that you want to meet those spe. then i would say the 25-06 would be the best one

    but you could go with a Thompson Center Encore which is a single shot rifle that you can switch barrels in less than 5 minutes , you could have your varmint gun say a 223 or 22-250 then you mid range barrel 243, 270 , 280 , 30-06 ect or a long range say like a 300 win mag 338 mag ect .

    just some thing to think about
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  • 22hipower
    +1 for the Thompson Encore and a couple of barrels. I'd go with a 25-06 barrel first and if that proves too much for varmints add a 22-250.
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  • XP100
    Look into a 6mm.
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  • tsr1965
    There was one bore diameter left out, and that was the 6.5mm or 0.264" diameter. You have rounds like the 6.5x55 Swede, 260 Remington, and 6.5/284 that are more than capable for varmints, and will tip over an Elk at 500 yards.

    Outside of one of those, I vote for the 25-06.

    Best
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  • brier-49
    30-06 is the best all around caliber! All those new comers don't hold a candle to it.
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  • ATHOMSON
    +1 on the 6mm Remington.
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  • givette
    How are your eyes? Best you establish a good scope for use with any eyeglasses you may be using.

    Above posts have merit, and I won't argue with what has been posted, just make sure your 'ol eyes are equal to the task. Best, Joe
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  • Hawkshaw
    I can't stand it any longer
    tsr1965
    I would go with the .25-06 or a 6.5 for the question that was asked. But if your serious about an elk at 500 yds, with a 6.5 you've lost your mind, or don't hunt the same elk I hunt. If you can hit that elk in the ear hole EVERY TIME under hunting conditions, (which you can't), yes it will kill it. But if you showed up in my elk camp with that story, we would run you out instantly. A .338 RUM, under perfect conditions mabey. Sorry can't buy it.
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