Which caliber is best all around?
I am going to add another rifle for hunting and I would like some advice. The hunting will be on the large end elk in Montana and on the small side whitetail in Georgia. I am looking at the Sako 75 or 85 Finnlight rifle. I know there are opinions on load etc., and that they are important, as well as the proper placement of the bullet, but what would be the most sensible to buy? 30-06, .300 .308 etc.
Thanks
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The .30-06 is the most universally used and found rifle cartridge. It also has the most variety of loadings -- from 55 gr.sabot rounds to 220 gr. solids, over 30 others in between. 0 -
Many calibers will suffice and I agree that the '06 is a good choice. However, there are other factors given the range of anticipated hunting environment (elk in Montana to whitetail in Georgia) that you might want to consider. Hunting elk is usually a demanding hunt at high altitude with lots of near vertical ridges to traverse. Every ounce counts; I used to carry a 338 Mag BAR for elk but if I were doing it again I'd consider something a bit lighter. Maybe one of the Weatherby Ultralights or even one of the new short mags. You mentioned you're adding a rifle so perhaps your decision should also be based on the types of rifles you already own. Fortunately you can't go too far wrong; even that 338 Mag I used to carry would work in Georgia. Not my first choice but it would work. 0 -
I'd recommend a good bolt action in 7mm Remington Magnum. A Model 70 Winchester, a 700 Remington, Browning A Bolt, Weatherby Vanguard, Howa 1500, or a Savage 110 would all be great and reasonably priced on the used gun market. I have bought several of these used in 95% condition with a nice Redfield, Burris, or Leupold scope for $400-$550. 0 -
You have definately picked a fine rifle. Don't sell their brothern, the Tikka T-3 short either if you are budget and reduced weight minded. Strength and accuracy wise, they are not a lesser rifle.
Of the 3 chamberings you list, i would go with the REGULAR 300 Winchester Magnum, not the 300 Winchester SHORT Magnum. It will do anything the other two will do, only 100 yards further out. If you handload, you can make it shine well above factory specs...3100 fps with a 180, and 3400 fps with a 150 grainer. That said, like has been mentioned previously, don't sell out the 264 Winchester, 260 Remington, 270 winchester, or the 7mm Remington Magnum, or 30-06. The first two listed the 264, and 260 both use the 6.5mm bullets. They have high ballistic qualities, such as ballistic coefficient, and sectional density(meaning they maintain their momentun on impact, and penetrate extremely well). If you have trouble with recoil, these chamberings are for you. They are easier on the shoulder, flat shooting, and hard hitting. I would have no quams with shooting an Elk with my 260 loaded with a 140 grain Barnes TSX or a 130 grain accubond.
Best0 -
Sensible is the .06. 0 -
30.06 is absolutly the best "all around " cartridge there is. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by varian
30.06 is absolutly the best "all around " cartridge there is.
Of this, there can be no dispute.
Doug
(Was that better than: "+" ??)0 -
quote:Originally posted by cartod
Sensible is the .06.
With out a doubt! Hands down.[:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by varian
30.06 is absolutly the best "all around " cartridge there is.
Well, that depends. I would hate to be limited to the ole 06' when tracking a wounded elephant. [:D] Best all around cartridge made is the .375 H&H IMO.
Best cartridge for North American game is any good .30 like a .308, .30-06, or .300 WinMag. Any one of them would be fine choices.
Jon0 -
Of your choices (have all calibers but .308), I'd go with the .300 WM. I live in Montana and I'm a big fan of .300 WM with 180g and up pills on antelope to moose size game. This year I'll be using either 200g NAB or 210g Berger handloads for antelope, deer, and elk. 225g NAB handload is my back up for elk.
Good luck.0
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