The Accurate Reloading Forums
Caliber advice for big game hunting
22 January 2007, 20:15
Ingvar J. KristjanssonCaliber advice for big game hunting
I’m beginning to plan my next rifle buy and what I need is an All-Around rifle to cover the gab between my 25-06 rem and .338 wim mag. I’ve been looking at Sauer 202 but can’t decide what caliber to get. I’m thinking something from 27-30 cal.?
This rifle will be my Nr. 1 hunting rifle but also needs to be a good back up rifle for my 25-06 and 338 wim mag.
Thanks,
Ingvar Johann
22 January 2007, 20:23
GrumulkinIf you want something that can do it all with readily available ammunition, excellent accuracy potential and reasonable recoil, then get a 30/06 or a 308 Winchester. The 30/06 will push bullets in the 180 to 220 grain range a little faster than the 308.
If you want something a bit more exotic with longer range potential, the 300 Weatherby Magnum or the 300 Winchester Magnum would be good choices.
Another excellent long range performer with excellent accuracy potential, reasonable recoil and readily available ammunition would be the 7mm Remington Magnum.
22 January 2007, 20:24
ReloaderI believe the 7mm Rem Mag to be the best "all-around" cartidge in that caliber range.
The 7RM is a very versatile cartridge that gives plenty of power for big game, good trajectory, a wide range of bullets available, easy to find factory ammo, easy to find components for reloading, mild recoil, etc etc....
Can't go wrong with the 7RM
Good Luck
Reloader
22 January 2007, 20:55
N E 450 No2Depending on the distances you plan to shoot I would go with either a 308 or a 300 Win Mag.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
22 January 2007, 21:08
30378I agree with Reloader. The old reliable 7mm Remington Mag is REAL hard to beat.
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22 January 2007, 21:49
HeatThat seems to be the standard answer here... Either the 7mm mag or the '06... Can't go wrong with either....
Ken....
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn't so. " - Ronald Reagan
22 January 2007, 21:56
mouse937x64
22 January 2007, 21:57
Claret_Dabbler270, 270, 270.
Did I say 270?
Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you....
22 January 2007, 22:27
RatltrapThe 30-06 is MUCH more versatile than the 7mm Mag.
"No game is dangerous unless a man is close up"
Teddy Roosevelt 1885.
22 January 2007, 22:28
BuglemintodayWith Ratltrap
get an -06
"Let me start off with two words: Made in America"
22 January 2007, 22:35
drm-hpIngvar,
It is not the "Sexiest" choice, but the 30-06 will do a good job on anything, anywhere. What more can you ask for?
Good luck, Doug
22 January 2007, 23:34
54JNollany of the following would fit or desire perfect.
.270 Win
.280 Rem
.308
30-06
7mm Rem Mag
Much smaller and you start loosing the ability to adequately backup for elk. Much bigger and you start getting too close in power to the .338.
Pick the one that most gets your juices flowing.
Just my opinion.
23 January 2007, 01:11
Tumbo284 winchester in a light rifle, would make the perfect carry anywhere rifle.
The 280 remington would be my next choice as I recon 7mm (.284) is mid way between the 25-06 and the 338 win mag.
23 January 2007, 01:12
grizz007Ingvar,
you have a 25 cal. on a 06 brass, the .30-06 would be a strong candidate. Be lots of 06 brass for either calibers for reloading. Bullets weights up to 240 grain in the .30 cal.
just my .02
23 January 2007, 04:03
Dutch8x57. JMO, Dutch.
Life's too short to hunt with an ugly dog.
23 January 2007, 04:09
MTM.416 Rem. You'd have the perfect spread.
23 January 2007, 04:12
505ED06 or 300 weatherby.
DRSS Member
23 January 2007, 04:48
vapodog30-06
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23 January 2007, 05:14
BuliwyfBest bet go up like MTM posted:
.25-06 Remington
.338 Winchester Magnum
.416 Remington or .416 Rigby or .416 Weatherby If staying with your original plan then
7 mm STW23 January 2007, 05:23
jstevensThe 7 Mag fits into his caliber spectrum better than anything, IMO. I certainly see no reason for a .300 Mag when he already owns a .338. You're never wrong with a .30-06, but if you need more bullet weight than a 175 grain s7mm, you get out the .338.
A shot not taken is always a miss
23 January 2007, 05:35
Thomas Jones.270 .280 7mag 30,06 .308 7mm08 7x57, 6.5 swede .260. But the 1st 4 make the most sence to me...tj3006
freedom1st
23 January 2007, 05:48
fredj338The .270 is too close to the .25-06 to me. The 30-06 is a natural but soooo boring. The .280 is a good tweener, but a .300wsm probably makes sense.
LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT!
23 January 2007, 05:51
SnellstromThe choice is as obvious as the nose on your face, 30/06!.
Your 25/06 is great for Deer, Antelope, coyotes etc. Your .338 is great for Elk,Moose and the big bears. You really need a 30/06 for your normal Deer, Elk, Antelope, Moose, Black Bear rifle.
I have lots of suitable rifles for all kinds of game but my most used rifle is my 30/06 with 180 grain bullets I've taken Deer (3 varieties), Elk (2 varieties), Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Coyotes, Marmots, Ravens and on and on. 30/06 is versatile and deadly.
23 January 2007, 06:07
Larry SellersIf you don't want a 30 cal. then take a look at a 7mm/08 or 7 X 57. While not "magnums" still very adequate 7mm's. Don't know that you need a magnum to fill the gap? I have a .270WSM and that would also fill the bill. (Not MY .270 WSM) you would have to get your own!!
Larry Sellers
23 January 2007, 06:18
woodsHey Ingvar
No doubt, the 30-06. It is perfect between the 25-06 and the 338. It shoots just the right range of bullets to fill the gap, 165 gr, 180 gr and 200 gr. Take the 25-06 and 30-06 loaded with 165 gr Antelope hunting. Take the 338 and the 30-06 loaded with 200 gr Accubonds Elk or Bear hunting.
The perfect back-up gun!
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23 January 2007, 06:25
9.3 riflemanI have had great luck with the 7x57 on mule deer and elk. My vote goes for it, the .280 or the 7x64.
23 January 2007, 06:44
MickinColoThe 30-06 is a good choice. It can shoot a wide range of different weight bullets. Depending on the twist of the rifling it handles some better than others.
I fine the 30-06 and some of the 30-06 advocates boring.
The middle of the road here is the 7mm magnums.
By the way I have owned a 30-06 and reload ammunition for a friend’s 06.
23 January 2007, 07:20
CARNEquote:
something from 27-30 cal.?
This rifle will be my Nr. 1 hunting rifle but also needs to be a good back up rifle for my 25-06 and 338 wim mag
Well it appears that you may not be set on something between 27-30 cal. So how about a 9.3x62? Deadly out to ranges I am able to shoot. You may not need the 338.
23 January 2007, 08:44
sbhooperWhat 54 jnoll said. Sums it up.
23 January 2007, 09:47
Michael RobinsonAny of the 7mm Rem. Mag. or .270 Win. or .30-06 or even the .308 Win. would fill that gap nicely.
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
23 January 2007, 09:50
BradGet a 270 and trade the 25-06 for a 223... you'll have the perfect three rifle battery.
23 January 2007, 10:12
seafire/B17GPut me down in the 30/06 column...
Brad above does some good advice....
But the 06 will really fill the uses of both your 25/06 and your 338 Mag...
23 January 2007, 11:01
Remington72030-06. Preferably a Husqvarna.
23 January 2007, 11:24
MarkHGo for a 7x64 if you intend to hunt Europe as well. Handles a 175gn bullet well.
Hunting is getting as close as you can, shooting is getting as far away as possible.
23 January 2007, 13:52
Ingvar J. KristjanssonBrad that’s good advice but already have a 223. My current rifle battery is:
22 LR
223 rem
25-06 rem
338 win mag
There is a gab that I really need to close !
How does this 5 centerfire rifle battery look like to you? Does it make sense?
223 rem
25-06 rem
30-06338 win mag
416 rem mag23 January 2007, 14:58
Blair D Calvinquote:
Originally posted by Ingvar J. Kristjansson:
Brad that’s good advice but already have a 223. My current rifle battery is:
22 LR
223 rem
25-06 rem
338 win mag
There is a gab that I really need to close !
How does this 5 centerfire rifle battery look like to you? Does it make sense?
223 rem
25-06 rem
30-06338 win mag
416 rem mag
Sound good to me mate. Go for it.!!
23 January 2007, 18:27
Juggernaut76.280 Rem would be my choice.
Praise be to the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
23 January 2007, 18:47
El Deguelloquote:
Originally posted by Grumulkin:
If you want something that can do it all with readily available ammunition, excellent accuracy potential and reasonable recoil, then get a 30/06 or a 308 Winchester. The 30/06 will push bullets in the 180 to 220 grain range a little faster than the 308.
If you want something a bit more exotic with longer range potential, the 300 Weatherby Magnum or the 300 Winchester Magnum would be good choices.
Another excellent long range performer with excellent accuracy potential, reasonable recoil and readily available ammunition would be the 7mm Remington Magnum.
I basically agree with this. But when I reach for my own best all-round rifle, it turns out to be my old Ruger No.1B in 7mm Rem. Mag. every time.
"Bitte, trinks du nicht das Wasser. Dahin haben die Kuhen gesheissen."
23 January 2007, 19:24
jro45A rifle Caliber between the 338 and the 25-06 would be the 7mm Mag or the 30/06. The 7mm can not push the big bullets 200, & 220 but the 30/06 can. And the 7mm can push with alot of FPS
So it your choise. Maybe a 300.
23 January 2007, 19:33
Gerry MerryMy vote goes to the 30-06
Gerry
