.243 if you depend on factory loads. I'm partial to quarterbores, 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, or 25/06. Finding factory ammo for the Savage or Roberts is tough.

If U R A hand loader U can have all of what U R looking 4 in a 6.5 X 55 or a .270. Long range might offer a little more recoil but not much.
With powders like blue Dot , #9 and H-110 the 129gr. in 6.5 and the 130gr. in .270 can safely be loaded to MVs of 2250 fps. with very light recoil and enough killing energy for white tail out to 150 yds. Simple cup and core bullets would be all that is needed.
If U do not Reloader I guess the .243 would be a fair compromise. roger

quote:

Originally posted by Brian564:

Good suggestions here, and I think 243 and 6.5x55 are winning so far. Other great calibers were mentioned, but these don't fit my request for readily available and inexpensive ammo.


I doubt that you'll find 6.5x55 either readily available nor inexpensive in most places in the U.S. You don't mention your location, but I have to assume that from your uses and your quarry that you are in the rural Western U.S. 'Taint where you'll find lots of ammunition for the Swede. Or .260 Rem, or 6.5 Creedmoor, or 7x57, or .257 Rob, or a number of others which have been mentioned.

I never seem to have any trouble finding 6.5x55 in the Pacific Northwest. Cabelas, Dicks and Bass pro always have it. Even most random gun stores I visit seem to have it as well. Perhaps not a great selection but I have never ran out of ammo yet...

That probably looks confusing. I haven't figured out how to capture quotes in a reply. The bottom line is my response.

How in the world have all of you fine gentlemen been so misled and disoriented ?????

What a sad day for the human race !

The .25-06 Neidner wildcat cum Remington is the preeminent, hands down winner

I am always available for providing therapy to my esteemed fellow shooters

lamar,

I would suggest strongly, that you resist the temptation to shoot an antelope with a 17 or 22 caliber rimfire here in Idaho...

As far as the caliber, the 257 Roberts would seem to be perfect for your needs.

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Rick O'Shay:
That probably looks confusing. I haven't figured out how to capture quotes in a reply. The bottom line is my response.

To the right of the "Registered: xx Feb 20xx" line on any post you wish to quote, you'll see a folder with quote marks. Just click it.

the 22mag or 17hmr will rightfully land you in jail in Idaho if used on pronghorns

quote:

Originally posted by Lamar:
go to the store.
look at ammo prices.
after you purchase your 223 or 30-30 or 308 let us know how it works.
those are about the only three that fit your cheap ammo criteria.

I'm pretty positive the 22 mag or 17hmr would fill the bill as a 75 yd antelope killer.
but so would any of the above three and for about the same price.

quote:

Originally posted by richj:
agree with derf9.3 - I'm tempted to buy a savage lightweight hunter in 6.5 creedmore not sure about availability of ammo though.

I have a savage 14 in 250 savage but ammo is tough to get

My pick for fox thru caribou is the 6.5 Creedmoor. At this time there are 4 outfits making brass for it. Gobs of great bullets! And is just a perfect round.
However, your need description, described the 243 Winchester or the 6 mm Remington.
A 22/250 would also do the job great. If you handloaded something like the 62 gr TSX for antelope.

quote:

Originally posted by Rick O'Shay:
That probably looks confusing. I haven't figured out how to capture quotes in a reply. The bottom line is my response.

Took a minute but I figured it out.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is getting to be more and more common. Factory ammo is available in quite a few great loads. Every time I've been into Sportsman's Warehouse in Wasilla they have Creed ammo on the shelves. Even during the ammo and reloading shortages 2 years ago. The Ruger Predator M77 mkll is a very sweet rifle in the Creed. Looks pretty good also.

quote:

Originally posted by tjroberts:
I am surprised !
I think i am the 1st to mention the .270. No more versatile round for antlered game.
Shoot a good 130 grain bullet and anything from antelope to elk !...tj3006

I love my 270, but the recoil of a 270 is close to that of the 30-06. I vote for the 243 Win too for that reason. Fine for deer and antelope out to 400 yards, nice varmint rifle with Sierra 70g HPBTs too.