The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Medium Bore Rifles poll: want a smaller deer rifle - caliber choice?Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| poll: want a smaller deer rifle - caliber choice? | Login/Join |
| One of Us |
Of those listed the 6.5x55 got my vote, but if I was building a light kicker I'd be inclined to make a 250 Savage with a 1:10 twist so I could handload 115-120 gr bullets @ 2500-2600 fps and call it good. The 260 would work fine too. | |||
|
One of Us |
Re; a 250.... That new 6.5/47 or Creedmore might be THE or rather MY cartridge of choice with 120/123/129's for mild recoil next to a 6BR fast twist which does 90-95% of a 243 IMHO, with 2/3 powder, less recoil, and supreme accuracy. Just some options, but I do say a 250 would likely make me happy, I'd load the 100 'blues' and call her good. An AI would zing the heaviers better, not needed, but having a tad more speed would only help field ranging errors when w/o an LRF. | |||
|
| one of us |
I agree completely with that advice. I own and love the .257 Roberts, but unless you are a handloader you will have trouble finding ammo for it. The rest you mention are not significantly less hard kicking than a 7X57. The .243 is more than adequate for deer, antelope, sheep, goats, and even black bears at any range out to 300 yards, and maybe even 400. It will also make an excellent varmint rifle too so you can shoot groundhogs, crows, and such in the off season, and do it without getting your shoulder pounded. (As I get older, the lingering pain in my shoulder after shooting larger things -- even something as small as a 30-06 -- begins to be a big consideration.) "How's that whole 'hopey-changey' thing working out for ya?" | |||
|
One of Us |
The 270 WSM isn't a low recoil rifle by any means. | |||
|
One of Us |
I am 74 years old, a Gunsmith, and in all my life I have ordered built only 2 rifles to my specs (I generally build my own). This was in the last 6 years. The first was a 7x57 and the last (which will probably be the LAST) was a 257 Roberts. I am more than happy with both and can easily go the remainder of my life with them being the only rifles I will ever need. SCI Life Member NRA Patron Life Member DRSS | |||
|
| One of Us |
1) Good ammo selection 2)Ease of getting componets Sounds like the 30-30 and the 30-06 to me. Besides being my two favorites. You can find ammo in any mom and pop hardware store in the U.S. Canada, and parts of Mexico. | |||
|
| One of Us |
zimbabwe, that is some gooood advice. Backed by a lotttt of experience. The older we get, the more we learn there is little need for hard kicking rifles. That knowledge is now compounded by new bullets that make large calibers less necessary. I still stick by my pick of the 7mm-08 as the perfect whitetail deer round. It and the 7x57 are the same, of course, except the 7x57 has lots of history, lots of class, but not as modern for someone buying new and not into things such as history. mike | |||
|
| one of us |
For deer? My recommendation isn't on there--a 243W......... Casey | |||
|
| one of us |
Likewise, my "small caliber" choice is not on the list. I Love the .260 Rem. for deer-sized game. It is the ballistic twin of the 6.5x55, but with easily available ammo and components on this side of the pond. I bought one for my kid when he was 12, but find myself picking it up to use myself when I hunt my "long range" stands. | |||
|
one of us |
Riodot, Really think that the Remington M7 in 308 Win coupled with their Managed-Recoil ammo is just your ticket! Remington Model 7 CDL Remington Managed-Recoil ________ Ray | |||
|
One of Us |
 Riodot already has a 7mm X 57mm and a whole bunch of you are telling him to get a 7-08? The logic really escapes me.  What am I missing here?  rogerOld age is a high price to pay for maturity!!! Some never pay and some pay and never reap the reward. Wisdom comes with age! Sometimes age comes alone.. | |||
|
| one of us |
Since you already have a 7x57, and specified low recoil, with easy to find ammo and componets I recimmend the 243 Winchester. My wife and I have killed many deer, and she also several antelope with the 243. We always used either the 100gr Sierra Spz or the 95gr Nosler Partition. The 243 killed them as good as anything. DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY | |||
|
One of Us |
My go to rifle for whitetail has become a Rem 700 Mountain Rifle in .260 Rem. Easy to carry, easy to handle in a stand, low recoil and accurate. With 140 gr bullets it will take anything in the US up to elk. In Europe the 6.5x55 - a ballistiic equivalent - is even used for moose. "Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult." | |||
|
| One of Us |
I agree with you. To me the primary factors in recoil is the stock design and its recoil pad. The Decelerator pads are a sea change in felt recoil. The other primary factor is the amount of powder burned. A 7-57 would be just fine for most when loaded right. With a fast powder and 120 premium bullets it will be just fine. | |||
|
| one of us |
My vote goes to the .257 Robert's because I am actually building a .257 AI as I write this. Of course I could just as easy go with the 6.5x55 or even a .260. My brother has a .260 and it is a sweet round. Don Nelson Sw. PA. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I use mine in the Contender. Kills deer that way too and it's handier to get through thick brush. | |||
|
One of Us |
The feedback has been great!!! I didn't think I would be seriously considering a .257 Roberts. I only put it into the mix bebause it's based on 7x57 brass. Now it is neck and neck with the caliber I thought would win hands down, the 6.5x55 Swede.  I'm now thinking a matched pair (stocks anyway)of a 7x57 and a 257 Bob would be great.  Thanks Lance Lance Lance Larson Studio lancelarsonstudio.com | |||
|
| One of Us |
Well now you've decided ; I'll throw in another one . 7 MM Mag your choice as to which one .  100 - 180 Grain load down or load up Good for Almost every animal in North America and most other Continents as well . The only exceptions are Heavy Dangerous Game . IMO one of the most versatile calibers out there . I suspect next to .30 Cal. the second most popular to boot . Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...  | |||
|
One of Us |
I never liked the 257 Roberts until I bought my Ruger 77 RSI in that caliber. After getting more experience with this caliber, I would now recommend it to anyone that wants a great low recoil deer caliber. Of the list you asked about, that would be my choice. Although ammo isn't in every sport shop, it is popular enough that you should have no problem finding it. This is mine. They were a special run for Lipseys but they are still around if you like stainless and wood.  | |||
|
| One of Us |
What rings most hunter's bells is muzzle velocity, even though almost no one actually shoots anything at the muzzle. This is not an apples to apples comparison, but it is about as close as I could come. The data for the 6.5 x 55, 260 Rem and 6.8 SPC came from Hodgdon's 2006 Annual Manual. The data on the 6.5 Creedmoor is Hornady's. the 6.5 C is loaded with H4350 powder, so maximum loads for the 260 and 6.5 x 55 are quoted with H4350 powder in the 120 and 140-grain bullet weights. The 6.8 is a smaller case utilizing faster burn rate powders. It also utilizes lighter weight bullets, so the heaviest bullet weight loaded is given with the powder producing the fastest muzzle velocity at that bullet weight from Hodgdon's data. 6.5 x 55 BW 120-Gr, P H4350, 46.0 Gr. MV 2,792 fps @ 45,800 CUP, 24" B BW 140-Gr, P H4350, 44.0 Gr. MV 2,617 fps @ 45,700 CUP, 24" B 260 REM BW 120-Gr, P H4350, 46.5 Gr. MV 2,960 fps @ 58,200 PSI, 24" B BW 140-Gr, P H4350, 42.0 Gr. MV 2,677 fps @ 58,800 PSI, 24" B 6.5 C BW 120-Gr, P H4350, 43.5 Gr. MV 3,020 fps @ > 60,000 PSI, 28" B BW 140-Gr, P H4350, 41.2 Gr. MV 2,820 fps @ > 60,000 PSI, 28" B 6.8 SPC BW 115-Gr, P H322, 28.2 Gr. MV 2,608 fps @ 53,300 PSI, 24" B The 6.5 C and the 6.8 SPC are AR rifle platform friendly, the 6.5x 55 and the 260 REM are not usable on the AR platform...Rusty | |||
|
| One of Us |
That is one nice lookin' rifle. Thanks for posting - I had no idea Ruger made a model 77 like that. Lance Lance Larson Studio lancelarsonstudio.com | |||
|
| One of Us |
.243 Winchester. While there may be accuracy problems with a Manlicher stock, Ruger makes a #1 RSI in .243 and I've heard it's fine for deer hunting. You could look at a Ruger M77MkII VT in .243 for something that can handle deer as well as do double duty on varmints. (Provided you don't mind its 11 lb scoped weight...) .30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong | |||
|
| One of Us |
I voted for the 257 Rbts and I think it is a great round. The other option for me would be a 243 with 85gr TSXs. Low recoil, good bullet = good shooting, dead animal. RH | |||
|
| one of us |
I like my 257 WBY with the 117gr bullet. But then again I like my 270 with those 130gr bullets. So I would have to flip a coin. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I'm glad you've reconsidered as the 257 Roberts is, well, a well kept secret. Powerful and pleasant to shoot, it possesses killing power beyond its physical size. Ammo is available, but not at every corner gas station like the venerable -06, and like the .30-06, it is a hand loaders dream come true. The Roberts offers much and it does it without excessive blast and recoil. The way I see it, there are no drawbacks when one selects the Roberts. Silly I know, but I believe the Mauser Bros. were inspired when developing the 57m/m case, and I believe some of that magic carried over into the Roberts. Think not? What other reason could there be (other than increased pressures) for such an improvement when given the Ackley treatment? And with +P ammunition like Federal's 120 grain partition (#P257B) commonly availably, it no longer plays second fiddle to the 6m/ms. | |||
|
one of us |
Have any of you guys owned a 250 Savage? Low recoil, good carry in a 99. A most handy rifle. They are a bit spendy these days but a light carry and good handling coupled with little recoil. I don't own one but had a friend with one. I loaded for him and shot it a few times. It should be considered. Packy | |||
|
| one of us |
As you can see, the 6.5 is leading and for good reason.. First, the members here are very well informed  .. and the 6.5 fills all your criterion and then some.. I might not have the bullet selection you want, but you only NEED one good 140gr bullet for MOST needs. The sectional density of the .264 is excellent and effective on game. The Scandinavians have been killing moose up there with this round for years and have no problem doing it.I have a very sweet little FN Mauser sporter that I chambered to 7x57AI and I like it, but now that I have experienced an AI round, I wish now, I would have gone with the 6.5x55. Why do they call it common sense, when it is so uncommon?? | |||
|
| One of Us |
How about a 7X57 with a 120 grain bullet of choice with a reduced load of H4895 as on their website can be safely loaded to 60% of min load for a youth load? This would give you less recoil than anything listed with a factory load. This unless all you really want is a additional gun, which itself is always a good idea ! | |||
|
| one of us |
Definitely the .257 Roberts. The 6.5x55 and the 7mm-08 are too close to the 7x57 which you already have. Choosing either of these would be a duplication. And since you want low recoil, I can't see how any other cartridge could be more perfect than the .257. | |||
|
One of Us |
I am amazed at the votes for the 257/6.5x55/7x57 The criteria was good ammo selection and ease of getting components... The 7mm-08 wins hands down on those two criteria... Mike Legistine actu quod scripsi? Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.  What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
|
One of Us |
back when remington loaded noslers in their premium line, my 7mm-08 and 140 BTs terrorized the local deer herd. The rifle is fairly light, and even with hornady light mags was very pleasing on the shoulder Auburn University BS '09, DVM '17 | |||
|
| One of Us |
as some one stated, the 6.5x55 has been allowing Scandinavians to eat mooseburger for some time now, so I guess a relatively low recoiling 1/4boreBob with 100tsx/110AB/120np will ensure your venison supplies. AN aquantance, who loves the 270win, now cant seem to put his 275r down, said its the first rifle he likes to reach for,so sweet to shoot and hogs dont fail to drop. NO doubt a 270win130np @3100 has the power edge, but the 120np.257r@2900mv, notably milder to shoot,better SD&BC and more than adequate for alot of ranges and applications, a smart sweet winning combination. I can see why its liked by so many. In most cases with 120gn bullets,Id rather have a backed off 257r over 250sav, but thats no slur on the 250sav. | |||
|
| One of Us |
My RSI 243 shot 1.25-1.75" 3 shot groups AT 200 yds, w/Factory ammo mind you. Nothing wrong with #1's, last 2, 243's and a 25/06 ALL shot sub moa out of the box. That Lipsey is a good looking gun, I like wood/SS, would be hard pressed to pass on one in 250 or 6.5 Creedmore-IF mfg. Both efficient in short bbls. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I daresay from the list you've provided, the 7mm-08 is the round I would pick. Something about the full stock and a short action just "fits" well together. Also, the 7mm-08 is very efficient in shorter barrels, ammo and components are everywhere. The .257 Bob is a nice choice, but I would prefer the heavier 7mm slug over the lighter .257 round in a short barrel. I think the .257 loses a bit more efficiency than the 7mm-08 and I think a 7mm-08 would make a bang-up woods rifle for black bear as well. You've already got a 7x57, so for the sake of having something different, the 7mm-08 is different, yet close to the same. Should be familiar ground. The .270 WSM isn't really in the same class recoil-wise, nor is it very efficient in a short barrel. Stick it in a longer barreled mountain rifle-type firearm and you have a great rifle for long range shots on medium game - perfect for hunting from stands or along fields. It kicks more, barks louder, and hits harder than anything on your list - it may be small but it's a Magnum for a reason! My vote, however, went to the 6.5x55mm. It's just plain sexy with those long 140gr bullets. It should be a little more efficient than the .257, burning the same amount of powder in a larger bore. It's 140gr bullets will have a higher SD than the 140gr 7mm bullets and the 120gr .257 pills. The 156gr bullets would be perfect for short range black bear (always a consideration where I am). It's just a real nice choice for an extra mid-bore, low recoil round for deer. Sure, it's not "perfect" like the 7mm-08, but it doesn't have that "clinically designed" feeling either, more history and nostalgia. Very sexy. So in the end, 7mm-08 is probably the BEST choice, but not the choice I'd make - I'd find a way to justify the 6.5x55mm. ________  "...And on the 8th day, God created beer so those crazy Canadians wouldn't take over the world..." | |||
|
| One of Us |
Both of my daughters shoot the .243 and have got about thirty head between them. Why did I choose it for them? get ammo anywhere Low recoil Shoots 55gr to 100gr well. Easy to load Easy to load down for pratice rounds (just use youth loads) If it was only for deer I would go for the 6mm rem or the 260 though. (260 wasn't out when I bought their rifles though) I have a 270wsm and it doesn't kick much, compareable to 06. Just my $.02 RC | |||
|
| One of Us |
AS you have a 7x57 I would go to the 7-08 as then you can "steal" bullets to reload for the other and "borrow" the cleaning jag etc. after you have shot it. One secondary consideration...as you are near to Mexico...is that the 7-08 is not a military calibre, if the military calibre restriction still applies south of the border? It is a popular calibre in Europe, too. If good old 270 Winchester (the original) were on the list I would have voted for that. | |||
|
One of Us |
You cant be serious about choosing the 7-08 over the classic 7*57. And as mentioned he already has one. If recoil is the problem I have the cure. I have mostly used the 375 H&H the last 10-15 years and now my 35 whelen has a very easy and soft recoil, even with only a hard plastic recoil"pad". The .270 win is recoilfree. I voted 257 Roberts. Even if a lot of moose is shot with the 6,5*55 over here, it doesnt mean that its the ideal moose caliber. | |||
|
One of Us |
Swede ______________________ Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie? | |||
|
| one of us |
Again, since you have a 7x57, and want a lower kicker thre best choice is the 243. There is no difference in deer killing power betwen the 243, 6mm Rem, 250 or the 257 Roberts. Anything larger is too close to the 7x57 to offer any real reduction in recoil. 243 ammo can be found anywhere, and there are several different factory loads avialable. Baised on your criteria the 243 is the most logical choice. DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY | |||
|
One of Us |
.......Get a 30/30 ......If it was me I would use a 30 remington but that is beside the point ... .If it can,t be grown , its gotta be mined .... | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata | Page 1 2 3 |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Medium Bore Rifles poll: want a smaller deer rifle - caliber choice?
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia