Leaning towards a 243 since it is a necked down 308 but asking for input about other mid calibers. I have plenty of 30s and 220/223s but no mid size caliber. Thought about a Roberts or a 6.5 or an AI. What are your preferences, thanks.

6.5 X 55.

I have a set of 6.5 Rem mag dies. Same thing???

No. 2 different critters.
Also there is 7x57 as mine is being planned for, yet 6.5x55 would be a good choice.
What barrel maker are you going to go with?

Forget AI - keep it simple. 257 Roberts or 270 Win would serve you well.

How about a 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, 25 super, 260 Remington, 6.5-06, 6.5x55, 7-08, or 7 mauser/275 Rigby?

Thanks gents, MadJack--read a bit about that 250 Savage. How does it realistically compare to the more modern 243?
Barrel maker-have not decided yet. Since it will be more of a hunter than for comp., would "air guaged" be worthwhile? "10" twist in a 24" sound about right? Any companies to shy away from? This is my first rebarreling so am ignorant of lots of things. Appreciate all the info and help, thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
6.5 X 55.

jackpot... or a 7x57

turk or springfield?
257 roberts if a turk, 7x64 if longer

06 Here's some good reading on 25 cal's
http://www.chuckhawks.com/25caliber_cartridges.htm

Good site and info, thanks. That 257 Weatherby Mag. and 25-06 interests me greatly. Is the "06" a necked down "30-06" casing? I would prefer to stay with it if it is. Just a bit hung up on 06s as if you had not noticed-lol. Googling for info on the calibers.
ETA: Well, think I am "sold" on the 25-06. The ballistics are awesome from varmints to very large game. I have a world of 06 cases so just have to pick up a set of dies after rebarreling.
I really appreciate all the input, tips, and help on the caliber.
1:10 twist sound OK? Barrel length?

Pretty hard to go wrong with the 25-06 and a Springfield. A 1 in 10 @ 24" should work just fine.

Thanks Craigster, Sorry to ask so many questions but have never used(almost) anything other than 30 cals. Smaller rounds just never interested me. The only reason for the 223/220 Swift shooters was just to have one of most calibers. Have never put over ten rounds through them-safe queens.

I like my 257 Roberts AI, I can get 25-06 performance with less powder. I's a lot of fun to shoot, from Prairie Dogs, to deer and antelope. You can not go wrong with any of the more modern 25 Cal. cartridges.

For a 1903, if I went smaller it would be to a 25-06 and if I went bigger it would be a 35 Whelen.

7x64, as i assume everyone else has thought a springfield ... hard to have a better medium hunting caliber

I have 4 M1903s, some done by bubba, some still full military. If any of them had a bad bore/barrel, I'd seriously consided making one of them a 257 Roberts. Why? Have 3 257R rifles built on mauser actions, love the way a 257R shoots.

Sneak a peak at the 280 Remington caliber. One fine 7mm round without the belt, magnum powder charges, etc. and yet is one heck of a performer. Kind of a stealth cartridge if you will, but good one.

6mm Remington

6.5X57 or 6.5X257

Let die and reamer availability make the choice.

The 6.5 has 85 - 160 grain bullets available and wildo the job of the 243 or bigger cartridge jus fine!

A Springfield action deserves an 06 class case.. 25-06, 270, 280.. All good ones!

Ive got an 03 and it is my 30-06. If I had another one I would go 280 or maybe a 338-06..

280 is an awsome round..

If I had a do-over with my 257 rob I would skip the A.I., It performs excellent. But there is nothing wrong with the standard Bob either, fireforming gets to be a nussance. Besides, the standard cases feed better.

I vote 6.5-06. Honestly there's nothing you can really do with a 6.5-06 that you couldn't do with a .270 Win, but I like to be different.

25-06

Been "out of the loop" for over a month. Good to be back. Have reloaded thousands while away. My cabinet looks like a gun shop's-lol. Have done nothing on my shooter. Money and sickness put the kabosh on most activities. Good to "see the light" again-been a bad winter.

quote:

Originally posted by Mark:
For a 1903, it would be a 35 Whelen.

I would choose a "classic" US-round for a classic US-rifle.

The .270WCF.


Martin

06

I did mine in 35 Whelen with a straight Weaver 6 power scope. Krieger Barrel. Shoots like a house on fire.

The only problem? Every time I uncase it all the deer within three zip codes disappear. Only got one in almost 7 years I had the rifle.

Shot one Coyote with it and it tore the poor little guy in half. I almost cried when I looked at it. Pathetic! 225 Nosleer BT'S are not good for 'yotes.

Best wishes, Bill

First choice: 338-06
Second choice: 280 Remington

6mm-06! Always wanted one for a warp speed woodchuck exploder.

So appreciate all the helpful ideas my friends. Have shot 30s all my life but am retirement age and want something a little less "pushy". I have a 220 & 223 in bull barrels but want something slightly larger for deer hunting. Am building a 50 BMG for playing so the 25-06 will probably be my "go to" deer rifle. After over 40 yrs of shooting mostly 30s I want to be lazy just a bit more-lol. Anyone getting any gobblers this spring?