30'06....Factory loads available from 55gr-220gr bullets...capable of taking virtually any game (although, admittedly it wouldn't be my first choice for Cabe Buff), and has the track record to prove it...both in North America and Africa.
------------------ God Bless and Shoot Straight
Posts: 264 | Location: Big Sky Country, MT | Registered: 12 October 2001
I have an old mauser in 7x57, but I would still use my Marlin 45-70. 405 grain bullets at about 2000 fps. About 3" high at 100 yards, down about 6" at 200 yards. That'll work. Clement
Posts: 163 | Location: Upstate, NY | Registered: 26 June 2001
My choices would be a 30-06, 338-06 or 8X57. At ranges under 200 yards the 7 Mag is a waste of powder. Give me a good heavy bullet moving at moderate speed for things that I want to drop right now and a 200gr bullet moving out of any of the above choices would do the trick. This year for elk I'm using a 30-06 with 180gr Partitions moving at 2800+ fps and my best friend is using an 8X57 with 200gr Partitions moving at about 2650. Both will penetrate legnthwise on any elk we shoot.
------------------ When in doubt, empty the magazine.
200 yds or less for the animals mentioned, my choice would be the 9.3x62. It is a 30-06 on steroids. Blows bigger holes and modest velocities. Has good choice of bullets (300gr to 231gr-round nose, spitzer, and fmj's). Just what the doctor ordered for these animals and those ranges. Ku-dude
Please try the 350RM. You have 9.3X62 or 35 whelen performance in a short action. For the largest game but buffs and elephants, a 250 grainer will do fine (hornady interlocks, swift a-frame) For medium game, a 225 gr will thrive (225gr partition or tbbc) For small game, the 180gr speer is explosive, and you still can load the 357 pistol bullets for plinking or vaminting. Olivier
My pick is either the 30-06 if you are recoil shy or the 375 H&H if you are not. The 375 may also get the nod if you are into the big bears or have African aspirations. Whatever you decide good luck and enjoy your choice. "D"
Posts: 1701 | Location: Western NC | Registered: 28 June 2000
Hunting1, The .338-06 fits the bill. It has the larger, heavier bullet preffered for elk and bear, shoot flat enough for shot to 200 yards and has relatively mild recoil. Or The .338 Winchester mag. would also do nicely.
Posts: 1244 | Location: Golden, CO | Registered: 05 April 2001
It is just my opinion, but you should pick the biggest caliber that you feel comfortable shooting, I mean like for an afternoon of target, not just two or three for sighting. Any of the rounds mentioned will do the job, in the hands of someone that is familiar with and comfortable with his choice of rifle and cartridge, and only the shooter can cause that to happen. Big mistake to go with the biggest thumpem whomper you can find, if you can't comfortably shoot it. I kinda drifted to the larger calibers, haven't been unhappy yet. I think the 8MMx57 is very underated by many, good bore size, moderate velocity, with the right bullet, a good choice. As is the 35 Whelan, etc, etc, etc. Just make sure you have fun shooting it!!
Posts: 1944 | Location: Moses Lake, WA | Registered: 06 November 2001
