Well, I'm getting ready to have Melvin Forbes build me one of his rifles. The problem I have right now is deciding which cartridge.
This is my first custom rifle (may very well be my only). It will be used for whitetails here in Virginia. Really not many plans for travel anywhere else with this one.

Looking for anyone and everyone's 2 cents worth on cartridge selection. What I'm considering right now is .257 Roberts, .260 Remington, 7mm-08.

Thought about several others: .308, .358, .338 Federal.

So what would you guys pick. I really don't want an '06 length action.

Ken

I'd go with the 7-08. I just bought one two seasons ago and it now has 4 deer and 1 coyote under it's belt. The furthest that one ran was about 35 yards. I'm very glad I bought it!!!

Of the 3 primary choices you list, I'd go with either the 7mm-08 or the .260. Either will work exceedingly well for whitetails.

If you are a non-reloader, then the 7-08 would get the nod as more ammo choices exist for it.

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
I'd go with the 7-08. I just bought one two seasons ago and it now has 4 deer and 1 coyote under it's belt. The furthest that one ran was about 35 yards. I'm very glad I bought it!!!

I forgot to add a feral hog from Texas back in March, which was DRT.

You should look at the .270 WSM. It is easy to reload and with all the bullets available for Deer, it's uses are unlimited. Good shooting.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
Of the 3 primary choices you list, I'd go with either the 7mm-08 or the .260. Either will work exceedingly well for whitetails.

If you are a non-reloader, then the 7-08 would get the nod as more ammo choices exist for it.

As much as I love the .257 and as useful (and available) as the .308 is--
I agree.

The 260 the 7-08 or the 260 Creedmoor are great deer cartidges.

Of those choices I would go .308 -- you could add .30-06 to that list -- can never go wrong with the old '06.........

Of those I would go with the 7-08 but since this is a custom job I would also add the 7x57 into consideration.It has a bit more case capacity than the 7-08 which puts it about as close to ideal efficiency wise as you can get with a 7mm.
Good luck!

I do handload.

Bernie, the 7x57 was my initial choice, but after talking to Mr. Forbes I've decided against it (I own a Ruger #1A in 7x57) because he said the short action might preclude anything over about 140 gr. being loaded to an acceptable OAL.

Been intrigued by the .260 for a number of years. I bought one of the Model Seven's the first year they came out in that cartridge, but it wasn't very accurate (actually threw a pattern a little better than my turkey gun..LOL).

Also, I really understand the push for the '06. But, I already own 2, and it is a little overpowered for the type of hunting I do.

I agree that the 270 WSM is a good solid cartridge. I've owned a couple of WSM's and just can't seem to warm up to them (I know that sounds crazy, but you know how rifle loonies are).

Thanks and keep'em coming.

Ken



Ken

I am partial to the 7mm-08 loaded with Nosler 120 BT's. They are close to perfection when it comes to a whitetail combo especially in a lightweight rig like you are speaking of.

.260 would be my second choice.

www.premierhuntingadventures.com

Any of those would work absolutely perfectly. And there are many others that would as well.

The 257 is a classic that is a great, accurate, low recoil, deer killing round.

I'm partial to the 260. That is what I'd do if I was in your shoes. Loaded with a 120 BT or 125 Partition, it will do everything you need.

quote:

This is my first custom rifle (may very well be my only).

Yah, I said that once too! It was about four custom rifles ago. There is just something about having things your way that gets into your blood.

quote:

Originally posted by Ken in VA:
I do handload.

Bernie, the 7x57 was my initial choice, but after talking to Mr. Forbes I've decided against it (I own a Ruger #1A in 7x57) because he said the short action might preclude anything over about 140 gr. being loaded to an acceptable OAL.

Been intrigued by the .260 for a number of years. I bought one of the Model Seven's the first year they came out in that cartridge, but it wasn't very accurate (actually threw a pattern a little better than my turkey gun..LOL).

Also, I really understand the push for the '06. But, I already own 2, and it is a little overpowered for the type of hunting I do.

I agree that the 270 WSM is a good solid cartridge. I've owned a couple of WSM's and just can't seem to warm up to them (I know that sounds crazy, but you know how rifle loonies are).

Thanks and keep'em coming.

Ken



Ken

That would be my thought as well. I had a 700 in 257 Roberts and the biggest drawback of the short action was not being able to seat 115-120 gr bullets out far enough. I ended up re barreling one of my other mausers to 257 Roberts.

8mm mauser- Speer Hot Cor 150, 170, 200. Accubond or Partition 200. Versatile 300 yard gun.

And what, may I ask, is wrong with a plain ol' .270 Win.? That'd be my choice but I'm admittedly biased.
Bear in Fairbanks

Bear,

LOLOL....I hear ya. I'm heading up to the NULA shop in a couple of weeks to look at some of his rifles and place my order.

Should I change my mind and decide a long action is what I want, then it will be in .270 Win. I like it a lot too.

Being a southpaw, LH SA's are a relative rarity, but LA's are a little more common. Got my heart set on an SA right now, but like I said, I'll be looking at some samples to confirm that is what I want.

Ken

Bear:

Amen on the .270. Speaking of which, just yesterday, I finished up a "tinkering project" involving a Rem 700 .270 of mine. I bought a Wildcat Composites stock blank and after fitting, bedding and painting, it ends up at 7 lbs 1 oz with a Leupy VX II 3-9. That isn't NULA weight but 7 pounds feels pretty good.



If I was looking for a a true LW though, I would go with one of the SA calibers like 7mm-08 or .260. They can do what the .270 can but in a more compact package.

When you get right down to it there are countless great cartridges for deer. I'm glad we don't have to choose just one.


www.premierhuntingadventures.com

PHA,
Beautiful rifle...I'm sure she shoots!

I've just recently trimmed down my collection substantially to just a few rifles that I can't live without (all but two were kept due to sentimental value). Those two were a Ruger 77 in 30/06 and a Remington 760 in .35 Remington. I also still have another '06 (Browning), a Tikka T3 in .270, and a trio of Ruger #1's in 7x57, 300 Win. mag., and 375 H&H.

Guess I'm looking to make the change from quantity to quality.

why not get it all get a rem short action ultra mag in either the 7 or the 30 version.
7 would be my choice,you get a 280+ in a small easy to load package.
probably the best overlooked cartridge out there.

Sticking to the cartridges you mentioned, I would say either the 7-08 or the 308, with the 7-08 as first choice.

For my money you can't beat the .308 for most anything smaller than elk. Great choice.

The 7mm-08 is EXACTLY what you are looking for! However, I REALLY like the WSM's. I'd go with the 325 WSM and never look back!!!!

My first choice would be a 308.
My second choice would be a 308.
My third choice would be a 308.

All calibers mentioned will work well. If you'll be hunting in close quarters and may go for something bigger than white tails, go with the .308. If you want something flatter go for the 7mm-08.

But they are all great choices.

7-08!

I prefer the 7x57 for sake of tradition, but the 7-08/7x57 is the finest whitetail caliber created.
my 2 cents, worth what you paid for it.

TerryR

Well guys, I appreciate everyone's input. Lots of good points raised.

I placed my order today for a NULA in .260. It'll be 22 in. #1 contour CM. Still have to decide on stock color(s).

Looking at the 6.5mm bullet choices today, I was stunned at was is now available. I also really wanted it to be something just a little bit different than what everyone else is shooting.

Thanks again.
Ken

Dang, am I the only one here who thinks the .30-06 is hard to beat?? Very strange......

Whitworth,
No...personally, I believe the 30/06 is hard to beat. IMHO, it's probably the most versatile cartridge out there.
But, it won't fit in a short action, would have quite a bit of recoil in a 6 lb. rifle, and I already own 2....
I remember reading an article some time ago talking about the 30/06. Characterized it as the jack of all trades and master of none. I'd have to disagree....it's the master of versatility.
Ken

Then the .308 would get the nod for me!

Ken:

That will be a sweet set-up in .260. What do the NULA's weigh in that chambering?

Please post some pix once you get it.


www.premierhuntingadventures.com

308 is perfect and many bullet weights and choices to pic from, very accurate round .good luck

quote:

Dang, am I the only one here who thinks the .30-06 is hard to beat?? Very strange......

No, I think the 30-06 is a really great cartridge, but for my own personal use, I don't like it.

As I have stated before, if I am asked for a recommendation on a new rifle, I am going to list several that I think are reasonable, depending on what the hunter is planning on going after, but the 3 that I always list are, 270/308/30-06.

Personally however I have never had or wanted any of those 3, but, I can not deny or overlook all of the game I have seen others kill with them, or the ease with which a person can find ammo for them.

I could be wrong on this, but I doubt it, and I seriously doubt that anyone on here can prove me wrong, but I do not believe that there is or has been a single species of wildlife on this planet, that humans have hunted, AFTER, modern firearms were developed, that someone has not killed with a well placed bullet from a 30-06.

quote:

Originally posted by Crazyhorseconsulting:

quote:

Dang, am I the only one here who thinks the .30-06 is hard to beat?? Very strange......

No, I think the 30-06 is a really great cartridge, but for my own personal use, I don't like it.

As I have stated before, if I am asked for a recommendation on a new rifle, I am going to list several that I think are reasonable, depending on what the hunter is planning on going after, but the 3 that I always list are, 270/308/30-06.

Personally however I have never had or wanted any of those 3, but, I can not deny or overlook all of the game I have seen others kill with them, or the ease with which a person can find ammo for them.

I could be wrong on this, but I doubt it, and I seriously doubt that anyone on here can prove me wrong, but I do not believe that there is or has been a single species of wildlife on this planet, that humans have hunted, AFTER, modern firearms were developed, that someone has not killed with a well placed bullet from a 30-06.

So what is your personal preference?

anything between 243 and 300mag.

it depends upon the kind of hunting you do; here in Maine, if I were to build a dedicated deer rifle, it would be a 35 Whelen with a short barrel and some good iron sights. some of the best hunting we have takes one through nasty old cedar swamps and such.

what is the terrain like where you intend to go?

Congratulations!

Tell NULA to build it so the magazine and throat will permit use of 160gr. bullets.

You say it's for white-tailed deer now, but you may decide to use it on bears, elk, etc. in the future.

George

quote:

I'd have to disagree....it's the master of versatility.
Ken

Jack of all trades, master of many....no question about it.


I had a feeling you'd go with the .260. You just wanted something different to play with. I know the feeling!

Tim

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
My first choice would be a 308.
My second choice would be a 308.
My third choice would be a 308.

There ya go!

Well sorry, didn't read to the end of the thread when I got to N E 450's post, but hey, great luck with the 260!

quote:

So what is your personal preference?

375 H&H, 35 Whelen, 300 Weatherby Mag..

Like I say, I do not like recommending the larger rifles, simply because many folks will not take the time to work with them and understand their limitations on both ends of the stock.

For the average person/shooter, they need something that is, A, not going to kick the crap out of them off the bench and make them afraid to hoot it, B, not be really difficult to find ammo for at places like Wally World, and C, not going to be a "Magic" cure all for lack of ability or experience.

The bigger rifles still require a modicom amount of proper bullet placement, a "Near Miss" is not going to suck all the oxygen out of the atmosphere, and cause the intended victim to suffocate.

To me and my style of hunting, all I get from the bigger guns is a small amount of added envelope space for a less than perfect shot.

To me it is somewhat, but not exactly the reverse of using the 224's on deer.

With the 224's and head/neck shots, you can kill any deer that walks, I have killed a deer at slightly over 100 yard with a 22 Hornet, Pure Luck.

The 30 cal and larger rifles give me a little more room for error if things either on my end or the games end are not exactly perfect.

Hope that answers your question.

To me the bigger guns are just more interesting, but they really do nothing except give a slight edge, in suituations where a less than perfect shot can/should be taken, but a gut shot deer or anything else, with one of the bigger calibers, is just as gut shot as if done with one of the smaller calibers, except, the larger rifle might punch on thru the gut and leave a trail to follow because air and fluid are going to be going out of two holes instead of one.

How is that for the lonfg version of saying that growing up I preferred reading Elmer Kieth to Jack O'Connor.

quote:

Help me choose cartridge for eastern whitetails

Ken,

The 308 is and has been the standard go to cartridge for eastern whitetails for some time. If you choose not to pick it, I wouldn't stray to far!