Hi all, first post! great forum, could do with some advice.

I'm applying for a new rifle on my licence and could do with some advise on caliber selection. It will mainly be used for roe but would like to use it for any UK deer and be able to take to Africa for game up to maybe Kudu size.

Thanks.

7-08

quote:

Originally posted by Tikka260:
7-08

That or a 7x57.

30/06 would obviously work but it seems like a bit much for a rifle mainly used on Roe.

.270Win ?

anything 6.5mm-.30" based on the -08, x55, x57 or -06 case.
there are lots of suitable cartridges, just pick one you like.

308, 6.5x55 260

30-06
works well on Roe and even better on plains game
ATB
ps i would be biased as i use a 30-06

quote:

Originally posted by Richard E:
30-06
works well on Roe and even better on plains game
ATB
ps i would be biased as i use a 30-06

+ 1 Never been to hunt in Africa and probably never will but the 30-06 is recognised as an all rounder.
125gr heads up to 220 gr heads.You can,t go too wrong with it.

30-06.does it all, rabbits, possums,foxes,all deer and plains game

Having done for plenty or roe and a couple of dozen plains game I'd endorse the 30-06. I think the 6.5s would be marginal on longer shots, say a Namibian oryx, but there is no doubting their effectiveness as bushveld cartridges.

Consider that as a military calibre you could not use 30 06 or 7x57 in France if that was ever on the cards.

So my suggestion based around performance and flexibiliy would be:

300 H&H Magnum
7x64

30-06 or 7x64 both are superb all rounder !

I think 6.5x 55 or 308Win honey recoil and great precision good for all


bye
b

If African plains game was on the cards the I'd want to be shooting a 308 bullet at least. Kudu are not a small animal by any stretch of the imacination and stuff like Oryx and Zebra will carry a bullet unlike anything in the UK.

The 30-06 would probably be the best bet as you can load down to a 125-150gr bullet for the UK and load upto 180's when you are shooting plainsgame or Pigs.

Of course the reality of the matter is that when time comes for you to go to Africa, you will have all the reasons in the world to buy anothr rifle in another calibre!!

Seriously something like the Sauer or Blaser in the changeable barrel set up will be a great option for such a scenario as you can just buy a new barrel for the action you already have.

FB

If your funds permit you to get a custom chamber cut then please try

30-06 Ackley Improved

Shot with a moderator

Thanks for all the input. The 30-06 seems to be a popular choice. I've been looking at the sauer 202, if i was to go for one of those i would probably apply for a smaller caliber as well for my UK shooting. I think going by sauer's website the 6.5x55 or the.25-o6 would exchange using the same mag and bolt or border barrels now make custom barrels for the Sauer. what caliber would you guys recommend for a second barrel.

Thanks again.

To keep the cost under control, I would go with a 6.5x55 or 57 and the 30/06. That way it is a straight barrel swap with no need for an extra bolt or magazine.

If you buy a Sauer S202 in 25-06 or 6,5x55 I would recommend you add a barrel in 30-06...and a third barrel in 9.3x62 then you have a rifle that can shoot bullets from 75-325 gr. ! You can hunt anything that walks on earth with that combo...!

My Sauer has a 30-06 and 9.3x62 and I will someday add the third barrel.