Posted this in the Single Shot forum, but this forum gets a lot of views -

So, what caliber would you select for a nice custom on a Hagn action?

Caveat - like to keep it between .222 Rem and .308 Win.

Will be used for deer, antelope, fun shooting....

What would you build?

7x65R... or 9.3x74R but that is bigger than you are wanting to build.

I have been contemplating a build as well. 7x57R is what I would likely choose.

I have some brass for a 7x75 R super express
That should make an interesting single shot ..

I have a Krieghoff combination gun with a 7X75R SE vom Hofe as the rifle caliber. I have a full length insert barrel in 6X52R Brettschneider for the shot barrel, making it a sort of Bergstutzen. It gives me a useful selection of calibers for both long and short range shots on deer.

Given your parameters, I’d choose the 280 Rem.

Not a classic caliber but I think a 6.5 Grendel would be perfect in a light trim single shot!

I would do a 6.5x57, likely the rimmed version if possible.

Ross, don't go too big in a svelte, lightweight single.

I just finished a pair of rifles built on new Fraser actions and Krieger barrels. Cartridge for both is 7x65R. Accuracy of both hand loads and Norma factory ammo has been superb. Recoil is negligible even with steel butt plates. Ballistics are impressive, and the last time I checked, reloading components and ammunition for the 7x65R were more plentiful than for the 7x57R or 6.5x57R.

An uninformed questioned - why a rimmed cartridge?

6x45 or 6.5 Grendel makes for a nice all purpose walking rifle in a Hagn

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
An uninformed questioned - why a rimmed cartridge?

Because they work wonderfully in single shots and double rifles where you don’t have to worry about feeding being an issue. It’s just a classic and classy way to go for fine rifles like that.

There’s a lot of great options that have been listed so far. One I’ve always wanted to do in a custom like that or in a Dakota model 10 that I’ve thought would be a lot of fun is a 7-30 Waters.

I would echo the 7x65R or 6.5x57R. I have a 7x65R and have played with the rimless 6.5x57 and they perform outstandingly. If you want something really different go with the 7x75R Van Hoff, basically a rimmed 7mm Magnum.

+1 on the 7-30 waters. Although it's not a "classic "

.25 Krag

Honestly, if you wanted to build a custom rifle two things to consider in my opinion:

1) build something you hand load for. I would not build a rifle chambered in a cartridge that you can purchase ammo for right off the shelf at Walmart.

2) Have you thought about a 257 DGR? It's a 260 Remington necked to a 257 with a 35 degree shoulder.

7X57R in a one to 9 twist or 8.5 for those heavier 175 grainers. Nothing wrong with the rimless 7X57 either. Mark the barrel .275 Rigby or Rigby's .275?

If it were me, I would choose a rimmed cartridge to make extraction easier. You mention 222 and up, I would consider a 220 Swift with a tighter twist to handle some of the heavier, thicker jacketed bullets available and if selected properly, these can be very effective on Deer and Antelope. The single shot action lends itself to a longer barrel and I've had 25" one's that look quite nice especially with a barrel mounted swivel band. The longer length really helps the Swift. This is an old classic which doesn't have to be driven all that hot and will do what you want. Good luck with whatever you decide on but make sure to select the right stockmaker for such a wonderful project...

303 British, classic caliber, seriously, will do 90% of NA game. With a 150 gr. bullet at around 2700 or a bit more, being in a strong modern action, should be a 400 yd. rifle for antelope.

Another consideration might be the 25 Krag AI. Hard to beat the .25 as an all round caliber.

Good point on the 303 brit. Another is the 30-40 Krag same can be said for it and it's american lol

Do you handload ammunition?

Been asked on the SS forum but no answer. Lots of handload only suggestions and some with lots of work to get shooting.

How about a SS rifle in 7.62x54R?

280 Ackley or 257 Weatherby

You haven't mentioned which action size you have? Last I heard Hagn actions were made in 4 different sizes; Magnum, Large (original size) Small and Mini. Martin Hagn may have added others?

(Or this may be another I Dream of Genie post?)

Also, unlike many single shot actions the Hagn was designed to extract either rimmed or rimless cartridges and it might be wise to take advantage of the mosty superior rimless group.

I have built several rifles on Large and Small sizes with cartridges appropriate to the action size.
This one a 6.5x55 on a small action (my favorite deer rifle size).

You are correct. Hagn makes four sizes.
I am getting the correct size for caliber.
Much thanks for all of the help.

quote:

Originally posted by Timan:
Do you handload ammunition?

No, but I have a guy that is a serious custom loader and he is taking care of my ammo needs.

You need to pick your caliber, not someone elses favorite..I would probably use a 250-3000 but I would also choose a Ruger #1. I suppose some feel the need for a rimmed cartridge in which case a 257/Krag IMP would do for deer and elk and any varmint..but I would consider a 300 H&H if I intended to hunt elk and up..at least today, who knows about tomarrow!!

6.5x55 or 270 Winchester would be my choice, based on your guidelines.

I have a Hagn (actually two - one is a take down version) in 300H&H, which would still be my first choice.

quote:

Originally posted by RogersGunWorks:
I just finished a pair of rifles built on new Fraser actions and Krieger barrels. Cartridge for both is 7x65R. Accuracy of both hand loads and Norma factory ammo has been superb. Recoil is negligible even with steel butt plates. Ballistics are impressive, and the last time I checked, reloading components and ammunition for the 7x65R were more plentiful than for the 7x57R or 6.5x57R.

This is what I would choose too.
Don't agree the chosen cartridge should be a 'wildcat' with handloading only, the OP may have a custom loader now but what happens if something happens to him or the relationship turns sour, or for that matter something happens to the OP and the rifle is passed on.

The 7x65R is a somewhat classic cartridge for singles or drillings etc., with the option of factory and handloaded ammunition.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike_TX:
6.5x55 or 270 Winchester would be my choice, based on your guidelines.

I have a Hagn (actually two - one is a take down version) in 300H&H, which would still be my first choice.

Mike,
Thanks, I like your thinking. I am pretty settled on a 7x57, but the 6.5 Swede and .270 were next.
For a smaller caliber, I am settled on a .223. I like a variety of small calibers but this one creates versatility in bullet weights and types. I nearly went with a .222 Rem but have a Blaser that shoots that round very well. I nearly went with a .243, but it is a "tweener". It is between the .223 and the .25.06 or 257 Robert.

Anyway, I am addicted to the single shots and will try a few more as I move forward.

Thanks all!

I also have a Hagn in .223 - it’s built on the smallest action. However, it wouldn't be my first choice as they are kind of limited in the all-around department.

Gosh, that Diane Scalese does absolutely beautiful work!!

I would add another vote for the 7x65R. A wonderfully versatile calibre. It can launch a slippery 140 or 150 gn bullet mimicking the 270win. Or a large 173gn for bigger tough animal in the same way as a 30-06.

And being rimmed it gives very certain extraction in a falling block or break action single shot.

The 7x57R is also good, but smaller case gives less velocity especially with bigger bullets.

I would go with a 7x65R. I have one and am happy with it.

3030 hands down. it just works with lots of weight bullets.

Another vote for the 7x57mmR or .275 Flanged.

Single shots were made, for good reason, for rimmed, or as our English friends say, flanged, cartridges.

A falling block is not a kiplauf. Rimmed cartridges are nice to have but not mandatory.

I'd buy a 7x57 as well. No need for the 7x57R BS. Sure there is 7mm Rimmed Mauser ammo available, but not at every drug store and filling station.