I recently relocated to Texas (Polk county) to be closer to family. I'd like to celebrate by buying myself a new rifle and I've decided on a Browning BLR, but I can't decide on a caliber. I want to stick with a short action with either a 20" or 22" barrel. I do NOT handload so cost of factory ammo is a factor. I already have a long range rig so ballistics past 200 yards or so are of little concern.

My options are...

308 win
358 win
450 marlin
300 wsm

Which caliber for BLR? single choice
	308 Win
	358 Win
	450 Marlin
	300 WSM
Votes accepted starting: 12/28/12 06:32 AM
View Results

To The THF!

to the forum. Pull up a stump and hang around a while. Oh and keep the waders handy for when the gets deep.

Since you said you already have a long range round and you listed one of my favorites I had to select the 358 Winchester for the poll

I have a 450 Marlin in a Steyr Bolt rifle it is wonderful. But I think for 99.99 percent of hunting in Texas it would be hard to be a 358 with 225 grain partitions.

Just read that again, get a 308. You will never find partitions or accubonds for the 358 Winchester.

308 with 165 Accubonds or Parititions would kill anything that walks in Texas anyway.

I used a 308 on several Gemsbok, Zebra and a Kudu. 308 will work on nilgai too.

The 225gr partition is my favorite bullet for the 358 and 350 Remington Mag. Have used it on anything from yotes to elk with a few hogs whitetails and a mule deer. All have been one shot kills. Does't get much better than that IMO

NO 7mm-08? Really, for inside 200, get whatever has the cheapest/easiest to find ammo, the 308.

agree

.270

Welcome ... I'm your neighbor over in Tyler County. Wifey works in Livingston.

I voted for the .308 because of ammo varieties and availability (most of the time).

It works on anything in Texas.

Had to vote .308. Very versatile round. Welcome.

Welcome to THF and Texas. Of your 4 choices, based on availability, I'd go with the 308.

Welcome , I'm thinking a 300 wsm in a blr will kick your head off , lol

Welcome! I said .358, because I just love that caliber and it would be great for deer, or a big old feral hog. Just have to say though, that handloading is loads of fun and would save a ton of money for any of the calibers you listed. Just a thought...

I voted 358 win since you stated you have the long range rig covered. I think you will like it. I have also owned the 450 marlin and it has no real advantage over the 45-70 which you might want to add to your list.

I wish you'd add the 7-08, but given those choices the 308. capt david

X2

7MM08 or 260Remington

Okay Well since you did say you do not reload I will also say the .308 Win.

But I also just have to say that the way things are going I would highly consider reloading.

Now if you do decide to reload the .308 is still a wonderful cartridge by its own right.

But I think you should highly consider and look up some information on the .358 Winchester. Do not believe some of the things people say about it being some kind of short range brush cartridge unless you consider 300 yards or so close range lol.

Every cartridge can do many things if you reload. But the .358 Winchester as a very versatile cartridge. They can be loaded with Pistol bullets both cast and jacketed along with Rifle Bullets both Cast and Jacketed from 180Gr to 300 Gr. And since it is based on the .308 Win case the .358 Win is easily made from standard .308 Win brass or you can purchase .358 Win Brass New. Also like a .308 Win the .358 Win shoots very well.


Here is a couple of 5 shot Groups with a cast 225Gr GC bullet from my .358 Win Bolt Rifle I just had built.I did these while working up some loads. And yes each group is 5 rounds each.

308.

And here is mine in 308:



-Mickey

Welcome to Texas and the 308 is Great!!!!!!!

I voted 308. My 308 puts 5 in a dime at 100 easy ! So did My 7m-08. But I can find 308 ammo alot easier than 7-08.