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Caliber question
#4816493
12/07/13 11:52 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 991
freonfreak82
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 991 |
Been out of the hunting world for a few years and looking to get back into it. I've had a 30/06, .270, and a .280... I not going to hunt out of Texas... Will be taking deer mainly, pigs here and there and maybe some predators on a rare occasion. With that said, what is the best caliber to go with? I don't reload and won't be starting anytime soon. So I'm looking for a caliber that will be available at academy, cabelas, etc.. I'm thinking 25/06, 308, 270... Something in that range.. But am open to suggestions. I wanna be able to enjoy shooting the rifle and not hate the recoil etc. possibly let my kids use it.. Thanks in advance
" get busy livin' or get busy dyin' "
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: freonfreak82]
#4816497
12/07/13 11:54 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,320
TCB
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,320 |
.25/06 or .243 will do everything you want with a wide variety of factory ammo.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: TCB]
#4816559
12/08/13 12:15 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 864
rattlesnake
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 864 |
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: rattlesnake]
#4816588
12/08/13 12:24 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,657
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,657 |
Truth be told if I'm in the blind I sure miss my 243 my wife claimed, not because of the caliber but because short action short barrel
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#4816754
12/08/13 01:06 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
Minor in training
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Minor in training
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547 |
243, 25-06, 7mm-08. 30-06, 270, 308. Choose your pick lol.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: chital_shikari]
#4816808
12/08/13 01:21 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,564
Slow Drifter
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,564 |
243, 25-06, 7mm-08. 30-06, 270, 308. Choose your pick lol. ^^^^^That about covers it. For hunting deer and pigs in Texas any of the above will do nicely. If recoil is an issue, may delete 30-06 and possibly 270. They're not bad at all, but a definite step up from the others.
"I have no idea what WW-III will be fought with, but WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A. Einstein
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: chital_shikari]
#4816815
12/08/13 01:22 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,287
cos
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,287 |
If I had to chose one it would be 7mm-08, wide variety of bullets and pretty easy to find ammo for if you don't reload. Lighter bullets have light recoil.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: cos]
#4816893
12/08/13 01:46 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,213
Friction
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,213 |
If I had to chose one it would be 7mm-08, wide variety of bullets and pretty easy to find ammo for if you don't reload. Lighter bullets have light recoil.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: cos]
#4816922
12/08/13 01:57 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,289
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,289 |
Go with the .270. I've been shooting a 7-08 all this year . It kills them just as dead as a .270 but costs twice as much to shoot. If I were to just have one rifle it would be the .270. It's easier to find ammo and is half the price. I know the whole forum is in love with the 7-08 which is why I bought one when the opportunity arose. After this season ill probably put it up until the kids are old enough to shoot it. After all it kicks like a little less than my .270 and I have more faith in it than I do in my .243 with a kid shooting it. Anything you buy will kill a deer if you put the bullet in the right spot.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: scalebuster]
#4816979
12/08/13 02:16 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,981
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,981 |
If you gotta ask, it's a 308 Win!
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#4817001
12/08/13 02:22 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,246
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,246 |
If you gotta ask, it's a 7mm-08! Fixed it. I don't even have one (yet), but if I had to be tied down to one rifle it would be ahrd pick between 7-08 and 280
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: J.G.]
#4817045
12/08/13 02:33 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 64
AWSjr
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 64 |
I have a Remington 260. It kills everything. Kids can shoot it. Probably not a popular choice. I just like the 6.5mm caliber, and bullet choices.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: AWSjr]
#4817131
12/08/13 03:02 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,548
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,548 |
I have to agree with the 7mm-08, unlike many I have been a fan of it for over 30 ears. Got the first one in 1982 and it is still one of my favorite hunting rifles (Remington 788 in 7mm-08).
A 257 Roberts is also an overlooked good caliber, light recoil and just kills things dead.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: kmon11]
#4817137
12/08/13 03:03 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,732
HorizonFirearms
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,732 |
6.5 Creedmoor, its my favorite round hands down for many reason, kills out to 731 all on video to prove it,
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: HorizonFirearms]
#4817178
12/08/13 03:14 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,156
Phantom
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,156 |
270 for availability and cost of ammo. I shoot one on a regular basis. I own a 7mm08 and I keep it for kids when they come to hunt. Its a good gun but I think the 270 would still get my vote for one firearm. get a good one and practice practice practice. get good glass.........
Good is the enemy of Great
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: AWSjr]
#4817179
12/08/13 03:14 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407
WileyCoyote
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407 |
FWIW...if you watch the adv's for the big box retailers where the cheapest and therefore most common WTail & Hog hunting ammo will be found, outside of the recent Panic Buying Insanity, there are always the same list of calibers in usually the most common & best selling bullet weights and styles.
In those parameters for the OP's described circumstances here is a List I'd suggest considering in A. & B. groups based on below & above $20 a box as the median: Group A, @ under $20 in Rem'Chester/Fed basic grade non premium ammo - 30'06, 270, 308, 243 & 30-30. Group B @ + $20 to $30 & same basic non premium ammo same as Group A- 7Rmg, 7-08, 280, 25'06, 7x57, 6.5x55 Swede, 260 & mebbe 257Rbts & 300WMg.
As I advance farther into geezerhood and have become concerned more with recoil rather than shooting past 3-400 yards, I've downsized my closet full of Deer shooters that have averaged 15-25 shooters on hand at one time for as long as I can remember ...unless I got cute and needed some cash to fund a new business venture or something my Fun Money stash would not cover. When I started this downsizing thing I was determined to have some play toy calibers to keep me interested but always would have something that I could buy ammo for anywhere from Nome, to the bait shop in Fraser Colorado (just up the road from Winter Park) or the C store/gas station in Medicine Bow Wyoming to the Zona Rosa's south of the Rio Grande.
Right now I am down to 3 fun guns & a "get ammo anywhere" gun...I'll let ya'll guess which ones are which - a 260, 270, 300WSM & a 9.3x62. Again same song 2nd verse in a go anywhere in any weather to hunt anything & tell you 3 of these are "nice & pretty" wood/blue guns and 1 is an all bidnizz SS/syn. I can hunt anything in the US except Grizz at under 3-400 yards with "The One Gun" ...and have...but there are 2 other calibers of the original cheapest ammo possible anywhere Group A I could do the same thing with successfuly, and have in the past. JMHO & YMMV Ron
Last edited by WileyCoyote; 12/08/13 03:27 AM.
It is TIME for Term Limits, cause Politicians are like childrens diapers and for the same reasons...Robin Williams "These are the times that try men's soul's"...Thomas Paine
"Those who fail to learn from History are doomed to repeat it" ....Santayana
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: WileyCoyote]
#4817566
12/08/13 07:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,195
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,195 |
Whichever one you can walk into any mom and pop store and find ammo for... the. 30-30.
How do you like that Wingmaster?
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: WileyCoyote]
#4817569
12/08/13 07:17 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,195
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,195 |
Whichever one you can walk into any mom and pop store and find ammo for... the. 30-30.
How do you like that Wingmaster?
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#4818073
12/08/13 04:46 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 991
freonfreak82
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 991 |
I like it fine. Serves the purpose of what I wanted (a wingmaster that I felt comfortable taking out in the field). I might get screw in chokes put in so I can really use it for anything. Dunno yet though.
" get busy livin' or get busy dyin' "
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: freonfreak82]
#4819599
12/09/13 02:14 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,806
Deerhunter61
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,806 |
Don't leave out 6.5X55 Swede! Awesome rifle caliber! Hard hard hitter!
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: Deerhunter61]
#4821904
12/09/13 08:33 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,160
gbeard
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,160 |
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: WileyCoyote]
#4821948
12/09/13 08:47 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 701
BClineCoke
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 701 |
FWIW...if you watch the adv's for the big box retailers where the cheapest and therefore most common WTail & Hog hunting ammo will be found, outside of the recent Panic Buying Insanity, there are always the same list of calibers in usually the most common & best selling bullet weights and styles.
In those parameters for the OP's described circumstances here is a List I'd suggest considering in A. & B. groups based on below & above $20 a box as the median: Group A, @ under $20 in Rem'Chester/Fed basic grade non premium ammo - 30'06, 270, 308, 243 & 30-30. Group B @ + $20 to $30 & same basic non premium ammo same as Group A- 7Rmg, 7-08, 280, 25'06, 7x57, 6.5x55 Swede, 260 & mebbe 257Rbts & 300WMg.
As I advance farther into geezerhood and have become concerned more with recoil rather than shooting past 3-400 yards, I've downsized my closet full of Deer shooters that have averaged 15-25 shooters on hand at one time for as long as I can remember ...unless I got cute and needed some cash to fund a new business venture or something my Fun Money stash would not cover. When I started this downsizing thing I was determined to have some play toy calibers to keep me interested but always would have something that I could buy ammo for anywhere from Nome, to the bait shop in Fraser Colorado (just up the road from Winter Park) or the C store/gas station in Medicine Bow Wyoming to the Zona Rosa's south of the Rio Grande.
Right now I am down to 3 fun guns & a "get ammo anywhere" gun...I'll let ya'll guess which ones are which - a 260, 270, 300WSM & a 9.3x62. Again same song 2nd verse in a go anywhere in any weather to hunt anything & tell you 3 of these are "nice & pretty" wood/blue guns and 1 is an all bidnizz SS/syn. I can hunt anything in the US except Grizz at under 3-400 yards with "The One Gun" ...and have...but there are 2 other calibers of the original cheapest ammo possible anywhere Group A I could do the same thing with successfuly, and have in the past. JMHO & YMMV Ron I agree with everything in this post.
Last edited by BClineCoke; 12/09/13 08:49 PM.
Barrett Cline-Coke Director of Operations Champion Maintenance Group 469-358-6236
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: BClineCoke]
#4822130
12/09/13 09:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,519
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,519 |
Years ago I read somewhere that the most popular caliber for custom rifles was .30-06. I remember being very surprised, as everyone cool was using SuperZappers of some flavor, and nothing was more uncool than the .30-06, except maybe the .30-30.
Fast forward to the present. I've come to realize the advantages of cheap, high quality, readily available ammo and I've also come to realize that **hunting** with that nice rifle is much more enjoyable than taking it out of the safe and oiling it every six months or so.
I'm seriously considering selling off a few of my SuperZappers. Three guesses what I'll probably buy with the cash ...
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#4822203
12/09/13 09:53 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 12,295
Cody Malone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 12,295 |
If you gotta ask, it's a 308 Win!
HF Whitetail / Exotic / S. African Safaris
Proudly Sponsored by: Horizon Firearms / Swarovski Optiks / Under Armour / Yeti Coolers / Costa Del Mar / Havalon Knives
Malone Outdoors, LLC C/254-722-9031 or E/ maloneoutdoors@yahoo.com
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Re: Caliber question
[Re: Cody Malone]
#4822303
12/09/13 10:16 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,732
HorizonFirearms
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,732 |
6.5 creedmoor, they even have the ammo at academy now. Ballistics much better than 308
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