Best all around hunting caliber for BC?

.308 and .30-06 are virtually the same thing in different cases. About 100 FPS velocity difference with like bullet weights. Either one with 165 grain bullets will kill any game you care to hunt. Big bears included. Both can be loaded down with lighter varmint type bullets too.
Your .45-70 will do for wolves if you don't care about the hides. Ditto for anything suitable for Bullwinkle and Yogi. If you're a new shooter, anything with magnum in it's name is too much. Really nothing in North America that needs the velocities(and felt recoil/muzzle blast) magnums produce. Plus shooting a big bangenclanger on a range isn't fun. Means you'll be less likely to practice enough to get good enough to hunt with one.
 
I do not own one as I have a range of calibers, but if I had to choose one all around caliber the 30-06 would be right up there as the top choice.....it is not the best at any one thing but is great all round.
 
On huntingbc.ca Bartell ran a series of polls to find the ideal BC hunting rifle (and have some fun)

It came out to this:

Sako 85 Stainless Synthetic in 30-06 is the ideal rifle for hunting in BC, according to the polls. Topped with a Leupold, most voting for the Vx3 3.5-10x40mm model

Obviously it wouldn't be my choice, as I wouldn't be caught dead with a 30-06 or a Sako synthetic rifle, but it's hard to argue against it, even for larger critters.:)
 
I have used the old 6.5 swede for Wolfs to moose worked grait hell I have hunted grouse with mine wen Ther was no 22 handy
For solely nostalgic reasons 303 Brit i got from my grandfather is the best
 
carverk said:
I have used the old 6.5 swede for Wolfs to moose worked grait hell I have hunted grouse with mine wen Ther was no 22 handy
For solely nostalgic reasons 303 Brit i got from my grandfather is the best
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Ha! That moose I got when we last hunted with you was with my .303 ;)
 
Gatehouse said:
On huntingbc.ca Bartell ran a series of polls to find the ideal BC hunting rifle (and have some fun)

It came out to this:

Sako 85 Stainless Synthetic in 30-06 is the ideal rifle for hunting in BC, according to the polls. Topped with a Leupold, most voting for the Vx3 3.5-10x40mm model

Obviously it wouldn't be my choice, as I wouldn't be caught dead with a 30-06 or a Sako synthetic rifle, but it's hard to argue against it, even for larger critters.:)
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Obviously that's not the ideal rifle for hunting BC, you make no mention of a silencer...
 
Thanks guy, leaning towards a .308 now.

Mainly because a buddy just found out I got my PAL on Friday and gave me 200 unfired .308 winchester brass, 200 Sierra bullets, 200 CCI primers, and 2 lbs IMR 4195 powder as he sold his .308 and got out of hunting entirely. Now he just shoots pistols at the range.

So might as well buy a .308 and put them to use :)
 
Ardent said:
Outside of Bison and big bears, it will do nicely, good hunting and enjoy the sport. Now just be sure to buy a real gun for your rifle choice (the next thread I'm sure), Winchester, Ruger, Sako etc. You won't regret it.
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Im thinking of the Remington 700 Mountain Rifle SS
 
Remington 700 is always a good choice, regardless what the rest of the Remington hating world says on here. I have hunted all over most of the world with various 700 Rems and taken several "African dangerous game" with them and I'm still here to tell you they never once failed me or let me down in any way. 308 wouldn't be my choice, but hey when someone gives you a supply like that, what the hell you might as well buy a rifle to go with it..........I've bought rifles with less excuse than that !!!!

You can always buy a 375 H&H later...........
 
c-fbmi said:
Remington 700 is always a good choice, regardless what the rest of the Remington hating world says on here. I have hunted all over most of the world with various 700 Rems and taken several "African dangerous game" with them and I'm still here to tell you they never once failed me or let me down in any way. 308 wouldn't be my choice, but hey when someone gives you a supply like that, what the hell you might as well buy a rifle to go with it..........I've bought rifles with less excuse than that !!!!

You can always buy a 375 H&H later...........
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the .375H&H does seems like the best good for anything on the planet caliber. Perhaps a later rifle will be chambered in this once I buy and learn to shoot a .308.
 
Ardent said:
Good plan, and I'm not a Remington fan but Douglas has very clearly demonstrated my criticisms aren't exactly solid.
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It just seems like most/all gunsmiths specialize in accurizing the 700 action, so want my first gun to be something I can find a good gunsmith anywhere if needed, want to avoid the oddball actions if at all possible. Who knows might get into long range shooting and it seems the .308 and 700 action is a good base for that too so seems versatile.
 
.308 is an awesome round, lots of choices, stay the course you will not go wrong, it will kill anything you point it at and do it well. Unlike the magnums blood shot is much easier do deal with. Like you said Remington and choices for accurizing and customizing is almost endless. Good luck!
 
Rifter said:
If you were buying a gun to hunt everything from wolves to moose/bear what would your choice be?

I want a guide gun in 45/70 just not sure how well it will do on smaller game. I do plan to reload though for some lower power rounds for smaller game.

My dad thinks a .308win or .300win mag is a better option, although I question the .308 stopping power on larger game, my dad is under the belief that shot placement is everything and even a .22 should be good for a grizzly if you land the shot right lol.
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7mm-08. Big enough for moose, elk, black bear and deer without blowing big chunks of meat off your game. Also handy for wolves & cougar for the same reason. Probably overkill for coyote and small game.
 
The first question which must be answered refers to your shooting experience and to your recoil tolerance. This must be considered in an honest manner, because overestimating your ability to handle recoil could result in you wasting good money or a rifle that is of no value to you. Handloading solves many ills, and the versatility of any cartridge can be optimized through the wider selection of bullet choices that are available, and the velocity level they are fired at. A .45/70 is good for use as a short to medium range big game rifle, or even as a short range protection gun, but its a poor choice for the individual who wants a single rifle which can be used in all of the big game hunting scenarios that are possible in BC. For those who champion the .30/06 as the correct answer, I'm with you. ". . . There ain't many problems that a man can't fix with $700 and a .30/06. . . . "
 
Rifter said:
If you were buying a gun to hunt everything from wolves to moose/bear what would your choice be?

I want a guide gun in 45/70 just not sure how well it will do on smaller game. I do plan to reload though for some lower power rounds for smaller game.

My dad thinks a .308win or .300win mag is a better option, although I question the .308 stopping power on larger game, my dad is under the belief that shot placement is everything and even a .22 should be good for a grizzly if you land the shot right lol.
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Just because he's your dad, doesn't mean you don't have to listen to him. Shot placement IS everything!!! But you have to have sufficient power also. So, a .22 isn't a smart choice.
Like was similarly stated already, 130 grain(or heavier), .277 dia( or larger). and faster than 2000 fps should be good for what your looking for.
 
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