One Cal - Multiple Rifles

ShrtRnd

ShrtRnd

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
128   0   0
After a rather involved and spirited conversation with hunting friends this past weekend, we discussed the pros/cons of having one caliber in multiple setups.

I won’t divulge our thoughts quite yet, but wanted to throw it out to the CGN brethren to gather your insights, trials, tribulations or failures on such?
 
I like having variety when I spend half a day at the range. Especially, if I bring a new shooter with me to teach (to prevent them and myself from getting bored).

Start the day with 22LR and .223, switching as needed. Then finish the day off with some 12g slugs, or hit the clay throwers for a few rounds of fun.

I don't think I'd personally want to have 1 caliber across the board. I want mustard, ketchup, and relish on my hot dogs!
 
I don't see the point in that... the cartridge is what does most of the work. What are you going to chose for light/long range work, AND heavy/short range work, AND Varmint work, AND heavy/long range work, AND light/short range work, AND thick bush work AND AND AND...

I streamlined alot in retirement, but still shoot .224 cal, 6.5 cal, .30 cal, .35 cal, .375 cal and .458 cal... if I was choosing only one of those it would have to be .375, but that would be rather inappropriate for some applications.

I think you can get away with three cartridges, to cover the bases, excluding shotgun and LR.

Sure you can do a .30/06 or .300 WM, but there are somethings those either can't or shouldn't do.
 
Last edited:
I can see it with fun ggunslinger rimfires. Can never have to many variations of 22lr.
As for centerfire rifles I like different cartridges and calibers to get the closest to the best I can get for a given game animal

For shotguns I believe its a necessity to have sxs ou semi auto pump and single for 12 and 20 gauges
 
I fall into the different calibres for different jobs/scenarios camp.

.22 or 12 gauge for birds and rabbits
308 for deer and bear
300WM for moose

I will however concede that I could see the benefit in having different guns in the same calibre if they were suited to different situations ie. a shorter/handier rifle like a Ruger Scout with irons or a low power scout scope for hunting in the thick stuff vs a nice Tikka T3x with a more powerful optic for more open spaces.
 
If your different set ups are for different applications or you just like them, sure. I've got about 25 .223/5.56 rifles and 3 or 4 .308 for example.
 
I like the idea. I don't have any duplicates yet, but I was real close to adding some to my collection this past weekend at the gun show.

Here are two examples: 303British. I already own an SMLE sporter, I'm still looking to add a Martini in 303 to the collection though. Maybe a Ross in the future too.

7mm08/243win. I already own rifles in these calibers, but I also have 3 kids and a small wife so I'm looking to add more.


And 22s! Can't have too many 22s, and I've got multiples with those.
 
I think it depends on the versatility of the cartridge, which can dictate to what extremes of use it can be put.

For something like 308win, a guy could have a LPVO or red dot or iron sights zeroed with a heavy load for bear.

Another 308 could have a 4-12x optic shooting fast light bullets over farmland for deer.

Different field of view for different distances, and different bullet type and velocity for different game at different distances.

I think it depends heavily on how versatile the cartridge is, how varied the game is, and how far varied the distances between hunting scenarios is.

For something like cartridges or people it makes no sense, while for others it could be practical. If possible I’d rather have cartridges tailored to the specific purpose.
 
I would not like that. I like different calibers for different task. When I used to go deer or moose hunting I always brought a scoped .270 win but also brought a 30-30 or 45-70 lever for different situations. Plus like many have mentioned you always need a .22lr and a 12 gauge. Besides that I like having different calibers.
 
I'll bite,

An 18" 308win under 7lbs is pretty handy

A 22" 30-06 around 8lb is more capable beyond 300m, a good 'all arounder'

A 26" 300wm around 9-10lb is preferred at distance - can get it done further than I'd want to shoot.

Horses for courses.

Makes sense to me!

(...but what does the OP mean by 'caliber'? There seem to be some varying interpretations here 🤔)
 
I currently have four .308 rifles, three .30-06, three 7x64, three 7x57, two .222, two 9.3x62, two .375 H&H, two 9.3x74R, and I use them all and like them all for slightly different purposes. or whims. Most have more than one scope too. I normally handload ammunition for maximum utility and compatibility in several rifles not for ultimate maximum accuracy or velocity in a particular rifle. Works for me.
 
Matching your gun to your hunting partner's gun is good. If one forgets or loses their ammo, the other one has it covered. My wife and I both shoot 30-06 for our main hunting rifles. But I do have other firearms for specific purposes. Example, I have a CZ 600 Alpha in 7.62x39 in an 18" barrel for my blind/tree stand hunting.
 
I have multiple duplicate calibers in different rifles. I just use different brands of brass for each one, to keep everything totally seperate.

Nothing wrong with having many guns in many calibers, or multiples of the same caliber.
 
Great subject matter. We all have that favorite. I don't believe in a one caliber only, but do have a tendency for one particular caliber. Fortunately it's not 7mm as that caliber is a prolific breeder and I don't have pockets deep enough to own the wide array of choices. Not sure if there are more cartridges than .308" but wow... you can fill a safe with 7mm choices and 308. I'm a .277" guy for sure though, having three very solid performers and multiples of them. 270win, 270wsm and 6.8western. Having purchased or inherited in that order and happy to add more of them in the future. As for what I hunt with? I carry multiple at the same time. I typically carry for deer/moose/elk/bear my 6.8western and a scoped 30-30 win ae more as a side arm for quick up close and the possible emergency response situation. Anything over 75 yards gets the 6.8 but for up close personal my 160 grain FTX handloads in the 30-30 are solid hitters too. But I'm in love with the 6.8 western. It makes me look like a better shooter just because of it's ballistics. Cheers
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom