Bullet Selection

[Toiler280]

When discussing the virtues of a new chambering, often a lot of emphasis is given to bullet selection; particularly the potential to use a vast array of different weight bullets for a particular calibre. I would guess that this is especially relevant for the single gun hunter but I am wondering how many hunters actually change bullets for the type of game they hunt.

I would guess that if I was forced to use only one rifle for the rest of my hunting career (7mm Rem Mag, 30-06 Spfd or 300 Win mag) I would have a one-bullet-kills-all load.

Do you (often) change the bullets based on the quarry you are hunting?

I have used a 30-06 off and on for about 45 years. Then about 30 years ago I became a 280 fan. Still used the '06 for moose and elk but also used the 280 for the same. I used 150 gr Partition handloads in the 280 and killed everything I shot at. Along comes Hornady and the Light Magnum with a 139 gr SST about 12 years ago. It works. Then last year I got a Rem 700 SPS '06 and the new 180 gr SST Superformance. Shooting Sub 0.5 MOA groups I used this rifle last year to take three deer with three shots at 255, 308 and 309 yds respectively. This performance has convinced me to take this rifle with me on a plains game safari in Namibia next year. I will probably use it exclusively from now on because I am very confident with it and the recoil is negligable. If you were to want one rifle for everything shoot it with only one bullet weight. Changing bullet weights usually means re-sighting. Select a 17/22 RF for plinking, a 22 CF for varmints and gophers and a larger cal CF for hunting and select one bullet weight that each one shoots well. Then give them all the business and remember....