Okay, just getting back into hunting, last year I picked up a Savage 99F in 308, great rifle and I plan on keeping it for awhile. But the new gun bug has hit. I am leaning hard toward picking up one of the "package" rifles and swapping a better scope on it. Just saw the Model 700 100th aniversary edition with the stainless fluted barrel, what a nice light gun it is. I hunt mostly deer, but am hoping to get drawn for some bigger game. The terrain I hunt in is mostly forested, with limited open range hunting. I like the .308 to shoot, but I would like to get something different. I am a fair sized guy, so recoil shouldn't be an issue for me. I would like something that would be another good all round rifle. What would you pick and why? Thanks in advance for your responses.
Help me pick a calibre
- Thread starter WCTHEMI
- Start date
I'm new too! I have a 22 and a shotgun. I would like a nice lever action in 30-30, a bolt action in 308, an SKS, something in 45-70, a black rifle, a 50bmg, a coach gun, a 22 pistol, a large caliber pistol, a VERY large caliber revolver....so many guns, so little moneyWCTHEMI said:
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
I think that the .308 with a 200 gr bullet would do well for moose, but I understand the desire to have a bit more. I believe your next logical step would be a mild medium - perhaps a .338/06, .35 Whelen, or a 9.3X62. The step beyond this is to go straight to a .375 H&H. I would avoid the package deals because not only will you get a cheap scope, but the mounts will probably be junk as well. Is there a bison in your future?
First off the question you should be asking is: "Help me pick a cartridge." Calibre is the size of the hole through the barrel. Your 308 is the same "calibre" as a 30-30 or 300 Ultra Mag.
The .308 Winchester is probably one of the most versatile hunting cartridges in production. Inside of 350 yards no animal you shoot will be able to tell the difference between it or any similar cartridge. The next logical step up in power is to go to a larger calibre and my vote would be for the 338 Winchester magnum if you are capable of shooting it. If most of your hunting will be inside 300 yards the .35 Whelen would also be a good choice.
The .308 Winchester is probably one of the most versatile hunting cartridges in production. Inside of 350 yards no animal you shoot will be able to tell the difference between it or any similar cartridge. The next logical step up in power is to go to a larger calibre and my vote would be for the 338 Winchester magnum if you are capable of shooting it. If most of your hunting will be inside 300 yards the .35 Whelen would also be a good choice.
john-brennan
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver Island B.C.
new gun
I my opinion i think the 7mm Rem Mag is hard to beat, from deer to moose bullets range from 120gr-175gr. I also own a 270WSM, 25-06, 338WM and all are great calibres for different kinds of hunting.
I my opinion i think the 7mm Rem Mag is hard to beat, from deer to moose bullets range from 120gr-175gr. I also own a 270WSM, 25-06, 338WM and all are great calibres for different kinds of hunting.
I second this!!NCressman said:I have recently fallen in love with the 6.5 by 55 rifles, they're such a dream to shoot, and they are quite accurate, and will also be sufficient for deer, and some types of larger game (depending on how good a shot you are)
"....308 with a 200 gr bullet would do well for moose..." A 180 will do well for moose. You don't need a big, heavy cartridge, calibre or bullet for moose.
"...another good all round rifle..." For what? You have a good all round rifle now. I'd be thinking varmint calibre.
"...another good all round rifle..." For what? You have a good all round rifle now. I'd be thinking varmint calibre.
