Then don't buy the book cartridges of the world. You'll be dreaming about obsolete and wildcat cartridges non stop
Looking to fill the gaps
- Thread starter Adam77
- Start date
With only a .270 and 7-08, I assume that you do not reload?
You already have two cartridges that do essentially the same thing. You might want to keep your favourite (doesn't matter which) and sell off the other. You need a .223 Rem, because everyone does. You could also use one that carries and heavier payload. The most practical step up would be one of the .300 Magnums, there are many to choose from, and load 200 grain bullets. If you want to spend more money, you could go to a .338 WM or a .9.3X62 or 375... if a .375, the Ruger is tough to find components for and has been for a couple years.
Realistically, a .22 LR, .223, .270, .300 WM leaves no practical gaps for anything in North America. Outside of this continent a .375 would be a wise addition.
You already have two cartridges that do essentially the same thing. You might want to keep your favourite (doesn't matter which) and sell off the other. You need a .223 Rem, because everyone does. You could also use one that carries and heavier payload. The most practical step up would be one of the .300 Magnums, there are many to choose from, and load 200 grain bullets. If you want to spend more money, you could go to a .338 WM or a .9.3X62 or 375... if a .375, the Ruger is tough to find components for and has been for a couple years.
Realistically, a .22 LR, .223, .270, .300 WM leaves no practical gaps for anything in North America. Outside of this continent a .375 would be a wise addition.
I would be looking for a rifle system that I didn’t have yet. The cartridge would choose itself. Ie; a long range set up fed by a ballistic rangefinder, I’d be agonizing over the scope choice more than the cartridge, ffp etc and see what all the fuss is about. Another basic sporter to do the same thing wouldn’t be very high on my list at all. Or I’d be looking for a fun to shoot can’t wear it out 30gr powder class like a 6.5 Grendel that can still also do it all. You’re covered for big game to 500-600 with what you have depending on setup.
You’d assume incorrectly as I do reload. The 270 is mine and the 7-08 is for my wife when she goes out, I have also taken that out myself as well. I have full confidence that what I have now is adequate but part of the fun for me is collecting. It’s just more specificity that I’m after.
I would base the decision on what and where you hunt. Both of those cartridges can do up to moose and black bear with the right bullet. If you’re not going for bison or musk ox I’d be happy with the current power level.
If hunting bigger things I’d go with either 9.6x62mm, 338winmag, 35 Whelen depending on species and environment (range, distance).
If not hunting bigger stuff then I’d get something more suited to shorter ranges with fast sighting like a lever rifle chambered in a rimmed cartridge or else 308/30-06 (ubiquity and versatility).
If you find all your hunting is for medium game at distances further than thick bush or a bait site, then I’d move onto either a small game 22LR or else something for fur (223, 22-250). Or if you like birds, a 12 or 20 gauge depending on what type.
Having said that, it would be way more fun to get a whole bunch anyway so I can’t discourage that even if it’s for hunting cans and paper in their natural habitat
If hunting bigger things I’d go with either 9.6x62mm, 338winmag, 35 Whelen depending on species and environment (range, distance).
If not hunting bigger stuff then I’d get something more suited to shorter ranges with fast sighting like a lever rifle chambered in a rimmed cartridge or else 308/30-06 (ubiquity and versatility).
If you find all your hunting is for medium game at distances further than thick bush or a bait site, then I’d move onto either a small game 22LR or else something for fur (223, 22-250). Or if you like birds, a 12 or 20 gauge depending on what type.
Having said that, it would be way more fun to get a whole bunch anyway so I can’t discourage that even if it’s for hunting cans and paper in their natural habitat
Of the cartridges I have owned and kind of miss the 300 win and 375 h&h. The 375 can load up or down and is a pleasure to shoot. My advice if you find one that fits jump on it. Most of my coyote hunting was with a 243. Calling a 22 hornet.
Bingo, been my all around BC gun for 35 years. Got bigger and smaller but this one does it all. Doesn’t have to be a heavy gun, mines 8 1/4 scoped. 22” barrel and 2900+ with 210s.
Sell everything and buy a 30-06, from 110gn to 220gn, from mouse to biggest bears, from 0 to 500m, cheap to shoot, easy to find components, easy to find ammo anywhere you will be on earth, price of ammo is or can be cheap, can be shot well in a relatively light rifle, works well with 20” barrel… but what is the fun in that?
I have a few calibers I like/have, 22lr, 222rem, 7x65r, 30-06, 8x57, 8mm06, 9.3x62, 9.3x74r, 458 win mag… Gatehouse wouldn’t jealous cause they are all “obsolete” cartridges… that said, I don’t see the appeal of the new cartridges that actually don’t do much or anything more than the old one are doing other than marketing I don’t think they are superior! Look at the 375 Ruger gatehouse favorite, if it was that superior to the 375h&h it would be as plentiful on the shelf and in the field but it ain’t so to me that is a sign of obsolescence, just like most of the WSM
And RUM… newer ain’t always better!
I have a few calibers I like/have, 22lr, 222rem, 7x65r, 30-06, 8x57, 8mm06, 9.3x62, 9.3x74r, 458 win mag… Gatehouse wouldn’t jealous cause they are all “obsolete” cartridges… that said, I don’t see the appeal of the new cartridges that actually don’t do much or anything more than the old one are doing other than marketing I don’t think they are superior! Look at the 375 Ruger gatehouse favorite, if it was that superior to the 375h&h it would be as plentiful on the shelf and in the field but it ain’t so to me that is a sign of obsolescence, just like most of the WSM
And RUM… newer ain’t always better!
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Awesome video! I want one bad. I will own a 9.3x62 one day
I used to hunt with a 6.5 not alot of blood to follow but now hunt exclusivity ruger no 1 in 45-70 cast and powder coat my own 405 grn bullets at around 1650 fps took 5 deer over last 2 years and there was nice blood not that a guy needed it as they went 15 feet at the most and less meat damage then the 6.5. I also have a 375 hh ruger no 1 but haven't hunted it so can't say. It is quite a bit heavier to carry and kicks alot harder then the 4570. For varmints I have a cz 527 17 hornet it's quite the case to reload 10 guns of powder and does a good job at saving fur.
I like a lot of the suggestions on here recommending the .223 if you want to go smaller or 9.3x62 if looking to fill in gap on the bigger end. .35 Whelen or one of my favorites, .338-06 would also be cool. Although with the .338-06 you're likely to have to go custom or find a used one for sale.
Just a note, 375 Ruger brass is unavailable in Canada from my checking. A half dozen places have loaded ammo. Heading the way of many WSM , RUM, etc JMHO the H&H is still here and will be for ever. Your call
- Location
- Fraser Valley, B.C.
204 Ruger cause it’s zippy and fun for the smaller critters.
Larger stuff I like a .338 mine is an RCM and a Lapua which do drastically different jobs
So why not go big and get a .375 Ruger or 375 H&H
B
Larger stuff I like a .338 mine is an RCM and a Lapua which do drastically different jobs
So why not go big and get a .375 Ruger or 375 H&H
B
I am going the other way and eliminating some overlap, so your dilemma in reverse, as others have mentioned a 300 mag, 338 mag, 9.3x62, or one of the 375s could work for you. I could not decide on whether I would eliminate my 300 win mag or my 338 so I listed both and will keep the one that doesn't sell. I am keeping my 375 Ruger[stainless] as I have components and I am keeping my 9.3x62[wood and blued deluxe Husky]. It might be a better idea to make a short list of cartridges that would suit you, then look for a rifle that you like, chambered in something from your list. Your list could be a lot longer than what I have listed here. I don't shoot anything a .223 is good for, so I don't own one, I have a 9mm pistol carbine and a couple of .22s for my Wife and I to have fun with. I also have a .270 I like and a 7 08 that I occasionally borrow from my Wife. As others have said you could replace everything with a 30 06 for North America, but for me that is boring.
