LR/silhouette/calibre/models/optics

[Splatter]

I used to shoot silhouette with a .308. I'd have to have an exceptionally bad hit not to topple the rams. I shot with guys shooting .243's, they'd have to have very good hits to drop the rams.
Seemed like a bullet that weighed more than 130 grains was needed to reliably drop that distant steel.
Now that I've played with a 6.5-'06 (the ballistic equivalent of the 6.5-284), and I think a 139-142 grain bullet at 2800-2900 would be great to make the 'clangs', it's also a competitive cartridge for darn near everything else.

 

[bisonhd]

I used to shoot silhouette with a .308. I'd have to have an exceptionally bad hit not to topple the rams.

I used 308 for a while and using the lighter bullets such as 155 or even 168 didn't garuantee a take down any better than a 139-142 6.5 shot at moderate velcocities. Add to that, with the 308 your dealing with more recoil and muzzle blast.

Note also, a 'poor' hit with silhouette, ie, hitting near an edge is more likely to knock the heavy target off the stand one foot following the other, rather tha a center hit where you've got both bases working against you.

Velocity isn't always the answer either. Hitting to fast will cause the bullet to blow up, and not transfer it's energy against the target. If the bullet splashes in the steel is over a couple of inches, your pushing too fast.

 

[BCFred]

There was a nasty little wind that would come down a draw behind the rams at the Kamloops range and you could hit rams with a fully stoked 308 load and they'd just stand there looking at you if the breeze was on. X2 on the muzzle blast/recoil question regarding 308 too, as well as edge hits vs center hits. I have never been a good enough shot to aim for edge hits like some guys though. I had one friend who used the 105 amax in his 6 for rams and he would try to hit them at the top of the back. The 107 SMK's seemed to have enough oomph for rams in my 6 if only I could hit them somewhere...anywhere. The only exception I have seen to edge hits being better is in turkeys where they spin sometimes and stay on the stand. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I remember thinking this was more usual in the rain or after a shower. You guys have talked me into it. I think the next rifle I buy will be a Savage bolt action in 260. It would be nice to try highpower again.

 

[arctic_front]

You guys have been just great with your input. Thank you all very much. I have to say that I'm not much closer to picking a calibre than I was before, but I have learned a lot from everyone's personal experience and input. I will deliberate a bit longer and try to narrow my choice down a bit as to what kind of shooting I want to do. I really like the idea of the very long range, but i think I may have to work up to that class after some experience in shorter ranges.

Again, you have all been very generous of your time and experience in responding to my original query. Thanks very much!