New Hunting Rifle Caliber

ShrtRnd said:
If I was keeping to factory ammo only either 243Win or 25-06 would be in my cards. More then likely the 25-06.

Reality is.. .308Win will do what you’re asking easily enough. Just because something is flat shooting doesn’t necessarily mean it it’s more efficient at dispatching game. Especially in the 6.5mm category over the .308Win your thinking of.

Which is probably why I don’t use any 6.5mm offering or 25-06
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interesting! thanks for the feedback
 
nowarningshot said:
The OP hasn't said if they're a reloader. If you aren't, stick to really common calibers, with ammo available at common stores like canadian tire.

One of those common calibers is definitely not 240 Weatherby. Effectively a 30-06 case necked to 6mm. Probably 3-400 ft/sec faster than 243 win. It's also been around for decades, so slower twist, which means many of the larger bullets designed for new 6mm will not stabilize. Your stuck with just a few bullets, typically in the 90-100gr range. Notable are nosler partition and ttsx. Actual factory brass and ammo are both rare and extremely expensive.
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correct, i do not reload, factory ammo.
 
bdb.hunting said:
Bench shooting to 500 Yards can be done with almost anything ;) but i get what you're saying.

I have a T3X CTR in 6.5 PRC It was my all around hunting right for a while. I however like to dabble and play with anything I can get my hands on.

I do agree with RJ and think a .243 win would be a fantastic choice in the 6mm caliber. Heck I know of a marksman that used a 22 ARC on a moose this year without issue. (Not sure the distance.)

With my 6.5 PRC I have 3 loadings. 127gr LRX, 150gr ABLR and I am working on a 120gr CX. The LRX and CX are limited on range based on muzzle velocity and minimum expansion velocity on target. The ABLR is a more versatile choice and I may switch to the 142gr option due to availability. It can typically go a little further before it reaches an expansion problems.

I also shoot a 6.5x55 Swede which I load with 147gr ELD-M and 120gr E-Tips.

I recommend it as a cartridge in BC that will do almost everything. I don't really like taking it into Grizzly or Brown Bear country but would if I was goat or sheep hunting.

Based on the info given and what game you're looking at I would says a 6.5 CM, 6 CM and .243win are great choices. The 6.5 PRC is great as well but being a magnum it adds powder and recoil. I owned a Tikka T3 varmint in .243win and it shot lights out with everything typically .6" 5 shot groups.

You are also correct that you're going to get allot of answers on this type of thing. Everyone has a different opinion or how they choose cartridges. Velocity, Caliber, Magnum vs Non, Recoil etc.

RJ always has good input as I find there really aren't many cartridges he hasn't shot or owned. Me I choose to use math. Pick a game, pick a max distance, pick a projectile then see if the cartridge can be loaded to that combo. If not I move onto another cartridge.

Quick EDIT: this is all factory rifle conversation with factory ammo availability. If you go custom it opens up more doors but also means hand loading yourself if you're into that.

B
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thanks! very valid and pertinent information, appreciate the insite given. i did think of going the 243 route just though it to be a little small for larger animals but indeed it can kill ethically deer etc. for some reason i do want to give these new calibers a try. yes the 308 243 etc have been around for decades buy why not give something new a try? that why i was leaning on the 6.5 and the PRC is becoming more popular and thanks to info like yours help people make a better decision. i do have a lot to read and research but i like what it has to offer so far
 
6.5 PRC would be a pretty good choice IMO. I am looking at it for my next build. I am using 6.5 Creedmoor right now, I have .308W on standby. I prefer the 6.5 as it damages less meat and shoots very well. I consider it lacking for longer shots on larger game though. Not from experience on animals but I don't want to lose a moose because I got greedy. An extra 300+fps to work with would cure that.
 
Are you planning on keeping the 308 or selling it! If you keep it I would go 6mm something, if you sell it I would go 6.5 or 7mm something!
 
I love my 6.5x55 Tikka T3 Forest..(hand loaded Nosler 120 gr B-Tips)
...but I really love my 6.5 PRC Tikka...it'll shoot anything ! It's like the 6.5x55 or the 6.5CM on steroids !!

It loves the 120 gr Nosler B-Tips that I had put together for my 6.5 swede..ANNND, everything else I tried !
Hornady's ELD X's..don't matter what grain either. I reload for it, but I tried some factory stuff just to get me some brass before I bought my Lapua stuff...I tried Norma Whitetail's ..Hornady Match and the Hornady Pro Hunter ..in 140's..143's and the147 grainers...awesome groups with it ! Fairly easy to find factory fodder for it.
 
Are you considering another brand of rifle as well? Handling other makes may help with your decision. No bad choices with the aforementioned calibers.
 
The .308 cartridge is going to be more widely available than just about any of the alternatives (important if you're not reloading!) and will put a definite hole in anything you'd care to put in front of it.
 
I have a 6.5 PRC for my main hunting rifle, that is set up to shoot out to 1000m. No I have not taken game out that far, but if and when I need to I know it will perform. Using the 156 gr berger tips.

I also have a 6.5 CM that I set up for bench work out to our range max of 1400m. Less recoil, less powder, and way more barrel life expected for the CM compared to the PRC, but I reload. The PRC does not have a lot of factory ammo available yet, and the ones that are, are in the $75 for a box of 20, and go up from there.

Factory ammo, the 6.5 Cm or the 7-08 would be top of the list. I have 2 of 7-08 rifles in the case for the teens and wife, and they make shots out to 800m from the bench for fun, and that is also a capable round for any hunting you will do to the range you want. The CM will just be a tad flatter shooting is all. You may even fid yourself with the 6.5 CM and extending your shooting/hunting range once you get proficient with it.

You can get bulk packs of 6.5 CM that go on sale often, so factory ammo will be slightly cheaper in the end.

https://g4cgunstore.com/product-category/ammunition/page/1/?filter_caliber=6-5-creedmoor
 
Ronsse610 said:
Hello to all, EDIT

I currently own a Tikka T3X Chambered in .308 and im looking into changing rifle calibers. i knoe the .308 does pretty much what i need it to do but looking for a change and versatility. the caliber would be mostly to hunt whitetail deer/black bear and smaller animals. i have a lot of people talk to me about 6.5CM and 6.5PRC what are your thoughts ( most notable flat shooting) otherwise what caliber would you suggest and why? i dont not reload ammo so will be factory loads

thanks
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Sell your 308 and buy a T3 in 223, 6.5CM and 30-06. You'll want for nothing in Canada.


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I've gradually moved from the .308 being my do all cartridge to 7mm-08. It packs as much or more of a punch than most the 6.5's, not really much more recoil than the creedmoor and holds it own with the .308 as well plus balistically it's very similar to what you're used to with the .308 at normal hunting ranges.
It's just a pleasure to shoot and does what it needs to do
 
dand883 said:
I've gradually moved from the .308 being my do all cartridge to 7mm-08. It packs as much or more of a punch than most the 6.5's, not really much more recoil than the creedmoor and holds it own with the .308 as well plus balistically it's very similar to what you're used to with the .308 at normal hunting ranges.
It's just a pleasure to shoot and does what it needs to do
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The only downside with the 7-08 is factory ammo is harder to find and a bit more expensive than the 308. Excellent cartridge.

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SuperCub said:
The only downside with the 7-08 is factory ammo is harder to find and a bit more expensive than the 308. Excellent cartridge.

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For a few rounds a year hunting i'll never notice the difference. If i was going to go through 100 rounds at the range in a sitting absolutely
 
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