What rifle caliber would you prefer for large game?
- Thread starter RiMP9
- Start date
I bought a 308 as my first rifle because I was learning and didn't think I'd ever get into collecting guns. I figured it was a great do-all cartridge that was affordable, had a short action, and would drop any game in Alberta.
Fast forward 7 years and countless hours on the internet, in the woods and talking with my friends and I wish I had bought something else like a .243 or 25-06 for my deer hunting. Chances are, the 308 will be shuffled aside as I move to more exotic calibres like a 6.5x55 or a .275 Rigby, and then maybe something bigger that will end up bracketing the 308 (since it is that do-all cartridge).
Fast forward 7 years and countless hours on the internet, in the woods and talking with my friends and I wish I had bought something else like a .243 or 25-06 for my deer hunting. Chances are, the 308 will be shuffled aside as I move to more exotic calibres like a 6.5x55 or a .275 Rigby, and then maybe something bigger that will end up bracketing the 308 (since it is that do-all cartridge).
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
.303 currently because I like the cartridge and the LE a lot, my next hunting rifle will be in .308. Mainly due to ease of availability and the option of shooting 7.62 nato as well.
3006. 110 to 220gr bullets. Does well with cheap cup and core bullets as well as the primo fancy ones. Available in just about every makers lineup. It works so well thats its kinda boring. I love the cartridge yet i never seem to keep one around for long
However a double rifle in 303 would suit me just fine
However a double rifle in 303 would suit me just fine
john-brennan
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver Island B.C.
I think a lot of us have more than one hunting rifle (me included) but if I had only one it would be a 7mm RM.
fishslinger
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern ontario
Hard to beat the 300 win mag for all big game in North America.
7mm not overly fussy on cartridge propelling it although the 7mm-08 and 7mm Rem Mag are the two I've used most.
But I'd have a hard time saying a .30 cal bullet of similar construction launched at similar speeds wouldn't be as effective. I think a similar argument could be made for most calibers from .264 to .375.
But I'd have a hard time saying a .30 cal bullet of similar construction launched at similar speeds wouldn't be as effective. I think a similar argument could be made for most calibers from .264 to .375.
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ANY of the 30's will work for all NA game. 308, 3006, any of the 30cal magnums.
Secret is Use the rifle you have and shoot enough to become proficient with it.
That being said my first hunting rifle was a 3006 Win 70, and I currently own 308, 300 winmag and 7.62x39 all of which are suitable for game.
My personal favourite is a 270 Win in Ruger No.1 -- make the first shot count.
Secret is Use the rifle you have and shoot enough to become proficient with it.
That being said my first hunting rifle was a 3006 Win 70, and I currently own 308, 300 winmag and 7.62x39 all of which are suitable for game.
My personal favourite is a 270 Win in Ruger No.1 -- make the first shot count.
Ammo cost is not a deciding factor in a hunting rifle for me.
Availability is as I do not reload yet.
30-06 served me well for 20ish years but recently picked up a 300wsm more to a smoking deal on the rifle then what it was chambered in.
Could of been anything between a 6.5x55 and 375h&h for all I care they all have the same end result on n.a game .
Availability is as I do not reload yet.
30-06 served me well for 20ish years but recently picked up a 300wsm more to a smoking deal on the rifle then what it was chambered in.
Could of been anything between a 6.5x55 and 375h&h for all I care they all have the same end result on n.a game .
