Discussed the "if you could only pick one rifle for everything up to/including deer..."
It's been good so far but I'd like to take a moment and change it up just a bit. Some of those that posted already took this angle but most did not. If you're taking one caliber to the grave, for everything that graces this planet, what would it be? I'm talking elk, moose, the big bears, etc. Only thing I'd suggest, let's skip the elephant talk. For the vast majority that's just a pipe dream. Let's stick with the typical American stuff and I'll allow everything up to Cape Buffalo. I know what I'm taking but I'd like to hear from the remainder. And I'll allow 2 choices this time. I mean, it's the internet. How could I stop you anyway?
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270 win or 7 mm mag.
300 Win Mag since I have one.
338 win mag. Custom built with a nightforce sitting on top of it. I have a browning bar I had re bored to a 35 whelen. I chose the 338 because of the long range ability. The 35 whelen I have is my favorite out of the 11 high powered rifles I own. Flat stomps whitetails.
300 WSM
270 Winchester
300 win mag would be the largest I would go with chances are I wouldn't run into that many big bears and the 300 would kill all of them if hit good. You said we could pick 2 so my even more preferred would be 7 mm mag for deer, elk, moose.
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Buff? I'll take a .375 and load down from there.
I think it's always better to be over-gunned for the smaller animals than under-gunned for the larger ones in this conversation so I'd say 300 win would be my choice.
.375 H&H and 6.5 creedmor, pretty self explanatory, lol
35 whelen
Quote from: Rzrbac on August 17, 2019, 01:05:26 AM
300 Win Mag since I have one.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 01:36:45 AM
338 win mag. Custom built with a nightforce sitting on top of it. I have a browning bar I had re bored to a 35 whelen. I chose the 338 because of the long range ability. The 35 whelen I have is my favorite out of the 11 high powered rifles I own. Flat stomps whitetails.
These are the two that popped into my head when you added Capped Buffalo as well as the 375 H&H but I have zero experience with any of them or Capped Buffalo, just going on reputation of all including the Capped Buffalo.
45-70
Always enjoy seeing the opinions of others on these types of topics. Wanted to let it run a bit before throwing in my two cents.
While I still think the 25-06 is the ideal cartridge for deer sized game and smaller, I've always felt the best compromise for EVERYTHING in North America was the 270. Well, I felt that way after carrying and using one for quite a few years. I've since sold mine and have no regrets but if I had to pick only one, that'd be it. But, we live in 'Merica where our choices are unlimited (so far) and that's why I've left it open.
For deer and smaller, I'm still going with a quarterbore. Don't much care which one so long as it carries good velocity and doesn't ruin a barrel in short order. Either the 25-06 or the Roberts is fine by me.
For the larger stuff, that's where things get tougher to decide. Hard to beat the specs on the 338 win mag but the 30 cal options are just ridiculous. Wanting a lightweight 30 cal with magnum performance, last year I decided to go with a Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 300 WSM. And, if I could only pick one rifle, EVER, for the rest of my days for everything that moved, that would be it. Can't really argue with its track record on any/all NA game and I'll never make it to Africa so that doesn't matter much to me. Having said that, with the right bullet, I highly doubt a Cape Buffalo will shrug it off entirely. Sure he'll probably run some but they do the same with much larger stuff as well.
Thanks for the replies gang.
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10 gauge with TSS
300WM
Sticking with my .308
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 09:25:25 AM
Always enjoy seeing the opinions of others on these types of topics. Wanted to let it run a bit before throwing in my two cents.
While I still think the 25-06 is the ideal cartridge for deer sized game and smaller, I've always felt the best compromise for EVERYTHING in North America was the 270. Well, I felt that way after carrying and using one for quite a few years. I've since sold mine and have no regrets but if I had to pick only one, that'd be it. But, we live in 'Merica where our choices are unlimited (so far) and that's why I've left it open.
For deer and smaller, I'm still going with a quarterbore. Don't much care which one so long as it carries good velocity and doesn't ruin a barrel in short order. Either the 25-06 or the Roberts is fine by me.
For the larger stuff, that's where things get tougher to decide. Hard to beat the specs on the 338 win mag but the 30 cal options are just ridiculous. Wanting a lightweight 30 cal with magnum performance, last year I decided to go with a Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 300 WSM. And, if I could only pick one rifle, EVER, for the rest of my days for everything that moved, that would be it. Can't really argue with its track record on any/all NA game and I'll never make it to Africa so that doesn't matter much to me. Having said that, with the right bullet, I highly doubt a Cape Buffalo will shrug it off entirely. Sure he'll probably run some but they do the same with much larger stuff as well.
Thanks for the replies gang.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My browning A bolt 25.06 is one nice rifle. Like the Browning rifles all but the A bolt 3. :)
On that 300 WSM , have you done any loading tricks to bring it down to a more manageable deer cartridge or do you just like that one stout? I worked with a friends Tikka just a bit, not much data then. It didn't group very well except pretty hot.
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 08:46:56 PM
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
DErail huh. just opinions . To clarify recoil wise i was referring too . Most are not 13 pound rifles so by manageable i meant using the various rifles for different game by loading for the situation at hand. Power and choice of bullets. For instance the 7mm Rem mag is easily and accurately loaded to 280 and 7mm-08 velocities. Loaded up it is a bomb with 140 grain hornady spire points anyway. graze off some bone and it is bone fragments to the butthole. Heavier constructed bullets help. 35 whelen 200 grain didn't tear up any I shot with it either.
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 09:16:22 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 08:46:56 PM
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
DErail huh. just opinions . To clarify recoil wise i was referring too . Most are not 13 pound rifles so by manageable i meant using the various rifles for different game by loading for the situation at hand. Power and choice of bullets. For instance the 7mm Rem mag is easily and accurately loaded to 280 and 7mm-08 velocities. Loaded up it is a bomb with 140 grain hornady spire points anyway. graze off some bone and it is bone fragments to the butthole. Heavier constructed bullets help. 35 whelen 200 grain didn't tear up any I shot with it either.
I was not even referring to your post , if I was then I would have quoted you. I was just putting my opinion out there. Good to be an American. If you felt I was referring to you then my bad. My main point was the overkill thing. I just added the weight and recoil thing.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 09:38:57 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 09:16:22 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 08:46:56 PM
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
DErail huh. just opinions . To clarify recoil wise i was referring too . Most are not 13 pound rifles so by manageable i meant using the various rifles for different game by loading for the situation at hand. Power and choice of bullets. For instance the 7mm Rem mag is easily and accurately loaded to 280 and 7mm-08 velocities. Loaded up it is a bomb with 140 grain hornady spire points anyway. graze off some bone and it is bone fragments to the butthole. Heavier constructed bullets help. 35 whelen 200 grain didn't tear up any I shot with it either.
I was not even referring to your post , if I was then I would have quoted you. I was just putting my opinion out there. Good to be an American. If you felt I was referring to you then my bad. My main point was the overkill thing. I just added the weight and recoil thing.
Nope didn't take that way. Reading your post just made me think I had better clarify mine a bit.
That and I like chatting about this stuff. Also agree with what you said, made sense. Just opinions.
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 08:21:21 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 09:25:25 AM
Always enjoy seeing the opinions of others on these types of topics. Wanted to let it run a bit before throwing in my two cents.
While I still think the 25-06 is the ideal cartridge for deer sized game and smaller, I've always felt the best compromise for EVERYTHING in North America was the 270. Well, I felt that way after carrying and using one for quite a few years. I've since sold mine and have no regrets but if I had to pick only one, that'd be it. But, we live in 'Merica where our choices are unlimited (so far) and that's why I've left it open.
For deer and smaller, I'm still going with a quarterbore. Don't much care which one so long as it carries good velocity and doesn't ruin a barrel in short order. Either the 25-06 or the Roberts is fine by me.
For the larger stuff, that's where things get tougher to decide. Hard to beat the specs on the 338 win mag but the 30 cal options are just ridiculous. Wanting a lightweight 30 cal with magnum performance, last year I decided to go with a Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 300 WSM. And, if I could only pick one rifle, EVER, for the rest of my days for everything that moved, that would be it. Can't really argue with its track record on any/all NA game and I'll never make it to Africa so that doesn't matter much to me. Having said that, with the right bullet, I highly doubt a Cape Buffalo will shrug it off entirely. Sure he'll probably run some but they do the same with much larger stuff as well.
Thanks for the replies gang.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My browning A bolt 25.06 is one nice rifle. Like the Browning rifles all but the A bolt 2.
On that 300 WSM , have you done any loading tricks to bring it down to a more manageable deer cartridge or do you just like that one stout? I worked with a friends Tikka just a bit, not much data then. It didn't group very well except pretty hot.
Negative Ghost Rider. Haven't played at all in terms of bringing it down. Keep it off the bone and she'll play nice enough anyway. Any hit to the spine or shoulder is gonna waste meat. But that's true for any caliber.
What is it you don't like about the A-Bolt 2? I don't particularly care for the AB3 but felt that the 2's were great guns.
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Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 10:11:18 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 09:38:57 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 09:16:22 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 08:46:56 PM
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
DErail huh. just opinions . To clarify recoil wise i was referring too . Most are not 13 pound rifles so by manageable i meant using the various rifles for different game by loading for the situation at hand. Power and choice of bullets. For instance the 7mm Rem mag is easily and accurately loaded to 280 and 7mm-08 velocities. Loaded up it is a bomb with 140 grain hornady spire points anyway. graze off some bone and it is bone fragments to the butthole. Heavier constructed bullets help. 35 whelen 200 grain didn't tear up any I shot with it either.
I was not even referring to your post , if I was then I would have quoted you. I was just putting my opinion out there. Good to be an American. If you felt I was referring to you then my bad. My main point was the overkill thing. I just added the weight and recoil thing.
Nope didn't take that way. Reading your post just made me think I had better clarify mine a bit.
That and I like chatting about this stuff. Also agree with what you said, made sense. Just opinions.
Good deal. I also like talking about these things. Good stuff. I see where you were coming from also. Keep this thread rolling.
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 10:35:49 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 08:21:21 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 09:25:25 AM
Always enjoy seeing the opinions of others on these types of topics. Wanted to let it run a bit before throwing in my two cents.
While I still think the 25-06 is the ideal cartridge for deer sized game and smaller, I've always felt the best compromise for EVERYTHING in North America was the 270. Well, I felt that way after carrying and using one for quite a few years. I've since sold mine and have no regrets but if I had to pick only one, that'd be it. But, we live in 'Merica where our choices are unlimited (so far) and that's why I've left it open.
For deer and smaller, I'm still going with a quarterbore. Don't much care which one so long as it carries good velocity and doesn't ruin a barrel in short order. Either the 25-06 or the Roberts is fine by me.
For the larger stuff, that's where things get tougher to decide. Hard to beat the specs on the 338 win mag but the 30 cal options are just ridiculous. Wanting a lightweight 30 cal with magnum performance, last year I decided to go with a Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 300 WSM. And, if I could only pick one rifle, EVER, for the rest of my days for everything that moved, that would be it. Can't really argue with its track record on any/all NA game and I'll never make it to Africa so that doesn't matter much to me. Having said that, with the right bullet, I highly doubt a Cape Buffalo will shrug it off entirely. Sure he'll probably run some but they do the same with much larger stuff as well.
Thanks for the replies gang.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My browning A bolt 25.06 is one nice rifle. Like the Browning rifles all but the A bolt 3. :)
On that 300 WSM , have you done any loading tricks to bring it down to a more manageable deer cartridge or do you just like that one stout? I worked with a friends Tikka just a bit, not much data then. It didn't group very well except pretty hot.
Negative Ghost Rider. Haven't played at all in terms of bringing it down. Keep it off the bone and she'll play nice enough anyway. Any hit to the spine or shoulder is gonna waste meat. But that's true for any caliber.
What is it you don't like about the A-Bolt 2? I don't particularly care for the AB3 but felt that the 2's were great guns.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not one darn thing wrong with the Abolt 2. Its what I have . Its the Ab3 i meant too.
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 08:46:56 PM
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
This is the bulk of meat damage. I like to see a deer drop at the impact as well. This is much easier to obtain with light-for-caliber bullets. They blow up super quick and dump more energy into the quarry. This often leads to more meat destruction. Speed kills, but everyone knows this already. Bullet selection is definitely a large factor. Kinda makes me want to go for round 3 but I'm sure some are tired of these threads already. Someone else get that ball rolling! Hahaha
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Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 10:41:41 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 10:35:49 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 08:21:21 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 09:25:25 AM
Always enjoy seeing the opinions of others on these types of topics. Wanted to let it run a bit before throwing in my two cents.
While I still think the 25-06 is the ideal cartridge for deer sized game and smaller, I've always felt the best compromise for EVERYTHING in North America was the 270. Well, I felt that way after carrying and using one for quite a few years. I've since sold mine and have no regrets but if I had to pick only one, that'd be it. But, we live in 'Merica where our choices are unlimited (so far) and that's why I've left it open.
For deer and smaller, I'm still going with a quarterbore. Don't much care which one so long as it carries good velocity and doesn't ruin a barrel in short order. Either the 25-06 or the Roberts is fine by me.
For the larger stuff, that's where things get tougher to decide. Hard to beat the specs on the 338 win mag but the 30 cal options are just ridiculous. Wanting a lightweight 30 cal with magnum performance, last year I decided to go with a Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 300 WSM. And, if I could only pick one rifle, EVER, for the rest of my days for everything that moved, that would be it. Can't really argue with its track record on any/all NA game and I'll never make it to Africa so that doesn't matter much to me. Having said that, with the right bullet, I highly doubt a Cape Buffalo will shrug it off entirely. Sure he'll probably run some but they do the same with much larger stuff as well.
Thanks for the replies gang.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My browning A bolt 25.06 is one nice rifle. Like the Browning rifles all but the A bolt 3. :)
On that 300 WSM , have you done any loading tricks to bring it down to a more manageable deer cartridge or do you just like that one stout? I worked with a friends Tikka just a bit, not much data then. It didn't group very well except pretty hot.
Negative Ghost Rider. Haven't played at all in terms of bringing it down. Keep it off the bone and she'll play nice enough anyway. Any hit to the spine or shoulder is gonna waste meat. But that's true for any caliber.
What is it you don't like about the A-Bolt 2? I don't particularly care for the AB3 but felt that the 2's were great guns.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not one darn thing wrong with the Abolt 2. Its what I have . Its the Ab3 i meant too.
I figured. And yes, the AB3 is misleading. Welcome to Browning's budget rifle. They did a great job of marketing though. Using an old name for new sales. Truly wish they'd given it a totally new designation. Maybe I've not given it a fair shake yet though. Didn't like the X-Bolt at first either. But now,...
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Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 10:44:25 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 08:46:56 PM
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
This is the bulk of meat damage. I like to see a deer drop at the impact as well. This is much easier to obtain with light-for-caliber bullets. They blow up super quick and dump more energy into the quarry. This often leads to more meat destruction. Speed kills, but everyone knows this already. Bullet selection is definitely a large factor. Kinda makes me want to go for round 3 but I'm sure some are tired of these threads already. Someone else get that ball rolling! Hahaha
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So for you guys that have used the big magnuns for deer. Do you normally use a heavier for caliber bullet or heavier construction or both?
tired of these threads, seem to be plenty of posts. Your doing a fine job of getting them started. ;D
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 11:00:22 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 10:44:25 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on August 17, 2019, 08:46:56 PM
Not trying to side track this conversation but I have killed deer with small bore up to large bore and do not understand the overkill thing. It comes down to the bullet selection that ruins meat. I have killed a whoooole lota deer and my 338 or 300 win mag does no more damage than a 30-06. I love bang flop with no trailing. My guns are heavy for the most part so recoil is not a big deal. I hunt outta tree stands 90 percent of the time so lugging a 13 pound rifle is not bad. If I mountain hunt or stalk then I understand the weight thing. My browning bar in 35 whelen would be my go to for that. In my opinion I would call a 50 BMG overkill. Last thing , I killed a bunch of deer with a 243 that ruined more meat than with my bigger magnum cartridges. Again , bullet selection. Just my 2 cents. Now I will get back on topic. Sorry for the derail.
This is the bulk of meat damage. I like to see a deer drop at the impact as well. This is much easier to obtain with light-for-caliber bullets. They blow up super quick and dump more energy into the quarry. This often leads to more meat destruction. Speed kills, but everyone knows this already. Bullet selection is definitely a large factor. Kinda makes me want to go for round 3 but I'm sure some are tired of these threads already. Someone else get that ball rolling! Hahaha
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So for you guys that have used the big magnuns for deer. Do you normally use a heavier for caliber bullet or heavier construction or both?
tired of these threads, seem to be plenty of posts. Your doing a fine job of getting them started. ;D
I shoot a 250 grain federal premium nosler accu bond. Not much meat damage unless you hit bone. Hits a whitetail like a freight truck. I took a 90 pound black buck at 410 ranged yards. He folded and it looked like he had been shot with a 270 core loct bullet.
30/06
30-06
45-70
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 10:48:14 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 10:41:41 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 10:35:49 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on August 17, 2019, 08:21:21 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on August 17, 2019, 09:25:25 AM
Always enjoy seeing the opinions of others on these types of topics. Wanted to let it run a bit before throwing in my two cents.
While I still think the 25-06 is the ideal cartridge for deer sized game and smaller, I've always felt the best compromise for EVERYTHING in North America was the 270. Well, I felt that way after carrying and using one for quite a few years. I've since sold mine and have no regrets but if I had to pick only one, that'd be it. But, we live in 'Merica where our choices are unlimited (so far) and that's why I've left it open.
For deer and smaller, I'm still going with a quarterbore. Don't much care which one so long as it carries good velocity and doesn't ruin a barrel in short order. Either the 25-06 or the Roberts is fine by me.
For the larger stuff, that's where things get tougher to decide. Hard to beat the specs on the 338 win mag but the 30 cal options are just ridiculous. Wanting a lightweight 30 cal with magnum performance, last year I decided to go with a Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 300 WSM. And, if I could only pick one rifle, EVER, for the rest of my days for everything that moved, that would be it. Can't really argue with its track record on any/all NA game and I'll never make it to Africa so that doesn't matter much to me. Having said that, with the right bullet, I highly doubt a Cape Buffalo will shrug it off entirely. Sure he'll probably run some but they do the same with much larger stuff as well.
Thanks for the replies gang.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My browning A bolt 25.06 is one nice rifle. Like the Browning rifles all but the A bolt 3. :)
On that 300 WSM , have you done any loading tricks to bring it down to a more manageable deer cartridge or do you just like that one stout? I worked with a friends Tikka just a bit, not much data then. It didn't group very well except pretty hot.
Negative Ghost Rider. Haven't played at all in terms of bringing it down. Keep it off the bone and she'll play nice enough anyway. Any hit to the spine or shoulder is gonna waste meat. But that's true for any caliber.
What is it you don't like about the A-Bolt 2? I don't particularly care for the AB3 but felt that the 2's were great guns.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not one darn thing wrong with the Abolt 2. Its what I have . Its the Ab3 i meant too.
I figured. And yes, the AB3 is misleading. Welcome to Browning's budget rifle. They did a great job of marketing though. Using an old name for new sales. Truly wish they'd given it a totally new designation. Maybe I've not given it a fair shake yet though. Didn't like the X-Bolt at first either. But now,...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yep a buddy of mine bought the X bolt in 25.06 and wood stock satin. i said OH. Then i got to playing with it at his range and said Oh OK that'll do nicely.
I'd probably go with a .30-'06. It is the most versatile caliber out there and ammunition is available from any sports shop to many hardware stores. A clean kill is all about bullet placement anyway, no matter what size game you're talking about.
Jim
7X57. If it was good enough for Karamojo Bell, it is good enough for me.
Quote from: silvestris on August 23, 2019, 12:31:12 PM
7X57. If it was good enough for Karamojo Bell, it is good enough for me.
Nice cartridge. What rifle do you have it in?
.270 win- .338-06