caliber ?

[one eye joe]

I am wanting a new 550. Question is what caliber? I already own rifles in .223, .25/06, 6.5x55, 7 mag, .30/06, and .300 mag.. I have previously owned .35 Whelan. I am thinking of either another 6.5 or .30/06, with the 9.3x62 as a wildcard. I want to simplify, so don't want a .270. Have no use for a .243. Can't think of other available calibers. I never really used the Whelan, so while the 9.3 intrigues me, I doubt I would use it much. Most hunting is whitetail and antelope. Figure the .300 would suffice if an elk opportunity arose. Thinking about setting up a 6.5 as a long range gun. Is that reasonable, or would another '06 be a better choice. Somebody give me some thoughts please.

[ronangelia7]

       I  just ordered a new CZ550 in 300 Win Mag. But yours was an opinion on calibers.I  have owned a lot of differant guns in 30 06. I think it is still one of best calibers around. You can load it hot or light and it will kill just about anything in North America and most animals around the world. You can always find shells. I personally like the 30 calibers better. I had a 6.5 before in a converted model 96 mauser. It would shoot real good groups and the send a fllier into left field. I dont know why. I just traded it to gun dealer and I told him what it did. It was more difficult to find bullets and very limited options compared to 30 calibers. I did like the light recoil. A 30 06 has managable recoil for most people. If you decide to resale it,more likely to sell a 30 06 quickly. If I did not already have a 30 06 I would have ordered my new CZ550 in 30 06.

                   Ron

[7x57mm]

One-eye-Joe--It seems you have all of your bases covered. But if you just gotta have another one, you do not have a CZ 550 American or full stock in 7x57mm. I know that CZ USA stopped importing them from Europe a year or so ago, but you might be able to pick one up. They are fantastically accurate and a go-to caliber for any animal you would care to shoot including elk. Tom Purdom

[one eye joe]

Tom, I am familar with the 7x57. Had a friend who built one for his wife. She shot everything thru Elk with it, and did a heck of a job. Properly loaded, it is a great caliber. Being a military caliber, it would be nice to have, if I find one. I'm sorta leaning toward a 9.3 just for an "in case" gun. Never know when money might become available to get up to Alaska for Moose, Caribou and such. Need something in case a Bear decides to say hi.

I think the 550 American is a hair clunky in the stock, but it feels good. I wish they would make a full stock with the American buttstock pattern. The Europeon "humpback" just doesn't grab me, although I really like the Mannlicker look.

If you come across a new 7x57 give me a shout.