Author Topic: Need your help... for new rifle caliber selection...  (Read 657 times)

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Offline Mac11700

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber selection...
« on: February 15, 2005, 06:05:59 AM »
Hey all :D

I have a bit of a problem...I'm looking at the new SUB-MOA Vangaurds from Weatherby...and am trying to figure out which caliber to go with...I'll have to be trading a couple of my favorites for this bolt gun...and I'm not really sure which direction to head...I'll have a  accurate custom stocked Ultra NEF 25-06...270....and 30-30...and will eventually pick up a long barreled 45-70 for the NEF's as well...so I have a few gaps to fill out on the upper end of the velocity and caliber scales....but really want a good quality.. accurate bolt gun...that can fill my needs...

I been looking at several different rifles...trying to deceide on which would give me the best accuracy and value to get it there...with or with out factory loads...and I handload on a regular basis so there isn't a problem with reloading for the new rifle...but your suggestions on caliber choice and experiance with them will certainly help me out...


I have never owned anything above the 35 Whelen class in a bolt gun before,but have shot quite a few larger calibers...I have owned several 45-70's and shoot heavy loads from them...without developing the dreaded flinches from them...due to taking all the necessary precautions of great recoil pads...cheek protectors and such...so I'm not scared to touch off any of the heavy hitters...

I really don't see me going up to the last great frontieer of Alaska and hunting the great bears...nor do I see it with-in the realm of possibility of hunting on the dark continent for those type animals...so it will be what ever is in the lower 48...and the typical conditions found hunting them...long shots for elk...or moose...long shots for dall sheep...is another possibility if I'm ever lucky enough to get drawn...and long shots for mule deer and antelopes is on the tables as well.. then much closer shooting for whitetails...even though I have the other calibers to utilize...so basiclly...it needs to be suitable for  all big game species here in the lower 48...

I'm probably asking too much from one rifle...one caliber...but I'm sure with all of the combined real world hunting experiances that everyone here has...I can come up with a acceptable solution...so what do you guys think...can 1 caliber really do it all...I'm not to worried about whither it's a belted magnum...like a 7mm mag...I'm sure I can reload for it...even the Weatherby mags are ok...ammo cost sucks for them......so that's why I reload.. I not to worried about them being available in my hunting area to purchase....even the 338 looks promising to me...though I've never owned 1 before and have 0 experiance with it's capabilities .....

So...what do you all think...

Mac
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline Mac11700

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2005, 08:15:14 AM »
Well...just got back from my favorite gun shop...looks like the Vangaurd is a no-go...they aren't available yet...in the larger calibers...but I do have the opourtunity to get a Remington CDL in 280...and since they are longer made in this configuration...I ordered one in it...I don't have to take it if I don't want it...but had to order it right then the distributer only had 3 left and will be out of those today...so it was a rushed judgement call on my part...

What do you guys think...

Mac
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline Ramrod

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2005, 11:41:24 AM »
You made a great choice based on your stated needs. A .30-06 is a little better when you want heavier bullets, but either one, or the .270 Winchester are all classic do-everything guns for the one gun American big-game hunter.
"Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine." Patti Smith

Offline longwinters

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2005, 11:45:19 AM »
I like my 280 best of any rifle caliber I've ever had.  It is an absolute joy to shoot.

Long
Life is short......eternity is long.

Offline Donaldo

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2005, 05:04:26 PM »
Mac..
Although I don't own a 280 you did good.  That was what I was thinking when I started reading your post.  Probably one of the most under rated rounds out there.  It will do it all.  I remember a story I read some time back about this lady big game hunter that had hunted all over the world and had killed just about everything you could think of.  She shot a 280.  Was asked why she shot that particular rifle.  She said "Because everything I shoot with it drops dead on the spot".  Like I have said before, dead is dead.  More velocity and bigger bullet don't make um any deader.
Luke 11:21

Offline bajabill

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2005, 08:33:35 AM »
Are you trading the 270 off for the 280, if not, how much additional capability are you really gaining with both of these.  I would make the jump up to a 338wm to go along with the 270, if you want less overlap in primary application.  But, sure, there is always overlap, a 338 will do just fine on squirrels!

Offline Mac11700

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2005, 06:18:13 PM »
No...I'm keeping the 270..namely because I have so much reloading components for it...and hate to see any rifle get parted with...and if I can ever get my lovely wife to go with me...I have some real dandy loads she could use on whitetails with it...

Mac
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Offline bajabill

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2005, 03:45:16 AM »
I know what you mean about the reloading gear.  I am considering getting rid of my 30-06, and will replace it with a 30-06.  It would be a prime oportunity to make a slight adjustment in caliber and capability since there is overlap with my 270wsm, but I dont want to give up all of my familiarity and loading equimpment for that cartridge.  Besides, I think everyone should have an 06, whether you need it or not  :lol:

Offline Don Fischer

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Need your help... for new rifle caliber sel
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2005, 07:35:11 PM »
I've had two 338 win mags, first a Sako L61R and then a Ruger m77. That's one fine cartridge unless your used to heavy recoil or willing to learn to handle it, look out! My first seemed like the perfect mate to my Sako L61R in 7mm rem mag and it was. The first three shot's turned my shoulder black and blue for a week, that was off hand with factory ammo!

I did learn to handle it tho and in time shot gopher's with it in Montana. But I can't imagine any realistic need for one in North America. Of course, realistic need has nothing to do with anything. I shot exactly one big game animal with my two combined, a deer. Damn near blew it in two with a 225 gr Hornady!

I also used the 280 rem and think it's the most under rated cartridge we have. That would handle everything with proper bullet's, from coyote's to grizzly bears.
:wink: Even a blind squrrel find's an acorn sometime's![/quote]