Hey all
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