Author Topic: What Caliber???????????????????? (Read 2534 times)

jmckinley · « **on:** February 12, 2007, 05:10:31 AM »

This past week I sold my last 06 and need to purchase a new Elk rifle. I have a 22-250, 22lr and my favorite rifle period my Custom 98 Mauser in 6,5x55 Swede. I love the Swede but am wondering if it's a little light for big Bulls. Although I can keep 5 rounds inside an inch at 100yds amd 1 1/2-2 inches at 200 yards. It's only 2600 pfs. The rounds that come to mind for me is 7x57 or the 7mm-08. My sternum just doesn't like the recoil of the 06. I had my chest crushed in a car wreck a few years back. I want a round a little quicer the my 6,5 but with recoil I can live with. My major problem is I don't hand load. If you can offer some odes please do so..
Thanks,
Jess

Don Fischer · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2007, 05:46:10 AM »

I think the 6.5x55 would work just fine. I don't know what's avaliable in factory ammo but if I remember right you can get 156gr loads and they will just about penetrate a train! But seeing as you have a 6.5x55 and need another rifle, I'd give the 7mmx08 a lot of thought but, I never had one and I have a strong preference for a 7x57, of which I've had three. You'll probally find more factory ammo avaliable for the 7mmx08 than 7x57.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2007, 05:49:38 AM »

If you don't reload, or know someone that can, you're kinda S.O.L. I don't think that you can buy store bought ammo for the 7-08 that has a bullet heavier than @ 140gr's which I think is too light for an elk. If I were going elk hunting with a 7-08, I want a 160 or larger grain bullet. I don't know what sort of ammo is available for a 7x57 but the American loadings for that round are kinda anemic. I would think that if you can get ammo for the Swede with a bullet weight of 160grs or more, you'd be better off. And don't worry about the velocity. Speed doesn't kill, its a well made, well placed bullet, reliably penetrating to the vitals that kills. Velocity figures are to impress the guys around the water cooler.

John R. · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2007, 05:56:15 AM »

The 7mm/08 is a great cartridge and one I've used extensively for Whitetails. I've never hunted elk, but I'm sure it will work fine. I would probably go with 150 to 160 gr. bullets, perferably a premium like Nosler Partition or Barnes Triple Shok, and keep my shots under 200 yds. Good luck!

jmckinley · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2007, 06:14:43 AM »

Quote from: Don Fischer on February 12, 2007, 05:46:10 AM

I think the 6.5x55 would work just fine. I don't know what's avaliable in factory ammo but if I remember right you can get 156gr loads and they will just about penetrate a train! But seeing as you have a 6.5x55 and need another rifle, I'd give the 7mmx08 a lot of thought but, I never had one and I have a strong preference for a 7x57, of which I've had three. You'll probally find more factory ammo avaliable for the 7mmx08 than 7x57.

Don I agree with u that my preference is 7x57 or even a 270 which to me doesn't pound u near as much as an 06. I do want to start reloading. I can also get the Norma 156 for my swede which is where I am leaning. The other option is an auto in say 308??? What ya thunk? Jess

Ahab · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2007, 07:02:19 AM »

I reload and have both a 7X57 and 7mm-08. The only .308 auto I've shot was my hunting partners Winchester M100 and it kicked more than than the above. If you're leaning in that direction you may want to try one first.

jmckinley · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2007, 07:07:26 AM »

Quote from: Ahab on February 12, 2007, 07:02:19 AM

I reload and have both a 7X57 and 7mm-08. The only .308 auto I've shot was my hunting partners Winchester M100 and it kicked more than than the above. If you're leaning in that direction you may want to try one first.

Ahab my first choice is a Mauser 98 in 7x57 if I can find a good one. JThe 308 auto was a passing thought. Jess

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2007, 08:24:05 AM »

I think that they ole' Swede would do fine with one of the super bullets available now. Of course, any reason to get another rifle is a good reason. IMHO, the 6.5's, 7mm's (non magnums), and the .270's are all so close together that one will do what any of the other's will. Look at Conley Precision Cartridge's website and see the loads that they have for the caliber's you are thinking about. No anemic loads there. Pick your poison, point it right, and any of them will cleanly take an elk.

Zachary · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2007, 11:41:49 AM »

I would go back to your "06.

Granted, the .30-06 has more recoil, but I would consider it a better choice than the 6.5x55. Use Premium controlled expansion 180 grain bullets, put the bullet in the right place, and you should take elk effectively within 300 yards.

Zachary

akpls · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2007, 12:29:41 PM »

The 7x57 can be had in factory 175 gr. loads which should work. The 7mm08 doesn't seem to like anything much over 150 gr.

Gregory · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2007, 12:32:27 PM »

I don't think you gain very much over the Swede with a 7mm-08 or 7x57. I'd use it if legal. Last time I looked PA has a .27 caliber min. for elk.

Gregory · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2007, 12:38:29 PM »

Quote from: akpls on February 12, 2007, 12:29:41 PM

The 7x57 can be had in factory 175 gr. loads which should work. The 7mm08 doesn't seem to like anything much over 150 gr.

My Savage 7mm-08 shoots the Sierra 170RN fairly well out to 200 yds. It's the bullet I'd use on a black bear over bait. The Hornady Interbond 154 gr shoots well also. Actually, I've found it hard to find a bad load combination for this gun.

Ratltrap · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2007, 01:09:08 PM »

Quote from: Gregory on February 12, 2007, 12:32:27 PM

I don't think you gain very much over the Swede with a 7mm-08 or 7x57.

+1 on that.

I like my 7-08 for critters up to caribou, but I handload 140 TSXs. Many moose are killed every year with the 6.5 Swede, so there's probably nothing wrong with your Mauser for elk and there is certainly better factory ammo for either it or the 7x57 than for the 7-08. Better yet would be a 308, but recoil is more too.

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2007, 01:23:42 PM »

This suggestion may be a bit out of the box. However, your situation (bad shoulder, non-reloader) narrows the playing field a bit and leaves few options.

What I'm speaking of is a sporterized .303 British Enfield. They are not hard to find already sporterized . Complete Enfields are still easily obtainable for use as is or can be sporterized. Remington and Winchester still make ammo. The .303 is more than a capable Elk cartridge with 180 gr loads.

Another reason I suggest this is the weight of the rifle, which should help with your recoil issue. I have two sporterized versions and both weigh 9 lbs. Recoil from the bench with 180 gr loads is far less than either of my .30-06's, 270's or .280's. I place the recoil at about what my 7mm-08 Handi Rifle with 140 gr. rounds is. Again, this is from the bench.

If the weight of a rifle is also an issue, then this suggestion may not work for you.

Sporterizing an Enfield is not a major event. Weaver used to make a one piece mount that mounted to the recever and stripper bridge. I reguarly see those mounts at well established gun shops and at gun shows. The bolt is already bent sufficently to clear a scope. The butt stock can be used and the forend can be cut down. Numrich Arms and Springfield Sporters may still sell cut down forends. Advanced Technologies offers a synthetic stock set. However, I'm not sure what that drops the weight to. Head space is generally not an issue because the .303 headspaces on the rim. At any rate the bolt head can be swapped for a longer one.

If this suggestion is a viable option, feel free to PM me for details.

Just this weekend I came across a sporterized .303 at a shop that was not butchered. It still had the original sights. Only the wood was removed and the forend shortened. The asking price was $100. It was in real decent shape.

The same could occur with Mod 24/47 Mausers. They are relatively inexpensive these days. I have read, however, that factory 8mm ammo is loaded down to near .30-30 specs. If so, then not being a reloader, this would be an issue.

The top model has a Fagen stock (no longer avaiiable, but Boyds offers something similar).
The bottom has cut down original wood.

Again, just a suggestion.

Thanks.

lilabner · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2007, 01:59:24 PM »

If I were you, I'd use the Swede with the 156 gr. Norma loading. Only problem is that your kill range is limited by bullet trajectory and downrange energy. Same thing applies to the 7-08 and 7X57. Accept the limitations and you are good to go. Another possibility is using a more powerful rifle with a muzzle brake. If you are going to spend big bucks for an elk hunt where long range opportunities are likely, you might give that some consideration.

Slamfire · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2007, 06:29:55 PM »

Ross Seyfried opines that the 160 grain Hornady round nose is perfect at the velocities available in the 6.5x55, 6.5x57 or .260. If you get into the black timber there is no need for greater ranging.

Eagle Eye · « **Reply #16 on:** February 13, 2007, 04:36:59 AM »

Go with a 30-06 and use 180 gr Nosler Partitions bullets. This is elk/moose medicine for 300+ yards. Go for a Remington 700 in an SPS stainless to keep the price low and you get the R-3 recoil pad with it. This pad effectively reduces the recoil to about the level of a 270....it works! This is what I use and I don't care too much for pain. I shoot over 20 rounds at a time with this rifle at the range fairly regularly and have no bruises to show for it. It shoots very well too.... 3/4 MOA with Partitions.

If you want to go cheap on the scope but still get quality dependable optics, mount a Bushnell 3-10x40 scope on top....this is the model that is designed for short magnums and has 3.7" of eye relief. It fits the long action nicely and is a great scope for the dollar. Great match for the '06 with stout loads.

RaySendero · « **Reply #17 on:** February 13, 2007, 12:08:34 PM »

Quote from: jmckinley on February 12, 2007, 05:10:31 AM

This past week I sold my last 06 and need to purchase a new Elk rifle. I have a 22-250, 22lr and my favorite rifle period my Custom 98 Mauser in 6,5x55 Swede. I love the Swede but am wondering if it's a little light for big Bulls. Although I can keep 5 rounds inside an inch at 100yds amd 1 1/2-2 inches at 200 yards. It's only 2600 pfs. The rounds that come to mind for me is 7x57 or the 7mm-08. My sternum just doesn't like the recoil of the 06. I had my chest crushed in a car wreck a few years back. I want a round a little quicer the my 6,5 but with recoil I can live with. My major problem is I don't hand load. If you can offer some odes please do so..
Thanks,
Jess

Jess,

Order some 140 grain SPs for your 6,5x55 Swede:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00217SBA65505

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=171224

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=249078

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 13, 2007, 12:47:30 PM »

EVOC

That top Enfield is about the prettiest sporter that I've seen. I envy you! I love the .303 and the Enfield.

jmckinley · « **Reply #19 on:** February 13, 2007, 01:15:56 PM »

EVOC ONE where can I get a stock for the Enfield? I found a real nice 303 this afternoon cheap and it sounds like a plan to me. Thanks for the idea. Jess

banen · « **Reply #20 on:** February 13, 2007, 02:54:42 PM »

jmckinley,
Sorry to hear about your accident, glad to hear you are getting on with getting on. You could do the 7-08, but as several people mentioned hard to get heavy enough factory loaded ammo. Have you thought about a 308? You can easily get many good premium 180 gr loads for the 308. I use 180 nosler partitins in my 308 for deer (probably overkill for deer but my rifle really likes them, they would be good for elk though). My Ruger ultralight 308 (Rifle 6lbs total around 7 lbs) with the 180's seems to kick less than my standard weight 270 with 130's (Rifle about 7.25 total about 8lbs). If you wanted a stadard weight rifle I would think a 308 would be very managable. I wouldn' t feel a bit undergunned on elk with a 308.

jmckinley · « **Reply #21 on:** February 13, 2007, 03:18:53 PM »

I agree that the 308 is at the top of my list. It kicks less than the 06 and my old 270 and gives me a 30 cal for my Elk rifle. It will very likely be a Howa or Mk II Ruger with a Mueller 3-10x44. It may be a moot point this year, the first week of June I get my right knee rplaced. I have been putting it off for 3 years and now I can put zero midial pressure on the knee. i don't know what I expect after 11operations, the &^^%&&% thing is worn out. I hope I can hunt goats in September if nothing else. Jess

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #22 on:** February 13, 2007, 03:20:07 PM »

kyelkhunter: Thank you very much for the kind compliment. I couldn't agree more about the .303. It is an exellent deer cartridge for the thick Maryland woods I hunt, especially when loaded with 180 gr RN bullets. What a thumper!

jmckinley: You inquired about a stock, but mentioned the .303 you found was real nice. Can I assume you meant to ask about a cut down forend?

Regarding a sporterized forend, check out Numrich Arms (www.e-Gunparts.com) When you get to the alphabetical list of firearms, scroll down to "SMLE" (Short Magazine Lee Enfield) Click on that. When the rifle list comes up click on "No 4 MK 1". A parts list will appear. Scroll down to #35. This should be for a sporterized forend listed for $12.95.

If you did mean a stock, Numrick has those listed as well.

Unless the rifle is in original "battle dress" check to see if the stripper bridge is still on. The Weaver mount needs to be mounted to this at the rear

One more thing. Is the .303 you found a No 4 or No 1? The No 1 was the earlier model and has a rounded receiver. The No 4 has the flat sided receiver. That may make a difference with the forend Numrich has. It does make a difference with the butt stock.

I'm excited for you. I hope it works out. Let me know if I can be of any addition help.

jro45 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 14, 2007, 05:42:34 AM »

If I were you I'd go with the 7-08. Myself I own the 7mm Mag. Its up to you what ever you can handle. Good shooting to ya.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 14, 2007, 06:49:15 AM »

Stick with your 6,5x55 Swede.

jmckinley · « **Reply #25 on:** February 14, 2007, 08:51:30 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on February 14, 2007, 06:49:15 AM

Stick with your 6,5x55 Swede.

Redhawk that is exactly what I am going to do. I'll find something at a later date and that will be a 7x57. Jess

31 bertram · « **Reply #26 on:** February 14, 2007, 04:19:45 PM »

I would recomend staying with a 30 06 and get a good muzzle break. Just my thoughts on another option. Thanks
31 bertram

jmckinley · « **Reply #27 on:** February 16, 2007, 05:38:38 AM »

Well I went a route i had not intended although I had considered. my favorite caliber beside the swede and 308 is the 270. Yesterday a rifle grabbed my arm and I just had to put it on layaway. It is a Beautiful FN Mauser, sporter stock rollover cheek pc. with 22 inch tube in 270. The action is clear little wear and a trigger that breaks at 3 pounds. It will wear a Millett Buck Gold 3-10X44 and will throw 140gr Winchester Supreme Ammo at my Elk. It's on layaway and when i get it out I'll post some pictures. Jess

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 16, 2007, 10:07:55 PM »

jmckinley, boy that was quick...

Let us know how it works out for you.

jro45 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 17, 2007, 04:09:17 AM »

Sounds like a real nice 270. Nice trigger brake 3lbs. Yea let us know how it works out for you.