Author Topic: Caliber Help (Read 844 times)

JDK · « **on:** January 19, 2005, 08:34:23 AM »

Like a couple of other websites, I lurk here more than I post and now find myself in need of assistance.

My wife handed me a receipt this weekend for a new Ruger M77 MKII that she purchased as an anniversary gift. She didn't choose a caliber leaving that up to me. I have to be honest, I'm at a loss as to what I should pick. Presently I own a 250-3000, 308, 35 Remington, and 7mm Remington Mag.

I live in Maine, hunt white-tail, black bear, and if lucky moose. Don't reload and don't really have time for coyotes. She wants me to go tomorrow night and choose "my" present.

In an effort to do a pre-emptive strike I went to the shop today at lunch. My wife's purchase only included those Rugers in stock at this time. The shop owner had a 204, 223, 243, 308, 30-06, and 7x57. I'm leaning towards but am not sold on the 7mm as it had the nicest wood and smoothest action.

BTW, my wife paid $425 + tax. Decent price, good, or bad? I haven't priced a rifle in quite a while. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2005, 09:05:31 AM »

If moose in on your menu, and out of the cartridges you mentioned, I would get the .30-06. It truly is one of the most versitle cartridges out there. Granted, you already have a .308, but the .30-06 will give you a little more HP and choice of heavier bullets to take a moose.

Zachary

Lawdog · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2005, 09:15:58 AM »

JDK,

Quote

don't really have time for coyotes

Which means to me that varmints are out too. That cuts out the .204, .223 and .243(you said you already have a .250 Savage which in my opinion is a better all around cartridge) and you already have a .308 so that leaves the .30-06 and the 7x57. Seeing you already like the wood and the action I would go with your heart and get the 7x57. You'll be happier in the long run if you do. Lawdog

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2005, 09:40:44 AM »

I was going to recommend a 7-08 but since what you have to chose from is the 7x57 it is the ballistic twin of the 7-08 with just a lesser choice of factory ammo. That's the one I'd say get.

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2005, 11:11:07 AM »

The 7X57 is a fine cartridge, and you won't regret it. In fact, you may find it will replace the 7mm Rem Mag and the .308 in your affection.

Ramrod · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2005, 11:24:08 AM »

Everyone should own at least one .30-06, but you have that so well surrounded by the .308 and the 7mm mag, you could probably live without it. :wink: The 7x57 would be a good choice, and the original 175 grain load should kill a moose, considering how many elephant D.W. Bell killed with it. The Brits called it the .275 Rigby, I believe. But I would get the .223. Ammo is cheap, so it's a good plinking and practice rifle, if you are not into varmints.

anthony passero · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2005, 12:05:34 PM »

Buy the 7x57! Great cartridge for maine. I wish I had one. Anthony

victorcharlie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2005, 01:03:32 PM »

Ask for your money back and then get a .338 win mag or .375 H&H for your moose gun........

Ramrod · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2005, 01:36:17 PM »

JDK already has a moose gun. The good ole 35 Rem. has killed more moose than all the magnums combined.

Gregory · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2005, 01:58:17 PM »

You don't have to hunt with a 223 to enjoy it, they are tons of fun at the range, but I'd love to have a LH bolt gun in a 7x57, I think it's a great caliber.

I think you "need" a 22 centerfire. Enjoy your "dilemma".

JDK · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2005, 02:50:19 PM »

Thank you for the replies. I have had a little time to reflect on what I saw today and I guess I'm leaning toward the 7x57 and/or the 223.

victorcharlie,

I have been married for 18 years, seems like only yesterday :grin: , and this is the first time my wife has bought anything hunting or fishing related. I don't think I'm about to ask for my money back as I'll be paying in the long run. Besides the 2 moose I've killed fell pretty handily to the 308.

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2005, 04:27:19 PM »

Of course if you're really in need of a major caliber rifle some day, you could always have the 7mm Rem Mag rebarreled to .338 Win Mag. The two cases are almost identical, and rebarreling is all you'd need.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2005, 12:26:52 PM »

JDK......The wife and I made it 20 years last month.......I didn't mean overtly......rather covertly! It's hard to fault any woman that would buy her man a rifle.........Killed my first deer many years ago with a 7X57.....I'd like to find a nice one in that calibre.

huntsman · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2005, 02:42:06 PM »

7x57 gives you a bore diameter in between what you have with good ballistics. Not to mention a cartridge that draws good reviews from its owners. That would be my choice.

JDK · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2005, 02:56:10 PM »

Thanks again for the replies.

We went back tonight and I had somewhat made up my mind to get the 223. Figured it would be cheap to shoot and a fun rifle. Unfortunately (fortunately??) someone had put it on lay away. So, the 7x57 followed me home. The shop owner would have ordered me any caliber in production for an extra $90.

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and price of ammo. The shop had 4-5 different brands and bullet weights. Prices ranged from $12 (Federal Classic) to $20 (Federal Premium) per box which is what I'd pay for 308. Overalll, I'm pleased and victorcharlie you are right she is a special woman.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2005, 03:40:20 PM »

I have a birthday coming up next month. Can I borrow your wife for a month? I could use a new 223 and that would make her awful happy, saving your marriage. No need to thank me![/quote]