Author Topic: caliber dilemma (Read 780 times)

mjbgalt · « **on:** May 06, 2005, 12:44:06 PM »

i just bought an encore. i know this is the bolt action forum, but you guys shoot a lot and the calibers i am choosing from are often found in bolt action rifle as well.

i am looking at the .270 and 7mm-08. which one?

is either one better than the other for one thing or another? they seem to have similar qualities.

i plan to hunt whitetails with it but would like to ready to hunt black bears should the chance appear.

i wont be shooting over 300 yards and i live in the eastern USA.

ammo costs? flexibility in bullets and weight? recoil? lets compare and you guys can help me choose.

-Matt

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2005, 01:03:52 PM »

It appears that you are asking about cartridges, not calibers.

Both the .270 and 7mm-08 are great whitetail cartridges, although I think that the 7mm-08 is the ideal whitetail cartridge for shots within reasonable distances. In the Encore, you have a relatively short barrel, or at least short compared to rifle barrels. A .270 is going to loose more velocity in a shorter barrel than a 7mm-08, which thus means that the 7mm-08 will be more "efficient" in terms of velocity. Also, the 7mm-08 kicks a bit less than the .270. As such, I would recommend the 7mm-08 over the .270 in the Encore.

As for bullets, the standard bullet weight for the 7mm-08 is 140 grains. You can shoot heavier or lighter bullets, but, I would stick with the 140s. Given that you will not be shooting at high velocities, you don't need premium bullets that will hold together upon fierce impact like a trophy bonded bear claw, Barnes TSX, or Swift-A-Frame. Any plain jane bullet will hold together - just make sure that it shoots accurately in your Encore.
That said, take a look at the Sierra Gamekings and Nosler Partitions. Yes, they are premium bullets, but not too tough.

Zachary

Zachary

mjbgalt · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2005, 01:06:18 PM »

whoops. i meant cartridges. thanks for correcting me.

i have heard great things about the partitions. i was planning on trying them sooner or later. what about the hornady 139 grain offering?

-Matt

beemanbeme · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2005, 01:13:03 PM »

I would choose the 7-08 in a heart beat. The diverse choice of bullets in 7mm is a beginning; the shorter cartridge is another reason and the efficiency of the 7-08 is yet another. You can very comfortably push a 140gr bullet to 2800+fps in a 7-08. A very fine start to putting a deer in the freezer. And if you prefer something a little heavier for a bear or hog, you have 145, 154, 160, 162, 175gr bullets in both standard and premium configuration. Nope. No choice at all. Pick the 7-08 and you will never be sorry.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2005, 01:27:48 PM »

well that settles it. i didnt realize you could get heavier bullets than 150. if so, then thats my choice.

see, i knew you guys would come through for me :grin:

-Matt

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2005, 02:45:25 PM »

Quote from: mjbgalt

well that settles it. i didnt realize you could get heavier bullets than 150. if so, then thats my choice.

Why? You can get 7mm bullets up to 175 with no problem, but why? You said that you were going to use it for deer. Well, 140s are about perfect. Remember that bullet construction is just as important as bullet weight. I would definately stick with 140s.

As for the Hornady 139s, they are also excellent bullets and virtually the same as 140s - 1 grain aint gonna make any noticeable difference. I have used the Hornady Light Magnum 139s in my 7mm-08s on deer with excellent results.

Zachary

mjbgalt · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2005, 02:56:04 PM »

i justliked the ability to be more flexible. if i can do anything from 120 to 180 grains or so, thats pretty darn flexible. i was looking for an edge to show me which barrel to buy...thats a nice edge, right there.

i am not into buying 40 barrels for this thing, so if i can get 3 or 4 that can do it all, then i am set. i am thinking, .204, .223 (cheap shooting), 7mm-08, and maybe a larger one like a 300 win mag.

it will be used for whitetail, but if i get a chance to hunt bears or elk or something, i want to be able to do it.

and btw, the barrels on my encore are 26 inches, which is LONGER than usual, not shorter. this is a rifle model, not the pistol.

-Matt

Zachary · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:06:11 PM »

Ahhhhhh, I see. You are right, I thought it was the pistol version. The 7mm-08 should be awesome for your deer hunting at normal distances. As for the .300 Win Mag, yes, it will be a better choice for your bigger animals.

Zachary

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:44:36 PM »

i got a 7mm-08 barrel this past year
i looked at the 270 for a while but went with the 7-08 an im still happy with it to date

i shoots winchester 140 super x all day an night
got a el cheapo tasco 2.5-10x44 on it i got a dicks for 20$ couldent pass the deal up
but any ways im starting to shoot 120bt's out of it this spring i hope for chucks just to see what will happen
good luck with your choice
dave

warf73 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2005, 01:43:52 AM »

mjbgalt

Just a little side note for ya.

Just because the bullet weight is avalible doesnt mean your rifle will like them.

My 270win.
90, 100gr bullets wouldnt shoot worth a dam, the 120's ok 130 GREAT 140 ok 150 not worth a dam.

Cousins 25-06
75, 85, 87 and 100gr bullets not worth a dam the 115, 117gr GREAT 120's ok.

My 300wby
110, 120, 130gr. not worth a dam 150-180 GREAT 190-220 ok

See a pattern?

Most calibers have a sweet weight (s) it will shoot best.
The gun manufactures cut the rifling in said caliber to accommodate said bullet weight(s) that are popular with Joe public.

So just dont be surprised if your rifle wont shoot all weights GREAT odds are it just wont happen.

Warf

poncaguy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2005, 03:47:21 AM »

I bought an Encore .50 black powder last year. Since then, added a 204 Ruger (real good shooter) and a 7mm-08. It is really a great round, a joy to shoot. :-)

Lawdog · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2005, 10:35:42 AM »

Quote from: mjbgalt

i just bought an encore. i know this is the bolt action forum, but you guys shoot a lot and the calibers i am choosing from are often found in bolt action rifle as well.

i am looking at the .270 and 7mm-08. which one?

is either one better than the other for one thing or another? they seem to have similar qualities.

i plan to hunt whitetails with it but would like to ready to hunt black bears should the chance appear.

i wont be shooting over 300 yards and i live in the eastern USA.

ammo costs? flexibility in bullets and weight? recoil? lets compare and you guys can help me choose.

-Matt

Which one, .270 Win. or 7mm-08? Hard choice as both have their good points. Both will handle what you state you would like to hunt. But I believe the advantage goes to the 7mm-08. Excellent bullet selection/weights, a bit less recoil and excellent accuracy. My granddaughter used Barnes 140 gr. TSX bullets in her custom 7mm-08 to take her first deer(2 of them) and Wild Hogs just this last year. The 7mm-08 should handle any game you will want to hunt. Lawdog

mjbgalt · « **Reply #12 on:** May 09, 2005, 10:49:35 AM »

good to know, and i am glad to hear you guys' opinions on this. looks like the 7-08 is the choice.

i have a pistol grip and forearm too and so i will soon be buying a .223 barrel for that. i should be all set :grin:

-Matt