Caliber for new hunting rifle Q

[tthomp302]

Howdy everyone! I’m in need of some help deciding which caliber to build a rifle for my fiancé. She currently uses a 25-06 vanguard and she loves it. I have an extra 700 short action laying around and wouldn’t mind putting something together for her for Christmas. My current short list is 6.5x47, 25 creedmoor, or 7mm-08. It will be used mostly as a 0-300 yard hunting rifle and will be using a heavy contour barrel. Looking for opinions but want something a little cool, also I am more than willing to load for it so factory ammo availability isn’t much of a plus for me. Thanks in advance.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

6x47 Lapua

 

[DaveTooley]

Not cool. 257 Roberts or 257 AI

 

[nakneker]

6.5x47 gets my vote. I have three cartridges based on that case, it’s a wonderful case and the 6.5 bullet selection is pretty dreamy. I also have a sporter built on a Remington by Wheeler Accuracy in 25x47 Lapua, Im using BIB 110s, it’s also very capable. That being said, the 25 creed and 7mm-08 are great cartridges too, no wrong choice in the bunch.

 

[darkangel_r2]

My current short list is 6.5x47, 25 creedmoor, or 7mm-08.

A 25 creed could use the same bullets as your 25-06 and the deer would probably never tell the difference at 300 and in. You're probably loosing less than 100 fps from the 25-06 for the same barrel length. Good choice.

6.5x47 exclusively uses small primers to my knowledge so if you are hunting in the cold using ball powders that might be an issue. 6.5 creed or 260 rem would likely be better for hunting as there are more brass manufacturers and you can use large and small primers.

7-08 is amazing on deer but the most fun bullets are hard to fit in the mag and the recoil is probably more than what she would be used to.

Id say any combination of 6xc, creedmoor, 308 case, and a bullet between 6mm and 7mm would work. The question is how flat shooting, how much recoil, and how custom a chamber? If it were me I'd try to line up as many of my existing components as possible until stuff comes back on the market commonly. Powder especially. So just as an example if you have 40lbs of h4350 lying around I'd probably pick one that uses that powder so you don't have to hunt for powder.

 

[dgeesaman]

6.5x47 exclusively uses small primers to my knowledge so if you are hunting in the cold using ball powders that might be an issue. 6.5 creed or 260 rem would likely be better for hunting as there are more brass manufacturers and you can use large and small primers.

Great point and some stick powders need to fill the case well to ensure good ignition in the cold or with reduced loads. So large primer would be my choice unless your loads meet those criteria.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

I love the sound of the .257Roberts And it uses a large rifle primer.

 

[darkangel_r2]

Who makes good 257 roberts brass? If lapua or peterson doesn't make it I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Who makes good 257 roberts brass? If lapua or peterson doesn't make it I wouldn't recommend it.

I agree on build a new rig based on Lapua brass.
As to the OP, the 6.5 Creedmoor with large primer Lapua brass should be a strong contender.

 

[22vartarg]

I guess Nosler be your best bet for 257 Roberts…..I believe I saw some at Graf & Sons.

 

[darkangel_r2]

I guess Nosler be your best bet for 257 Roberts…..I believe I saw some at Graf & Sons.

They charge more for their stuff than lapua lol.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I know you have your short list, but don't rule out the 6mm Creedmoor. Good bullet selection and easy recoil.

 

[alf]

Great point and some stick powders need to fill the case well to ensure good ignition in the cold or with reduced loads. So large primer would be my choice unless your loads meet those criteria.

I've hunted down to 27 below with my 6.5x47, and have never had an issue with it not going bang...

 

[AWS]

25 Souper or just a good old 250-3000, it's been killing deer for around 100 yrs and doesn't have any warts on it. You could even use 22-250 Lapua brass for it.

 

[Gary in MD]

Lapua makes brass for the 243 Winchester.
Good for deer, hogs, varmints, etc.
Accurate and recoil is less than the 25-06

 

[Edd]

Howdy everyone! I’m in need of some help deciding which caliber to build a rifle for my fiancé. She currently uses a 25-06 vanguard and she loves it. I have an extra 700 short action laying around and wouldn’t mind putting something together for her for Christmas. My current short list is 6.5x47, 25 creedmoor, or 7mm-08. It will be used mostly as a 0-300 yard hunting rifle and will be using a heavy contour barrel. Looking for opinions but want something a little cool, also I am more than willing to load for it so factory ammo availability isn’t much of a plus for me. Thanks in advance.

338 Federal is a good 0-300 yard cartridge.

 

[DGP4]

7-08 or 7mm Mauser.

 

[std7mag]

A hunting rifle for the lady, with a heavy contour barrel?

I KNOW what my lady would say about that! And it ain't printable!

I'd go with the 7mm-08.
If recoil is an issue, use the 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip.

Biggest issue shouldn't be "which caliber?".
But rather which stock to fit her properly?

And while i love my 257 Roberts & AI, i wouldn't build one on a short action.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I had a 7-08 and used the 120 Nosler B.T. boy it would down a deer.

 

[Toptom]

7mm 08 is a solid choice as others stated. I will also second the 243 I’m using Peterson brass in my super grade. Shot a doe with it this year about 100 yards and it was like bolt of lighting hit her, was using Berger vlds.