Caliber for new hunting rifle Q

[mikeinct]

Str8.... 260 Rem, Or the 7mm 08 .. Just a mag taper barrel. Recoil will be modest. The 257 Roberts is easily formed from 7x57 brass. Stay away from the AI versions. barrel life shortens by better than most care for & is not needed most of the time. mikeinct

 

[ChrisNZ]

Seems like you have a 700 SA with presumably a .308 boltface, if you aren’t planning on spending an additional $1xx bushing the firing pin, I’d stick to a LRP case.

There is ZERO issue with running a 6.5x47 on a std short 700 action if you use CCI 450 primers. As for poor ignition with common powders, where does that myth come from??

 

[darkangel_r2]

There is ZERO issue with running a 6.5x47 on a std short 700 action if you use CCI 450 primers. As for poor ignition with common powders, where does that myth come from??

It is a documented issue with ball powders and dual base powders. Its no myth. Full cases and smaller flash holes help.

 

[shoot4fun]

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.

The 7MM08, of your options, is my firm choice. I've hunted with that one many years and taken lots of game cleanly.

 

[AckleymanII]

In the short action, The 6.5x47 Lapua, 123g Lapua scenar or 129g Nosler long range accubond is going to be hard to beat in Accuracy, Recoil, and DRT results. Short range shots, 129g Hornady SP flat base is one heck of a deer killing bullet.

All three of these bullets will give you -1/2" at 200 yards and light recoil.

#4 or a #5 contour would be perfect.

What ever caliber you pick, choose something that brass is available for.

 

[SweaterDood]

My experience with most of the 25cals and 7-08:
- 25-06 is amazing. Very modest recoil, lightning strike performance
- .257 Rob is equally as good as above. Brass selection sucks. Not ideal for long action.
- .257 Rob AI. Equal to performance of 25-06. Brass selection still sucks. Still needs long action. Fireforming process most likely not worth it. Ackley dimensions inconsistent between components, can cause issues. Did for me.
- 25 Creed. 2900-3000fps with 130-135gr bullets. Bushing dies make this easy from either the 6 CM or 6.5 CM. Large and Small primer compatibility with great brass options. (Only on in this list I don’t own)
- 25x47L. Slightly slower than above. Limited to Lapua and Peterson for brass. Don’t have to tell your shooting buddies you own a Creed...lol.
- 7-08. Round is more than capable within 300yds. Wish I’d have gone .260 Rem... Sorry.

 

[Pyscodog]

I have several different rifles in several calibers. When deer season rolls around the 7-08 comes out.

 

[slm9s]

243, 243ai, 6cm, 6.5cm, 260, 6-06, 6.5-06.

Actually a fast twist 22 cal like a 22cm would be great for your stated purpose.

I think a 6-284 would be a lot of fun if you're looking for something cool and unique.

243 if vanilla is more your flavor.

 

[jakelly]

There is ZERO issue with running a 6.5x47 on a std short 700 action if you use CCI 450 primers. As for poor ignition with common powders, where does that myth come from??

They don’t always work. Even when they do, the spacing is still the weak point. Push the pressure up, and the problem returns.

 

[ChrisNZ]

When I said "common powders", I was alluding to extruded powders like Varget. I wouldn't think about using 748 for example.

Ackleyman's suggestion of using 123 Scenars on game I really can't agree with- in my limited experience, they're likely to just pencil through if you don't hit bone. Def accurate though

 

[6MMsteve]

something in 7mm you can get components

 

[Scrumbag]

Not cool. 257 Roberts or 257 AI

Love my 257 Bob

 

[drop_point]

Something wrong with the rifle she uses? Is it not working?

If the rifle is for her, why not let HER decide?

 

[CharlieNC]

A 308 is STILL cool! Anything from modest 125gr pussycat to 200gr hammer, accommodates a wide range of powders, etc. Everybody should own one.

 

[David Milisock]

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.

She has a great rifle, spend the money on a trip with her.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

.260 Rem. Lapua makes brass! .260 improved 30* for a little more HP. Better 6.5 bullets than .25 I shoot a .260 Imp 40* for 600 yd matches. Wouldn't hesitate to shoot an Elk with Accubonds

 

[AWS]

25-204/250-3000/orig. 257 Roberts 100gr bullet at 2800-2900 FPS "Nuff Said"

 

[DirtySteve]

6X47 or 6.5X47 Lapua....

 

[Webster]

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.

I would get a caliber with easy to find brass and bullets. I keep it simple a 308.

 

[Hydenseek]

6.5 needmore