Caliber choice between 223 and 300 win mag

[Webster]

Serious ballistics + polite recoil + versatility = 7mm-08 Rem.

Why do you say a 7-08 has serious ballistics. Almost identical to a 308 Win. There are about 5 popular calibers that all shoot a 150 gr bullet at 2800-2850 fps.

 

[XTR]

What stock is that?

I got it from someone here a while ago. It is a 5 layer laminate with 3 walnut layers and two thin layers of carbon fiber. The add here that sold it said is was something Stocky's or Boyd's (i forget which) cleared out several yrs ago. Seller said he paid a little extra for one with some figure in it. I think it's a pretty fair piece of wood for a hunting rifle.

The bottom metal is a DBM system from PT&G that accepts AICS pattern mags. When I built it I originally put it in one of the VLS stocks with checkering and ebony tips and it had a HS DBM. If my freebore wasn't as long as it is I'd have stuck with the HS, it is stainless and I think it looks better, but this setup with AICS mags with no front plate lets me run OALs over 2.9.

 

[HTSmith]

The suggestion for the 7mm-08 caught my eye, and then after doing some research, realize I am leaning toward the 260 Remington. Although brass is less common, it can be created from 243 and 308 cases. Good bullet choices, and light recoil. Powerful enough for all game in Michigan. Can use lighter bullets for varmints, but probably at longer ranges if fur-friendly is important. Seems like a good choice. Any detractors?

It is my favorite for all the reasons you mentioned. If you were a one gun man, I'd recommend the dandy 7-08, but you have the 300 Mag if you need more power.

 

[hogpatrol]

For hunting whitetails in brush or woods I like a short action caliber. I'm sure you already know that with larger game shot placement can trump cartridge size. Welcome to the sport and good luck hunting.

Any of these loaded right will fit the mission for deer & black bear.

Short actions 7-08, .260 Rem, .308, .358 Win

Long actions .270 Win, 30-06, 6.5x284, 35 Whelen

 

[long40shot]

I'd say a 25-06, 6.5x284 or 284.

Matt

 

[Kenneth66]

30-06 , it will take care of the deer whieght bullets and has enough powder capacity to give good ballistics on the 200-220 gr. bullets too .
But I have to confess , I am addicted to the 30-06 . Almost as bad as my hunting vise .
But as said in a previous post , you could do that too with the magnum you have .
Sounds like you got the hunting and shooting bug bad too , don't worry about therapy just live with it , it's fun .
Kenneth

 

[effendude]

6.5-284 is a joy to shoot, exceptional ballistics and gentle recoil. It has that little extra that is sometimes needed when reaching out there a little further. Barrel life is shorter than some but for a hunting rifle, 1000 rounds is a bunch of accurate shots, whether hunting or at the range. I have used one around the world and have had great success. Other than the big bears of Alaska and late season elk, I don't think you would be lacking.

Scott

 

[XTR]

Why do you say a 7-08 has serious ballistics. Almost identical to a 308 Win. There are about 5 popular calibers that all shoot a 150 gr bullet at 2800-2850 fps.

I am sure the poster is thinking that for a given weight the 7mm will have a better BC than the 308, and it will; however, for well designed bullets in either caliber the difference is really negligible at reasonable hunting distances and only starts to show up past 500 or 600 yards.

 

[2506]

I would suggest a 25-06. Shoots FLAT with very little recoil and kills deer/black bear size game DRT.

 

[K22]

Keep is simple and in the long run you'll be happier and more satisifed. Don't dwell and anguish over selecting a caliber. The 7mm08, 270, 208, 308, 30-06 will all get the job done quite effectively. It comes down to short vs. long action and availabilty of the rifle you like in the caliber you choose. By choosing standard calibers you avail yourself to access to ammo just about anywhere and a wider range of rifle options since most mfgs offer these standard calibers.

Personally, for deer and bear I prefer the 30 caliber option in short action but all the above will work. For deer only some of the 6mm and 6.5 mm choices are good and have less recoil.

 

[FryeGuy]

I vote for the 6.5x55. I killed deer and my first black bear ever this year with one. I haven't recovered a bullet yet. Shooting the sierra 130hpbt game king. It's a super accurate round. I have 3. Next vote would be 7mm08 or 260. Just great rounds and less recoil than 30 cals. I've killed deer with every caliber mentioned above, they all did the job just fine, just settled on the swede as my favorite. Or any other 6.5mm for that matter.

 

[Shaggy357]

Lots of good opinions above, but few that cover the spread from .223 to 300 WM. There are a few that will cover the full bandwidth, but not all are popular and readily available everywhere. If you want to cover everything in between, the .30-06 is your best choice. From 100 grain plinkers, to 110HP for varmints, to 125s for light deer loads, to 125 fast loads for coyote size varmints, to 150s, to 165/168s, t0 180s, to 200s, to 220s....they are all covered. Light loads, heavy loads, prairie dogs to buffalo....it will cover them all. Easy to reload. Brass and bullets are the most popular out there.

 

[Kylis-dad]

If I was only allowed one rifle... 6.5-06..

 

[Webster]

I have only been into shooting the last 3-4 years. I have a 17 FB and a 223. Shot a few coyotes and have been enjoying target practice. I want to get into big game hunting (primarily deer and possibly black bear; I live in Michigan) and my dad recently gave me his 300 win mag. He doesn't like shooting it anymore. I have shot it some and although it gets your attention, it's not worse than shooting 12 gauge, 1.25 oz slugs.

Although I could shoot 165 grain bullets through the 300 win mag and use it for deer, it is really more recoil and power than I need in Michigan. I'll keep this one for future elk and moose hunts. So, what I am looking for is a caliber between 223 and the 300 win mag that I can use for big game from deer to black bear. I don't mind if it is slightly light for black bear; I'll just pick my shots more carefully. Granted I could use the 300 win mag for black bear if needed, but I envision using my new rifle as my primary big game gun for Michigan size game.

Some considerations:

1. I reload and it is not critical that the caliber is commercially available, although that would be nice.
2. Brass needs to be readily available and in good quality
3. No complicated steps in reloading, e.g. shortening a parent case that requires thinning necks, fireforming (unless it can be done shooting regular reloads with a minimal loss of accuracy), etc.
4. Has light recoil

One caliber that comes to mind is a 308. It is another 30 caliber and closer to the 300 win mag than I would like. Plus it would be nice to get something lighter recoiling, although I can handle the recoil fine. It is the one caliber that seems like it fits my list the best. Another one is the 243. Granted it is a little light for black bear, but I would need to pick my shots more carefully.

Any other thoughts? I suspect this will be my last rifle a while. I am the type that likes a few really nice toys that are versatile and I use regularly.

Thanks much.

I posted this once before. They don't suggest big calibers. 330-06 is the most popular caliber in Alaska. Alaska Game Commission recommended calibers.

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.firearms

 

[DOGCAPPER]

I really liked the 6mm Rem. for deer sized animals. If you might branch out to larger game the 7mm Rem has a wide range of bullets good for anything from crows to elk.

 

[Sonic Crack]

Id have to suggest 30-06 or 30-06 AI also even a 308 or some wildcat 30cal. You just cant beat that wide range of bullet selection the 30 cal has.

 

[gopherslayer]

To keep things simple yet exotic go with a 6.5creed or 260 Rem. Brass by Lapua and high BC bullets if you want to go long with it, and you will once you shoot one and realize how mild the recoil is. Factory ammo is available for both.

Reload 100gr NBT at 3350 or higher depending on barrel length for varmint/predators and 120-140gr for deer and bear. 120s go about 3000fps and 140s about 2750-2800fps.

I have 5 260s and load development has been easy for all of them. Knocks a deer very well, never had a runner over 40 yards (usually less than 20). This year I took a doe at 540yards with a 100gr NBT and it was DRT. It's my favorite cartridge and Lord knows I have more than a few to choose from.

 

[msinc]

Don't forget the twist rate, if you are going to hunt with it you will want to shoot heavier bullets...260, you want 1-in-8...7mm-08, mine is 1-in-8.75, but 1-in-9 will do nicely. I wouldn't be afraid to shoot a black bear with a 243 with the right bullet. Either of these three will do it and I think you will be very happy.

 

[Hunter2678]

7-08

I get 2900FPS from a 24" barrel with 140SGKs or 140ABs.

• Short action
• Brass from WW and Lapua or you can make it from any 308s (never bothered myself)
  
• More bullet choices than you can ever try
• Lots of powders work (for a hunting rifle I like 2000MR, great velocity and in winter temperatures aren't an issue with the double based powder)
• Better ballistics than a comparable 30 with less recoil
• Availability of reloading components

Haven't met anyone who has not liked a 7-08 once they try it..

Compared to a 260, the 140gr bullet in a 7mm is right in the middle of it's weight range, whereas the 140 in a 260 is a heavy for class. You can take the 7mm up to much heavier bullets (175/180) and bigger game if you set up for it and keep the ranges reasonable.

+10 on the 7-08

 

[MQ1]

I've owned and hunted with most of the calibers listed, and find that the 25-06 and .270 are tough to beat, especially if you are a reloader.

I like the 25-06 because you can realistically hunt groundhogs to elk with minimal recoil. For big game, a .270 is better, and the recoil difference is minimal.

If you want the hype of the more currently popular, modern 6.5 cartridges...go for it, however you will not be making a mistake with time proven hunting cartridges like the .270 or 25-06. I've never noticed a difference hunting with a long action or small action.

MQ1