Getting an in-between for .30-06 and .22LR

[tankBrady]

Hey everyone, first time posting here so I hope this is the right place to put this question.

Currently rocking a Browning A-bolt medallion in .30-06 for deer and longer range PA varmints like groundhogs and coyote. I have a handful of .22LR that I use for smaller game and general plinking. Been looking to get an in-between cartridge so that I can largely keep my -06 on my shelf outside deer season, while still being able to take groundhog and coyotes at up to about 500 yards. Hopefully with a few less bruises on the shoulder too cause that browning is very light for an -06 and kicks like a mule after your fourth or fifth shot of a session.

Was originally looking into getting a 243 Winchester, as I had a lot of fun and success with my brother's back in high school. However, ran across some similar rounds that might get some more usability than just a varmint rifle. Namely 6.5 Creedmoor.

So I'm curious to hear everyone's input as for what caliber may be best to bridge the gap between my .22 LR and my 30-06. A 243 winchester I think would be great, but something like the 6.5 creedmoor might be a little more usable for deer in close-moderate ranges where my browning does a little extra damage to the meat at times.

What thoughts does everyone here have? Are the 243 and 6.5 creedmoor reasonable options for what I am looking for? Are there any cartridges that I'm overlooking that could squeeze out either of my suggestions?

 

[Dub]

something in the 6MM family would be ideal.

 

[skywag]

Ruger 77 in 220 Swift

 

[3Sigma]

Shooting handloads or factory ammo?

Is cost a concern?

My vote is a 22-250, 223, or 243 if you are buying ammo.

Handloads, 6BR, 22-250 AI, or 22 Creedmoor.

 

[nwmnbowhunter]

223 or 6.5cm

 

[TheOtherZilla]

204 ....

 

[B23]

something in the 6MM family would be ideal.

Winner winner chicken dinner.

If you handload your options for good 24 caliber rifle are nearly endless. If shooting factory ammo I'd probably look at getting a 6mm Creedmoor as my first choice closely followed by a 243 Win as my second choice.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

My grandson abscounded ( AKA,. Long Term "Borrowed" ) my .243 Win and I replaced it with, a 6.5 Creed.
Wanted, longer "Reach" and more Killing Power for Deer with, the Better / Longer, HIGH BC, Bullets.
And the Creed HAS, BETTER Barrel Life than, the .243 Win ( Not that, much of an Issue for just, a Hunting Rifle )
IF you want, a 6 MM go with, the 6 XC ! My 6.5 Creed, is going to be used mostly for Long range Steel Plate Fun, in the Desert, 15 miles outside of Town for, "Field position", Hunting Practice, so that, I'm NOT, wearing out, the Barrel of, my .270 WSM, Elk Rifle and with, LESS Recoil, to Boot !
I WAS a "Skeptic" of, the 6.5 Creed. But not, no more, as they, flat out, "Shoot" ! Bought ANOTHER, Lefty Tikka of, course ! The 123 and 130 grain, ELD-M's have little recoil and are Fun, to shoot Steel & var'mts with !
The HIGH BC, 147's "should" really,.. Reach out for, Deer !

 

[darkangel_r2]

Hand loading or factory?

If hand loading id suggest 6br family cartidge, 6 gt, 6x47 lapua, 6xc, or 6 creedmoor.

Any of these can produce enough energy to drop a deer at close range with good tough hunting bullets (1000 ft-lb to 400 yards). They also make excellent varmint cartridges with lighter weight bullets. The dasher up through 6 creedmoor also use powders that can pull double duty in your 30-06. 6xc and 6 creed also use large and small rifle primers for more component continuity.

If you are buying factory get a 6 or 6.5 creedmoor. Factory ammo for these two is generally superior in performance than their 243 and 260 factory counterparts.

 

[jr600yd]

6XC and be done

 

[simo hayha]

223

 

[K22]

If I read your post correctly, you're looking for a varmint / predator caliber.

The 243 Win will fit that need but there are better choices for a strictly varmint rifle. Don't get me wrong, I love the 243 Win, it was my first centerfire rifle. I currently have four of them. It really shines as an all purpose caliber for the one gun hunter, i.e. varmints / predators / deer.

You say 500 yards. Well the 22 250 is about as good as it gets if you truly are going to shoot at that distance.

For 300 yards and under the 223 Rem is hard to beat with the added advantage of long barrel life and cheaper to reload.

 

[Albany Mountain]

223

 

[mac86951]

Hmm, in this era of shortages... 7 Saum!

Honestly, a 243 is hard to beat, or 6mm version of choose what brass you can get, though lose a 6x47 or 6-creed brass in the weeds and it hurts more than 243.

I guess the next question for you is, do you want factory ammo or only hand-loads? Sounds like the factory option is a good one, so I'd say something 308 or 223 based. 500Y would favor the 08 case head size a bit more.

Science says .264 is closest to "in-between" so credmoor, or Grendel and you're set!

-Mac

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Get the 223 in a 8 or 9 twist barrel first, it’s cheaper to shoot and you can still use the 06 for deer.

 

[John from MN]

6mm Creedmoor all day long. It's essentially a modern take on the 243 win and a slightly better choice for 500 yd varmints than the 6.5 version, IMO.

 

[DGP4]

I'd do a 7MM Mauser or a 7-08. Two of my favorite intermediate cartridges.

 

[KMart]

You have two all time classics. Kinda old. Need something to match the theme.

250 Savage.

 

[Adam in WI]

.25-06... Easier on meat, harder on varmints

 

[Yamess191]

Another vote for 25-06. Love both of mine