One Game-Hunting Rifle -- What Would It Be?
- Thread starter john 800
- Start date
Ted nugent said at one point he would be in jail if obama was elected and he was questioned by the secret service. So i will answer the question chosing my words carefully. No, me working for joe biden would not be a good arrangement.Are you working for Joe Biden?
My first choice would be an M38 Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55, but if I’d have to shoot “it” for the rest of my life, I’d go for the barrel life of a 308, so it would be my Remington 308 5R.
I would look for a different platform than a HighWall. I’ve worked on many of them, and yes, they are very strong, but I’m not sure if they are up to the task of constant 50-60k PSI pressure. For a 6.5CM, I’d look for one of the modern Browning HighWall copies that were designed for, and made with modern steel, for high pressure cartridgesOK, I'll say it: 6.5 Creedmoor. In an 1885 High Wall.
That'll get you a few responses.
223...
Clancy
Silver $$ Contributor
That’s funny because I thought 250 savage as well!
paul castelli
Silver $$ Contributor
Saw this here in the 6mm forum earlier today, a real drooling quality piece. Fits the bill nicely
I have hunted with a 25-35 Mod 94, a 35 REM auto and a 1958 vintage Savage 30-06.
When I decided to build a hunting rifle on a military action, I researched a lot of ballistics data as well as efficacy information. I ended up with a sporterized VZ24 Mauser m88 action with a WWII 7mm barrel. The barrel was cut down to 24" and all fitted to a laminated stock that I finished.
The 7X57 will effectively kill ANY north American game. On top of that, when I finally learned to jump the solid metal bullets required in my state (guess what state!) 0.100 " the darned old barrel shoots better than 1 MOA!. And, it is comfortable to shoot.
When I decided to build a hunting rifle on a military action, I researched a lot of ballistics data as well as efficacy information. I ended up with a sporterized VZ24 Mauser m88 action with a WWII 7mm barrel. The barrel was cut down to 24" and all fitted to a laminated stock that I finished.
The 7X57 will effectively kill ANY north American game. On top of that, when I finally learned to jump the solid metal bullets required in my state (guess what state!) 0.100 " the darned old barrel shoots better than 1 MOA!. And, it is comfortable to shoot.
So if you're talking only deer hunting there are many calibers that will do the job extremely well. For example, the 30 06, 308 Win, 280 Rem, 270 Win, 7mm 08 Rem, 25-06, 260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmore, etc, etc. Hard to imagine going wrong with any of these. It's too bad the 257 Roberts is no longer widely available - it about the perfect deer caliber balancing recoil and terminal performance.
The choice would come down to the terrain you most likely would hunt. An eastern hunter might have very different range requirement versus a western hunter. If pressed to choose one I'd probably opt for the newbie, 6.5 Creedmore since it has a good balance between recoil, range, and terminal performance.
As far as rifles, there's one that stands out above all the others for me, the Winchester Model 70 with the control feed action. Not sure they make it in 6.5 Creedmore.
You didn't mention other types of hunting. Since I hunt varmints, predators, and deer a multi-purpose caliber would suit me better. If fact this is the way I began in the late 60's, one all purpose rifle. It was a 243 Win, Model 70 (push feed) with a 3 x 9 Redfield scope. I hunted ground hogs, foxes, and deer quite successfully with this rifle and never lost a deer to the 243 Win if I hit it. As a one rifle hunter, I became so familiar and confident with this rifle that I believe this was a major factor that contributed to my success.
The choice would come down to the terrain you most likely would hunt. An eastern hunter might have very different range requirement versus a western hunter. If pressed to choose one I'd probably opt for the newbie, 6.5 Creedmore since it has a good balance between recoil, range, and terminal performance.
As far as rifles, there's one that stands out above all the others for me, the Winchester Model 70 with the control feed action. Not sure they make it in 6.5 Creedmore.
You didn't mention other types of hunting. Since I hunt varmints, predators, and deer a multi-purpose caliber would suit me better. If fact this is the way I began in the late 60's, one all purpose rifle. It was a 243 Win, Model 70 (push feed) with a 3 x 9 Redfield scope. I hunted ground hogs, foxes, and deer quite successfully with this rifle and never lost a deer to the 243 Win if I hit it. As a one rifle hunter, I became so familiar and confident with this rifle that I believe this was a major factor that contributed to my success.
Your 1/2 "right", with the,.. .243 Winchester ( or, 6 mm Rem, 6 XC, 6 SLR, approx. SIZE, etc. ) as the Caliber, BUT, in a 1/2 MOA, shootin', Tikka, T-3, SS, 1-10 TW with, a 4 x14 Scope and 85-100 grain Bullets @ 3,000 to 3,200 FPS for, DEER sized game with, plenty of Power and Accuracy, WITHOUT, the freakin', Recoil ! IF only, ONE Gun that, would be, MY choice ! THEN, I'd get within, 500 Yards ! I HAVE, a .270 WSM and it's, a LAZER, BUT NOT needed for, Deer, unless, way, WAY,.. out there ! and the .243 Win. is more Fun, ( PLEASANT ) to shoot ! Read, K-22's last paragraph !
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I deer/bear hunt with a Bear Custom Kodiak takedown recurve these days, but my favorite custom rifle {I have several} is a pre-64 Model 70 in 280 AI with a Zeiss HT scope and a McMillan Hunter stock. The barrel is a Bartlein 5R and it has a Timney trigger. I actually built this rifle for a customer who later sold it and I ended up buying it.
I have to mention though that in 1979 I bought my first "high powered" rifle...a Marlin 336C in 35 Rem. Without exception, it dropped every animal I ever shot with it and there were quite a few over the years. Wish to hell I still had it. It saved my life at least once, five miles up a mountain road in Pa. I had to shoot one of two timber rattlers that I had unknowingly walked between. They don't sound like they do on tv.........she was the "luckiest gun" I ever owned.
I have to mention though that in 1979 I bought my first "high powered" rifle...a Marlin 336C in 35 Rem. Without exception, it dropped every animal I ever shot with it and there were quite a few over the years. Wish to hell I still had it. It saved my life at least once, five miles up a mountain road in Pa. I had to shoot one of two timber rattlers that I had unknowingly walked between. They don't sound like they do on tv.........she was the "luckiest gun" I ever owned.
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