Caliber Question

W

wildkard

New member
What caliber for a first bolt action centerfire?
I'm a lightweight guy I weigh about 140#, and have fired 22's and an M16 (no not an AR15, a real M16A2) and the recoil on the .223 feels like a toy.

I'm planning to get my first non .22lr rifle this summer, and have decided on a Remington M7, or maybe a Tikka, or there's always savage, and winchester, the list goes on.

Anyway I want to get a lightweight bolt action rifle with a 20" barrel to learn how to shoot at moderate distances, for mainly shooting targets, and probably varmints, and maybe hunting (not sure if I'll get much chance at that last, definately not large game). Even though I will be shooting at targets mostly, I don't want toget a heavy barreled target model... yet. I also don't want to get a .223, because as soon as I get ou of this POLICE STATE:barf: I will be starting an AR15 collection.:D:D

So what caliber would you recommend for a beginner in a lightweight all purpose rifle (Largest target would be deer?), that won't beat the crap out of my shoulder?
 
I already said .308 on your other thread but I'll say it again: .308! :D

If not that, then the .243 that you also mentioned.

If the deer is SMALL, then you might be able to get away with a .22-250, but that would be pushing it unless you're talking about deer that only weigh 100 pounds or so. If you don't want to take a larger animal, then the .22-250 would jump to the top of my list.
 
Oh well, I guess I'll just have to go to the range:D:D and try them out side by side.

Bob, thanks for all the input, I started this thread to try to get some more opinions, everybody always comments on a caliber thread:D. You've been a great help Bob, again thanks.

For anyone else please stick to mainstream cartridges, I'm in college right now and can't afford to start reloading now so I'm looking to get this rifle in a cartridge I can pick up at Mom and Pop gun stores, and Wally World.

Thanks for all the info!
 
Perhaps consider the 7-08

Same cartridge as the .243 & .308, but in 7MM

Little more flexibility than the .243 (larger game) w/o the recoil of the .308

Just a consideration. We've .243s, 7-08 & .308s so I'm not pimping either.
 
Can't knock the .308, its a heckuva round. However, I can't help but recommend the 7mm-08. Essentially the same case as the .308 but with a smaller diameter bullet. Mild to moderate recoil, depending on the weight of the bullet. Hits with more punch than the .243 and only slightly less than the .308. Factory loaded ammo is readily available (although admittedly not as cheaply as milsurp). All the major rifle manufacturers have models in this caliber.

The 7mm-08 is a favorite among silhouette shooters due to its mild recoil, inherent accuracy and adequate down range power.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Had forgotten all about the 7mm-08. What a great choice that would be as well!

Since I don't own one, what is ammo availability like for it, and cost?
 
If using factory ammo my picks for what your asking would be 1) 260 Rem 2) 7-08 3) 243

If handloading then 1) 6.5x55 2) 257 Roberts

Couple of runner ups depending on what exactly you want would be 250 Savage [also called 250-3000] & the 300 Savage.
 
HOW ABOUT THE 7X57 MAUSER? AND DEPENDING ON THE TERRAIN YOU WILL BE HUNTING, WHAT ABOUT THE .30-30? LESS RECOIL THAN AN AIRGUN! GREAT WITH THE 55GR. ACCELERATORS FOR PLINKING AND TARGETING.
NOT A BULKY GUN!

KEEP BLASTING!
 
Bob L,

No idea as to 7-08 ammo cost. We picked up 5 boxes of factories with The Wife's rifle at a very substantial discount & reloaded 'em after initial firings. Nothing but reloads since.

Most major ammo cos make it w/Hornady doing their Light Magnun.

Availability in the boonies may be intermitent, but I usually remember to take my bullets. ;)
 
For targets and varmints and well placed shots on deer the .243 is a fantastic. the 7-08 is a great all round caliber. The remington .260 has potenial but is not mainstream enough to ensure a good ammo supply.

PS on the .243 Federal loads a 60 gr. hp that is death to varmints. I use this bullet in my own loads and it basically explodes. All ground hogs shot with this bullet have never taken a step.
 
If you're going to use factory ammo for any length of time, .308 has a significant cost savings. Good quality surplus available from $2.50 a box (of 20) to $5 a box.

A bit "big & slow" for varmiting, but certainly accurate enough with the right rifle & shooter.
 
Dave,

I'm pretty sure that I saw 120-gr. bullets available for the .308, and if I did read that correctly, that sounds like it would be an absolute screamer leaving the muzzle. Something on the order of 3000-3200 fps by my guess. That ought to be pretty good varmint fodder, yes?

And did someone mention the .25-06?!? What a cartridge! I want one very, VERY badly, but the ammo availability concern has stopped me thus far.
 
What ammo problem with 25-06? Heck Wal mart carries it.

7-08 shouldn't be any more expensive than the rest IIRC or at most another $1.00/box

The 308 isn't a bad cartridge but if your wanting a lt wt low recoiling rifle then the 308 isn't the best choice. The 260 or 243 would be much better choices.

I have a Steyr Scout Rifle [7 lbs w/Scope] in 308, and while I think most anyone should be able to handle the recoil from it...it isn't what most people would pick for a plinking gun.

Same with the 25-06 it will have more recoil than the 243, 257, or 260 rounds.
 
Has anyone brought up the 6.5x55? It is a versatile medium caliber. Mild recoil, an excellent deer round, high SD, manufactured by a variety of gun makers and ammo makers, easy to reload, and a good round for kids or smaller females.

It should probably be used in conjunction with a slightly longer barrel than 20" to max its potential (but O.K. within the range parameter you established). If your cut-off is 20" barrel, then the .308 is an excellent choice.

Remeber, the gun and caliber does not shoot; you do. Train, train, train, study, study, study, ad naseum. (That being said, Wildkard, I like the Steyr in 6.5 Swede). Good shooting! Have you considered immigration to Indiana?
 
My vote is for 25-06 also. Of course, I am prejudiced. Just trying to make the 1/4" fraternity a little bigger!
 
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