I need some experienced opinions here:
1) I hunt in North Florida mainly.
2) I may get to hunt szome in Arkansas with my BIL, possibly OK and/or LA as well.
3) I'll be hunting white tails, primarily.
The question is, what caliber rifle would be best for all around? In FL, I doubt I'll get any shots over 100 yds, definitely not over 300 yds. I've never hunted the other 2 states, so I don't know what to expect.
I've been considering 30-06 or Win. 270, but after reading here some, I wonder if I shouldn't step up to a 300 WSM.
Hard to argue against the 30-06, but the .300 Win Mag wouldn't be bad either. Here in Arkansas, there are areas where a 200-300 yard shot is available, and both cartridges can reach out that far without any fuss.
__________________
NRA Life Member
God Bless the United States Military
I need some experienced opinions here:
1) I hunt in North Florida mainly.
2) I may get to hunt szome in Arkansas with my BIL, possibly OK and/or LA as well.
3) I'll be hunting white tails, primarily.
The question is, what caliber rifle would be best for all around? In FL, I doubt I'll get any shots over 100 yds, definitely not over 300 yds. I've never hunted the other 2 states, so I don't know what to expect.
I've been considering 30-06 or Win. 270, but after reading here some, I wonder if I shouldn't step up to a 300 WSM.
All advice appreciated.
You have good calibers in mind but I feel magnum calibers are overkill for most north american game.
Hunting humanely means killing with minimal suffering and that can ONLY be done with accuracy, so you want a caliber you will practice with alot.
Check out this link, http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/big...bers-game.html
or this one Bullet Placement
__________________
2 things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, I'm not sure about the former. Einstein
I'd go with the .270 or .30-06 unless you plan to hunt elk or bear. If you run across any big hogs, the '06 might give you a slight edge if you're loaded with heavier bullets, but it's all about shot placement and bullet design.
My preference would be the time honored, time tested .30-06 for which reloading manuals will provide a phenominal range of bullet weights,
powder loads, etc. However, this being a forum you will get other input and I suggest you make you own decision based on research.
I'll put in another vote for the 30-06. You really can't go wrong. You can shoot Accelerator rounds (essentially a .223 in a sabot from 30-06 brass) to take out varmint, and can shoot 220 grain rounds to take the largest game in this hemisphere. You can also shoot everything in between, making it one of the best deer rifles, and one of the most versatile rifles of all time.
I'll put in another vote for the 30-06. You really can't go wrong. You can shoot Accelerator rounds (essentially a .223 in a sabot from 30-06 brass) to take out varmint, and can shoot 220 grain rounds to take the largest game in this hemisphere. You can also shoot everything in between, making it one of the best deer rifles, and one of the most versatile rifles of all time.
I'll put in another vote for the 30-06. You really can't go wrong. You can shoot Accelerator rounds (essentially a .223 in a sabot from 30-06 brass) to take out varmint, and can shoot 220 grain rounds to take the largest game in this hemisphere. You can also shoot everything in between, making it one of the best deer rifles, and one of the most versatile rifles of all time.
You cant buy these (accelerators) in Canada anymore. They dont leave any rifling so they became illeagle as well.
__________________ Cartridge Group
Like to discuss cartridges? Join HERE!
You cant buy these (accelerators) in Canada anymore. They dont leave any rifling so they became illeagle as well.
That's a shame...are muzzleloaders also illegal in Canada?
Rasterman, great article. Some of the other cartridges on the list were interesting as well, like the 6mm PPC...never heard of it, but now I want to know more.
Seeing the '06 at #1 was really no surprise though
Thanks to all for your input. I'll post pictures after I decide which one to get. Sounds like the 30-06 will fit the bill and I'm thinking seriously of of NEF Handi Rifle in that cartridge. Might even give up my AR for a Garand so I can have common ammo to practice with.
Have to agree that the .308 is a good one for your intent and that's from a .270 fan Most people don't need the magnums and can't shoot them as well as conventional calibers.
Why not hunt with your Garand? At the ranges you expect to shoot at, those peep sights should do just fine. Although as you may already know, commercial 30-06 has a higher pressure curve & will do severe damage to your gas system like bending the op-rod etc. That being said, if you reload then there is no problem. Also, there is two manufacturers of commercial '06 that will do just fine in the Garand.
__________________
Trample the weak & hurdle the dead.
That's a shame...are muzzleloaders also illegal in Canada?
Rasterman, great article. Some of the other cartridges on the list were interesting as well, like the 6mm PPC...never heard of it, but now I want to know more.
Seeing the '06 at #1 was really no surprise though
Muzzleloaders are legal here but there is no special season for them, they are to be used in regular rifle season only.
6mm ppc is like a wildcat with the parent cartridge being the 7.62x39.
I've yet to read or learn why sharp shouldered shells (fun to say) always seem to be more inherently accurate.
__________________
2 things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, I'm not sure about the former. Einstein
Last edited by rasterman77; 01-10-2008 at 04:10 PM.
Reason: noticed the alliteration, LOL
Id vote for either the 300 mag or the 7mm mag, both are good range shooters and provide excellent power. The 270 would be a good choice though considering your location.
__________________ Cartridge Group
Like to discuss cartridges? Join HERE!
dixierat,
I can't see you hunting anything, in the areas you mentioned, that wouldn't easily succumb to a well placed shot from the 30/06. There's plenty reason for the following the 30/06 enjoys. Ammunition for the 30/06 is inexpensive, plentiful and can be found about anywhere.
Don
.30-06 or .308 ... either would work fine. I'm not sure I'd go any less...
Being a Veteran, I am pretty partial to the .308 168g BTHP ... not the FMJ.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dixierat
Thanks to all for your input. I'll post pictures after I decide which one to get. Sounds like the 30-06 will fit the bill and I'm thinking seriously of of NEF Handi Rifle in that cartridge. Might even give up my AR for a Garand so I can have common ammo to practice with.
Thanks again. DR
Don't give up anything ... just add !!!
Last edited by LarryO1970; 01-11-2008 at 12:15 PM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Cartridge Group
