What Hunting Caliber For Next Build?

[David_4]

I am having a tough time deciding what caliber I should do for my next hunting rifle build. The 35 Whelen is at the top of my list, but whatever it is I don't want to get beat up at the bench.

I have the following calibers in bolt action centerfire rifles.

223
243
6.5 Creedmoor
270
308
30-06
300 WSM
8mm Mauser

[scope eye]

I see a 7mm and 25 cal voids in your arsenal, those are viable options.

Dean

[1.618]

I've got an itch for a 260 Remington or 6.5-08. (Since I reload, I might go for the Ackleyized version with the steeper shoulder.)

You get the benefits of the high-BC bullets in 6.5, the rigidity of a short action, and the cheap/common availability of 308 cases that you can neck down, or 243s that you can neck up.

[foxx]

how 'bout 25-06 AI?

[fgw_in_fla]

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w424/fgwinfla/thCA6MS5L5.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/fgwinfla/media/thCA6MS5L5.jpg.html)

[stomp442]

I agree that a 25 cal is needed. The 250 savage is one of my favorites and the 250 improved is a bad mother chicken. 25-06 performance in a small short action package.

[David_4]

(http://www.savageshooters.com/member.php?29453-1-618)1.618

I all ready have 2 - 6.5 Creedmoor

[the Ranger]

what would you be hunting with this rifle?

[David_4]

There is no one specific animal I am going to use this rifle for, I like to have a choice of firearms when I hunt. Most of my rifle hunting besides varmints is in Pa., but lets say anything on North America.

[scope eye]

That narrows it down to a 257 Weatherby.

Dean

[Ed Carey]

I say one of the 338, either the 338/06 or the 338 federal

Ed

[ShawneeB]

Here we go again. ;)

[mossback91]

I think you need either a .280 AI or a 257 Weatherby in your stable

[thomae]

I'd go with your first instinct: 35 Whelen. You can always load it down.

If not that, a 458 Winchester Magnum is certainly never inappropriate.:rolleyes:

[scope eye]

I think you need either a .280 AI or a 257 Weatherby in your stable

Those would have been my choices, Finally a forum member with as good as taste as me.

Dean

[shoalwater]

I too would agree with something in a 7mm. I am currently building my first 7mm in the form of a 284 Winchester on an Axis action. Got the barrel on order, action headed to SSS next week, and Boyd's stock on order as well. No real reason I chose a 7mm other than I don't have one, and I didn't go for a magnum round as I didn't want the punishment. However I did want it to be good enough to shoot deer out to 1000 yds, and the 284 fit those requirements. I plan on running 150gr long range Accubonds at around 2950 to 3000, should be pretty nasty round for culling deer at long distances.

[David_4]

I don't think the 257 Wby is what I'm looking for, but the 280 AI has me thinking.

[shoalwater]

I like the 280 AI and probably would have gone that route, as it has a little more case capacity, except I am building on an Axis this time and it has a short magazine. I think you could maybe squeeze in a 3.46 COL in an Axis mag which is a little short for seating the 175's and 180's way out there.

[sniper15545]

Definitely 25-06 AI or 7mag!!!

[foxx]

.223 is as low as you go?

How 'bout .204?