Just For Fun Thread (Times are so serious) - Which Short Action Caliber Should I Build Next?

[Orezona]

I recently purchased a new in box model 10 short action, top bolt release, with factory DBM and bottom metal.

I already have a Savage 223, Savage 6.5 Creedmoor and a Savage action build in 280 AI. I also have a non Savage 30-06. So, what should I do for fun? I've wanted a 7mm-08 but that gap seems filled. I have 308 dies and about 750 pieces of same head stamp once fired 308 brass. But again, what would I do with a 308 that the 280 AI won't do? Maybe a 6.5 Creedmoor with a Criterion pre-fit from NSS. That is where I'm leaning...

Bring it on! I'm open to suggestions.

[Robinhood]

I like the 7's. The 7mm08 will always be in the safe. A 284 and a 280 ai will be right next to it. what hole are you trying to fill? A nice 6mm would bring a smile at the range. 6br is cheap and easy . The dasher is not that bad on the pocket book. the 6 creed or the 243 is GTG too.

[Shooter0302]

Might not be able to find a "no turn neck" 22 BR but might be worth looking, also go with a 7 , 7.5 or 7.7 twist so you can shoot some of the heavy 224 Cal. bullets . IF you have the range to use one.

[Apollo117]

6.5 PRC, 22 CM, 338 Federal. The 6.5 PRC interests me a lot. More horsepower than the 6.5 CM.

[Orezona]

I'm getting ready to retire. I can see myself turning 750 pieces of 308 brass into 7mm-08.

[Mthomas90]

243ai

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[GaCop]

257 Roberts, plain or Ackley.

[celltech]

.22-250 with a fast twist barrel slinging out heavies...I am shocked at how much I enjoy mine.

[Kev1Doggy]

.358 Winchester

[Fuj']

Wild catting has been enjoyable work for me for many years. Dream it
and make it. PRC was mentioned but I'd direct you to look up the Sherman
line of cartridges first. The Creedmoor is always a safe bet but I'm moving
away from it from boredom......With all that .308 brass, maybe a 260 AI and
26 inch barrel

[charlie b]

My next one will be 6BR (maybe 6BRA). It will replace my .223.

I have a .308 and have had a 7mm-08. Both every good. When I had the 7mm-08 (back in the mid-80's) I formed most of my brass from military 7.62 stuff. Just a pass through the resize die. I like the .308 more now simply because I shoot a lot of cast bullets in it.

[PhilC]

Another vote for 7-08 it's a fine round.

[bsekf]

22BR, 6BR see what you've been missing! Or really see what you've been missing and go 6 or 6.5x47L.

[daved20319]

6 Creedmoor or 6 ARC? In the process right now of converting my .223 12 FV into a 6.5 Creedmoor using a take-off barrel from another 12 FV (I think). If I'd gone with a new barrel, I'd probably have gone with one of the 6's instead. Whatever you decide, have fun!

Dave

[Orezona]

All very good answers! The 243 AI caught my attention because I remember Vaughn Precision doing a video series on a 243 AI build. Unfortunately right now, I wouldn't want to use components for fire forming brass. I'm going to have a hard time passing on the 7-08! i think the 6BR is scratching my attention also though.

[jpx2rk]

I'm thinking of a 6BR based on a FV12 22/250 I've got but I've accumulated a butt load of 22/250 brass so still in the pondering stage.

[Orezona]

The 7-08 deal is becoming brighter now that i have an additional 500 162 grain ELD-X bullets. Obviously also good for my 280 AI.

[tobnpr]

Seems you're getting suggestions for everyone's "favorites"- but I failed to see what type of shooting this is for?
After all, selecting the "right" chambering is a purpose-driven decision based on the specifics of the application.

I wouldn't want to use a .416 Rigby for target shooting, nor a 7-08 for elephant...

You didn't mention hunting, so I'm assuming this is target (?).... what range(s)?

[want2ride]

I am kind of a 7mm guy, i have a 7mm-08, 7x57, 280ai, 7mm Rem Mag and my next will be a 28 nosler. If i didn't have any of that, i would recommend a 7x57 over a 7mm-08 because of the 7x57 seems a little better with the heavy bullets in my savage action than the 7mm-08. but i really like the 280ai over the 7x57. If i didn't have a 7mm Rem mag and i was starting from scratch, i would take a 7mm WSM over the 7mm Rem Mag, i am beginning to become a believer in the inherent accuracy of short actions and i have seen the speeds out of 7mm WSM that are pretty impressive.
I see you already have a 6.5 Creedmoor, and i LOVE the step up that is the 6.5 PRC. I am 200 FPS faster with a 147 than my creedmoor is with a 140.

My suggestions, 6.5 PRC, 7mm WSM, or since you seem to want a 7mm-08 hell there is really no wrong answer!

[lonestardiver]

For something fun do a 300BO with a 16” barrel. Subsonic with a can is pretty quiet plus you can run supersonic as well.

Another fun round for popping hogs and coyotes is the 6.5 Grendel but more than sufficient for punching paper with low recoil and suppresses well with a .30 cal can.