All Around Rifle... uh oh


Guest mik629

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Thats right this is the question that has plagued men for years and will never be solved, but I'll ask anyways.

I'm in the market for a rifle I know which make and style (husquevarnia 1600 bolt thumbhole stock) ect but when it comes to caliber... I'm stuck between 3 calibers... 308, 30-06 and 8mm. I would like to practice shooting in the off season at varments and targets. In the fall I will be hunting Deer and Moose. I will be making my own bullets so I can change the bullet weight for changing game.

What would you suggest for accuracy, flat shooting trajectory, or the perfect rifle.

Sorry for opening a can of worms.

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i would go with the 06 you can almost use it for anything i have even shot trap with mine

Sure glad I dont live anywhere around you, shooting at flying elevated targets isnt the wisest thing to do with a high power rifle bullet capable of traveling 1-2 miles. Just my $.02.

WOW! Ill say!!! :eek::eek::eek:

Another choice for the 06. I seen 55 grain bullets for them at one time. Varmints to bear gun! Years ago I bought a 270, if I had to do it all over again, it would be the 06.

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30-06! I was in the same boat last year, looking for a new rifle. I will most likely only own the one rifle, not saying that I wouldn't like to own other caliber rifles, if cost wasn't an issue. I chose the 30-06 because of the wide selection of ammo and game that can be hunted with that caliber. As mentioned above, I also have seen 55g ammo for the 30-06 for use with varmits. I am interested in checking into that myself. Any store that sells ammo will always have a box of 30-06 bullets on the shelf. This is a caliber that has been around for a long time and will probably be around even longer.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Yeah, you have asked a pretty tough question. Obviously there is no one caliber that does everything as well as it can be done. Otherwise there would only be one caliber of rifle offered. However, I appreciate the question because I too undestand priorities and the fact that the average guy cannot afford to have a gun for every occasion.

I think there are a few considerations that have to be looked at.

For one thing, is economy of re-loading of any consequence to you? If you will be going through many rounds in your target and varmint activities, the various calibers can be powder guzzlers that really wind up to be burning excessive amounts of powder for no other reason other than it is just what you have to do to shoot certain calibers. Also there are other cost differences in using heavy calibers (brass, bullets, etc.) just to shoot targets and woodchucks etc.

Also, if you plan on getting into predator hunting, consideration has to be given to whether you want something salvageable in the hide when you're done.

How about recoil? If a majority of the time you will be shooting targets and varmints, do you want to beat up your shoulder when it's not necessary?

There are so many reasons for the huge assortment of calibers, that you might want to start thinking of something that's been growing in my mind. The Thompson encore with its slick interchangeable barrel versatilty can make your choice get down to just a couple of calibers that may come a whole lot closer to doing all that is necessary with a lot more customization to the actual uses. 300 plus dollars will give you that extra barrel that just might make your choices a bit more appropriate for the occasion.

Just something to consider.

Doc

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