Want a new rifle.

[762Armo]

Title says it all. Just itching for something new.  I shoot a 7 mag right now, and I don't consider it fun at all. At about 20-30 rounds I feel my shoulder hurting, and I'm flinching more, group sizes go to hell, and it is no longer fun at that point.

Went out shooting with my buddy the other day, and shot his 17HMR, and had tons of fun. Group sizes were better from start to finish, and a lot better overall than with my 7 mag. Obviously no flinching there, or any thoughts of 'this is going to hurt'. Got a couple rounds to touch each other, which I've never done before.
His scope on the 17 was better than what I have on my 7mag, which of course helped. Also the smaller, lighter 17 rifle was easier to manuever.

So, I got to thinking, and that got me wanting a new rifle. I want a smaller caliber rifle, that is still legal for big game, but I don't know exactly what I want. Did a bunch of reading online last couple days, but there are so many calibers available that it's hard to make an informed decision.

What would you guys suggest, looking more into finding the right caliber right now, rather than the rifle that will be shooting it. I want something with low recoil, that I can shoot all day without a bruised shoulder, something flat shooting, and able to reach out to 500 yards comfortably. Watched some you tube videos of guys shooting 243s out to 1k, and did not think that little bullet had that power. Looked into 7-08, some 6mm, 6.5mm calibers, but I feel like I'm not covering all my bases, by simply not knowing what's available out there for me.

So, this is where you guys come in, recommend me some calibers that I can research.

(Phew, I don't think I've wrote this much in a while,  )

[lewy]

keep your 7mm for hunting and buy a rimfire to plink with

[Crunchy]

You want to get rid of the 7mag?  I can help  find a loving home.

[wafisherman]

308, 270win

Maybe look into a muzzle break for at the range?

[huntnphool]

keep your 7mm for hunting and buy a rimfire to plink with

+1

[762Armo]

Oh, I'm not getting rid of the 7 mag,
just want to add another rifle to the stable

[huntnphool]

Oh, I'm not getting rid of the 7 mag,
just want to add another rifle to the stable

I've got a 17HMR, fun gun to shoot. If you dont want a rimfire then you should check out the classifieds, for some reason there are several 22-250's in there.

[jrebel]

Pick...
.22
.22 mag
.17 hmr
.17 wsm
.222
.223
.243
7mm-08
6mm

and many many more.  I like the rimfire or .223 for price of ammo. 

[huntnphool]

Pick...
.22
.22 mag
.17 hmr
.17 wsm
.222
.223
.243
7mm-08
6mm

and many many more.  I like the rimfire or .223 for price of ammo.

Ever shot a .204 Ruger?

[jrebel]

Pick...
.22
.22 mag
.17 hmr
.17 wsm
.222
.223
.243
7mm-08
6mm

and many many more.  I like the rimfire or .223 for price of ammo.

Ever shot a .204 Ruger?

Forgot that one...I haven't.  I hear they are fun shooting rifles though.

[huntnphool]

Pick...
.22
.22 mag
.17 hmr
.17 wsm
.222
.223
.243
7mm-08
6mm

and many many more.  I like the rimfire or .223 for price of ammo.

Ever shot a .204 Ruger?

Forgot that one...I haven't.  I hear they are fun shooting rifles though.

They really are, and a flat shooting SOB too.

[mossback91]

257wby mag! wack and stack the big game

[NRA4LIFE]

.243 hands down.  Great deer gun, coyote gun, etc, I've taken critters out to close to 400 yds. with mine.  Super low recoil, you could shoot it all day.

If You're worried about ammo prices, then .223 for sure, but a little light for deer (and not legal here I believe).

[Easy-E]

I want a smaller caliber rifle, that is still legal for big game

.243 or .270. If in your post you mean that elk are big game, then I'd lean toward the .270. You also said you want to shoot a lot in one sitting, so throw a brake on the .243 and its like shooting a .22.

 

[wildweeds]

6.5 Creedmoor ?