Middleweight Caliber Recommendation

[Grizzle]

I bought a 30-06 this year to as a midrange between my .338WM and .223.  Unfortunately it doesnt fit my rifle scabbard so I'm thinking of getting another Tikka T3 in a middle caliber since I know it will fit (the other two rifles are Tikkas.  Anyhow, I was planning on getting a .270 instead of the 30-06

Question is, I'm mainly a meat hunter and would like to keep damage to a minimum.  Is there a lighter weight round that would be a good consideration for muleys, sheep, etc.  Primarily hunting WA, ID, OR

I don't hand load so this takes some of the flexibility away

Thanks

[jackelope]

what kind of rifle is it that doesn't fit the scabbard?
i've been hunting with a 30-06 for ever and meat damage is more related to where you hit the animal and with what kind of bullet than with what caliber.

[Woodchuck]

got to agree with lope on that, but a 25 06 is light, light recoil and will reach out and touch em

[demontang]

I would stick with the 30-06, there isnt anything in north america it wont kill, and ammo is everywhere.

[huntnphool]

.257 Roberts

[Grizzle]

Its a HOWA.  It has a really wide forestock and its heavy.  I had my leather scabbard built specifically for the Tikka's measurements with 40mm scopes.  Its thin so it fits nicely under the stirrups. 

I certainly could buy another 30-06, I know its versatile, but..I figure I can shoot a lighter round with the .338 to cover the upper range of the 06.

[bobcat]

If you were planning on the 270, go ahead and get that. As Jackelope said meat loss would have more to do with the type of bullet used and not the specific cartridge it was shot from. Use heavy for caliber bullets, for the lower velocity, and use a premium bullet like a Nosler Accubond or Barnes Triple Shock, and you'll have very little meat damage.

I would say the 308 Winchester would be another really good cartridge to consider for your purposes.

[280ackley]

.25-06 Rem

[Grizzle]

My stepfather is passing down a 30-06 to me so thats another factor is choosing a different caliber.

[Grizzle]

huntnphool - what variant of the .257 Roberts would you recommend?  Looks like the .257 Roberts Ackley Improved is the business....but can you buy ammo for that readily

[Bookworm]

The only way to get that ammo is to handload.

[bobcat]

25-06 is pretty much the same ballistic wise as the 257 Improved.

[huntnphool]

Improved would have to be hand loads, standard .257 Roberts can be purchased in most any sporting goods stores.

[lamar_hunter]

.270

[Grizzle]

Anyone shoot a .260 REM?