In the market for a new rifle... Any ideas?

[Rob]

Over the past several years I have been tossing my spare change into a few jars at work.  Come September I'll be leaving my current employer (I'm a soon to be ex-WaMu guy) and looking for a new position elsewhere.

I thought I would take my change, roll it, and use the cash to add to my firearms collection - a kind of "going away present" from me, to me.  I am guessing I have 400 to 500 in change built up, and I could add a couple hundred to it if need be.

I currently have the following calibers:
.17 HMR
.22 LR
22.250 Remington
.270 Winchester
30-30 Winchester
30.06 Springfield
.300 Winchester Magnum
.338 Winchester Magnum

I'd like to add a new caliber to the collection rather than get something I already have.  I already have the needed calibers to shoot just about anything on the planet with the exception of very large dangerous game like Buffalo - and for that I'd like to get a nice 40+ caliber open sight double someday like a 460 Rigby.  But that is out of the budget for now.

I have thought about a the .223, .308 or a .375 H&H.  I feel I have the .223 covered with the 22.250, and I'm not sure the .308 does much for me.  Given the I already have a 270, 30.06, and 300 WM, the 6mm and 7mm's don't seem to add much versatility to my collection.  I like the 300 SUAM, looks like a nice cartridge but very similar to my 300 WM.

I was kinda thinking a .17 Remington would be fun, or maybe a .22 Hornet.  Something enjoyable to shoot at the range that does not try to remove my shoulder.  The ballistics on the .17 Remington are amazing!

What ideas are out there?

[Woodchuck]

i have been itching to try the short mags, and or ultra mags, i did shoot a 338 ultra last year, which really shot nice for the size, however my 338 wm is the first gun i ever bought new, so i am not sure how to justify it to the "BOSS"

[magnanimous_j]

You look pretty well set up already. If I were you, I would spend that money on a great hunting trip instead.

[HUNT]

What about a .204 ruger

Great shooter---  Easy to reload, great ballistics....

One of the favorite guns I own.

[Rob]

Wow, I had never heard of a .204 Ruger.  Great ballistics.  I'll put that on the  possibilities list.

I agree that the short action rounds are attractive...

And don't worry, being that I am departing my job the end of September, I plan on spending all of October and half of November in the field on hunting trips!  They could not have cut me loose at a better time.

[whacker1]

No Bows or Muzzleloaders on that list?  Maybe that should be your direction...

[addicted]

how about a 9.3x62.

its 30.06 necked up.

it's like a 35 whelen on steroids. you'll be the only one at the range with it.

shouldnt be too hard to reload. 30.06 brass and bullets that no one else will be buying.

[jackelope]

how about a shotgun...get into the clays game.

[Rob]

Ha!  got that covered.

Picked up my first bow last year (shot a Texas Doll Sheep with it in texas-missed a ferral pig...).  Got my first front stuffer this year and I'm playing with that (50 cal white).  Also picked up a black powder re-creation handgun that is fun to play with.

I can thank "Moose Eyes" for my ventures into the black arts...  

[Rob]

how about a shotgun...get into the clays game.

Got a 410, 20, two 16's, two 12's and a 10.  I shoot about twice a month at Kenmore.  I still suck, but have a lot of fun making noise.

a 28 would be a nice addition though...

[Rob]

how about a 9.3x62.

its 30.06 necked up.

Do you have to neck the brass yourself, or can you buy it?

[whacker1]

How about some old lever guns?
44 mag
357 mag
45
45-70
etc

[addicted]

how about 8mm mauser


the ammo manufacturers make the cartridges weak these days because there are so many old old war rifles in this caliber and they dont want a high powered roudn to be put through it. the bullet has a .323 diameter so you will have a heavier range of bullets and if you reload it can surpass a 30.06.

you can neck up the 30.06 brass yourself or you can buy it for 9.3x62. it's a wicked caliber.

[Straight Shooter]

.17 Fireball or .204 Ruger.  Great for keeping hides... won't burn up barrels... no recoil... inexpensive to shoot.  I'm very partial to .223... no recoil... many different rifle choices... very accurate factory ammo is pretty easy to find... and is even more inexpensive to shoot.

[Mookie]

What about a nice handgun. Super Redhawk in 454 or a S&W 500