Post by: WoolSocks on May 11, 2024, 07:49:56 PM
I hear lots of love for the 6.5CM and the three new PRC’s. Wondering if they are really that popular, or if most folks would just reach for something familiar like a 30-06 or 300win if they were in the market for a new rifle.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on May 11, 2024, 07:53:32 PM
Post by: MADMAX on May 11, 2024, 07:59:25 PM
270WSM Kimber mountain ascent
Or
7 rem mag Christianson ridgeline
Post by: Buckjunkie on May 11, 2024, 08:25:33 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on May 11, 2024, 08:26:30 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on May 11, 2024, 08:30:56 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on May 11, 2024, 08:33:23 PM
Either a 300 WSM or a 300 WM
Two flat shooting, knock ‘em down rounds. Spot on TS :tup:
Post by: huntnnw on May 11, 2024, 08:41:31 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on May 11, 2024, 08:47:25 PM
375 Cheytac
A bit overkill for all around? I think the OP is looking to make his hamburger after the shot, not during ;)
Post by: 10mmg on May 11, 2024, 08:57:08 PM
Post by: jrebel on May 11, 2024, 09:02:30 PM
I also think 7-08, 6.5 creed or 6.5 prc would be great all around cartridges. Lower recoil and more manageable for most shooters.
Lot of very good cartridges on the market these days. Combine that with bullet technology and I'm not sure a guy could wrong with with any when paired with the right bullet. :tup: :tup:
Post by: follow maggie on May 11, 2024, 09:10:26 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on May 11, 2024, 09:12:37 PM
As for me, I’ve shot a 7mm the last 20 years and will continue to do so as long as I can.
Post by: Ingwe on May 11, 2024, 09:26:55 PM
Post by: Bob33 on May 11, 2024, 09:28:59 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on May 11, 2024, 09:38:17 PM
Then my 7mm mag.
Post by: jeffro on May 11, 2024, 11:57:44 PM
Covers all bases
Post by: WoolSocks on May 12, 2024, 05:29:20 AM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on May 12, 2024, 05:43:10 AM
Post by: Westside88 on May 12, 2024, 07:49:14 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on May 12, 2024, 07:57:19 AM
Or 50 cal muzzy.
Although for my friends up coming moose hunt in possible griz country, I am packing a fully loaded KSG with slugs in one tube and Buck shot in the other. :chuckle:
Post by: JasonG on May 12, 2024, 08:18:33 AM
280AI, 145LRX @ 3090. It simply works :tup:what is your 280 ai set up ?
Post by: BigGoonTuna on May 12, 2024, 08:29:15 AM
I own a bunch of hunting rifles in various chamberings, but for an all purpose caliber, my own preference is the 30-06, it might be a little more than you need sometimes but it’s never inadequate. Ammo can be found nearly anywhere in a pinch(and usually affordable). Shoots “flat enough” for any hunting I’ll usually find myself doing, but won’t shatter your eardrums like a big magnum will.
Disclaimer: I don’t have fantasies of taking 700 yard shots on animals, don’t dial turrets on my hunting rifles, don’t own any flat brimmed hats and still wear a red and black wool shirt in the woods, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
Post by: pashok23 on May 12, 2024, 09:05:06 AM
300WM all dayEither a 300 WSM or a 300 WM
Two flat shooting, knock ‘em down rounds. Spot on TS :tup:
Post by: Taco280AI on May 12, 2024, 09:47:31 AM
280AI, 145LRX @ 3090. It simply works :tup:what is your 280 ai set up ?
RBros trued 700 action, fluted bolt, Timney trigger, McM Hunter edge fill (not the Hunters Edge), fluted #4 Broughton @ 24", with a Zeiss V4 4-16×44.
RL23 with Fed 210s
Post by: muleyslayer on May 12, 2024, 11:54:39 AM
Post by: Irish_hunter93 on May 12, 2024, 02:26:45 PM
Post by: jdb on May 12, 2024, 02:40:11 PM
Post by: TeacherMan on May 12, 2024, 04:24:55 PM
Post by: huntandjeep on May 12, 2024, 05:24:58 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 12, 2024, 06:08:21 PM
Lower 48 I'm good with my 6.5x284.My man! The 6.5x284 holds a special place in my heart. I've got a 20" 6x284 barrel coming soon that I'm pretty excited about though.
Post by: pickardjw on May 12, 2024, 06:15:17 PM
Post by: Sneaky on May 12, 2024, 06:22:25 PM
6.5mm Creed is my current do everything cartridge. Would not hesitate to shoot any NA big game animal with it. Bullet selection might vary. Just got back from shooting today. Didn't miss spotting a single impact from 250 to 615.
The 6.5's are all very accurate and as long as you understand bullet construction and velocity you can get a lot done with them.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 13, 2024, 05:18:04 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 13, 2024, 06:59:45 AM
Post by: okie john on May 13, 2024, 02:47:21 PM
Okie John
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 13, 2024, 03:04:04 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 13, 2024, 03:06:30 PM
308, all those Army snipers can’t be wrong.
"all those Army snipers" are only shooting 150 lb humans, not 600lb elk. And, just to be clear, they don't really get to "pick" their caliber, unless they're Spec Ops, and then none of those guys are shooting .308s.
Post by: mcrawfordaf on May 13, 2024, 03:18:09 PM
I own quite a few , but my faves are 300wsm and 6.5PRC - the 6.5PRC is a very impressive shooter
Another :tup: for 6.5 PRC here. Don't see the need for anything else at the moment. If I had a passed-down 300 or 7mm I'd probably stick with one of those as well.
Post by: swanderek on May 13, 2024, 03:29:24 PM
With powders like Ramshot big game can get close to .300 win numbers.
Hard to beat a tikka t3x 30-06
Post by: Duckslayer89 on May 13, 2024, 04:02:09 PM
7mm Mag works for me.
Same. 180 berger
Post by: crabcreekhunter on May 13, 2024, 06:55:08 PM
Post by: jstone on May 13, 2024, 07:30:03 PM
Post by: Mulie87 on May 13, 2024, 07:51:24 PM
Post by: royalbull on May 13, 2024, 10:30:11 PM
Post by: C-Money on May 14, 2024, 06:23:32 AM
Post by: HillHound on May 14, 2024, 08:33:54 AM
Same. I have a 300 win mag, two 300 wsms, a 7mm mag, 30-06, and I still carry one of our 243s or the 6.5 a lot since they are so light. Killed a bear, a cougar, and several deer with a 243 so they all work
Post by: Rugsnfeathers on May 14, 2024, 09:53:40 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 14, 2024, 10:22:23 AM
Post by: huntandjeep on May 15, 2024, 06:14:24 PM
Yeah love the caliber . 25ish years ago I saw a Cooper Excalibur in 6.5x285 on the cover of a Cabelas and fell in love . Knew that was my grail rifle . Fast forward 15ish years and I'm up the Rattlesnake with my rifle builder breaking in the 7mm he built me . He gets out a Cooper Excalibur in 6.5x284 and shoots a few rounds cross canyon then let's me . Needless to say, the wife wasn't impressed when I came home with 2 new rifles that day . :dunno:Lower 48 I'm good with my 6.5x284.My man! The 6.5x284 holds a special place in my heart. I've got a 20" 6x284 barrel coming soon that I'm pretty excited about though.
Post by: hunter399 on May 15, 2024, 07:37:06 PM
270
7mm mag
308
Have been pretty good to me.
Post by: Trapper John on May 17, 2024, 01:56:37 PM
I like my 270 Win. I've been shooting it for 40+ years. I've Killed deer, elk, pronghorn, and black bear with it.
My next runner up would be 300 win mag for elk and moose.
If you want an all-around caliber the 270 hands down is the one.
Post by: Killerhiller40 on May 17, 2024, 09:12:52 PM
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Post by: WapitiTalk1 on May 17, 2024, 10:42:52 PM
Post by: chukardogs on May 18, 2024, 07:22:08 AM
Rifles are tools and tools, like wrenches have specific jobs to do. Just like you wouldn't try to tighten a 1/2 inch nut with a 5/8 wrench, why shoot a deer with a 375 H&H when a 243 or a 25-06 would suffice?
Plus, has anyone ever seen a gun safe that held only one rifle. There's a reason why even the small safes have a half a dozen slots or more.
Post by: Taco280AI on May 18, 2024, 08:35:44 AM
Tell me what a 308 or 30-06 will do that a 280AI/7RM won't. And I have and like my 308 so I'm not bashing them.
My deer and elk from <50 to 510 thought the AI did quite well with the 145 LRX.
Blanket answer 30 cal, implying it does better than everything else, nope. Bullet construction matters, along with speed and weight, shootability, accuracy....
Post by: Bullkllr on May 18, 2024, 08:45:02 AM
Post by: BKMFR on May 18, 2024, 09:18:26 AM
Post by: Loup Loup on May 18, 2024, 05:34:03 PM
I have been thinking, when time permits, I want to question you on shootin bears. As I’m sure you have come up with a proven system.
Post by: Irish_hunter93 on May 18, 2024, 05:39:10 PM
Post by: Loup Loup on May 18, 2024, 06:06:14 PM
Post by: JoeE on May 18, 2024, 09:45:28 PM
Post by: huntnphool on May 18, 2024, 10:40:40 PM
Can load lighter weight bullets for smaller game and even the 165gr+ that everyone seems to think you have to have fired out of the 30 cals. :rolleyes:
I’ve never needed more than one bullet fired from my 7mm, and I’ve shot more than a couple decent critters in my life! :twocents:
Post by: jeffro on May 19, 2024, 03:59:16 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on May 19, 2024, 07:02:09 AM
.300 wm kills everything all the time
I dont think you even have to pull the trigger. Just point it at them and it scares them to death! :chuckle:
Post by: Feathernfurr on May 19, 2024, 10:18:33 AM
Post by: hunter399 on May 19, 2024, 02:24:21 PM
7mm Rem.I agree with all of your statement.
Can load lighter weight bullets for smaller game and even the 165gr+ that everyone seems to think you have to have fired out of the 30 cals. :rolleyes:
I’ve never needed more than one bullet fired from my 7mm, and I’ve shot more than a couple decent critters in my life! :twocents:
7mm mag is the most underrated older cartridge.
With all the fancy bullets and powder it can really be loaded up.
Post by: metlhead on May 19, 2024, 03:56:33 PM
Post by: chukardogs on May 19, 2024, 06:30:07 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on May 19, 2024, 06:46:34 PM
...I was really just trying to come up with an excuse to have a few more rifles.
In that case... 6.5 PRC, 270, 280, 280AI, 7mm mags (any of them), 308, 30-06, 300 mags (any of them), 325 WSM, 338 mags... to name a few.
Post by: pickardjw on May 19, 2024, 07:12:54 PM
“Big boned animals” is funny.
Post by: huntnphool on May 19, 2024, 08:18:51 PM
Thinking about converting the 6.5 CM to a 6 CM to get a few hundred FPS more out of it. 7” less drop at 500 with it. That with 108 ELD-M’s and a .223 with 77gr TMK’s for everything.
“Big boned animals” is funny.
Building one right now myself! ;) :tup:
Post by: jrebel on May 19, 2024, 09:16:57 PM
Thinking about converting the 6.5 CM to a 6 CM to get a few hundred FPS more out of it. 7” less drop at 500 with it. That with 108 ELD-M’s and a .223 with 77gr TMK’s for everything.
“Big boned animals” is funny.
I was going to do the same thing....then I decided to run an 80 grain bullet in my creedmoor at just shy of 3700 fps. It is pretty amazing and super flat shooting. When I burn the barrel out, I may make the switch to 6mm creed.
Post by: 2MANY on May 20, 2024, 06:49:02 AM
".300 wm kills everything all the time"
I agree and mine is the first one I grab, BUT.......
packing a 6.5 cm is sure a ton nicer and it helps me feel like I'm minimizing my global footprint.
Post by: lhrbull on May 20, 2024, 06:51:55 AM
Post by: Wingin it on May 20, 2024, 07:10:52 AM
Lots of good calibers listed though!
Post by: tgomez on May 28, 2024, 04:43:17 AM
* Browning X-Bolt Stalker Long Range
* Remington 1903 (C-Style Stock)
If I had to pick any other caliber it would be a 7mm Magnum.
Post by: brokenvet on June 01, 2024, 07:57:09 AM
Post by: MeatMissile on June 03, 2024, 06:55:32 PM
Post by: Sliverslinger on June 03, 2024, 09:25:19 PM
I’m thinking about either selling or rechambering the Kimber Montana 300wsm to 6.5 prc for a super light and lighter recoiling rifle for the high country stuff.
Thinking a 6.5 PRC and a 30WSM would be a perfect combo for anything I want to hunt.
Post by: Rat44 on June 03, 2024, 10:34:16 PM
It just works.
Have a Remington 700 bolt and Browning BAR in that caliber.
Have played with others but thats what goes to the woods with me every year .
Post by: webbspinner on June 04, 2024, 06:18:00 PM
) 225 accubonds. Depending on the day and the game i feel quite well covered. makes it hard to talk the missus into more rifles tho
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: actionshooter on June 04, 2024, 07:45:30 PM
Post by: BeerBugler on June 04, 2024, 08:12:24 PM
Thinking about converting the 6.5 CM to a 6 CM to get a few hundred FPS more out of it. 7” less drop at 500 with it. That with 108 ELD-M’s and a .223 with 77gr TMK’s for everything.
“Big boned animals” is funny.
Post by: Jimmy33 on June 04, 2024, 08:58:45 PM
Post by: MADMAX on June 04, 2024, 09:01:27 PM
270wsm
Drops em like a sack of chit 👍👍
Post by: elkrack on June 04, 2024, 09:24:04 PM
270wsm
Drops em like a sack of chit 👍👍
Great round. Last year in MT my 2 sons and I all used the same rifle. 3 bullets 3 deer! Nuff said
Post by: birdshooter1189 on June 05, 2024, 08:25:26 AM
More realistically, I'd probably choose a 7mm rem mag. Great and versatile caliber, and there's plenty of good deals on them since most guys are chasing the current marketing favorites that end in arc, prc, or creedmoor.
Post by: BD1 on June 05, 2024, 10:20:14 AM
Post by: bhawley76 on June 05, 2024, 12:15:54 PM
Post by: yakimanoob on June 14, 2024, 04:59:34 PM
I would guess there's not too many people that hunt with a rifle that don't have either a 7 mag, 270, or a 06 in their selection :dunno::hello: I don't.
7mm-08 for me. My wife bought it for me when I started big game hunting and I just can't find a reason to get anything else.
Post by: yakimanoob on June 14, 2024, 05:01:18 PM
Post by: sticky on August 04, 2024, 02:49:35 PM
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Post by: Sunbkpk on August 04, 2024, 09:44:28 PM
If that would mean a 243 then so be it. I can shoot my dads 300 magnums accurately without flinching but he can not. Still I hunted with a 30-06 till switching to bowhunting.
Post by: Goshawk on August 09, 2024, 09:24:53 PM
Post by: phildobaggins on August 10, 2024, 11:14:27 AM
Post by: fish vacuum on August 10, 2024, 03:21:55 PM
If I was buying a new rifle I'd look for a 7mm-08 for its combo of effectiveness and easy shooting.
The .270s I've owned were purchased because that was the caliber I found available in the rifle I wanted.
Post by: Bareback on August 10, 2024, 06:04:48 PM
Post by: Shadrach71 on September 14, 2024, 01:24:39 PM
Post by: jasnt on September 14, 2024, 07:20:38 PM
Post by: sticky on March 07, 2025, 02:22:19 AM
Best all around caliber for the Lower 48. Hands down.
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Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 07, 2025, 06:37:45 AM
Post by: EnglishSetter on March 07, 2025, 09:43:31 AM
Either a 300 WSM or a 300 WM
I don't have a 300 WSM. I do have 264WM, 300WM and 338WM.
In today's world with suppressed as an option, I'd prolly go 300 WSM, 20" suppressed.
Post by: Stein on March 07, 2025, 01:01:00 PM
If I could only have one rifle it would be my 338 Lapua improved. Overkill for most situations but I can do anything I want with it within my limits. Everything else has its own limits. And recoil is much less than my unbraked 30-06 and spottong shots easier. My 300wm and 338wm don’t get used much any more.
That's a dang good brake, 338 Lapua magnum has 60% more recoil than the 30-06. Doesn't the improved have even more? That would put the brake at 80-90% reduction?
Post by: jasnt on March 07, 2025, 02:47:05 PM
or it’s like 20 lbsIf I could only have one rifle it would be my 338 Lapua improved. Overkill for most situations but I can do anything I want with it within my limits. Everything else has its own limits. And recoil is much less than my unbraked 30-06 and spottong shots easier. My 300wm and 338wm don’t get used much any more.
That's a dang good brake, 338 Lapua magnum has 60% more recoil than the 30-06. Doesn't the improved have even more? That would put the brake at 80-90% reduction?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 08, 2025, 12:13:48 PM
If I could only have one rifle it would be my 338 Lapua improved. Overkill for most situations but I can do anything I want with it within my limits. Everything else has its own limits. And recoil is much less than my unbraked 30-06 and spottong shots easier. My 300wm and 338wm don’t get used much any more.
That's a dang good brake, 338 Lapua magnum has 60% more recoil than the 30-06. Doesn't the improved have even more? That would put the brake at 80-90% reduction?
The 1.2” SRS titanium 5 port brake does work great. 12# rifle with composite stock and great pad - vs 7# 30-06 unbraked with wood stock.
Post by: syoungs on March 13, 2025, 09:50:12 AM
I built a 300wm for bear and elk, but its never been shot. Ill probably sell some parts off of it and find a cheaper caliber to replace the barrel to turn it into a range toy. no reason to pack around a big magnum to me with modern bullet construction being what it is.
Post by: The scout on March 13, 2025, 11:20:12 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 13, 2025, 12:21:33 PM
I went 6.5prc for my all around gun. a 140-150g class bullet in the boiler room of anything huntable in north america will do the trick.6.5 is the gateway drug to the smaller stuff. You'll ne necking that prc down to a 6mm before you know it :chuckle:
I built a 300wm for bear and elk, but its never been shot. Ill probably sell some parts off of it and find a cheaper caliber to replace the barrel to turn it into a range toy. no reason to pack around a big magnum to me with modern bullet construction being what it is.
Post by: syoungs on March 13, 2025, 12:58:14 PM
I went 6.5prc for my all around gun. a 140-150g class bullet in the boiler room of anything huntable in north america will do the trick.6.5 is the gateway drug to the smaller stuff. You'll ne necking that prc down to a 6mm before you know it :chuckle:
I built a 300wm for bear and elk, but its never been shot. Ill probably sell some parts off of it and find a cheaper caliber to replace the barrel to turn it into a range toy. no reason to pack around a big magnum to me with modern bullet construction being what it is.
I went prc, cause I'm tearing the barrel off my Creedmoor, trying to decide if I want to go 25 creed or 6 creed for that one :chuckle:
Post by: rmarsh260 on April 28, 2025, 07:55:22 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on April 28, 2025, 09:18:16 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on April 28, 2025, 09:38:28 PM
Post by: Macs B on April 29, 2025, 07:47:58 AM
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on April 29, 2025, 10:21:05 AM
Post by: Shadrach71 on May 04, 2025, 04:57:11 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 04, 2025, 05:37:14 PM
Post by: BeerBugler on May 04, 2025, 06:21:47 PM
Post by: mikey549 on May 04, 2025, 06:31:39 PM