Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: edmondshunter on December 08, 2007, 01:19:50 PM

Title: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: edmondshunter on December 08, 2007, 01:19:50 PM: Lets hear it. Whats the best? Can you back it up?
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on December 08, 2007, 01:27:44 PM: Everyone has their own preferences and can probably make a convincing case for their choice. I personally use a Remington Model 700 7mm Mag. I also have a Winchester Model 70 Winchester (pre-64) in 30-06 that I like. But I think a 270 is hard to beat and would be my choice. My son shoots a 270 and with his loads, is accurate out to 400 yards.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on December 08, 2007, 01:54:02 PM: I personally have hunted with a Savage 30-06. Have never had any problems with it. Wouldn't hesitate to shoot elk, deer, or bear with it. I'm thinking about getting a new rifle for next year. Just havn't decided on what to get.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Cougeyes on December 08, 2007, 01:58:49 PM: I shoot a remington model 700; 270 winchester. It is a great gun, i've taken numerous deer with it and it is a flat shooting gun, but i wouldn't shoot any further than 400 yards with it, although personally i wouldn't shoot that far with any gun, i'm comfortable up to 300 or so. I've taken two bull elk with it, one was a spike, but the other was a big 6 by 6, dropped in his tracks. I upped the loads though for elk hunting.

My vote goes to the 270.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: deerslyr on December 08, 2007, 02:14:37 PM: I shoot a savage 270 and all of the deer i have shot with it have gone down within 20 yards.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: huntnphool on December 08, 2007, 03:23:37 PM: I shoot 7MM Remington mags. the ballistics are hard to beat for hunting, why isnt it an option on the poll, when so many people use it?
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Slider on December 08, 2007, 03:27:27 PM: I agree!!! I also have a Remington BDL 7 Mag. and a 1963 Remington 700 in 264 Mag!!!
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Slenk on December 08, 2007, 04:07:12 PM: Savage .270
Stevens 7mm-08
Flintlock .54
Slenk
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: boneaddict on December 08, 2007, 04:10:42 PM: I added one. 30-06
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: russ on December 08, 2007, 04:48:08 PM: i use a savage 30-06 and i couldnt ask for much better!
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: actionshooter on December 08, 2007, 05:46:00 PM: I voted for the .300WM. The .300 is a little big for blacktails, but is great for larger critters. I love the .270 but I don't think it would be anyones first choice for moose, so I wouldn't call it the best all around caliber. With that being said my next gun is going to be an ultra-light 7WSM.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Crunchy on December 08, 2007, 06:21:11 PM: Remington 700 BDL 7Mag.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: 280ackley on December 08, 2007, 06:25:16 PM: I would go for the .280 Ackley. It has 7 mag ballistics in a smaller lighter rifle.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: huntnphool on December 08, 2007, 06:43:08 PM: Hey Bone, I think you better add the 7 mag ;)
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: boneaddict on December 08, 2007, 06:58:47 PM: done
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: high country on December 08, 2007, 07:07:20 PM: location location location.....

no gun on the market today gets to more locations faster than the 257ROY. I think there is a growing following for a bunch more gun then we "need" but I can tell you from expierience that my 257 hits things dead on that my 270 has to give a foot of daylight to hit. You can't believe the speed critters hit the ground when touched by ol' roy.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: huntnphool on December 08, 2007, 07:09:57 PM: I have a Cooper Arms 257 Roberts that drives tacks, too pretty for hunting though ;)
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Buckshot Bill on December 08, 2007, 07:32:57 PM: 300 all the way! 30-06 runs a close second but from all my experiences, the 300 Weatherby Mag knocks em all down and at just about any distance worth shooting. Except maybe an elephant.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: PacificNWhunter on December 08, 2007, 07:44:36 PM: I'm partial to my .300 winchester mag
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: M_ray on December 08, 2007, 08:37:31 PM: I voted 300 win mag ... but mostley because it's the only rifle I have that's a big game round. I prefer Muzzleloader hunting but I do have a 30-40 krag that was left to me by my Grandpa ... it's range is practically the same as my Muzzleloader!
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: ICEMAN on December 08, 2007, 08:50:55 PM: The answer is....there is no answer.

Too many great rifle calibers out there, all have great specs.

I would vote for .300RUM.

I have shot dozens of deer and a few elk with a .270rem and love the caliber. Bought the RUM to handle the longer range with oompf.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 08, 2007, 09:04:38 PM: i own 3 30-06's, for a reason i guess :dunno:
i think that is the all time most versatile caliber, but it's in trouble now with all the new calibers coming out in the last few years.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 08, 2007, 09:06:05 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on December 08, 2007, 07:09:57 PM
I have a Cooper Arms 257 Roberts that drives tacks, too pretty for hunting though ;)

drooling now...thanks.
been thinking about a 257...i was looking at a 257 wthrby mag
can one kill an elk with that caliber?
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: HuntinFool on December 08, 2007, 09:32:30 PM: Christensen Arms Winchester model 70 7mm love it and will never buy another gun
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: high country on December 09, 2007, 08:02:47 AM: Quote from: jackelope on December 08, 2007, 09:06:05 PM

been thinking about a 257...i was looking at a 257 wthrby mag
can one kill an elk with that caliber?

seen it done a few times......through my scope. Just remember to keep your shots inside about 600 yards and you will do fine. I think if more folks shot elk with fast stepping rounds blood trailing would become a lost art. you need to see a bullet going 35-3800 fps smash into an elk.....they just fold.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: edmondshunter on December 09, 2007, 10:51:05 AM: My vote goes to the 270w. I shoot that round for everything bigger than a yote.

Sorry about leaving out some very popular options...

As far as the 7mm rm, the 250w 270w 280 are only 6% less powerful as far as ballistics go,w/ same or similar ammo. And Its been my expierience that the 7mm's are longer in the barrel than most. Making over the shoulder carries more difficult in the thick stuff. Having said that, that round is a great round, it'll murder an elk @ 500 yards
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: edmondshunter on December 09, 2007, 10:56:52 AM: drooling now...thanks.
been thinking about a 257...i was looking at a 257 wthrby mag
can one kill an elk with that caliber?

I think that cal. is very acceptable for an elk. I might hesitate @ 250yrds, but inside of 200, your money
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: andrew_12gauge on December 09, 2007, 06:42:58 PM: I personally voted for the 300 mags with my first choice and 7 mags running a close second. I agree with what was said earlier by many about the .270 but i also agree that it would not and should not be anybodys first choice for moose. Also i once worked with a guy who worked as a mountain goat guide for an outfit outta alaska and he said that anybody who shoots anything less than a .300 for goats is highly uninformed, he told me they are a tough critter to take down especially with many shots ranging over 300 yards. a .300 is just small enough to do minimal damage on deer, but large enough to take any of the largest game in washington that is why it gets my vote.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Intruder on December 10, 2007, 03:12:38 PM: For all around versatility it is really hard to beat the 30-06. When you consider all the aspects it would be the gun I'd recommend most often. Unless you're into loading, lots of shooting, ballistics, etc. the vast majority (97%) of hunting scenerios being face by hunters in Washington can be covered by the ol' 30-06.

That being said, I don't even own 1 anymore... I shoot a .280 and a 300 Win Mag.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: GoldTip on December 10, 2007, 03:18:07 PM: For all around all big game on this continent in all locations, I think you'd be hard pressed to really make an argument against the 300 win mag.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: LongTatLaw on December 10, 2007, 05:21:12 PM: Well, looks like plenty of people agree with me...

I love my 300 win mag! although any other 300 would probably do just as good.

I have had arguments with people about this and many many seasoned hunters make unreasonable claims about the capability of their weapon system. I first hunted with a 30-30, later a 30'06 which is the standard big game rifle in the Mountains of North Carolina. I then bought a 444 to kills GA swamp pigs... and I love that gun. Ive killed 50+ animals with my slug barrel on my 835 and I still own a 308. When I was looking for the rifle that I was gonna replace my 06' with...I went to the ballistic charts. I looked for heavy bullet, energy, and bullet drop...and then I pushed the distance because almost anything does the job at 200 yards. I wanted something with a bigger bullet that I could make easy bullet drop calculations on the fly in the filed.

Wanna know the best caliber. Ill say this... hunting a 200+ pound big game animal with less than 150 grains is under gun. Taking a 400+ yrad shot with a caliber thats gonna drop more than 24 inches at 300+ meters is well beyond 90% of hunters in the woods today. News flash... if ya want 150 or more grains and less than 24 inches of bullet drop... those two requirements (my own personal not anyone else's) would eliminate 3/4 of the choices on here.

There is one gun that rides with me...from the 80 pound bucks of Florida to the 400+ pound pigs in GA...to the mountain deer of North Carolina to the fram deer in Mississippi...to the BLACK BEARS in WSHINGTON.

If a rifle is legal and the game is in North America and isn't a brown bear... then Ill be killing it with a Walmart bought 12 year old Winchester Mod 70 in 300 win mag.

and anyone that thinks a 30'06 or a 270 is producing the same performance at the same distance as the 300 win mag in 180 grains at 200, 300, 400...ect yards

PM me and Ill send you a good link for ballistic charts ;)
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 10, 2007, 05:31:19 PM: i'm no ballistics expert, but wouldn't that be like comparing apples to oranges as far as magnums and non-magnums? 300wm versus 30.06?
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on December 10, 2007, 06:22:03 PM: LongTatLaw,
Sent ya a PM!
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 12, 2007, 03:46:12 PM: I have to second the .300 winmag as the best all-round. I started hunting with a .308, it did fine and was very accurate, but I just didn't like the "feel" of the gun I had, as far as taking a longer distance shot. I then shot a Savage .243 for a few years, just not enough knock down for bigger deer. Tried a 30.06 and again, didn't like the "feel" of the Remington 700 model. I finally bought a Weatherby .300 winmag in 2004 and promptly killed my best buck with it. I have taken four bucks in four years with the .300mag and all were bigger deer and all went down hard. I may not own another caliber again, though I'd give the .264mag consideration. I don't think the .300 is overkill at all for blacktail, I've never had much meat wastage. If I were to shoot at an elk, the only non-magnum cartridge I would consider using would be the 30.06.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 12, 2007, 03:49:17 PM: I'd have to assume that not liking the "feel" of the gun had more to with the rifle itself than the caliber?
did you have problems killing deer with the .243?
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 12, 2007, 04:07:03 PM: Yep, I'm very particular about stocks and the type of safety. I absolutely hate double-safety's on a rifle. I shot a really large buck at close range with my .243, made two killing shots, but he didn't go down with the first. I have no doubt with my .300 he would have went down on the first. Sounds graphic, but a .243 leaves an exit wound you often can't even see, with a .300 it's never hard to find. You have to consider that also when following a bleeding deer, smaller exit wound = less blood.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: huntnphool on December 12, 2007, 04:16:29 PM: That would depend on the type of bullet though. My brother uses a 243 for deer and they have great exit holes. On the other hand I have friends that use 300 Weatherby Mags and pop holes right through the deer, leaving very little blood trails. There are way to many variables to consider before saying which is the best, IMHO.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 12, 2007, 04:19:41 PM: I love my little .243 for deer. I'm shooting factory 100 grain bullets and get decent exits...particularly when i get into much bone.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 12, 2007, 04:21:43 PM: Quote
That would depend on the type of bullet though.
kind of what i was thinking. lots of people kill lots of deer with .243's. i'm gonna dial mine in with 85 grain barnes triple shocks and see how it does. any thoughts?
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: huntnphool on December 12, 2007, 04:33:49 PM: Here is his 07 Montana buck. He was a large bodied buck and was dropped in his tracks with a Federal Premium 100 gr. NP Didn't go 30 feet.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 12, 2007, 04:34:04 PM: Good point, though I agree the bullet can be a factor, but logically wouldn't be the only factor. A 150 grain bullet with good expansion will always cause more damage than a 100 grain with the same expansion. I don't believe there is a .243 bullet that is more superior than anything made for a .300 in that regard. I'm not saying you won't kill deer with a .243, I'm saying I like the fact the .300 puts them down quicker. the .243 is as accurate a gun as you will get, but I've found unless you hit a deer in the heart which is not always possible, you may be in for a follow up shot or two.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: huntnphool on December 12, 2007, 04:40:40 PM: "I don't believe there is a .243 bullet that is more superior than anything made for a .300"

No argument here, I agree 110%
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 12, 2007, 04:49:39 PM: certainly wouldn't argue that fact either.
i've been using a 30.06 in 1 way shape or form for my entire life. every deer i've killed except 1 has been with an '06, from 40 yards to 259 yards. the 1 oddball was a 7mag.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Bighorse on December 12, 2007, 05:18:29 PM: Ah.....The old accuracy vs. power argument being struck up again under another guise.

:bash:

Gents a busted heart is a busted heart

A crushed spine is a crushed spine

A mutilated and torn up gut sack is, well, gross but just that mutilated.

Most modern rounds in the correct hands do the job. Know your ballistics and anatomy and you can make clean kills.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on December 12, 2007, 05:22:47 PM: Quote from: Bighorse on December 12, 2007, 05:18:29 PM
Ah.....The old accuracy vs. power argument being struck up again under another guise.

:bash:

Gents a busted heart is a busted heart

A crushed spine is a crushed spine

A mutilated and torn up gut sack is, well, gross but just that mutilated.

Most modern rounds in the correct hands do the job. Know your ballistics and anatomy and you can make clean kills.

I tend to agree with Bighorse.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: addicted on December 12, 2007, 06:22:20 PM: Quote from: Hunting Cowboy on December 12, 2007, 05:22:47 PM
Quote from: Bighorse on December 12, 2007, 05:18:29 PM
Ah.....The old accuracy vs. power argument being struck up again under another guise.

:bash:

Gents a busted heart is a busted heart

A crushed spine is a crushed spine

A mutilated and torn up gut sack is, well, gross but just that mutilated.

Most modern rounds in the correct hands do the job. Know your ballistics and anatomy and you can make clean kills.

I tend to agree with Bighorse.

i tend to agree with hunting cowboy agreeing with bighorse
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: bobcat on December 12, 2007, 07:19:49 PM: Quote from: jackelope on December 12, 2007, 04:21:43 PM
Quote
That would depend on the type of bullet though.
kind of what i was thinking. lots of people kill lots of deer with .243's. i'm gonna dial mine in with 85 grain barnes triple shocks and see how it does. any thoughts?

That's what I plan on using in my 243, if I ever get time to do some reloading.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: smdave on December 12, 2007, 08:38:25 PM: I voted 338 but I own a 338 Federal and that is the 338 I am refering to, it is a great all around gun.

Dave
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on December 12, 2007, 09:57:11 PM: They all work great, even without high dollar designer boolits. I use the 257 Roy, kill alot of critters, have killed alot of critters with alot of different cal/boolit combo's. 2 stick out, 257 Roy, and any 338 Magnum, ie, Roy, Lapua,338-378,etc. Use what you like, learn how to use it, kill game, designer boolits or not. The 243 is a good bull round in proper hands as well, seen several fall to 1 shot, its heaven for bucks.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 13, 2007, 11:57:30 AM: -I guess I would agree with Bighorse as well if I fully understood his point. What is meant by "clean shot", vs "busted up"?? If you shoot a deer, it's pretty well "busted up" if you killed it, I don't get it, but then apparently I'm a poor shot because I don't know my placement, or anatomy. Just because your more polite in your choice of words in jabbing someone, doesn't mean it's not noticed. For the record, I don't equate a deer suffering longer, as also being more "busted up".

On another note, the shot I was referring to (Josh), was a double-lung shot on a 225lb blacktail (YES, they do get that big ;)). The deer I harvested this year, using the SAME brand and type of ammo, but with a .300 mag was also double-lung shot and didn't even blink, or take one step. Again, 150 grains is not 87, or 100 grains, never will be equivalent.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 13, 2007, 12:56:11 PM: Quote
On another note, the shot I was referring to (Josh), was a double-lung shot on a 225lb blacktail (YES, they do get that big ). The deer I harvested this year, using the SAME brand and type of ammo, but with a .300 mag was also double-lung shot and didn't even blink, or take one step. Again, 150 grains is not 87, or 100 grains, never will be equivalent

(darrell)as i stated...i (josh) would never argue that fact.
:chuckle:
however...
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 13, 2007, 01:24:29 PM: One "L" please sir :)

I know, I was repeating myself for someone else's benefit -or amusement such as it is... ;)

My point seems lost on some. I was not rekindling the power vs accuracy debate and thought I mentioned as much. (I don't think the .243 would be a good elk cartridge though -may as well throw rocks at them... :chuckle: :chuckle:

-Look for another poll on this one.....
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: boneaddict on December 13, 2007, 01:31:02 PM: I've killed alot of game with the 25-06. Was my favorite caliber for years. My choice for the 30-06 is the pure versatility of it from varmits to African game.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 13, 2007, 01:37:43 PM: I've heard that the 30-30 has killed more North American big game than any other caliber...
I still carry a pre64 winchester 94 in that round.

I vote for the 30-06 to be the best, time tested and versatile. :)
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 13, 2007, 01:51:24 PM: from this:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ever_popular_30.htm

Here in North America, where I live, there is no question what rifle caliber is the most popular for civilian use. For big game hunting, the .30-06 Springfield is currently the best selling centerfire rifle cartridge--or maybe it is the .30-30 Winchester, depending on whose sales list you look at. For sure the .30-30 is the all time sales leader. The .308 Winchester is in the top five, and the .300 Winchester Magnum is one of only three magnums in the top ten. Federal sales figures have the little .30 Carbine in eighth place, and others include the .303 British. Is a pattern emerging here? Five .30's in the top ten indicates what I would call market dominance.

Want more? The .300 is the best selling Weatherby Magnum caliber. The new calibers that are getting the most notice in the shooting press as I write this article are the .308 Marlin Express and .30 T/C. The only deer/woods cartridge to ever seriously challenge the .30-30 is the .300 Savage--another popular .30 caliber cartridge. And the .308 Marlin is off to such a good start that rifles in the caliber are scarce--Marlin can't keep up with the demand.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: boneaddict on December 13, 2007, 02:30:03 PM: I agree with what is said about the 30-30. I love that gun.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: ICEMAN on December 13, 2007, 08:52:06 PM: One problem that I see with these type of stats is that I consider most folks to be total idiots. Therefore, I always hope my choice is not on one of these "most popular" lists.

For instance, polls say that most folks in this state vote for democrats...do you want to be on the list...?
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: addicted on December 13, 2007, 11:59:34 PM: And you can't really know till you've shot several big game with each of the calibers offered. :hunter:
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Slenk on December 14, 2007, 07:53:44 AM: 1949 I started with my dad's Rem . 721 in .270 and I still shoot a .270 .
The .270 has never let me down yet . For my use .
Slenk
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Intruder on December 14, 2007, 08:38:17 AM: Quote from: addicted on December 12, 2007, 06:22:20 PM
Quote from: Hunting Cowboy on December 12, 2007, 05:22:47 PM
Quote from: Bighorse on December 12, 2007, 05:18:29 PM
Ah.....The old accuracy vs. power argument being struck up again under another guise.

:bash:

Gents a busted heart is a busted heart

A crushed spine is a crushed spine

A mutilated and torn up gut sack is, well, gross but just that mutilated.

Most modern rounds in the correct hands do the job. Know your ballistics and anatomy and you can make clean kills.

I tend to agree with Bighorse.

i tend to agree with hunting cowboy agreeing with bighorse

Me too.

Within the ranges that most game is killed (under 150 yrds) the caliber is almost meaningless. Shot placement and bullet construction are far more vital. Heck under 300 yards it's almost a moot point.... you're surely pushing the limit on the .243 at that point but for the .26 cals on up you fine. That's why I've never understood guys who go out and spend the extra dough on a Mag gun and Mag ammo and never learn to shoot the thing beyond 200 or 300 yards. It's really range (and animal size to a degree) that's the biggest factor in givin the nod to bigger and more powerful cartridges. When you start goin beyond 300 yards the justification for bigger faster bullets can be made with objective data.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Intruder on December 14, 2007, 08:39:34 AM: Quote from: Iceman on December 13, 2007, 08:52:06 PM
One problem that I see with these type of stats is that I consider most folks to be total idiots. Therefore, I always hope my choice is not on one of these "most popular" lists.

I tend to agree with this statement too :chuckle:
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 14, 2007, 08:41:39 AM: Quote from: addicted on December 13, 2007, 11:59:34 PM
And you can't really know till you've shot several big game with each of the calibers offered. :hunter:

Addicted, curious -at 19 Years of age you have harvested several of each big game species with all of the major rifle calibers? :dunno:
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Intruder on December 14, 2007, 08:50:11 AM: Addicted, curious -at 19 Years of age you have harvested several of each big game species with all of the major rifle calibers? [/quote]

I personally didn't really take it as he was saying he had done that....
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: smdave on December 14, 2007, 08:52:52 AM: Me either, I took it as it is going to be fun to try them all out on as much big game as i can. :hunter:

But I do know he has shot both Elk and Deer, i am 45 and never shot an Elk.

Dave

Quote from: Dman on December 14, 2007, 08:41:39 AM

Quote from: addicted on December 13, 2007, 11:59:34 PM
And you can't really know till you've shot several big game with each of the calibers offered. :hunter:

Addicted, curious -at 19 Years of age you have harvested several of each big game species with all of the major rifle calibers? :dunno:
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: sisu on December 14, 2007, 09:00:31 AM: Quote from: Dman on December 14, 2007, 08:41:39 AM

Quote from: addicted on December 13, 2007, 11:59:34 PM
And you can't really know till you've shot several big game with each of the calibers offered. :hunter:

Addicted, curious -at 19 Years of age you have harvested several of each big game species with all of the major rifle calibers? :dunno:

I take offence to someone saying someone is not being truthful. Read and enjoy leave it be if you don't like it. PERIOD Use the old adage if you can't say something nice or constructive don't say anything.

Just to let you know DMAN, my god son in Michigan shot his first deer with a bow when he was in 6th grade, another in 8th grade, two this year in ninth grade; a buck with his bow and a doe with his rifle. So age has nothing to do with the ability to harvest game it's ones ability to be a good woodsman.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: addicted on December 14, 2007, 09:30:25 AM: woe woe woe. don't need another topic getting locked. i was liking this one. I was just saying, you dont know how much a rock weighs till you pick it up, and i definately havent picked up all the rocks yet. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 14, 2007, 09:39:20 AM: Quote
Addicted, curious -at 19 Years of age you have harvested several of each big game species with all of the major rifle calibers?

come on D...lets not go there.
i killed 6 deer by the time i was 19, with 2 of the major calibers.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 14, 2007, 10:05:02 AM: Scott, don't be so easily miffed for crying out loud, I posed it more as a question. My point was perhaps you shouldn't make an assertion without the experience to back it up, it seems that point was more than overstated to myself recently??? I'd like to know how many here have harvested BOTH deer and ELK with; .270, 30.06, .300 mag, 7mm, 30-30, .308 and 30-30 by the time they were 19??? no one I know has. I'm really surprised at your reaction, let's be even handed in our comment's. I wouldn't say "blacktail get over 200lbs" unless I had harvested one that size, that's just me.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 14, 2007, 10:06:51 AM: Addicted, don't take my comment as personally as others did, or as a knock on your ability, I wish I was 19 again, enjoy it!
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: boneaddict on December 14, 2007, 10:07:44 AM: Knew what you meant addicted, you're fine. God do we have to bring up the sasquatch blacktail again. Where is my favorite biologist to put this myth to rest.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: sisu on December 14, 2007, 10:12:43 AM: Quote from: Dman on December 14, 2007, 10:05:02 AM
Scott, don't be so easily miffed for crying out loud, I posed it more as a question. My point was perhaps you shouldn't make an assertion without the experience to back it up, it seems that point was more than overstated to myself recently??? I'd like to know how many here have harvested BOTH deer and ELK with; .270, 30.06, .300 mag, 7mm, 30-30, .308 and 30-30 by the time they were 19??? no one I know has. I'm really surprised at your reaction, let's be even handed in our comment's. I wouldn't say "blacktail get over 200lbs" unless I had harvested one that size, that's just me.
If I am being an a$$ I apologize. I just want to enjoy reading the threads and learn stuff, because god knows I need all the help I can get in fine tuning my hunting and fishing skills.
Thanks for you post and I do apologize if I was too harsh.

With that I need to take the dogs for a walk, glass the lake, and tie more flies.

Have a good day, Damn and if I offended you again, I apologize.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: jackelope on December 14, 2007, 10:13:08 AM: really?? are we really doing this again??
addicted's post was merely stating that one could not know until one actually completed that feat...
Quote
And you can't really know till you've shot several big game with each of the calibers offered.
i don't see anywhere where he was saying or implying that he did it.
which is pretty much exactly what was you were saying about the 200lb blacktail...no one would know unless they've killed one.
leave it alone and move on...
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 14, 2007, 10:20:06 AM: Sisu, no worries, I was just surprised at your reaction given I've seen folk's toss the same experience related question at people several times, it's confusing to me. I'm done now, let's go fishing, oh damn my boat's for sale....
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: addicted on December 14, 2007, 10:39:30 AM: ^ that sucks. ope your boat goes to a good home.

so back at the topic. i hit my elk when i was like 13 i think and it was about 400 yards 50 degree angle down a clearcut. 30.06 180 grain. 2 shots. first one kinda sorta blew out the bottom jaw :rolleyes: and the second one was a double lung. she (youth cow hunt) ran about 35 yards died and fell against a tree. so that caliber did its thing.

my cousin sitting right next to me hit a smaller cow 2 behind mine with a 300winmag. hit behind the right shoulder high and came out the chest. big ol hole. his tumbled and flipped another 400 yards down the hill. so that caliber did its thing. by the way my cousin hit his on his 4th shot. ;)
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 14, 2007, 10:47:50 AM: That's a good example, thanks for sharing. I believe we can learn from hunting with other's too, you got to see firsthand by hunting with your cousin the capabilities of his .300 mag.

I am sad about the boat -but I won't miss the payment ;D

I'll be hunting a lot more next year I hope, with a better budget to work with.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: addicted on December 14, 2007, 10:52:24 AM: this last year i purchased a remington 700 bdl in 300winmag didnt have to sight it in or anything. shoots right on when i am on. it doesnt have one of those modern recoil pads but i still dont mind the kick. i think this gun will land me several animals. and really there is no need to use anything bigger than the 150 grain bullet in WA.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: Dman on December 14, 2007, 11:25:09 AM: I agree with ya there, I don't like the performance (drop) of 180 grains.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: addicted on December 14, 2007, 04:47:24 PM: i can see if your on the wet side for elk or bears or something where you know its gonna be a short shot and you just really dont want to have to track it.

hell you can put just about anything through the heart of an elk and you still dont know whats going to happen. it might drop, run, or stand there long enough to catch another one.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: boneaddict on December 14, 2007, 05:04:11 PM: If I kept running into 300 pound deer, I might choose the 180 grain Hornady out of the 30-06 as my primary cartridge. Since I don't seem to find any, those sharp sticks I throw at them seems to work amazingly well. Basically as addicted stated "it might drop, run, or stand there" it's amazing how different each and every animal is.
Don't mind me D-man, I haven't slept in two days and its starting to show.
Title: Re: Best all- around big game cal.
Post by: billythekidrock on December 14, 2007, 07:20:51 PM: Quote
hell you can put just about anything through the heart of an elk and you still dont know whats going to happen. it might drop, run, or stand there long enough to catch another one.

Amen to that....