Calibre Dilemma

falco · #1 03-20-2008, 05:29 PM

I have enough spare cash for a new gun for myself(I just outfitted my 12 year old son with a new vanguard), and I don't know what to get . I have enough .30 calibres so I want to get something smaller. I would like something that has some decent distance to it. I was thinking along the lines of 270 or 270 wsm. I don't reload so the 270 wsm will be a little more priceier for ammo. I was going to rule out the 25-06 but I saw a guy drop a bighorn at 300 yards with one shot on wildtv with that caliber. That impressed me. I'm sure i will get some opinions from you guys on here. I have looked at lots of ballistics tables, and I'm still not sure how to go.

catnthehat · #2 03-20-2008, 05:33 PM

Number 1: what are you going to use it for? Varmints or big stuff
number 2: what type tickles your fancy?
Number 3: Everybody should own a 375 H&H at least once in their lives!

(serious about number 3!)
Cat

falco · #3 03-20-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Number 1: what are you going to use it for? Varmints or big stuff
number 2: what type tickles your fancy?
Number 3: Everybody should own a 375 H&H at least once in their lives!

(serious about number 3!)
Cat

Cat I would like to be able to have the ability to have some range for deer on the prairies( most of my shots aren't over 100 yds in the bush here). So I guess I'm looking for something that is flatter shooting with a little range that will be good enough for at least deer.

Dick284 · #4 03-20-2008, 05:40 PM

Maybe a good shooting 223 is right up your alley, cheap to feed, and damn good to practice with.

I am a 25'06 fanatic, 100gr. premiums doing 3300fps+ is real dump em on their side kinda round. I've gotten 4 moose, 1 bull elk, and over a dozen AB. deer with mine, never had any issues with it being enough gun.

catnthehat · #5 03-20-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falco

Cat I would like to be able to have the ability to have some range for deer on the prairies( most of my shots aren't over 100 yds in the bush here). So I guess I'm looking for something that is flatter shooting with a little range that will be good enough for at least deer.

Well, in that case, the 25/06 will be a whole bunch of fun for you!

get one in a Ruger No.1V and getrdun!

Cat

falco · #6 03-20-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick284

Maybe a good shooting 223 is right up your alley, cheap to feed, and damn good to practice with.

I am a 25'06 fanatic, 100gr. premiums doing 3300fps+ is real dump em on their side kinda round. I've gotten 4 moose, 1 bull elk, and over a dozen AB. deer with mine, never had any issues with it being enough gun.

That's what I wanted to hear, Dick. The more I read, the more I'm convinced that with the new bonded bullets available, its not as important to have heavier bullet weight to do the job. Of course, placement plays a big role here.

Dick284 · #7 03-20-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falco

That's what I wanted to hear, Dick. The more I read, the more I'm convinced that with the new bonded bullets available, its not as important to have heavier bullet weight to do the job. Of course, placement plays a big role here.

FWIW: the majority of the moose, the bull elk, and a host of the deer all fell to a Nosler Partition bullet.
I tried the TSX Barnes later on, they shot a smidge tighter than the Partitions so that's now my go to BG load. Got a good varmint load with 75gr. V-max's, still tough on hides, but wow for explosive.

falco · #8 03-20-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Well, in that case, the 25/06 will be a whole bunch of fun for you!

get one in a Ruger No.1V and getrdun!

Cat

I'm kind of limited as to what I can get. I'm one of the "other ones", a LEFTY!

Dick284 · #9 03-20-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falco

I'm kind of limited as to what I can get. I'm one of the "other ones", a LEFTY!

Then a #1 is perfect, totally ambidextros.

I myself would go #1B, just for the 2"'s more barrel.(V=24", B= 26")

catnthehat · #10 03-20-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick284

Then a #1 is perfect, totally ambidextros.

I myself would go #1B, just for the 2"'s more barrel.(V=24", B= 26")

I like the heavier profile for long range stuff.

Of course, who am I trying to kid, I'd likely buy a used one and rebarrel it into a 28" !!

Hey, I just bought my 45/70 back ( speaking of ruger singles!!)
Cat

#11 03-20-2008, 06:33 PM

You can't go wrong with a 25-06.

roger · #12 03-20-2008, 08:17 PM

you cant go wrong with a 2506
yotes wolves and any ungulate in the province with premium rounds

tjm · #13 03-20-2008, 08:25 PM

just got a 257 weatherby mag love it flat shooting hard hitting smaller mag caliber check out the stats on them impreset with it good luck

harv3589 · #14 03-20-2008, 08:25 PM

If I hadn't bought my 30-06 last year I would have bought the 25-06 as my all round cartridge after doing some more research and with the quality of bullets out there, it would have no problems with anything in Alberta.

#15 03-20-2008, 08:35 PM

270 or 25-06 would be my choice.

LongDraw · #16 03-20-2008, 09:00 PM

The 25-06 is on my list for my next project, As well as a 270 wsm.

I think the 25-06 is a great caliber. There is something about a sub- 120 grain bullet doing over 3200 fps that knocks'em down hard!

Rackmastr · #17 03-20-2008, 10:11 PM

Buy a 25-06 and be done with it....nice round for sure.....

.264 Win Mag · #18 03-20-2008, 11:21 PM

Being a Lefty and not reloading will give this Calibre some draw back but what about a 264 Winchester Magnum. Very flat, long range, and a bit more punch than a 25-06.

Donny Bear · #19 03-21-2008, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick284

FWIW: the majority of the moose, the bull elk, and a host of the deer all fell to a Nosler Partition bullet.
I tried the TSX Barnes later on, they shot a smidge tighter than the Partitions so that's now my go to BG load. Got a good varmint load with 75gr. V-max's, still tough on hides, but wow for explosive.

I have followed this same progression I love the 25-06 and for me it to has fallen Moose, Elk, Sheep, Antelope and Many deer no issues ever. The TSX do out perform the Partitions for accuracy in my A-Bolt only I use the 85 gr Nosler BT for my varmint load will load some V-Max 75 s asap

My Vote 25-06 no regrets and Yes the #1 is number one they are just way to beautiful for the rigores of sheep hunting but I love them bet I walk out of the gun show in Calgary today with another.

Dick284 · #20 03-21-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .264 Win Mag

Being a Lefty and not reloading will give this Calibre some draw back but what about a 264 Winchester Magnum. Very flat, long range, and a bit more punch than a 25-06.

Ok find him one in 264 then.
ASFAIK there aint any 264's currently being made in a left hand bolt, or even a single shot.

BC7stw · #21 03-21-2008, 08:32 AM

just went thru the same dilema, bought a 270 wsm as we hunt a couple seasons at the same time.

catnthehat · #22 03-21-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .264 Win Mag

Being a Lefty and not reloading will give this Calibre some draw back but what about a 264 Winchester Magnum. Very flat, long range, and a bit more punch than a 25-06.

EVERYBODY who knows me knows that I'm a .264 junkie, no matter what case is pushing the bullet!!

I've owned a mess of them, and loved every one of them.
A 260 might be nice......
Cat

.270fan · #23 03-21-2008, 06:28 PM

The good ol .270 Win will do everything you ask it to, accurate, flat shooting, will work for anything on 4 hooves in the province.

And a BIG bonus in my mind, you can go to ANY backwater General store, Crappy Tire or Walmart and buy some ammo. Especially if you are not a reloader.

Try that with a .264 WIn Mag or a 25.06 ( as good as they are )

catnthehat · #24 03-21-2008, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .270fan

The good ol .270 Win will do everything you ask it to, accurate, flat shooting, will work for anything on 4 hooves in the province.

And a BIG bonus in my mind, you can go to ANY backwater General store, Crappy Tire or Walmart and buy some ammo. Especially if you are not a reloader.

Try that with a .264 WIn Mag or a 25.06 ( as good as they are )

This is a consideration fron those that don't handload, and live in plces likeFt. Mcmurray, where you have the choice of Canadian Tire or Wal mart.
many of us however, are in the same boat as handloaders.
The answer is to either get someone going to the big city to pick it up for you, or picking it up yourself when you are there.
I rarely go down that way myself, but have a very reliable group of "mules" that go regularly.
It's nice when you don't have to make a list for someone, because they speak the lingo.

Downside is my favorite shops have me on speed dial!

BTW, if you want an honest to goodness "long ranger" I know where there is a Browning falling block for sale with a ron Smith barrel, dies, and brass as well as bullets, for a very good price.
Less than 300 rounds through it, and SUPER accurate- it jsut happens to be cahnbered in
6.5 Badcat ( 6.5/270WSM)

Cat

sbtennex · #25 03-21-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .270fan

The good ol .270 Win will do everything you ask it to, accurate, flat shooting, will work for anything on 4 hooves in the province.

And a BIG bonus in my mind, you can go to ANY backwater General store, Crappy Tire or Walmart and buy some ammo. Especially if you are not a reloader.

Try that with a .264 WIn Mag or a 25.06 ( as good as they are )

X27000000 and counting. .270fan forgot powerful. Try a Hornady 140gr Light Mag. If your rifle likes it, look out critters.

.264 Win Mag · #26 03-21-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Ok find him one in 264 then.
ASFAIK there aint any 264's currently being made in a left hand bolt, or even a single shot

Remington is starting to make them they, chamber it in there sendero as well as a CDL not sure if they kick it out in a lefty though, but might only be a matter of time.

AB2506 · #27 03-21-2008, 11:16 PM

No issue with the 270 WSM, 25-06, or 270.

If I was buying a rifle for big game on the prairies today, for deer and speed goats, I would buy a 270 WSM, just because it would be a little better if you were in an area where you might need to tip over an elk.

That said, I have a friend who has a bum shoulder and for many years has tipped over WT, MD, Elk and Moose with the 25-06 115 gr Partition Federal Premium ammo.

I have 2 25-06s myself. I have shot about 50 WT, MD, ANT, BH(e), with my 25-06. I started using the 120 Speer SBT, moved on to the 120 Speer GS, and now the 115 TSX. All have worked well. I have shot 4 deer with the TSX and I am impressed. Not quite so much bruising of the onside meat, total penetration (which the other bullets usually did also), just a very consistent wound channel through the critter.

Since 1991, my go to powder has been RL 22. Consistent accuracy, and usually higher velocities than other comparable powders.

So, if you want a prairie deer gun, 25-06. If you want a gun that is a little better on elk, if required, 270WSM (friend with bum shoulder has tried the 270WSM in a Kimber this past fall, 1 elk, 2 deer, says he may retire the 25-06 (very heavy gun)).