What caliber....and why?

[360hunt]

For conversation sake... no sports, gatherings etc....BOREDOM!
I'm curious to other people's answers.
So here's my question.
If you could have only one cartridge. For hunting, plinking or bench rest fun etc...What would that caliber be? And why?

I'll start. Mine would be 338 win mag. My primary reason I prefer this caliber is to hunt elk and moose in big bear country. Other calibers do just fine. 338 win mag is just my preference because it's never let me down performance wise.

[Redneck 7]

I’d say a .308, can kill anything in North America, cheap to reload, cheap surplus, ammo is everywhere. Many great platforms are in .308 and you can even stretch its legs out to 1000 plus if you want.

[elkhunter11]

I could so all of my big game hunting and target shooting with .284" bullets.

[Twisted Canuck]

7mm Remington Mag, or the 7mm-08. Because they work and I like 7s. Vanilla icecream is good too.

I realize those are cartridges, not calibre....but saying .284 didn't really say it.

[catnthehat]

Tough choice,.303 British or a 6.5/303 just because .
Cat

[buckman]

I own a few,but have shot most of my game with my Mod 70 in .270, 150 grain Nosler partition. Its the first caliber I hunted with, and given the choice of only one would be my last.

[wolf308]

Originally Posted by Redneck 7

I’d say a .308, can kill anything in North America, cheap to reload, cheap surplus, ammo is everywhere. Many great platforms are in .308 and you can even stretch its legs out to 1000 plus if you want.

Nailed it !

[Sooner]

Originally Posted by Redneck 7

I’d say a .308, can kill anything in North America, cheap to reload, cheap surplus, ammo is everywhere. Many great platforms are in .308 and you can even stretch its legs out to 1000 plus if you want.

I got my 308 savage as a 16th bday gift. Dads step brother hunted with it for years before it became mine. I'm 52 and it is the only rifle I have owned. Taken plenty of deer and moose, 1 elk. Light to carry, very minimal recoil and has a magazine. It really is a perfect gun for me. Can free hand it so well. Kid took his 54 inch moose with it in 2017. 1-180gr through the lungs, second one through the neck which dropped it on the spot.


Over the years I have wanted a bigger caliber to reach out a bit further or more knock down power but have never made the switch. Now that my dad has quit hunting, I will take over his 30 06, put a much better scope on it and use it from time to time.

[raised by wolves]

If choosing only one, it would be the entire combination of cartridge, platform and optic. After owning and building way too many rifles, my main rifle is a Sako 85 Finnlight, 270WSM, topped with a Swarovski Z3 3-10X42 BRX launching 140 and 150 grain loads. Light enough to be a pleasure to carry, heavy enough to be a pleasure to shoot, phenomenal accuracy with anything I run through the barrel, and a fast and flat shooting cartridge that has the reach and thump to take on any game species. I find it amazing that after using extreme lightweights, long range rigs, tactical rifles, custom builds, and spending way too much money over the years, that my mainstay came straight off the shelf.

[Stinky Coyote]

Originally Posted by raised by wolves

If choosing only one, it would be the entire combination of cartridge, platform and optic. After owning and building way too many rifles, my main rifle is a Sako 85 Finnlight, 270WSM, topped with a Swarovski Z3 3-10X42 BRX launching 140 and 150 grain loads. Light enough to be a pleasure to carry, heavy enough to be a pleasure to shoot, phenomenal accuracy with anything I run through the barrel, and a fast and flat shooting cartridge that has the reach and thump to take on any game species. I find it amazing that after using extreme lightweights, long range rigs, tactical rifles, custom builds, and spending way too much money over the years, that my mainstay came straight off the shelf.

I can relate, i look back on a tikka t3 lite stainless .270 i built in talleys with a 3-9x33 leupold ultralite with a standard 7/8" target knob and kenton speed dial turret to match. 7 lbs all up, 22" barrel meant it wasn't too long. 5 shot groups 3/4 moa no sweat with factory fusions. That was one smart rifle you could do everything with and handled awesome and shot awesome in field conditions.

I built a .270 wsm on a sako a7 stainless after thinking it would be that much better. It too was incredible. But now...i'd do that a7 in a creedmoor, vx3i 3.5-10x40 cds-zl in talleys and be done as a one and done and not get the recoil of the other two.

Then...i built a dream. A blaser k95 single shot .270. Hands down my flagship rifle in performance and prestige. It takes down to 24", it holds zero and shoots lights on fire to 600 yards with factory ammo, weighs less than 7 lbs all up, will do moa groups at 350 yards with complete take down for every shot including the scope off. It has never had one flier, or one questionable shot, it has never shifted zero.

As i've gone even further in this and realizing i'll likely not hunt outside of alberta, or at least western canada, nor do i intend to shoot much class 3 game past 300 yards and class 2 game past about 450, i've really made a shift. Now my favorite cartridge is 6.5 Grendel and currently running a ruger american ranch and the only thing missing is stainless construction, but i'm pretty well over that detail.

We are to the point where i'm even considering my blaser k95 might have to go up for sale since it's unlikely to head afield again. It's still a cringe worthy thought in my mind at this point as it is for sure the ultimate firearm i've ever built, 5 shot, 3/4 moa, full take down, ultralight, handles recoil unbelievably and the quality/feel/fit and finish is outstanding. It runs a custom leupold 2.5-8 vx3 with lr-duplex reticle and zero at 250, 140gr accubonds around 2950, the first hash down from zero is 350 yards, 2nd hash lands at 450 and where post thickens back up is 550 yards (on 8x). It just lives on 8x as not really my coyote calling rig, more of a big game only rig. To throw in the pack with everything else is awesome where you have to cross some boundaries that require encased/unloaded etc. Anyway, i know a guy who's had a keen eye for this one since i got it...might be time to pass along the message. The prices of these things sure do hold up, and keep going up.

[Dubious]

6mm Arc

https://www.hornady.com/6mmarc#!/

So delicious... so tasty...

[OL_JR]

7mm rem mag. Flat shootin, tolerable recoil and aint going anywhere anytime soon. With the right bullet no reason to feel under gunned for anything in this country anyways.

[510-Gem]

46 posts and only one nod to the 30-06... interesting. Not to throw a junction in the tracks of another thread, but I think I’d go .308 or 30-06.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by 510-Gem

46 posts and only one nod to the 30-06... interesting. Not to throw a junction in the tracks of another thread, but I think I’d go .308 or 30-06.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

And only a couple of posts that actually listed a caliber, the rest listed cartridges.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

And only a couple of posts that actually listed a caliber, the rest listed cartridges.

The title said caliber but if you read the post the OP asked for the cartridge so that is what I posted
Cat

[58thecat]

Potato...potatoe....


7-08....284....7mm...the little bugger is unbelievable when pushing a 140gr pill for moose/elk and I am sure big bear and the 120gr pills make anything from a deer size game on down freezer wrapped meat


Oh and she acts like a magnum but gives soft kisses like a super model.....

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

The title said caliber but if you read the post the OP asked for the cartridge so that is what I posted
Cat

Actually, if you read the first post,he stipulated that a person could have only one cartridge, but he specifically asked what caliber it would be. And then he himself listed a cartridge, instead of a caliber.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Actually, if you read the first post,he stipulated that a person could have only one cartridge, but he specifically asked what caliber it would be. And then he himself listed a cartridge, instead of a caliber.

Pretty sure we all knew what he was asking
Cat

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

And only a couple of posts that actually listed a caliber, the rest listed cartridges.

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Actually, if you read the first post,he stipulated that a person could have only one cartridge, but he specifically asked what caliber it would be. And then he himself listed a cartridge, instead of a caliber.

I don’t know why you continue to make such an issue out of this complete non issue.

[270person]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

And only a couple of posts that actually listed a caliber, the rest listed cartridges.

Much more fun to specify 7mm Rem mag or 7mm STW or 7mm Weatherby vs just .284. Especially when one .284 can be infinitely superior over another.

It's like calling Camaros and Corvettes, "Chevrolets. Lumping them in with their boring Impala or Malibu kin. Clearly they are much more and as such deserve to be referred to in specific terms. Also not unlike lumping your 2 good looking dark haired kids in with the two red headed stepchildren you inherited in your second marriage. You might call it your "family" but you aren't kidding anybody. If the house is on fire with seconds to go, you're making sure the 2 darkhairs go out the window first.

In summary, the 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm STW, and 7mm Weatherby are the Camaros, Corvettes, and dark haired kids. You can show them off, talk glowingly about them to friends, and proudly take them out in public.

The 7mm-08 and .280 are the Malibu's, Impalas, and freckled nerds that sunburn easily. Sure, they may get the job done, eventually, but why limit yourself to a cartridge you'll only use for solo hunting...at night...in Saskatchewan...while wearing a disguise?

I think it's important to distinguish royalty from the commonality.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by 270person

Much more fun to specify 7mm Rem mag or 7mm STW or 7mm Weatherby vs just .284. Especially when one .284 can be infinitely superior over another.

It's like calling Camaros and Corvettes, "Chevrolets. Lumping them in with their boring Impala or Malibu kin. Clearly they are much more and as such deserve to be referred to in specific terms. Also not unlike lumping your 2 good looking dark haired kids in with the two red headed stepchildren you inherited in your second marriage. You might call it your "family" but you aren't kidding anybody. If the house is on fire with seconds to go, you're making sure the 2 darkhairs go out the window first.

In summary, the 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm STW, and 7mm Weatherby are the Camaros, Corvettes, and dark haired kids. You can show them off, talk glowingly about them to friends, and proudly take them out in public.

The 7mm-08 and .280 are the Malibu's, Impalas, and freckled nerds that sunburn easily. Sure, they may get the job done, eventually, but why limit yourself to a cartridge you'll only use for solo hunting...at night...in Saskatchewan...while wearing a disguise?

lol

[270person]

Originally Posted by MountainTi

lol

. Please note no 6.5's were harmed during the construction of this diatribe. Would be very unfair of me to go after kids adopted from 3rd world countries.

[Hawkeye]

The 7mm-08 and .280 are the Malibu's, Impalas, and freckled nerds that sunburn easily. Sure, they may get the job done, eventually, but why limit yourself to a cartridge you'll only use for solo hunting...at night...in Saskatchewan...while wearing a disguise?

OUCH, that's really harsh!
Lots of good folks in SK (and some monster white tail bucks, too).

Get all DRESSED UP and go hunting with a 7x57, or better yet a 7x57R, or best of all a .275 Rigby...…or a 7x61 Sharpe and Hart or a 7x64 Brenneke!

[270person]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

The 7mm-08 and .280 are the Malibu's, Impalas, and freckled nerds that sunburn easily. Sure, they may get the job done, eventually, but why limit yourself to a cartridge you'll only use for solo hunting...at night...in Saskatchewan...while wearing a disguise?

OUCH, that's really harsh!
Lots of good folks in SK (and some monster white tail bucks, too).

Get all DRESSED UP and go hunting with a 7x57, or better yet a 7x57R, or best of all a .275 Rigby...…or a 7x61 Sharpe and Hart or a 7x64 Brenneke!

Just having some fun bud. I'm from Sask so no shots at that province ever. It was more about just being too embarrassed to hunt in your home province while lugging a Red Malibu.

[brewster29]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

The 7mm-08 and .280 are the Malibu's, Impalas, and freckled nerds that sunburn easily. Sure, they may get the job done, eventually, but why limit yourself to a cartridge you'll only use for solo hunting...at night...in Saskatchewan...while wearing a disguise?

OUCH, that's really harsh!
Lots of good folks in SK (and some monster white tail bucks, too).

Get all DRESSED UP and go hunting with a 7x57, or better yet a 7x57R, or best of all a .275 Rigby...…or a 7x61 Sharpe and Hart or a 7x64 Brenneke!

Cool. My pick would be .284". I have 4: 7-08, 280, 7STW and 7x61.

Economy, utility, performance and euro panache.

[rembo]

Originally Posted by 270person

Much more fun to specify 7mm Rem mag or 7mm STW or 7mm Weatherby vs just .284. Especially when one .284 can be infinitely superior over another.

It's like calling Camaros and Corvettes, "Chevrolets. Lumping them in with their boring Impala or Malibu kin. Clearly they are much more and as such deserve to be referred to in specific terms. Also not unlike lumping your 2 good looking dark haired kids in with the two red headed stepchildren you inherited in your second marriage. You might call it your "family" but you aren't kidding anybody. If the house is on fire with seconds to go, you're making sure the 2 darkhairs go out the window first.

In summary, the 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm STW, and 7mm Weatherby are the Camaros, Corvettes, and dark haired kids. You can show them off, talk glowingly about them to friends, and proudly take them out in public.

The 7mm-08 and .280 are the Malibu's, Impalas, and freckled nerds that sunburn easily. Sure, they may get the job done, eventually, but why limit yourself to a cartridge you'll only use for solo hunting...at night...in Saskatchewan...while wearing a disguise?

I think it's important to distinguish royalty from the commonality.

LOL......and I just cleaned the darn keyboard last week,....now, what to do with my 3 7-08's and 280AI.....

[260 Rem]

I’ve had some dandy deer guns including this 30BR I used several years ago... for obvious reasons as witnessed in the pic. A potent little cartridge that launches a 110 gr. Barnes TTSX @3075 FPS and is consistent enough for fun Range days.

[270person]

Originally Posted by rembo

LOL......and I just cleaned the darn keyboard last week,....now, what to do with my 3 7-08's and 280AI.....

Limit your hunting excursions to out of province. Or better yet, out of country. Less opportunity of running into folks you know and having to endure endless ridicule and laughter.

[EZM]

Originally Posted by 270person

Also not unlike lumping your 2 good looking dark haired kids in with the two red headed stepchildren you inherited in your second marriage. You might call it your "family" but you aren't kidding anybody. If the house is on fire with seconds to go, you're making sure the 2 darkhairs go out the window first.

OMG ......... I laughed so hard my wife came over to read this ..... LOL

A fire ........ who do you love most !!!!!! lol

[58thecat]

Well I got a BSA SHT 1915 mk1 no111...303.....no scope etc....reliable as all hell...can't take a beatin' and keep on tickin' like a Swiss watch....so when I look at all I have and the possible problems the others can give me being all modern and dressed up I believe the ol'303 gets the nod.


Oops went a little bit overboard on response as I threw in the rifle too.....so of all the calibres....maybe a 7-08.....but if a rifle is included see above.