Just starting out what calibers/rifle recommendations

[Overlay]

Have a look for a 308 and try sako 123 grn ammunition, it’ll knock anything over and lowish recoil, I use this for woodland stalking with a x 24 mm low mag swaro Its awesome and does the job efficiently

 

[Morkai]

But the 7mm-08 is a great round if you can source ammo

Yeah, I was going for one but no shops in a reasonable distance supplied the ammunition.

Went with the 6.5CM and the 45-70.

 

[Muntybuck5803]

Yeah, I was going for one but no shops in a reasonable distance supplied the ammunition.

Went with the 6.5CM and the 45-70.

You’re not wrong. I’ve used 308 for years and for whatever reason always fancied a 7mm08.

The fact that factory ammo is sorely lacking here is the reason I’m finally getting my arse into gear to home load despite stock piling components for years with the intention of loading for the others but always being lazy and buying factory!

 

[JTO]

Get the 7mm08. I’ve recently got a 7mm08 in the form of a Sako 75, which I’m loving! I already have a 25-06, 308 and a 6mm CM.

I had one on order, but Tikka discontinued the stainless supervarmint. I bought a second 284W from a SD member instead.

 

[JTO]

Yeah, I was going for one(7mm-08) but no shops in a reasonable distance supplied the ammunition.

Went with the 6.5CM and the 45-70.

308 cases will neck down to 7mm-08 if you reload.
Not sure how successfull necking UP 243 cases would be!
I loaded up some work-up cartridges but had to pull them when I didn't get the rifle.

 

[tarponhead]

I love my B14 crest it shoots very well, but it's the only rifle I have where the bore will rust at the drop of a hat, my other rifles, Tikka, Benelli etc no such issue and I will admit with a hint of sadness that I wish I'd bought something else.

On that note, as others have said you can't really go wrong with a Tikka, but if you want something a bit marmite then the Benelli Lupo is worth a look. I can't fault mine, very pleasant rifle to use, just depends on whether you like the way it looks

This. I love my Bergara B14 in 6.5x55 which will shoot Sako blade ammo into 0.5 moa groups all day long but…it will rust unless I’m very careful after a day out and it gets damp. If 1F1 variations weren’t so lengthy, I’d change it but for now, I’ll just keep it clean and dry. I might use camo paint and see if that helps protect it. Seen them for c.£400 used, so for a rifle that shoots, why not? Maybe the cerocoated one’s are more durable? For a REM 700 clone I’d go Howa 1500, not Bergara.

 

[Tom8]

.308 get good selection of ammo from pretty much anywhere

Rifle: steyr ssg69 built like a tank nice and smooth extremely accurate

 

[grizzpup]

When I was starting the local keeper recommended either 6.5x55 or .270 as an all rounder with flattish trajectory. I chose 6.5x55 for softer recoil and have loved it. I have one rifle and have now shot well over 100 deer with it. I've done almost 2000 rds total on the range and on other vermin with no issues. Generally I use 120g but it shoots anything between 90-160g very effectively. Great calibre for most quarry.