Blaser calibre combo, again.

[Boarboy]

So. I'm finally ordering a new r8. Just need to decide what calibre pairing as still not sure. I'm leaning towards 6.5 x 55 for general stalking in U.K, plus fox, And 30-06 spare barrel for more use abroad. I also have at the moment a .222 tikka as a separate fox rifle.( mainly in sensitive areas, around horses, sheep etc). Other option would be .243 and .308 for ease, with the .243 arguably giving better use for fox over the 6.5. ??

 

[Uncas]

So. I'm finally ordering a new r8. Just need to decide what calibre pairing as still not sure. I'm leaning towards 6.5 x 55 for general stalking in U.K, plus fox, And 30-06 spare barrel for more use abroad. I also have at the moment a .222 tikka as a separate fox rifle.( mainly in sensitive areas, around horses, sheep etc). Other option would be .243 and .308 for ease, with the .243 arguably giving better use for fox over the 6.5. ??

I would think a better choice would be a 25-06 + 30-06 a very good combination.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Worth trying to keep it to two calibers that utilise the same bolt head, save mucking around and added expense.

 

[Boarboy]

I would think a better choice would be a 25-06 + 30-06 a very good combination.

They don't do a 25-06 in the r8. Would have to be special order.

 

[Boarboy]

Worth trying to keep it to two calibers that utilise the same bolt head, save mucking around and added expense.

Yes all suggested combos use the same bolt head ST, as far as I'm aware.

 

[kimh]

204 and 270

 

[unicorn71]

I went 243/308 when i got my R8.

 

[Dorsettaff]

.243 & 6.5 x 55

or

.22-250 & .30-06

or

6.5 x 55 & 9.3 x 62

or to Hell with it........ all 5 !!

 

[Orion]

6.5 x 55 & 9.3 x 62

That's the one! Get the 9.3x62 conditioned for UK use (no big issue) and your covered for everything.

 

[Uncle f]

I have both 6.5x55 and 30.06 and 223. Need the change the bolt head for 223 but both bigger calibres utilise the same bolt head. Can't go wrong with those two in my opinion
used the 30.06 in Portugal on driven boar no probs
good luck I'm sure whatever you. Goose will be a good set of calibres for you
regards Steve

 

[smokey]

Just remember bullets kill deer not calibre go with what you feel comfortable with i prefer light fast and flat bullets others may differ but it is you who squeeze the trigger just to be a hypocrite if i was buying a new R8 I would get it in 6.5 x 65 rws with a long and short barrel (semi weight)

 

[Overlay]

.308, 6.5 x 55 and 222

best of everything

also got three others calibers, for me those three will carry you through anywhere

 

[EMcC]

Go for a .243 with a 30-06 barrel.
.243 for fox up to Roe, 30-06 with 150gn bullet for the larger UK Deer and then just slap a 180gn bullet in the 30-06 for Boar.
Good luck Dan.

 

[artschool]

Go for .375 and a .308.

Does everything.

 

[Greener Jim]

If I wanted to keep the bolt face the same I would lean towards 6.5x55 for UK quarry and, although 30-06 is a great shout, 9.3x62 for abroad if you can get it past the FLO.
If I didn't mind getting a different bolt head I would like step up to a larger cartridge, again if I could get it past the FLO. 375 H&H maybe....

All dreaming aside, 6.5x55 and 30-06 will do you for anything really, certainly anything with hooves. 30-06 may not be ideal for giraffe or eland but it'll definitely get the job done with a proper bullet and placement. I think that has you covered.

 

[Hunt-Inter]

I'd just go .30-06 and use for everything myself

 

[stubear]

I would think a better choice would be a 25-06 + 30-06 a very good combination.

I'd agree with that - Related calibers are a helpful thing because you can use the same bolt and the magazines are interchangeable.

One of the other chaps on here I know has a couple of Sauers in .25-06 and .30-06 for exactly that reason, and if I pick up another rifle it will be an S&L Victory in .243 to compliment the .308 I already have. Then I can swap bolts and magazines around if I need to with no problem.

 

[bowji john]

Same bolt head makes sense

Caliber?

I have 65 x 55 on my R8 which is excellent for stalking and target

Playing with either 30 06 or 9.3 x 62

Only thing with the 9.3 option is - the chart on deer legal muzzle energies as supplied on my DSC1 course indicates that the heavier calibers on the 9.3 are not approved for deer in England -

Muzzle velocity for 285 grn @ 2280 is too low - 270 grn and below are fine

 

[Orion]

Same bolt head makes sense

Caliber?

I have 65 x 55 on my R8 which is excellent for stalking and target

Playing with either 30 06 or 9.3 x 62

Only thing with the 9.3 option is - the chart on deer legal muzzle energies as supplied on my DSC1 course indicates that the heavier calibers on the 9.3 are not approved for deer in England -

Muzzle velocity for 285 grn @ 2280 is too low - 270 grn and below are fine

You might want to check that - MV for England?

Plus the 'chart' you refer to (same as the one at the end of chapter 13 of the HOG?) will be a guide to the minimum advised or legal for a given species - no reason why one from a higher band can't be allowed for a lesser quarry provided it is capable of making a humane kill - see 13.9 HOG.

 

[cjs66]

22-250 and 308, same bolt head and two great cals.

That's what I've got. I've also got a slot for 243 but, Ive a Sako 85 in 243 so not sure what to fill the slot with. Would like the 25-06 but, like has been said earlier, they don't come in R8.

cjs.