Thanks to all of you who have offered advice and opinion in response to my question, some very valued comments. Lots to think about but I know with this advice I can settle on the right track for me at this point in time. Many thanks again to all.
Calibre Advice for the 'all rounder'?
- Thread starter Bigfoot1973
- Start date
Thanks Gixcer, It's coming down to 308 or 30.06 but I'm edging towards 30.06 at this time, assuming I can get whatever rifle I settle on it that cal, which I'm sure will be easy enough with a decent gunsmith.
Brighty3006
Well-Known Member
Easy. 30.06
jthyttin
Well-Known Member
It's all very well and cosy to think that 270 and 30-06 ammo are available "anywhere" but they're seriously lacking in availability compared to 308.
One thing with 308, I'd consider having a rifle with 1-10" twist instead of CIP standard 1-12". It doesn't hurt anything and gives you more options.
Regarding trajectory, put something like 125gr BT/Accubond at 3100fps into ballistic calculator and see that it compares very favorably to some other chamberings to 200-300y. With considerably better barrel life.
One thing with 308, I'd consider having a rifle with 1-10" twist instead of CIP standard 1-12". It doesn't hurt anything and gives you more options.
Regarding trajectory, put something like 125gr BT/Accubond at 3100fps into ballistic calculator and see that it compares very favorably to some other chamberings to 200-300y. With considerably better barrel life.
If you put your variation in for .30 cal you can have your choice of .308 / .30.06 / .300 etcThanks Gixcer, It's coming down to 308 or 30.06 but I'm edging towards 30.06 at this time, assuming I can get whatever rifle I settle on it that cal, which I'm sure will be easy enough with a decent gunsmith.
I was watching an episode of Texas plinking on you tube the other day and a chap turned up with a fairly standard 30-06 hunting rifle to do the 1000 yard challenge (alongside a number of chassis type target rifles) he’d hit the 1 MOA gong within a few shots….Thanks Gixcer, It's coming down to 308 or 30.06 but I'm edging towards 30.06 at this time, assuming I can get whatever rifle I settle on it that cal, which I'm sure will be easy enough with a decent gunsmith.
Just a great chambering that’s stood the test of time.
Let's hope my local FEO agrees!
Thanks andychas
Polar Lynx
Well-Known Member
If you go for 30:06 try different rifles first. With wrong stocking recoil can be awful and will hamper your shooting.
Thanks all. I think I'll put up a post in regard to a good gunsmith I can contact in Kent (UK) for advice (I am in deepest darkest East Kent). The gunsmith I used to use is sadly no longer with us so I have no close expert advice to discuss the options.
Polar Lynx
Well-Known Member
The best combo for larger animals (moose, reds and boar) I find 308 and Lapua Naturalis Copper 170 gr as ideal.
7mm08 if you reload, .308 if you don’t. You will always be able to get ammunition wherever you go.
My old test was the imaginary gunshop in Ayrshire and what they would have in their ammunition cabinet.
My old test was the imaginary gunshop in Ayrshire and what they would have in their ammunition cabinet.
ValleyPursuits
Well-Known Member
I have both a 7x64 and a 30-06 and enjoy them immensely but if I was buying an all-rounder now it would be a .308 with a 1:10 20” barrel - especially if not a reloader.
Cranborne
Well-Known Member
@Bigfoot1973 it's would be worthwhile speaking to Steve Beatty at Ivythorn Sporting in Somerset. He carries plenty of stock, knows his stuff, and also has an onsite range so you can try a rifle before committing.
Thanks Cranborne, I will add that name to my list and make contact.
Mack243
Active Member
I think you’ve answered your own question. For Boar in the UK, the .308 will knock them down. As far as the rest of world, you’re guaranteed to be able to find factory ammo if you’re travelling abroad. But as others have stated, check local regulations regarding quarry.
.270 and the old faithful .30-06 are great calibres
.270 and the old faithful .30-06 are great calibres
Most of the time I use my 7 mm Rem. Mag. on roes and chamois in the area where I live. I possess a fully stocked CZ .30-06 I bought years ago from my cousin husband. When he offered me the rifle I accepted to buy it due to the full stock. The CZ is very accurate and I used it only abroad (Slovenia and one trip to SA), moreover it is a memory of a fine acquired relative (leukemia took him two years ago).
If a 24ins. barrel is not an obstacle, with a 7 R.M. you can stalk all British and Continental game, plus many species in Africa and America.
If a 24ins. barrel is not an obstacle, with a 7 R.M. you can stalk all British and Continental game, plus many species in Africa and America.
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