To while away lock down I’ve been looking at Calibres...

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Antonyweeks

Well-Known Member
So, having a .243 and thinking about getting a bigger calibre for reds, boar etc and with the possibility of shooting in europe, I‘ve been looking at the next step up. Initially I was set on a .308 or 30-06. However recently spoke with someone who had a 7x64, and also another person who was a fan off the 6.55 Swede. Lastly saw a YouTube video about the 7x57. I appreciate everyone has their favourite but I’d read that the 30-06 is a military calibration and therefore illegal in Europe? Just wond what people’s’ thoughts were?
 
You’ll have a wide range of suggestions as to the best calibre! In short though, you wont go wrong with a 30-06, very flexible chambering, and theres no problem using it abroad, French rules on ex military calibres changed.
 
I'm going the opposite way and moving away from 30-06 as I can't see myself going abroad and shooting on the continent, I'm going down the route of changing to a 6.5CM and possibly also adding a 6XC to try something different.
 
Look at local availability of ammunition for the calibre you choose if you are not reloading, I started with a 25-06 and had to start reloading as no-one in the area stocked that ammunition - simple error!
 
To be honest, there is no best or better, they are pretty much the same. Some you just got to get closer with but there isn't much in it.
For instance, I once shot a fox at 800 yards with a 22!
All I did was move the rifle by 700 yards, squeal and fired the single shot the last 40 yards, simples.
 
For Stalking most calibres 6.5x55 up are OK If your going to do driven then start at .270. Most .30 cal cartridges, 7x64-65 and all the something x57 from 7mm up will do the biz.
 
OP, this is a well trodden path. Factors to consider will be:

1. Availability of ammo and types.
2. Capability of ammo for all quarry - I see you mention UK Boar.
3. FAC factors - what your FEO will actually grant you without a battle and ground clearance if not on an open FAC. I had trouble getting a .308W in Herts when I started off. My friend had to persuade his FEO to grant him a .30 WSM. They were having none of it to start with.

I dare say there will be other issues that I’ve not thought of.
 
6.5x284 is a great choice or 270 Winchester.

Bother better than 308 & 30-06 which are basically the same tbh

Most 6.5mm bullets are better than 30 cal. It’s not the size of the bullet that kills it’s putting it in the right place.
 
I had a thought on this. I have, over the last few years, been heading towards smaller and more efficient cartridges. When I fell into LOVEX powders, I was exploring the data on my near and dear 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor. I was intrigued by the fact that using 120 or 123 grain bullets, the CM required 24% more powder to gain 7% more velocity. Do I want to get 164 rounds out of a pound of powder, or 215 rounds out of that same pound? This is the kind of stuff that I love investigating and certainly fuels the mental furnace when it comes to cartridge choice. ~Muir
 
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