what is your favorite hunting rifle caliber

yellowboy66 · April 16, 2012, 07:46 PM

Hi
My all time favorite caliber is the .45-70US, I own a total of five rifles in this romantic caliber some of my rifle are first generation others are of the modern type, I love to hunt with a single shot rifle in this caliber and have hunted in Alaska, Montana, South Africa and here in California.

Here is what I currently own

1- Winchester Hotchkiss, carbine number 1, circa 1879, military model,
5 round bolt action repeater, first bolt accion. (NRA condition good)

2. Springfield carbine (trapdoor) model 1873, manufactured in 1877, upgraded to 1884 specs at Springfield, buffington rear sight, my jewel has all the first generation tools and 3 piece cleaning rod (stored in butt) NRA good condition.

3- Martini Henry IV circa 1889, on this rifle a close friend manufactured a barrel sleeve to allow me to shoot a .45-70 round.
My Martini Henry I use for medium range long range cowboy matches at the gun club that I belong, the barrel sleeve can easily be remove to return the rifle to it's original caliber, the exterior of my Martin Henry is as issue with bayonet with matching numbers.

4. Browning 1886 5 Round lever action manufactured in circa 1986 one of 500 manufactured, 24 inch full octagonal barrel, NRA Condition excellent,

5-. Harrington and Richardson, 1873 (trap door) 45-70 Officer's short rifle manufactured in 1982
in excellent condition.

Sorry about not uploading photos but my system does not allow me to post photos.

Later

YB66

THE RAVEN · April 16, 2012, 07:55 PM

Sounds like nice rifles ! Was wondering though,how does a person decide if a caliber is romantic or not ????

My favorite caliber for hunting varmint's would be in the 22-250-243 range.....Big game a .270 and .300 Win Mag...

Deja vu · April 16, 2012, 07:55 PM

I like the 45/70 as well.

I have 4 guns chambered in the 45/70

1. Marlin 1895 Cowboy (JM)
2. Marlin 1895 guide gun (JM)
3. Marlin 1895 SBL (REM) This one is the one I am putting a suppressor on.
4. MR BFR with 10 inch barrel (all so has a 450 marlin cylinder)

I am thinking of adding an encore to the list as well.

my next favorite is the 357 magnum. From a 16.5 inch barrel I have taken many deer.

WildBill45 · April 16, 2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

I own a total of five rifles in this romantic caliber

I beg to differ; the 45/70 is not a Romantic caliber, it is a Cav Caliber, Army vs. the plains indians caliber.

Romantic calibers would be the .416 Rigby, 7x57 Mauser, .270 Winchester, and .470 Nitro.

Practical calibers are 30'06, 30-30, and the .22.

Workhorse calibers would be all the above Romantic Calibers, and the practical calibers, PLUS, the 300 mags, 308, and 223.

Romantic calibers are romantic because of Romantic writings ... Hemingway, Ruark, and Carmichel!

Other than Cav reactments, which I did in Colorado, no one knew what a .45/70 was until Marlin started horse trading with the Alaskans using the 45/70 lever guns for bear protection...

Sorry old boy, but the 45/70 ain't it!

Savage99 · April 16, 2012, 08:08 PM

My favorite woods rifle round is the .358 Winchester. I got a 99F in 1966 and used it with success in VT for a long time.

Of late I have been hunting more open land and the 30-06 is the favorite there.

I have other chamberings and have had a 243 since 1957 and use it for what it does best.

Striker1 · April 16, 2012, 08:11 PM

Mine is .270 Win. It's the only hunting rifle I have.

WildBill45 · April 16, 2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Mine is .270 Win. It's the only hunting rifle I have.

Wild game fears the rifleman who only owns one rifle!

Deja vu · April 16, 2012, 08:14 PM

My grandfather knew what a 45/70 was and he was not old enough to be fighting Indians on hose back. He had an old sharps rifle that he used to kill a buffalo once about 40 years ago. It came with a ladder sight. He was good at hitting targets much father out with those sights than many people could do with a scope.

of couse I am a little bias here

Jo6pak · April 16, 2012, 08:21 PM

Six point five by fifty five millimeter Swedish Mauser

PawPaw · April 16, 2012, 08:25 PM

I've got two .45-70s, an Italian clone of the Sharps business rifle, and a thoroughly modern H&R Handi rifle.

My go-to hunting rifle is a Savage 110 in .30-06.

I've got a dozen or so in the locker that I rotate betwixt. Everything from those single-shot Handi's to the bolt rifles, to the leverguns. Everything gets its turn.

But, my go-to rifle is the .30-06.

WildBill45 · April 16, 2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

of couse I am a little bias here

That goes without saying when comes to our Grandfathers!

The Old man and the Boy, is the best education a boy can get!!!

Palmetto-Pride · April 16, 2012, 08:36 PM

I have taken more game with my .270win than any other rifle I own.

rickyrick · April 16, 2012, 08:48 PM

I am owned by a wife. While I can afford many rifles, my rifle to income ratio has some discrepancies LOL. So I have to have only practical rifles in practical calibers. No romantic calibers for me.

LockedBreech · April 16, 2012, 08:54 PM

Thirty aught six.

I don't own a hunting rifle, but from the time spent with my dad's Remington 700 BDL, I love the .30-06. That roar and thump let you know you sent something serious downrange, but it's manageable enough for a fast second shot if the first failed.

Extremely widespread and versatile too. Kinda like the rifle version of the .357 magnum in handguns.

WildBill45 · April 16, 2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

So I have to have only practical rifles in practical calibers. No romantic calibers for me.

Tell your wife that there is nothing more practical than a .470 Nitro, double rifle! You can hunt squirrels to Elephant ... how much more practical can you get dude?

stu925 · April 16, 2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Six point five by fifty five millimeter Swedish Mauser

I'm with him on this!

Stu

THE RAVEN · April 16, 2012, 08:56 PM

PawPaw.......How do you like that H&R Handi-Rifle in the 45-70 ???

RaySendero · April 16, 2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

WildBill45 Says:

Romantic calibers would be the .416 Rigby, 7x57 Mauser, .270 Winchester, and .470 Nitro.

Practical calibers are 30'06, 30-30, and the .22.

Workhorse calibers would be all the above Romantic Calibers, and the practical calibers, PLUS, the 300 mags, 308, and 223.

Romantic calibers are romantic because of Romantic writings ... Hemingway, Ruark, and Carmichel!

OK WB45,

Got 3 rifles in your "Romantic" category.
Only one, a 22LR, in your "Practical" category.
My "working" rifle is a sporterized Mauser in 9.3x62.

PS: Think you should add a "Sentimental" category for my Granddad's M1 carbine.

WildBill45 · April 16, 2012, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Got 3 rifles in your "Romantic" category.
Only one, a 22LR, in your "Practical" category.
My "working" rifle is a sporterized Mauser in 9.3x62.

You are missing the .470 double rifle???

The 9.3X62 is a helluva working caliber!!!

Sarge · April 16, 2012, 09:58 PM

I really like the 45-70 and when the right one (that would be something appealing, practical and within my price range) comes along, I will jump on it. I have an affection for the .375 Winchester as well. It is powerful, well mannered and the 375's I've shot have been plenty accurate for the platform.

Otherwise, I’ve been contented with old, American .30 caliber stand-bys for as long as I can recall. My reloading of those cartridges is equally dis-interesting; I use H4895 in all of them. I do have a passing personal interest in the .223 and a professional interest in the AR/M16 family.

I guess flunked this thread, LOL. Can't pick a favorite.

Deja vu · April 16, 2012, 10:03 PM

I like straight wall brass. I guess that is why I like the 45/70. That and a little emotional attachment.

yellowboy66 · April 16, 2012, 10:21 PM

Hi

Love all your comments, when I was 6-7 years old in my native Tijuana Mexico my twin sister and I attended the Saturday mornings matinee all dressed up in Cowboy gear with cap revolvers in and together we fought the bad guys, I fell in love with the old American West, made up my mind that someday I too will own a rifle and a revolver as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers did.

The old west is romantic as the firearms use to tame it bad, good or indifferent the old west is romantic.
Today now retired I still play cowboy and Indians I'm a life member SAAA by badge number is 24424L, shoot and owns Colt second generation revolvers as my daughters.
I own other rifles a Mauser side x side .375 HH Mag, several 06's a .243 Win. and a few Winchester levers.

Romance is like beauty only exits in the eyes of the beholder

Later

YB66

Old Time Hunter · April 16, 2012, 10:36 PM

Love the .45-70 also, have a bunch of them, but my go to hunting cartridge now are my Timber Carbine and Black Shadow chambered for .444. Can use it on anything from squirrels to elephants depending on how I load them.

mrawesome22 · April 16, 2012, 10:43 PM

.22 caliber

Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using Tapatalk 2

trg42wraglefragle · April 16, 2012, 11:11 PM

I do most of my shooting with my 22lr,
I do enjoy the round but its got some serious limitations.
223 is next, use it on small varmint and bigger game, cheap and nice to the shoulder.

My favorite round to hunt with is 12ga, always makes me smile when I've got my 870 out.

But since you said rifle I'm going 22lr or 223.

April 16, 2012, 07:46 PM	#1
yellowboy66 Junior Member Join Date: April 12, 2012 Posts: 7	what is your favorite hunting rifle caliber Hi My all time favorite caliber is the .45-70US, I own a total of five rifles in this romantic caliber some of my rifle are first generation others are of the modern type, I love to hunt with a single shot rifle in this caliber and have hunted in Alaska, Montana, South Africa and here in California. Here is what I currently own 1- Winchester Hotchkiss, carbine number 1, circa 1879, military model, 5 round bolt action repeater, first bolt accion. (NRA condition good) 2. Springfield carbine (trapdoor) model 1873, manufactured in 1877, upgraded to 1884 specs at Springfield, buffington rear sight, my jewel has all the first generation tools and 3 piece cleaning rod (stored in butt) NRA good condition. 3- Martini Henry IV circa 1889, on this rifle a close friend manufactured a barrel sleeve to allow me to shoot a .45-70 round. My Martini Henry I use for medium range long range cowboy matches at the gun club that I belong, the barrel sleeve can easily be remove to return the rifle to it's original caliber, the exterior of my Martin Henry is as issue with bayonet with matching numbers. 4. Browning 1886 5 Round lever action manufactured in circa 1986 one of 500 manufactured, 24 inch full octagonal barrel, NRA Condition excellent, 5-. Harrington and Richardson, 1873 (trap door) 45-70 Officer's short rifle manufactured in 1982 in excellent condition. Sorry about not uploading photos but my system does not allow me to post photos. Later YB66

April 16, 2012, 07:55 PM	#2
THE RAVEN Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2012 Location: New York Posts: 122	Sounds like nice rifles ! Was wondering though,how does a person decide if a caliber is romantic or not ???? My favorite caliber for hunting varmint's would be in the 22-250-243 range.....Big game a .270 and .300 Win Mag... __________________ I have NEVER heard of a firearm picking itself up and shooting someone ! S&W MP-15/22,S&W MP-15 .223,Remington SPS .308,Remington 870 A-TAC 12 ga,Savage Model 25 Walking Varminter .17 Hornet

April 16, 2012, 07:55 PM	#3
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	I like the 45/70 as well. I have 4 guns chambered in the 45/70 1. Marlin 1895 Cowboy (JM) 2. Marlin 1895 guide gun (JM) 3. Marlin 1895 SBL (REM) This one is the one I am putting a suppressor on. 4. MR BFR with 10 inch barrel (all so has a 450 marlin cylinder) I am thinking of adding an encore to the list as well. my next favorite is the 357 magnum. From a 16.5 inch barrel I have taken many deer. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

April 16, 2012, 08:14 PM	#8
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	My grandfather knew what a 45/70 was and he was not old enough to be fighting Indians on hose back. He had an old sharps rifle that he used to kill a buffalo once about 40 years ago. It came with a ladder sight. He was good at hitting targets much father out with those sights than many people could do with a scope. of couse I am a little bias here __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

April 16, 2012, 08:21 PM	#9
Jo6pak Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2010 Location: West Coast...of WI Posts: 1,663	Six point five by fifty five millimeter Swedish Mauser __________________ NRA Life Member, SAF contributor.

April 16, 2012, 08:08 PM	#5
Savage99 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Posts: 567	My favorite woods rifle round is the .358 Winchester. I got a 99F in 1966 and used it with success in VT for a long time. Of late I have been hunting more open land and the 30-06 is the favorite there. I have other chamberings and have had a 243 since 1957 and use it for what it does best.

April 16, 2012, 08:11 PM	#6
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 710	Mine is .270 Win. It's the only hunting rifle I have.

April 16, 2012, 08:25 PM	#10
PawPaw Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Central Louisiana Posts: 3,137	I've got two .45-70s, an Italian clone of the Sharps business rifle, and a thoroughly modern H&R Handi rifle. My go-to hunting rifle is a Savage 110 in .30-06. I've got a dozen or so in the locker that I rotate betwixt. Everything from those single-shot Handi's to the bolt rifles, to the leverguns. Everything gets its turn. But, my go-to rifle is the .30-06. __________________ Dennis Dezendorf http://pawpawshouse.blogspot.com

April 16, 2012, 08:36 PM	#12
Palmetto-Pride Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,071	I have taken more game with my .270win than any other rifle I own. __________________ “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” -Margaret Thatcher-

April 16, 2012, 08:48 PM	#13
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	I am owned by a wife. While I can afford many rifles, my rifle to income ratio has some discrepancies LOL. So I have to have only practical rifles in practical calibers. No romantic calibers for me. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

April 16, 2012, 08:54 PM	#14
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	Thirty aught six. I don't own a hunting rifle, but from the time spent with my dad's Remington 700 BDL, I love the .30-06. That roar and thump let you know you sent something serious downrange, but it's manageable enough for a fast second shot if the first failed. Extremely widespread and versatile too. Kinda like the rifle version of the .357 magnum in handguns. __________________ 16 Pistols, 5 Rifles, 1 Shotgun, no time to shoot them

April 16, 2012, 08:56 PM	#17
THE RAVEN Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2012 Location: New York Posts: 122	PawPaw.......How do you like that H&R Handi-Rifle in the 45-70 ??? __________________ I have NEVER heard of a firearm picking itself up and shooting someone ! S&W MP-15/22,S&W MP-15 .223,Remington SPS .308,Remington 870 A-TAC 12 ga,Savage Model 25 Walking Varminter .17 Hornet

April 16, 2012, 09:58 PM	#20
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	I really like the 45-70 and when the right one (that would be something appealing, practical and within my price range) comes along, I will jump on it. I have an affection for the .375 Winchester as well. It is powerful, well mannered and the 375's I've shot have been plenty accurate for the platform. Otherwise, I’ve been contented with old, American .30 caliber stand-bys for as long as I can recall. My reloading of those cartridges is equally dis-interesting; I use H4895 in all of them. I do have a passing personal interest in the .223 and a professional interest in the AR/M16 family. I guess flunked this thread, LOL. Can't pick a favorite. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

April 16, 2012, 10:03 PM	#21
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	I like straight wall brass. I guess that is why I like the 45/70. That and a little emotional attachment. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

April 16, 2012, 10:21 PM	#22
yellowboy66 Junior Member Join Date: April 12, 2012 Posts: 7	What is your favorite hunting rifle caliber Hi Love all your comments, when I was 6-7 years old in my native Tijuana Mexico my twin sister and I attended the Saturday mornings matinee all dressed up in Cowboy gear with cap revolvers in and together we fought the bad guys, I fell in love with the old American West, made up my mind that someday I too will own a rifle and a revolver as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers did. The old west is romantic as the firearms use to tame it bad, good or indifferent the old west is romantic. Today now retired I still play cowboy and Indians I'm a life member SAAA by badge number is 24424L, shoot and owns Colt second generation revolvers as my daughters. I own other rifles a Mauser side x side .375 HH Mag, several 06's a .243 Win. and a few Winchester levers. Romance is like beauty only exits in the eyes of the beholder Later YB66

April 16, 2012, 10:36 PM	#23
Old Time Hunter Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2006 Location: Hinterlands of Wisconsin Posts: 488	Love the .45-70 also, have a bunch of them, but my go to hunting cartridge now are my Timber Carbine and Black Shadow chambered for .444. Can use it on anything from squirrels to elephants depending on how I load them.

April 16, 2012, 10:43 PM	#24
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	.22 caliber Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using Tapatalk 2

April 16, 2012, 11:11 PM	#25
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 856	I do most of my shooting with my 22lr, I do enjoy the round but its got some serious limitations. 223 is next, use it on small varmint and bigger game, cheap and nice to the shoulder. My favorite round to hunt with is 12ga, always makes me smile when I've got my 870 out. But since you said rifle I'm going 22lr or 223.

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