What is your favorite cartridge?

maximuss · September 2, 2005, 05:01 PM

I was told the most popular cartridge for rifle hunting in general is 30-06.
I have seen so many different cartridges out there today.
Win, Rem, WSM, WSSM, Wby and so on.
What is the most popular cartridge out there today?

fisherman66 · September 2, 2005, 05:18 PM

22lr

Ruger # 1 · September 2, 2005, 11:11 PM

Don't know for sure what the most popular is, but I'd say the '06 probably is near th top, if we're talking big game. My personal favorite deer caliber is the 243 Winchester.

Wildalaska · September 3, 2005, 12:51 AM

They run a survey at the rifle range here in Alaska every fall as to what folks are sighting in for hunting and the 30-06 usually wins.

WildnotthatitmeansanyhtingAlaska

Yankee Doodle · September 3, 2005, 08:39 AM

5.56. (.223) If popularity is judged by sales, this takes it hands down. The military buys these by the tens, if not hundreds of millions.
As far a civilian sales are concerned, the .22 LR wins in a breeze.
If civilian center fire ammo is what you had in mind, I have to go along with the '06
My favorite is the .308 Win.
Y.D.

Art Eatman · September 3, 2005, 11:29 AM

For a "one size fits all" cartridge, I prefer the '06. As far as personal favorites, I add the .243 and then the .220 Swift.

That doesn't mean I don't respect--or don't have rifles for--other cartridges, but those are my favorites.

, Art

308LAW · September 3, 2005, 11:50 AM

Personal favorite is a tough one.
Rimfire pistol= 22 long rifle
Revolver= 32 H&R magnum/45 Long Colt
Pistol=45ACP
Overall handgun=45ACP
Rimfire rifle=22 long rifle
Varmit=22/250
Military=308
Deer=25/06 / 308
Big Game=30/378 Weatherby magnum
Overall rifle=308 Winchester
Shotgun=20Gauge
Overall winner=308 Winchester

maximuss · September 3, 2005, 03:41 PM

I personally like 243.
Though many people are talking me into more power.
Well, if I want more power I like something like 30-06 so I can use same rifle from deer to bear. Then I saw this Winchester catalogue talking about WSM & WSSM. I meant ask you guys if 30-06 is still staying popular or many people out there start moving to WSM & WSSM stuff.

Slip Shooter · September 3, 2005, 08:16 PM

For hunting, I personally like the .308 Winchester. It can be very accurate and a joy to shoot, albeit restricted to 180 grain and lighter bullets.

Therefore, I also like the .30-06 for its heavier loadings with additional whomp — and, I am a M1 Garand, ‘03 Springfield fan.

22's are fine for plinking but, I prefer a shotgun for hunting Squirrels, Rabbits, and birds.

The 7mm Remington Magnum is the craze of many in these parts and I agree with its superiority in some cases. I just never got around to hyping myself into one of them.

I may be a little nostalgic but, I cannot justify the super fat squatty rounds of today, often with less magazine capacity.

My sweetheart is the 7mm Mauser (7x57) on a 1909 Argentine action.

QuickTrig · September 3, 2005, 08:19 PM

+1 for .22lr

Sum1_Special · September 3, 2005, 08:42 PM

+2 on 22lr. Everyone should have a gun that shoots this caliber, Everyone.

impact · September 4, 2005, 11:51 AM

My favortie cartridge is one that is light on recoil. Fast! and came be found in a well made gun. That leaves lots of options!

I have no use for a magnum type cartridge with big bullets. But hay! I'm down here in Texas. I find I tend to like guns that range from 222 up to the 308. Although this year I want to take a deer or hog with a 50 cal blackpowder rifle.

Clayfish · September 8, 2005, 08:32 AM

well, around these parts of the country for deer and hog the .270 takes the cake.

I'd say the most popular cartrige no matter the purpose would be the .22 lr simply for the cost of the ammo and firearms that shoot it.

Mannlicher · September 8, 2005, 08:43 PM

my personal favorite is the 7X57 Ackley Improved Mauser. I have loaded and hunted with this round for many years.
Performance is right up there with a 7mm Rem Mag (3125 fps with a 139 grain Sierra Game King), but uses less powder than the Remmy. Recoil is less also.
Accuracy is outstanding.

Smokey Joe · September 11, 2005, 12:23 AM

For civilian use, for big game (deer and up) the .30-'06 is still king in terms of numbers of users.

I bet the .308Win is coming up behind it.

Then there is a crowd of "everything else." and what is leading that crowd will vary with personal opinion.

My own personal favorite? Whatever I'm shooting RIGHT NOW!!!

Olaf · September 13, 2005, 10:07 PM

8mm Mauser (or 7.92 x 57JS or 8 x 57JS or 8 x 57....) whatever one wishes to call it. Next is the 7 x 57. Third is the .308 Win.

trooper3385 · September 21, 2005, 01:25 AM

I agree with Clayfish. I think in the past the 30-06 was the most popular. I think currently, at least in this part of the woods (Texas), the .270 takes it. With the 7mm rem mag, .243, and .308 close behind. My personel favorite for whitetail is the .270. I've taken numerous whitetail and mule deer with it. I got a 7mm weatherby mag a couple of years ago, but haven't taken anything but a coyote with it so far. Got a Ruger #1 in 7mm rem mag in the mail right now that I can't wait to play with though.

stevelyn · September 21, 2005, 01:38 PM

Just about anything based on a .30-06 case.

Jack O'Conner · September 24, 2005, 07:57 AM

I have no quarrel with anyone who hunts with an ought-six. Most of my cousins in Wyoming and Montana have annual success with this cartridge.

I prefer the .308 over all others for its accurasy, knock down power, and manageable recoil. Up until about 25 years ago, WINCHESTER sold factory ammo in bullet weights from 110 grain to 200 grain. The long and heavy 200 grain bullet was a great penetrator! But with the advent of Premium bullets, 150 grain Fail Safe is my favorite for elk. Recovered mushroomed bullet weighs in more than standard 180 grain projectiles.

For the forest and foothills, I still prefer either our 30-30 or 35 carbine. They hit hard out to about 150 yards or so and are just right for my style of hunting mulies.

.243 rules for antelope! I've killed dozens with 80 grain Sierra Pro Hunter bullets. Some were way out there past the 300 yard mark. But past few years, I've been very pleased with performance of 95 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip as offered by BLACK HILLS AMMO.
Jack

Pointer · September 24, 2005, 11:34 AM

30-06

Everything else is specialized.

Hello123 · September 29, 2005, 08:17 PM

Not that I own these calibers or guns, but if I were to pick:
Rimfire pistol= 22 long rifle
Revolver= .357
Pistol=9mm
Rimfire rifle=22 mag
Varmit=22/250
Military=300 mag
Deer=270
Big Game=300 mag
Overall rifle=308 Winchester
Shotgun=12 gauge
Overall winner=9mm

Rimfire pistol= Ruger Mark III
Revolver= Ruger Vaquero .357
Pistol=CZ 75
Rimfire rifle=Kimber bolt action
Varmit=Remington 700
Military=Remington 700
Deer=Remington 700
Big Game=Remington 700
Overall rifle=The same again.
Shotgun=870 Express
Overall winner=870

chemist308 · September 29, 2005, 08:38 PM

Small game: 16 guage

Medium size - big game (deer, bear) = 308

Really big game (grizzly, moose)--no experience here but i don't know, most people will either say 30-06 or 300, but why not 308?

roy reali · September 29, 2005, 11:19 PM

I like obsolete or near obsolete cartridges. Yes, the 30-06 is one of the most useful and versatile rounds, but it is too common for my taste.

Wildalaska · September 29, 2005, 11:40 PM

OK....ready...set...go....

6.5x55 is the ultimate cartridge.

Nyah!

WilddaswedeAlaska

roy reali · September 29, 2005, 11:46 PM

At least it is not too common. I had a .260rem a few years back. It was a good shooter and easy on the shoulder.

September 2, 2005, 11:11 PM	#3
Ruger # 1 Member Join Date: December 6, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 86	Don't know for sure what the most popular is, but I'd say the '06 probably is near th top, if we're talking big game. My personal favorite deer caliber is the 243 Winchester. __________________ So Much Ammo, So Little Time

September 3, 2005, 03:41 PM	#8
maximuss Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 246	I meant in Big Game I personally like 243. Though many people are talking me into more power. Well, if I want more power I like something like 30-06 so I can use same rifle from deer to bear. Then I saw this Winchester catalogue talking about WSM & WSSM. I meant ask you guys if 30-06 is still staying popular or many people out there start moving to WSM & WSSM stuff.

September 3, 2005, 08:16 PM	#9
Slip Shooter Member Join Date: February 4, 2005 Location: NW Louisiana Posts: 85	For hunting, I personally like the .308 Winchester. It can be very accurate and a joy to shoot, albeit restricted to 180 grain and lighter bullets. Therefore, I also like the .30-06 for its heavier loadings with additional whomp — and, I am a M1 Garand, ‘03 Springfield fan. 22's are fine for plinking but, I prefer a shotgun for hunting Squirrels, Rabbits, and birds. The 7mm Remington Magnum is the craze of many in these parts and I agree with its superiority in some cases. I just never got around to hyping myself into one of them. I may be a little nostalgic but, I cannot justify the super fat squatty rounds of today, often with less magazine capacity. My sweetheart is the 7mm Mauser (7x57) on a 1909 Argentine action. __________________ My wooden nickel's worth. Laissez les bon temps rouler. NRA Benefactor Member.

September 8, 2005, 08:43 PM	#14
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	my personal favorite is the 7X57 Ackley Improved Mauser. I have loaded and hunted with this round for many years. Performance is right up there with a 7mm Rem Mag (3125 fps with a 139 grain Sierra Game King), but uses less powder than the Remmy. Recoil is less also. Accuracy is outstanding. __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

September 11, 2005, 12:23 AM	#15
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	Now that you've narrowed it down a little... For civilian use, for big game (deer and up) the .30-'06 is still king in terms of numbers of users. I bet the .308Win is coming up behind it. Then there is a crowd of "everything else." and what is leading that crowd will vary with personal opinion. My own personal favorite? Whatever I'm shooting RIGHT NOW!!! __________________ God Bless America --Smokey Joe

September 2, 2005, 05:01 PM	#1
maximuss Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 246	What is your favorite cartridge? I was told the most popular cartridge for rifle hunting in general is 30-06. I have seen so many different cartridges out there today. Win, Rem, WSM, WSSM, Wby and so on. What is the most popular cartridge out there today?

September 2, 2005, 05:18 PM	#2
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	22lr

September 3, 2005, 12:51 AM	#4
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	They run a survey at the rifle range here in Alaska every fall as to what folks are sighting in for hunting and the 30-06 usually wins. WildnotthatitmeansanyhtingAlaska

September 3, 2005, 08:39 AM	#5
Yankee Doodle Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 619	5.56. (.223) If popularity is judged by sales, this takes it hands down. The military buys these by the tens, if not hundreds of millions. As far a civilian sales are concerned, the .22 LR wins in a breeze. If civilian center fire ammo is what you had in mind, I have to go along with the '06 My favorite is the .308 Win. Y.D.

September 3, 2005, 11:29 AM	#6
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	For a "one size fits all" cartridge, I prefer the '06. As far as personal favorites, I add the .243 and then the .220 Swift. That doesn't mean I don't respect--or don't have rifles for--other cartridges, but those are my favorites. , Art

September 3, 2005, 11:50 AM	#7
308LAW Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2005 Posts: 210	Personal favorite is a tough one. Rimfire pistol= 22 long rifle Revolver= 32 H&R magnum/45 Long Colt Pistol=45ACP Overall handgun=45ACP Rimfire rifle=22 long rifle Varmit=22/250 Military=308 Deer=25/06 / 308 Big Game=30/378 Weatherby magnum Overall rifle=308 Winchester Shotgun=20Gauge Overall winner=308 Winchester

September 3, 2005, 08:19 PM	#10
QuickTrig Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 157	+1 for .22lr

September 3, 2005, 08:42 PM	#11
Sum1_Special Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2005 Posts: 243	+2 on 22lr. Everyone should have a gun that shoots this caliber, Everyone.

September 4, 2005, 11:51 AM	#12
impact Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: the great state of Texas Posts: 854	My favortie cartridge is one that is light on recoil. Fast! and came be found in a well made gun. That leaves lots of options! I have no use for a magnum type cartridge with big bullets. But hay! I'm down here in Texas. I find I tend to like guns that range from 222 up to the 308. Although this year I want to take a deer or hog with a 50 cal blackpowder rifle.

September 8, 2005, 08:32 AM	#13
Clayfish Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2005 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 953	well, around these parts of the country for deer and hog the .270 takes the cake. I'd say the most popular cartrige no matter the purpose would be the .22 lr simply for the cost of the ammo and firearms that shoot it.

September 13, 2005, 10:07 PM	#16
Olaf Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2005 Location: not from Svalbard Posts: 346	8mm Mauser (or 7.92 x 57JS or 8 x 57JS or 8 x 57....) whatever one wishes to call it. Next is the 7 x 57. Third is the .308 Win.

September 21, 2005, 01:25 AM	#17
trooper3385 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Location: South Texas Posts: 814	I agree with Clayfish. I think in the past the 30-06 was the most popular. I think currently, at least in this part of the woods (Texas), the .270 takes it. With the 7mm rem mag, .243, and .308 close behind. My personel favorite for whitetail is the .270. I've taken numerous whitetail and mule deer with it. I got a 7mm weatherby mag a couple of years ago, but haven't taken anything but a coyote with it so far. Got a Ruger #1 in 7mm rem mag in the mail right now that I can't wait to play with though.

September 21, 2005, 01:38 PM	#18
stevelyn Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: Fairbanksan in exile to Aleutian Hell Posts: 2,655	Just about anything based on a .30-06 case. __________________ Stop Allowing Our Schools To Be Soft Targets! http://fastersaveslives.org/ East Moose. Wear Wolf.

September 24, 2005, 07:57 AM	#19
Jack O'Conner Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Location: Manatee County, Florida Posts: 1,976	I have no quarrel with anyone who hunts with an ought-six. Most of my cousins in Wyoming and Montana have annual success with this cartridge. I prefer the .308 over all others for its accurasy, knock down power, and manageable recoil. Up until about 25 years ago, WINCHESTER sold factory ammo in bullet weights from 110 grain to 200 grain. The long and heavy 200 grain bullet was a great penetrator! But with the advent of Premium bullets, 150 grain Fail Safe is my favorite for elk. Recovered mushroomed bullet weighs in more than standard 180 grain projectiles. For the forest and foothills, I still prefer either our 30-30 or 35 carbine. They hit hard out to about 150 yards or so and are just right for my style of hunting mulies. .243 rules for antelope! I've killed dozens with 80 grain Sierra Pro Hunter bullets. Some were way out there past the 300 yard mark. But past few years, I've been very pleased with performance of 95 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip as offered by BLACK HILLS AMMO. Jack

September 24, 2005, 11:34 AM	#20
Pointer Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 2,559	30-06 Everything else is specialized.

September 29, 2005, 08:17 PM	#21
Hello123 Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2005 Posts: 571	Not that I own these calibers or guns, but if I were to pick: Rimfire pistol= 22 long rifle Revolver= .357 Pistol=9mm Rimfire rifle=22 mag Varmit=22/250 Military=300 mag Deer=270 Big Game=300 mag Overall rifle=308 Winchester Shotgun=12 gauge Overall winner=9mm Rimfire pistol= Ruger Mark III Revolver= Ruger Vaquero .357 Pistol=CZ 75 Rimfire rifle=Kimber bolt action Varmit=Remington 700 Military=Remington 700 Deer=Remington 700 Big Game=Remington 700 Overall rifle=The same again. Shotgun=870 Express Overall winner=870

September 29, 2005, 08:38 PM	#22
chemist308 Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2005 Location: Pocono Mtns, PA Posts: 587	Small game: 16 guage Medium size - big game (deer, bear) = 308 Really big game (grizzly, moose)--no experience here but i don't know, most people will either say 30-06 or 300, but why not 308?

September 29, 2005, 11:19 PM	#23
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	Odd Balls I like obsolete or near obsolete cartridges. Yes, the 30-06 is one of the most useful and versatile rounds, but it is too common for my taste.

September 29, 2005, 11:40 PM	#24
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	OK....ready...set...go.... 6.5x55 is the ultimate cartridge. Nyah! WilddaswedeAlaska

September 29, 2005, 11:46 PM	#25
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	Wildalaska At least it is not too common. I had a .260rem a few years back. It was a good shooter and easy on the shoulder.