What is your minimum rifle battery? - Page 2

1tfl · August 28, 2013, 11:16 AM

I guess it would depend a lot on where you live but in the lower 48 I would say

1. 22lr
2. 12 Gauge
3. 243 Winchester (or 223/5.56 if you had to have an AR rifle/carbine)
4. 308 Winchester or 30-06.

csmsss · August 28, 2013, 12:54 PM

Remembering that this is a rifle battery in Alaska, here's what I'd choose:

1) .22LR
2) .308
3) .375 H&H

Poindexter · August 29, 2013, 01:16 AM

Well I wasn't originally thinking -for- Alaska so much as saying that my choices are skewed since I live here already.

Good stuff though, I appreciate the 270 options to think about, in case I someday get to go to Wyoming to take on a speed goat.

I was thinking more towards folks new to long arms and how to help them not buy four rifles that are all good for the same thing; no one so far has suggested a 30-06 and a .308 and 2 other similar rifles as a good selection.

Weatherby Fan · August 29, 2013, 10:10 AM

I live in far Northern Alberta. Not unlike Alaska.

22lr and 30'06 is all you need, period.

A 223 bolt is nice for practicing at the range on the cheap. My 223 and 30'06 are the same brand and type of rifle with the same mounts and scope. Practicing on one = practicing on the other.

Beware the man with only one rifle

RC20 · August 29, 2013, 10:52 AM

270, period. Can be loaded as low as needed for varmints and as high as needed for big bear (not recommended but it can be done). Realistically will take moose just fine.

22 is not a battery gun.

Jack O C would be rolling in his grave to hear the AR being talked up as a battery gun.

And yes 4 inches at 200 would be doing very good with an AR. I have shot enough to know that the accuracy is vastly over stated.

NWPilgrim · August 29, 2013, 01:06 PM

The most basic battery for me is:

* .22LR bolt or semi (10/22) for pests, small game

* .30-06 bolt with scope (Sako A7), with handloading especially it can handle a wide range of game (or a .270, .280)

Optional, nice to have:

* .223 For fur hunting the .223 in an AR15 would be handy and fun. But a bolt action like the Tikka T3 would be great as well. Very popular for coyotes here.

ETA: keeping it to just rifles and for Pacific NW where I am located.

Dirty_Harry · August 29, 2013, 03:47 PM

1. 22 LR

2. .223 AR-15

3. .308 Bolt gun

4. .45-70 Marlin (or .450)

Whoever said the .30-06 performs better than the .45-70 when loaded right doesnt know what they are talking about. The .30-06 may have the range, but it will never out-penetrate a equally well loaded .45-70 slug.

JerryM · August 29, 2013, 07:20 PM

I could get along well hunting everything on this continent with a .22 LR, 30-06, and 338-06. If I were to do a lot of varmint or prairie dog hunting I would probably add a .223.

Jerry

Boomer58cal · August 29, 2013, 08:11 PM

.22 lr 10/22

30-30 lever gun

30-06 bolt

.58 or. 62 caplock

Covers all the bases

Boomer

johnwilliamson062 · August 30, 2013, 01:52 PM

22 LR
22-250
and any main battle rifle cartridge. 30-06, 308, 7.62X54R, etc.

Would be more than enough.
Marlin 981T
Savage of choice in 22-250
An a MN
If I were on a serious budget.

Really I would probably do it with 2. 22/lr and 6.5X55 or .270, 0r some other flavor of intermediate.

ChasingWhitetail91 · August 30, 2013, 01:56 PM

I'd be happy with an 06 and 22lr, but it's always nice to have a backup incase you bump a scope.

P5 Guy · August 31, 2013, 03:08 PM

22LR and .30'06 I'd need to have no more than those two calibers.

PatientWolf · August 31, 2013, 06:51 PM

My choices would probably be...

Ruger 10/22 or Savage Mk II BV (.22 LR)

Savage 16/116 (.243 or 22-250)

Savage Precision Carbine (.308 Win.) or Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather SS (30-06)

Marlin 1895 SBL (45-70)

Quadpod88 · August 31, 2013, 07:34 PM

honestly all bases covered with .22lr and .30-06, i guess the additional 2 would be an ar in 6.8 spc(for pigs) and .270 just cuz. i don't know much about the behavior of the game in alaska, but those are the 4 i would choose.

NWCP · September 1, 2013, 05:28 AM

.22WMR, AR 15 in .223/6.8SPC, .308, .338 WinMag. I guess the added barrel for my AR15 makes 5 guns, but what the heck. I could live with just those rifles and a decent sidearm, perhaps a .41Mag revolver. Lucky for me I don't have to live with 4 rifles. I have other calibers, it's just that those are my primary hunting rifles. I recently purchased a 17WSM which might replace my 22WMR as the rimfire of choice. It's a pretty good shooter.

Mr_Raw · September 1, 2013, 07:30 PM

I don't know about battery, but 22lr, 303 British, and 12 gauge
unlike Weatherby Fan I don't live in northern Alberta, but I have spent a lot of time near Grimshaw

Johnny Falcon · September 2, 2013, 05:39 PM

.22LR
5.56 chambered AR
.30-06

pathdoc · September 2, 2013, 06:08 PM

Mr Raw, your battery sounds like mine - with the exception that my .22LR is O/U with a .410 barrel. Although I am getting a very nice .22LR bolt action somewhere down the road.

I would nominate for a four-rifle battery:

.22LR - don't be caught without it.

Something centrefire that shoots .224" bullets; possibly a .22-250, as they seem to be fairly popular round here and it's a well-proven cartridge with a good reputation. OTOH .223 Rem would let me into a lot of target competitions which wouldn't be accessible to my sentimental favourite, the...

.303 British - for deer to moose, and to keep in practice with heavyweight centrefires because...

If I ever needed something for really heavyweight beasties (larger bears including the white ones, for example), I might consider a .375 H&H. Is there anything in the North American landmass this wouldn't kill, applied properly?

pmeisel · September 2, 2013, 06:41 PM

Right now I have 22LR and 444 Marlin.

I don't presently have a need to shoot over about 150 yards.

But if I do, I'll be looking for a .270 or something similar.

shafter · September 5, 2013, 04:45 PM

A 22lr and a 30-06 should cover all of your bases. I hardly think four rifles is a "minimum".

Saint Dennis · September 7, 2013, 09:19 AM

"Aiint too many problems that a man cant fix, with 300 dollars and a 30-06". I vote for .22, a fast .30 (06 min) and a 12 gauge. Thank God I am fortunate enough to not have to limit myself anymore.

RevGeo · September 7, 2013, 10:40 AM

Since we are talking limited budget I'd say-

1. Single-shot bolt .22LR
2. Bolt 30-06
3. .50 cal muzzle loader
4. Pump 12 ga. (not a rifle, but still..)

oldscot3 · September 7, 2013, 11:38 AM

338wm 180 to 275gr. Bullets
30 06 110 to 200 gr.
6mm rem from about 70 to 105 gr.
22lr
Not much in the way of gaps here and can handle anything from cotton tails to moose.
I would also have to have a 12 guage, probably an 1100 with an extra deer barrel.

skywag · September 7, 2013, 11:41 AM

270

DMacLeod · September 8, 2013, 07:08 AM

10/22

.308 or 30-06 ( I have both and love em.)

An 1895 in 45-70 is on my short list

August 29, 2013, 01:06 PM	#31
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	The most basic battery for me is: * .22LR bolt or semi (10/22) for pests, small game * .30-06 bolt with scope (Sako A7), with handloading especially it can handle a wide range of game (or a .270, .280) Optional, nice to have: * .223 For fur hunting the .223 in an AR15 would be handy and fun. But a bolt action like the Tikka T3 would be great as well. Very popular for coyotes here. ETA: keeping it to just rifles and for Pacific NW where I am located. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison Last edited by NWPilgrim; August 29, 2013 at 01:12 PM.

August 29, 2013, 03:47 PM	#32
Dirty_Harry Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2006 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 1,484	1. 22 LR 2. .223 AR-15 3. .308 Bolt gun 4. .45-70 Marlin (or .450) Whoever said the .30-06 performs better than the .45-70 when loaded right doesnt know what they are talking about. The .30-06 may have the range, but it will never out-penetrate a equally well loaded .45-70 slug. __________________ "The only purpose for a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you never should have laid down." "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I expect the same from them." -John Wayne

August 29, 2013, 07:20 PM	#33
JerryM Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 1999 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,889	I could get along well hunting everything on this continent with a .22 LR, 30-06, and 338-06. If I were to do a lot of varmint or prairie dog hunting I would probably add a .223. Jerry __________________ Ecclesiastes 12:13 ¶Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

August 29, 2013, 08:11 PM	#34
Boomer58cal Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2013 Location: closer than you think Posts: 967	.22 lr 10/22 30-30 lever gun 30-06 bolt .58 or. 62 caplock Covers all the bases Boomer __________________ The number one cause of death in the 20th century. 290,000,000 citizens were first disarmed and then murdered by their own governments. This number does not include those killed in war. We're from the government, we're here to help

August 30, 2013, 01:56 PM	#36
ChasingWhitetail91 Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 336	I'd be happy with an 06 and 22lr, but it's always nice to have a backup incase you bump a scope. __________________ Abraham Lincoln made all men free, Samuel Colt made them equal.

August 28, 2013, 11:16 AM	#26
1tfl Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2007 Posts: 287	I guess it would depend a lot on where you live but in the lower 48 I would say 1. 22lr 2. 12 Gauge 3. 243 Winchester (or 223/5.56 if you had to have an AR rifle/carbine) 4. 308 Winchester or 30-06.

August 28, 2013, 12:54 PM	#27
csmsss Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Orange, TX Posts: 3,078	Remembering that this is a rifle battery in Alaska, here's what I'd choose: 1) .22LR 2) .308 3) .375 H&H

August 29, 2013, 01:16 AM	#28
Poindexter Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2009 Location: Interior Alaska Posts: 154	Well I wasn't originally thinking -for- Alaska so much as saying that my choices are skewed since I live here already. Good stuff though, I appreciate the 270 options to think about, in case I someday get to go to Wyoming to take on a speed goat. I was thinking more towards folks new to long arms and how to help them not buy four rifles that are all good for the same thing; no one so far has suggested a 30-06 and a .308 and 2 other similar rifles as a good selection.

August 29, 2013, 10:10 AM	#29
Weatherby Fan Member Join Date: May 9, 2013 Posts: 40	I live in far Northern Alberta. Not unlike Alaska. 22lr and 30'06 is all you need, period. A 223 bolt is nice for practicing at the range on the cheap. My 223 and 30'06 are the same brand and type of rifle with the same mounts and scope. Practicing on one = practicing on the other. Beware the man with only one rifle

August 29, 2013, 10:52 AM	#30
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	270, period. Can be loaded as low as needed for varmints and as high as needed for big bear (not recommended but it can be done). Realistically will take moose just fine. 22 is not a battery gun. Jack O C would be rolling in his grave to hear the AR being talked up as a battery gun. And yes 4 inches at 200 would be doing very good with an AR. I have shot enough to know that the accuracy is vastly over stated.

August 30, 2013, 01:52 PM	#35
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	22 LR 22-250 and any main battle rifle cartridge. 30-06, 308, 7.62X54R, etc. Would be more than enough. Marlin 981T Savage of choice in 22-250 An a MN If I were on a serious budget. Really I would probably do it with 2. 22/lr and 6.5X55 or .270, 0r some other flavor of intermediate.

August 31, 2013, 03:08 PM	#37
P5 Guy Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,804	22LR and .30'06 I'd need to have no more than those two calibers.

August 31, 2013, 06:51 PM	#38
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 946	My choices would probably be... Ruger 10/22 or Savage Mk II BV (.22 LR) Savage 16/116 (.243 or 22-250) Savage Precision Carbine (.308 Win.) or Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather SS (30-06) Marlin 1895 SBL (45-70) Last edited by PatientWolf; August 31, 2013 at 07:49 PM.

August 31, 2013, 07:34 PM	#39
Quadpod88 Member Join Date: February 27, 2013 Posts: 93	honestly all bases covered with .22lr and .30-06, i guess the additional 2 would be an ar in 6.8 spc(for pigs) and .270 just cuz. i don't know much about the behavior of the game in alaska, but those are the 4 i would choose. __________________ *God made all men, but it was Sam Colt who made them equal.*

September 1, 2013, 05:28 AM	#40
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	.22WMR, AR 15 in .223/6.8SPC, .308, .338 WinMag. I guess the added barrel for my AR15 makes 5 guns, but what the heck. I could live with just those rifles and a decent sidearm, perhaps a .41Mag revolver. Lucky for me I don't have to live with 4 rifles. I have other calibers, it's just that those are my primary hunting rifles. I recently purchased a 17WSM which might replace my 22WMR as the rimfire of choice. It's a pretty good shooter.

September 1, 2013, 07:30 PM	#41
Mr_Raw Member Join Date: January 20, 2012 Posts: 51	I don't know about battery, but 22lr, 303 British, and 12 gauge unlike Weatherby Fan I don't live in northern Alberta, but I have spent a lot of time near Grimshaw

September 2, 2013, 05:39 PM	#42
Johnny Falcon Member Join Date: August 18, 2010 Location: Maine Posts: 66	.22LR 5.56 chambered AR .30-06

September 2, 2013, 06:08 PM	#43
pathdoc Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2013 Posts: 669	Mr Raw, your battery sounds like mine - with the exception that my .22LR is O/U with a .410 barrel. Although I am getting a very nice .22LR bolt action somewhere down the road. I would nominate for a four-rifle battery: .22LR - don't be caught without it. Something centrefire that shoots .224" bullets; possibly a .22-250, as they seem to be fairly popular round here and it's a well-proven cartridge with a good reputation. OTOH .223 Rem would let me into a lot of target competitions which wouldn't be accessible to my sentimental favourite, the... .303 British - for deer to moose, and to keep in practice with heavyweight centrefires because... If I ever needed something for really heavyweight beasties (larger bears including the white ones, for example), I might consider a .375 H&H. Is there anything in the North American landmass this wouldn't kill, applied properly?

September 2, 2013, 06:41 PM	#44
pmeisel Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2008 Location: WV Posts: 271	Right now I have 22LR and 444 Marlin. I don't presently have a need to shoot over about 150 yards. But if I do, I'll be looking for a .270 or something similar. __________________ Paul

September 5, 2013, 04:45 PM	#45
shafter Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Posts: 1,624	A 22lr and a 30-06 should cover all of your bases. I hardly think four rifles is a "minimum".

September 7, 2013, 09:19 AM	#46
Saint Dennis Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 97	"Aiint too many problems that a man cant fix, with 300 dollars and a 30-06". I vote for .22, a fast .30 (06 min) and a 12 gauge. Thank God I am fortunate enough to not have to limit myself anymore.

September 7, 2013, 10:40 AM	#47
RevGeo Senior Member Join Date: September 18, 2011 Location: North Idaho Posts: 161	Since we are talking limited budget I'd say- 1. Single-shot bolt .22LR 2. Bolt 30-06 3. .50 cal muzzle loader 4. Pump 12 ga. (not a rifle, but still..)

September 7, 2013, 11:38 AM	#48
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 997	338wm 180 to 275gr. Bullets 30 06 110 to 200 gr. 6mm rem from about 70 to 105 gr. 22lr Not much in the way of gaps here and can handle anything from cotton tails to moose. I would also have to have a 12 guage, probably an 1100 with an extra deer barrel. Last edited by oldscot3; September 7, 2013 at 11:44 AM.

September 7, 2013, 11:41 AM	#49
skywag Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2011 Posts: 254	270

September 8, 2013, 07:08 AM	#50
DMacLeod Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 425	10/22 .308 or 30-06 ( I have both and love em.) An 1895 in 45-70 is on my short list

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