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Old March 19, 2013, 06:24 PM   #1
goofyfish
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What Caliber Next?

Hi gang. Been a long-time lurker, learned quite a bit and now have a question.

I currently own shotguns in 12ga (several) 16ga (favorite) 20ga and .410. Have a .22, .22 hornet, 30.06 and a couple muzzle loaders. I have not purchased a long gun in quite a while and decided I was due. If you had what I have, what caliber would you treat yourself to next? I'm leaning towards a 45-70, but I'm really looking forward to your thoughts.
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Old March 19, 2013, 07:58 PM   #2
JD0x0
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I've been eyeing this...
http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/buffalo.asp
...But wasn't sure if it could handle max pressure hand loads.
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Old March 19, 2013, 08:51 PM   #3
Savage99
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Consider a gun for competition.

Find the nearest range or gun club to you and find out what course and guns they are shooting.

The rage of late has been the AR's. I don't want one but others seem to.

And welcome to the forum!
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Old March 19, 2013, 08:53 PM   #4
Brian Pfleuger
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What Caliber Next?

22hornet jump to 30-06?

You needs a 243 or 25-06
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Old March 19, 2013, 09:26 PM   #5
goofyfish
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I have little interest in the AR rage either. I am happy in my HD setup and I've sent enough rounds down range with the .06 in the past 20+ years to be... comfortable if we're in the open. A .243 sounds interesting.
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Old March 20, 2013, 10:29 AM   #6
Ulrice
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goofyfish I like your idea with the 45-70 in a lever action. Or you could look at the 444marlin or the 450 marlin.
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Old March 20, 2013, 04:24 PM   #7
Geo_Erudite
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I would go with a 6.5 Creedmoor.
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Old March 20, 2013, 04:46 PM   #8
AllenJ
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The 243 Winchester is an awesome cartridge. Multiple bullet weights to choose from, low recoil, accurate, and ammo is available in these trying times. I don't think you'd be disappointed if you got one.
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Old March 20, 2013, 08:43 PM   #9
Backwoodsboy
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.243 will go a long way towards filling that gap.
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Old March 20, 2013, 09:01 PM   #10
PatientWolf
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I'd probably look at either a .243 or a Lever in .44 Mag. Two very different direction, I know, but you weren't specific on what you want to use it for.
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Old March 20, 2013, 09:22 PM   #11
L_Killkenny
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Not much on the -06 cartridges but a .243, .257 bob or .250 savage will that huge gap. As a matter of fact, any of those is liable to make you park the .30-06 in the dark recess's of the locker.
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Old March 21, 2013, 12:35 AM   #12
tahunua001
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45/70 is a hard round to beat especially if you reload. you can do everything from birdshot to round balls to 420gr monster killer loads. one of the most versatile cartridges I've ever seen.


then again, you've got 22s and 30 cal... a 243 would make a nice mid range cartridge. flat shooting, decent energy, good ammo availability.
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Old March 21, 2013, 12:05 PM   #13
goofyfish
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PatientWolf - Strictly for my own amusement.
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Old March 21, 2013, 12:53 PM   #14
Ruger480
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Have you considered a revolver? Something in say... .357 mag on up?
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Old March 21, 2013, 01:09 PM   #15
FrankenMauser
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.243 Winchester in a Ruger American - quite affordable, and you won't be let down.

Or...
I'd weigh the medium and big bore options:
.35 Whelen
.375 H&H / .375 Ruger
.405 Winchester
.444 Marlin (if you reload - I hope so, if you shoot the Hornet much)
.45-70 (modern rifle - not something limited to low pressure)
.500 S&W

If you're really feeling froggy (and reload), you could investigate some wildcats or less common cartridges for a custom rifle...
.240 Weatherby
6.5x57mm
7mm STW
.411 Hawk
.416 Ruger
.50 Weatherby

...the sky is the limit.
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Old March 22, 2013, 02:19 AM   #16
radom
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40-65 or 40-72. Less kick than a 45-70.
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Old March 22, 2013, 07:36 AM   #17
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Something classy, like a 6.5x55 or 7x57. Or 9.3x62 if you really want to go big.
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Old March 22, 2013, 08:10 AM   #18
TX Hunter
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45 70 would be good, or if You like to shoot Your 30 06 an 8x57 Mauser would be nice You can use Your 06 brass to form 8 x 57 cases and get double use out of them. I do this and its alot of fun.
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Old March 22, 2013, 08:44 AM   #19
bcarver
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lots of choices

the 243 is a good choice. I would go with a 35 whelen over the 45-70.
I would not have to calibers you have now.
If I had it to do over again,I would have a .22lr,.223,6.8spc.,7x57mm and the 35 whelen.
What I have is .22lr, .233. 6.8spc., .270 win and 45-70.
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Old March 22, 2013, 09:03 AM   #20
TX Hunter
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The recent shortage of ammo has had one benifit, it gives justification to have a variety of firearms chambered in different cartridges. If you go to a store they usually can find something you can use even when other cartridges are sold out. 7.62 x 39 has been hard to find, but 30 30 is available ect.
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Old March 22, 2013, 09:35 AM   #21
WIN1886
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I picked up a used .243 caliber Sako awhile back for varmint hunting and really enjoy shooting it.....easy on the shoulder yet has enough power for medium game ! Your 30-06 can handle any game in No. America so anything else is wide open to something you just want to have fun with....I like the 45-70 cartridge....lots of fun to shoot and handload !
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Old March 22, 2013, 10:39 AM   #22
Saltydog235
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Another vote for a .243 Win. Great little cartridge, very versatile, flat shooting and accurate in most platforms.
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Old March 22, 2013, 10:57 AM   #23
PatientWolf
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Goofyfish - For amusement, a lever is really hard to beat, so I'd probably lean toward the .44 mag or .357 mag if you can fine one. Slightly cheaper than the .243 to shoot, too.

If your idea of fun is trying to put them all in one hole, I'd switch the recommendation to a .243 bolt.
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Old March 22, 2013, 12:16 PM   #24
chipchip
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2nd the Creedmore choice
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Old March 22, 2013, 07:33 PM   #25
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You need something between .243 and .270. I like the 6.5 Creedmoor and .25-06 ideas already mentioned. Alot of other great choices in that range. .257 roberts, 6.5x55 swede, .260 remington, .257 Weatherby Mag to name a few. Cant go wrong with a .270 either but thats getting close to your .30-06 in alot of ways. 7mm-08, although a .284 diameter is getting closer to .30 would be a good gap filler for you since it is short action unlike your long action 30-06.
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