whats your favorite rifle cartridge(s) and why? - Page 4

jmr40 · April 4, 2013, 06:29 PM

I'm going to nominate a round which I've never owned. The 7X57. It was the 1st smokeless powder round and came out in 1892. It has taken every animal on the planet and was the preferred round of the most prolific elephant hunter of all time, WD Bell. Although it would not be seriouly considered a DG rifle, even 100 years ago.

If we don't include varmit rounds and dangerous game rounds there hasn't been a round that has come out since 1892 that significantly improves on its performance. In fact many of the rounds designed for general hunting since then are really a step backwards. With advancements in bullets, rifles, optics and powders the round is better than ever.

The 30-06 family of chamberings are a small improvement, but there is nothing I'd hunt with any of them the 7X57 wouldn't take. The 308 family including the 7-08's only advantage is being able to use in short actions. The 30-30 and all of the traditional lever action rounds since 1892 are a step backwards, as well as many other chamberings. The .30 cal and under magnums won't kill anything the 7X57 won't kill. They will do it from greater distance, but most people don't have the skills to use them at those ranges.

Even though I've never owned one, every chambering I do own borrows at least something from the 7X57's design. It is the great granddaddy of rifle chamberings and even at 120 years old will still run with anything made since.

mattL46 · April 4, 2013, 07:32 PM

Jmr40...very well said sir! I'm a big fan of the 7 and the often over looked and under rated big brother 8×57 ,actually own an 8×57 just recently. And thanks to the gun and ammo craze haven't been able to get to know it but very much look forward to!

WIN1886 · April 4, 2013, 07:48 PM

22 LR....cheap for target practice and general fun

.243 Winchester....flat shooting , easy on the shoulder , good for varmints to medium game, and very accurate in my rifle

45-70 Govt....you either love it or you don't but it's my favorite

I.R.Chevy · April 4, 2013, 08:23 PM

I have to agree with the 22LR as number one. So cheap, best thing to have in order to perfect (or improve) your marksmanship.

I really like the 300WSM. I don't know why it hasn't been said already. It blows the doors off the 30/06 and 308 using a wider range of bullet sizes. Does it in a short action, and will most importantly is deadly accurate. Here in Alberta I hunt Black bear and having a "bush gun" that can easily be carried through brush and shouldered in possibly un-ideal spots. At the same time you want to be able to throw a 180+gr. Bullet around 3000fps. I can therefore my favorite.

Mauser8mm · April 4, 2013, 09:05 PM

Versatile, powerful, steady price, and has the ability to take anything in North America. From a whitetail to a grizzly bear, you can't beat it! No wonder it has been popular for over 100 years!

Edit: 22 LR is right there with the 30-06 on my list. Cheap, fun, versatile, accurate!!

tuck2 · April 5, 2013, 07:15 AM

Small game 22 LR RF , Small varmints 17 HMR and 204 Ruger, Preditors 204 Ruger and 220 Swift, Pronghorn and Mule deer 270 Winchester and 308 Norma Mag, Elk 308 Norma Mag and 340 Weatherby,,, Why, the bullet energy matches the size of the animal hunted and the path of the bullets matches the ranges that critters are shot.

db4570 · April 5, 2013, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Db4570 how about a 35 whelen? Its not really an odd ball but its definitely not new. Very cool bad ass cartridge.

We're on the same track, Matt. That Whelen is really cool.

But I think if I make a change from my 303, I'll want something with longer range. The Whelen packs a big punch, but doesn't reach out as far as I'd like.

I keep coming back to the 8mm Rem Mag. Talk about a do-everything North American round! (Well, maybe not varmints, unless you're really into overkill.) Not too big for small deer, and big enough to handle big bears, all at a long range.

It doesn't have any heritage, though. For instance, it seems there are a zillion Ultra Mags, Short Mags, and all these other new-fangled Mags that I am just not interested in. The 8 comes close to being in the same category, but does seem to fill a real need.

Maybe an 8x68 S?... I have no idea what action is compatible with it, though. And ammo is scarce here.

I also like what jmr40 said about the 7x57. It's one we all take for granted, but it's really a serious round. The ballistics are darned respectable. But it's not the one I'm going to get.

David

TheBear · April 5, 2013, 12:07 PM

6,5x55
super accurate and enough power to take most game in the world

ChasingWhitetail91 · April 5, 2013, 12:49 PM

.30-.06 if I had to choose. Though i've always heard great things about the .270 also.

Tomas204 · April 5, 2013, 01:22 PM

My #1 is my .204 Ruger wonderful gun, even took a Pronghorn with it

, my second is my .270 Win and now my my new .223

mattL46 · April 5, 2013, 04:16 PM

OK db4570 did I mention the 308 Norma magnum. Its and oldy and an oddball. Nearly duplicates 300 win mag performance ( or exceeds) that's only if you want something not everyone else has!!

hooligan1 · April 5, 2013, 04:42 PM

The most favorite cartridge I ever had the privilege of shooting is by far the .50 caliber M-2 machinegun from J.M. Browning.... It's like riding in a helicopter ten feet of the ground at 120 mph..... freeking cool...

pgdion · April 5, 2013, 08:33 PM

I like the .223 a lot, it's a sweet little cartridge, but I'm going small here.

My hands down favorite is the .22 Magnum. Love that little cartridge. I like the 40gr Super-X SS. 40gr at 2000fps.

I like to shoot it from a bolt action Marlin.

mattL46 · April 5, 2013, 08:57 PM

Pgdion I have a little marlin bolt in 22 mag sears and roebuck little guy is a tack driver for a little cheapy. Hit a 20 ga shot shell every time bout 75 yards. Would stretch bit further but don't have the means.

WildBill45 · April 5, 2013, 09:55 PM

300 Weatherby ... Kills Elk at long range like no other...

myfriendis410 · April 5, 2013, 10:08 PM

45/70 followed by the .300 win mag, 7mm rem mag then .243 win.

WildBill45 · April 5, 2013, 10:15 PM

Quote:

45/70 followed by the .300 win mag, 7mm rem mag then .243 win.

HEY, NO FOLLOWS! THAT IS NOT FAIR!!!

HE SAID "FAVORITE, PERIOD!"

swcc22 · April 5, 2013, 10:54 PM

.338 lapua mag because is fun to shoot.will kill most anything that walks the earth either two or four legged and you can reach out and touch your target.

SCDeac82 · April 5, 2013, 11:31 PM

Efficient and accurate in the right rifles.

pgdion · April 6, 2013, 12:12 AM

mattL, I agree 100%. I have the 882 SS. Actually bought mine at Wal-Mart quite a while back. I love the gun and it's the one gun I would truly call a tack driver. It's amazingly accurate. We like to bulls eye bottle caps at 50 yds with it (farthest I've got right now to shoot). Been thinking of trying the 20ga shells ... cheaper than Tannerite.

April 4, 2013, 09:05 PM	#80
Mauser8mm Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: Near Gainesville Fl. Posts: 224	30-06 Versatile, powerful, steady price, and has the ability to take anything in North America. From a whitetail to a grizzly bear, you can't beat it! No wonder it has been popular for over 100 years! Edit: 22 LR is right there with the 30-06 on my list. Cheap, fun, versatile, accurate!! __________________ Criminals obey gun laws in the same way politicians follow their oaths to office - Anonymous It's better to be silent and called a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt

April 5, 2013, 12:49 PM	#84
ChasingWhitetail91 Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 336	.30-.06 if I had to choose. Though i've always heard great things about the .270 also. __________________ Abraham Lincoln made all men free, Samuel Colt made them equal.

April 5, 2013, 04:42 PM	#87
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,586	My favorite The most favorite cartridge I ever had the privilege of shooting is by far the .50 caliber M-2 machinegun from J.M. Browning.... It's like riding in a helicopter ten feet of the ground at 120 mph..... freeking cool... __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

April 5, 2013, 08:33 PM	#88
pgdion Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2010 Location: MPLS, MN Posts: 1,214	I like the .223 a lot, it's a sweet little cartridge, but I'm going small here. My hands down favorite is the .22 Magnum. Love that little cartridge. I like the 40gr Super-X SS. 40gr at 2000fps. I like to shoot it from a bolt action Marlin. __________________ 597 VTR, because there's so many cans and so little time!

April 5, 2013, 09:55 PM	#90
WildBill45 Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Location: Western PA. Posts: 1,630	300 Weatherby ... Kills Elk at long range like no other... __________________ ......................................................... "If Ands and Buts were Candy and Nuts, everyday would be like Christmas"

April 4, 2013, 06:29 PM	#76
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	I'm going to nominate a round which I've never owned. The 7X57. It was the 1st smokeless powder round and came out in 1892. It has taken every animal on the planet and was the preferred round of the most prolific elephant hunter of all time, WD Bell. Although it would not be seriouly considered a DG rifle, even 100 years ago. If we don't include varmit rounds and dangerous game rounds there hasn't been a round that has come out since 1892 that significantly improves on its performance. In fact many of the rounds designed for general hunting since then are really a step backwards. With advancements in bullets, rifles, optics and powders the round is better than ever. The 30-06 family of chamberings are a small improvement, but there is nothing I'd hunt with any of them the 7X57 wouldn't take. The 308 family including the 7-08's only advantage is being able to use in short actions. The 30-30 and all of the traditional lever action rounds since 1892 are a step backwards, as well as many other chamberings. The .30 cal and under magnums won't kill anything the 7X57 won't kill. They will do it from greater distance, but most people don't have the skills to use them at those ranges. Even though I've never owned one, every chambering I do own borrows at least something from the 7X57's design. It is the great granddaddy of rifle chamberings and even at 120 years old will still run with anything made since.

April 4, 2013, 07:32 PM	#77
mattL46 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2013 Posts: 656	Jmr40...very well said sir! I'm a big fan of the 7 and the often over looked and under rated big brother 8×57 ,actually own an 8×57 just recently. And thanks to the gun and ammo craze haven't been able to get to know it but very much look forward to!

April 4, 2013, 07:48 PM	#78
WIN1886 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 604	22 LR....cheap for target practice and general fun .243 Winchester....flat shooting , easy on the shoulder , good for varmints to medium game, and very accurate in my rifle 45-70 Govt....you either love it or you don't but it's my favorite

April 4, 2013, 08:23 PM	#79
I.R.Chevy Member Join Date: March 2, 2013 Location: Little Smoky, AB Posts: 23	I have to agree with the 22LR as number one. So cheap, best thing to have in order to perfect (or improve) your marksmanship. I really like the 300WSM. I don't know why it hasn't been said already. It blows the doors off the 30/06 and 308 using a wider range of bullet sizes. Does it in a short action, and will most importantly is deadly accurate. Here in Alberta I hunt Black bear and having a "bush gun" that can easily be carried through brush and shouldered in possibly un-ideal spots. At the same time you want to be able to throw a 180+gr. Bullet around 3000fps. I can therefore my favorite.

April 5, 2013, 07:15 AM	#81
tuck2 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2007 Posts: 208	Small game 22 LR RF , Small varmints 17 HMR and 204 Ruger, Preditors 204 Ruger and 220 Swift, Pronghorn and Mule deer 270 Winchester and 308 Norma Mag, Elk 308 Norma Mag and 340 Weatherby,,, Why, the bullet energy matches the size of the animal hunted and the path of the bullets matches the ranges that critters are shot.

April 5, 2013, 12:07 PM	#83
TheBear Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2011 Posts: 303	6,5x55 super accurate and enough power to take most game in the world

April 5, 2013, 01:22 PM	#85
Tomas204 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 144	My #1 is my .204 Ruger wonderful gun, even took a Pronghorn with it , my second is my .270 Win and now my my new .223

April 5, 2013, 04:16 PM	#86
mattL46 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2013 Posts: 656	OK db4570 did I mention the 308 Norma magnum. Its and oldy and an oddball. Nearly duplicates 300 win mag performance ( or exceeds) that's only if you want something not everyone else has!!

April 5, 2013, 08:57 PM	#89
mattL46 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2013 Posts: 656	Pgdion I have a little marlin bolt in 22 mag sears and roebuck little guy is a tack driver for a little cheapy. Hit a 20 ga shot shell every time bout 75 yards. Would stretch bit further but don't have the means.

April 5, 2013, 10:08 PM	#91
myfriendis410 Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2011 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 274	45/70 followed by the .300 win mag, 7mm rem mag then .243 win.

April 5, 2013, 10:54 PM	#93
swcc22 Member Join Date: March 2, 2013 Location: allen tx Posts: 64	Re: whats your favorite rifle cartridge(s) and why? .338 lapua mag because is fun to shoot.will kill most anything that walks the earth either two or four legged and you can reach out and touch your target.

April 5, 2013, 11:31 PM	#94
SCDeac82 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2010 Location: Southeast-USA Posts: 222	7mm 08 Efficient and accurate in the right rifles. __________________ "No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -- Thomas Jefferson

April 6, 2013, 12:12 AM	#95
pgdion Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2010 Location: MPLS, MN Posts: 1,214	mattL, I agree 100%. I have the 882 SS. Actually bought mine at Wal-Mart quite a while back. I love the gun and it's the one gun I would truly call a tack driver. It's amazingly accurate. We like to bulls eye bottle caps at 50 yds with it (farthest I've got right now to shoot). Been thinking of trying the 20ga shells ... cheaper than Tannerite. __________________ 597 VTR, because there's so many cans and so little time!