I am looking at a new hunting setup for deer/elk..
What is the ideal or most efficient non magnum caliber for shorter barrels like 20 or 22"? Something in a shorter case like the 08 familly?
I am looking for something with the biggest punch or that willnot lose much muzzle velocity with shorter barrelsthat isn't amagnum. When I say punch, I don't mean shoulder punch..
Well, my dad has a .35 Whelen, and that will drop any deer or elk that walks infront you if youput it into the boiler room fromranges past 200 yards. This however doesn't meet your criteria for a short-action. But let me tell you, my dad's has a 22 inch barrel and weighs about 7 pouds with a scope and although I can feel the recoil, it's nothing unmanageable (been shooting it since I've been 15). Or you could go with the .308, but don't know how efficent it would be out of a shorter barrel, but in the real world, a few inches probably mean too much in my opinion.
EDIT: How could I of forgot the .358? In a BLR, that'd be a nice little package I'd imagine.
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358 winchester ooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrr the new .338 federal.I think if they can get the .338 Federal in something lite,handy and accurate like lets say a BLR or 7600 Carbine,watch out Elk woods cause there is a new game in town.
BBJ
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Look at it in a different way. Anything shooting under 2900 fps will be fine in a 22in barrel. Anything under around 2700, a 20 would be optimum. 24 is good for about 3000-3100fps, after that go 26.
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The 308 and 7mm-08 work very well in short barrels. Thats the reason that they work so well in the T/C Encore. Good velocity is obtained from 15 inch barrels in those guns. The 45-70 also does pretty well in the Encore and Contenders. The 308 would be my first choice.
350 Remington magnum. Extremely powerful for big game, but not a true heavy duty magnum. It is a short action caliber. It can be had in light weight rifles. Works well in short barrels. Remember lighter guns are going to recoil more. The 350 is more of a push than a punch, just make sure you get proper rifle fit, Tom.
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Ideal Caliber for Short Barrels
