Question of caliber?
 

Looking for a new caliber rifle, already own two model 70's. One in a 270win and the other is 30-06. Was told to try the new W-Vangard or Tikka in a 257wby or 300wsm. Mostly hunt whitetail in the Midwest, but looking to head north to Canada for Elk or Bear this fall. Any suggestions?

RE: Question of caliber?
 

Looking at it logicly, since you already have a .270 and a 30-06 the 257 and 300 are not going to really spread out the caliber firearms much at all. They are also not going to do anything better or worse that the two you already have will do.

If I were inyour shoes I would opt for a true varmint rifle in .223 or .22-250 or a rifle that is .338 or .358 such as 338 win mag, 338-06, 35 Whelen, 350 Rem. mag. To spread out your battery a little bit and not keep clumping all of your rifles in the same range of cartridges.

Another option would be a big bore lever rifle. Something like a 444 Marlin, 45-70, or 450 Marlin.



Having said that, sometimes you just want what you want.;) The .257 and 300 WSM are super fine cartridges.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

you already have two great deer rifles and and the 06 is also enough for elk or bear. The 300's are bigger and better for large animals as are the 338's, also a dark horse for a large cal. is the 8mm rem. mag. great caliber and not everyone has one. if you like the winchesters, stick w/ em for your new gun. have fun picking.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

I strongly believe that if you think you need more gun than a .30-06, you really should move up to the .338 mag or the .375 H&H.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

Take a good look at the 340 Wby. Mag., or .338 Win. Mag. Good luck.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

Either the .270 or the '06 is fine for elk and bear if you use the proper bullets for them. A .257 Weatherby is a great deer rifle, if you take shots at over 400 yards. For any range up to 400, though, your .270 is just as good. The .300 Win. short mag. is a heated-up '06, not enough improvement over the standard '06 to have it too. If you want a real elk and bear gun, get a .338 Win. or a .340 Weatherby.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

How about a 350 remington magnum . Ruger and remington both shamber this cartridge.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

Let's see, a 270 and a 30-06, what next? Of course, the .270 is basically just a necked down 30-06, so how about going up this time. Take a look at the .35 Whelen, a necked
up 30-06. Ammo can be had from Remington with 200 & 250gr. bullets, and Federal makes a load using 225gr. Trophy Bonded bullets. Going north for Elk and Bear, the
.35 Whelen will easily handle these, and without knocking your head out from under your hat (as with some of the magnums).

RE: Question of caliber?
 

I have a Model 70 in .300 Win Mag and love it! I would however agree with the other posts and suggest something like a .35 Whelen, or .45-70. Your '06 loaded with Federal HE, or Hornady Light Mag. would be right on the heels of what a .300 Mag does. Just like in stocks, it is better to deversify. A good varmint caliber is always a good choice. If you really think you need more knock down power, then I would suggest stepping up to .338 Win Mag. Ask any Alaskan Guide what the most versitile caliber is, and almost to a man they will say .338 Win Mag. Better yet ask them what thier personal backup rifle is, and I can almost garauntee it is will be a.338 Win Mag. It is a bit more recoil than you are probably used to, but not unmanageable. I am only 5'7" and 165 and can shoot it very well. I really like the .45-70 in any of the new lever actions available, especially when loaded with the hot loads from Buffalo Bore. They will handle ANYTHING that walks on our continent, and almost any other anywhere else in the world!

RE: Question of caliber?
 

the 300 win mag has tones of power on bear. i droped a black bear at 250 yards with it. knocked him right off his feet

RE: Question of caliber?
 

This is another vote for the 35 caliber but in the 350 Rem. Mag cartridge. It isn’t as popular as other calibers but would definitly do the job on big game.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

I would vote for the .35 Whelen as that's what I shot my first deer with. Recoil isn't too bad and you get great results on any big game animal in North America.

RE: Question of caliber?
 

I would try a 7mm rem Ultra Mag or .300 Ultra Mag. The recoil is a little higher then a 06 but the ballistics are amazing, 7mm Ultra would be the best for elk and deer combo rifle and blackies it would have no problem with, but for larger bears and to spread out you caliber slection I would opt for the .300 Ultra. If recoil is an issue you could send your rifle to R.W Hart or Christensen Arms and have one of their muzzle brakes installed for a little less then $200. Their are also other manufactuers of muzzle brakes but theirs are by far the best. Good luck with the new rifle!!!

RE: Question of caliber?
 

For elk, the 7mm rem. mag. is the minimum, 270 is the near perfect deer rifle, but isnt adequate for elk(a 22-250 will kill one if everythings right). I think the 300 mags are a good step above the 06 but there are bigger and better. 338win mag, 8mm rem mag,338 ultra mag,ect.