CALIBER QUANDRY...HELP
 

O.K. Folks...I'm in the market for a new deer/hog rifle. I'm a lefty, and want a left handed bolt action....so that in itself narrows my choices down...butI could usesome input on caliber.
I'm not new to hunting or guns, just been out of the woods too long and I'm determined to get back.
I'm trying to decide between the .270, .30-06, 7mm. Rem. Mag., and MAYBE the .300 Win. Mag.

If it was JUST deer....the .270 would be my choice...but where I hunt we have lots of hogs...big ones! Hogs killed that weight over 400 lbs. in our area are not rare. Most are in the 200lb.-300lb. range for a big one.

So..just trying to get some feedback on which caliber you folks would choose for deer and hogs/BIG hogs.....I only mention the 7Mag and 300 Win. Mag. because I've seen how effective they are on some of the bigger hogs. That .300 will flatten them!....but recoil is pretty stout.

Any opinions would be welcomed

Schoolcraft

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im pretty sure a .308 would do the trick on hogs, i know it does the trick on deer!
not too much recoil either, even with the 180 grains

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ditch the7mm mag, consider the rest.....but sounds like its between the -06 and the 300 win mag, why not at .300 WSM?

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I had also thought about the .300 WSM......I'm really wanting a stainless/synthetic rifle. So far the only .300 WSM in a left handed gun I've foundis in a wood stocked Browning Hunter Model.

Does anyone know who makes a lefty stainless/synthetic in the .300 WSM?

Also, I would love some feedback on recoil. I've shot the .270, 7mm.Mag, and .30-06 extensively. None of which bother me in the recoil department.

Just curious if I went with something like a Browning Stainless Stalker how much difference I would feel between the 7 Mag and the .300 Winny on my shoulder. To be honest, the recoil itself doesn't really bother me. I'm more afraid of getting caught over the eye with the scope.

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Why???

Personally I find the .284 cal. as capabale as .308 cal.for game upto and including moose. I have never felt a loss by choosing my 7mm rem mag over my 300's...in fact both the wm and wby are gone. I like the 300wm a lot, just don't see it being a requirement for NA game either - certainlynot a huge improvement over the likes of rem mag. I have never had the love affair with jack of all trades master of none - 3006, like others do;). It certainly is a fine choice but no better then 7mm rem mag IMHO.

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Savage did make a SS/synthetic in the wsm for us southpaws;).

As far as which one, I certainly wouldn't kick the .270 out just yet. Teamed with a nosler partion, barnes TSX, etc it'll handle them big hog shoulders. I have used the 270win to harvest moose, elk, black bear and as well as deerthat tip the scales at 300+.

As i mentioned in my previous post I use the 7mm rem mag and really like its performance. I have shot antelope to moose with it, 30 to 500+ yards and never a hick up. Pick a .308 cartidge and you'll find a .284 that'll equal. (ie: 308win - 7mm08rem, 3006sprg - 280rem, etc). IMHO the .284 is a versatileNA big game caliber. The rem mag does a good job handling the big game bullets in the .284 cal - 140-175grs.

As far as recoil of a 300 wm to a 7mm rem mag ina comparablegun/model it's noticable butmost find it tolerable.

In regards to scope kiss,put a scope with min ER of 3.5" and have it set up properly to take advatange of the fullER afforded.Now more scopes are coming with constant ER which helps eliminate the possibilities of crowding the scope when changing the mag or improper set up in the first place. Recoil isn't the culprit for most scope kisses, shooters are..;)be it in setup, technique, etc. Never been scope kissed by my own rifle touch wood butcame close a couple times with others rifles that weren't set up for me. I wouldn't let it bother you if it hasn't happened yet.

Good luck

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The Hell with the .284!! I got a .284 Browning Lever action and Ammo costs a FORTUNE! wish i never got it.. box of bullets 20 pack averages 40-45$. GO with .308 ... enough said.. Has a great punch.. shot a 190lbs Dressed deer @ 110 yards this past nov.. on target.. went 20 yards and dropped. HUGE DEER. besides a .308 box of bullets costs ya under 20$.. and add a 5$ rebate you can usually find.. but the .284? jeez i cant even get the parts for the attachement rods to clean it with.. almost IMPOSSIBLE! i shoulda been a reloaded.. the only cost efective way to own a .284 winchester caliber.
as were speaking of .284 someone told me I could use 7mm mag bullets? is that true? i gotta research this more.. who else has a .284? what ammo do you use? Winchester Super X is the only ammo i could find anywhere..
thanks.. hope my $.02 helped ya.
ps.. look into the TIKKA they might have the lefty guns for ya..
Tikka T3 Light.. in .308 synthetic stock.. not sure if they have stainless but im sure they do.. im ordering a tikka t3 (bolt Action) lite in 7mm Rem Mag synthetic with blued barrel.

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Heres a lefty Savage ss in 300wsm:

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=9935_13987_14246_14275& products_id=96880

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ckrimits,
skeeter is talking .284 caliber, not 284 win cartridge. If you reload the .284 caliber is a 7mm bullet. 7-08win, 280rem, 284win, 7mm rem mag, 7mm weatherby, all use .284 caliber bullets. When he said .308 he meant caliber not 308win cartridge. .308 or 7.62mm bullets are the same in the 308win, 300wm, 30-06.


school,
i'd just get a 270win if that is what you like. It would have plenty of penetration.

mello

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Get a .280. My dad owns a .280 and uses it for deer, antelope, black bear and he hopes to down to Arkansas to do some hog hunting. I've shot a couple deer with it and it knocks them down without all the recoil. It's a good caliber!!!

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Thanks for all the help so far.
I'm ruling the .300 Winny out

Keep the opinions coming PLEASE!!!!

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I have a whole cabinet full of guns and I love my Browning Abolt II 7mm rem mag. It will do the trick on anything you want to shoot in north america. I won a Remington XCR 7mm SAUM at an Elk Banquest a couple years ago and I have used it ever since. Finding the right bullet was the key to me liking it, since I switched to a Nosler Partition I have yet have an animal take more than a step after impact from ranges of 50 yards to over 300. The only trouble I have found with it is finding ammunition for it.

As far as hunting just hogs and deer you don't have to go that big. I bought my wife a Remington Model 7 youth model SS .260 and it will kill a hog graveyard dead without even trying hard. The key to killing hogs that I have found is shot placement. Shoot 'em in the ear and they don't go anywhere.

I love guns and have various calibers from 243 to 300 WSM and the most fun to shoot is the 260, most practical is my 7mm Rem Mag, Most used is the 7mm SAUM and most fun to own is my Savage NRA speacial edition 300 WSM.

All that to say this, if you are just going to hunt hogs and deer I would go with the 270 or 7mm. If you may go out west you may want to look into the 7mm, 30-06, or 300

This is of course my opinion and does not mean much. Hope this helps

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Mello Collins-

Thanks for clarifying that.. im a little noobish myself.. the whole caliber vs cartidge has got me confused a bit.. the way you explained.. but nontheless ..

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Thanks for keeping the input coming!!!!

Been looking online at different makes and models of left handed stainless/synthetic rifles....and I'm REALLY leaning towards the Browning Stainless Stalker in 7mm Rem Mag.

I also like the looks and reputation of the Left handed Remington CDL......but I would eventually have to go to a synthetic stock and have all the metal work weather proofed...\

Anyone have experience with what it takes to have a rifle with blued steel "weather proofed" so it's more rust/corrosion resistant?

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.25-06 you can take anything from yotes to elk without bruising your shoulder. frankly, i hunt hawgs during our small game season with a .22 lr without any issues.

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Another vote for the 270win, The 7mags can start to thump, and if you want some cheap ammo for practice, good luck with that. .308 win and 30-06 spr also good choices and also cheaper to shoot.

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http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_700/model_700_XCR.asp

Just get the one linked here. The XCR is for Extreme weather conditions. I have had mine for 2 or 3 years now and I haven't cleaned it once, other than punching the bore a couple times. I have used it in the pouring rain and I just rub it off with a shirt or something in my truck. Awesome rifle.

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haha, I love how everyone hates expensive ammo? I understand if you're shooting ALOT of ammo! but cmon I dont shoot ALOT of ammo, how many boxes per caliber are you guys shooting a year? If you really like a certain cartridge I say buy it, if a box of ammo is 20 bucks more a box, and you shoot 1 box a year, who cares? less youre at the range each weekend shooting a box, I really dont see ammo cost being an issue. But im sure some guys shoot a ton of ammo, but then again, theyre probably reloading so who cares? and then again theyre prob not shooting 200rounds a weekend of 300 win mag etc....its .223 etc...so again who cares.

The 7mm mag just never was my gun, from what ive read to is if you handload a 270 you can basically get it to do everything a 7mm will do. same with the 30-06 that handloaders can get it close to a .300 win mag, esp with 200gr bullets. My thing with the 7mm mag, is that it will shoot 175gr but really thats a big round for that case, I think 160 or 165 is the heavy load, and i dont want to shoot an elk with a 7mm mag at 500yds with a 160gr bullet, so if you compare....7mm with 160's vs 300 win mag with 180, personally I want the 300 win mag. I kinda feel like a magnum begins with the 300 win mag. anythign less, why? get a .270 if you want something flat shooting. Also 26" barrel on a 7mm mag to shoot 160grs flatter or 140grs flat...

my view is a 270 for the non magnum stuff, or an '06 if you prefer.

Of what he said, id say any would be to consider, just not the 7mm mag, but since he said hogs and wanted something a tad heavier i said '06 or 300 mag. 270 seemed light, though im sure they make grea tbullets for it that would ge tethe job done. 7mm overrated, but the 06 and 300 mag both solid.

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sounds like youspeak from internet vs actual experience. I'm a reloader, have owned all of the cartridges you mentionand many others. I actually have used them as well;). .308 calibersis great but the .284's are as well. I like the .284 because it's flat shooting, excellent BC and SD that make it a great match for my situation be it an elk or an antelope at 500 yards if I feel comfortable in the shoot presented I'd pull the trigger without skipping a beat.

In regards to the 300wm I think it is truly at its best with 200gr bullets (when talking advantages), the fact the mass use 180< sell it a little short IMHO. It is also whyI really don't care for the 300wsm...however it fits the proto typical usage probably better! The 06 doesn't come close to the 300 with any bullets, especially the heavier for cal - 200 +. Doesn't have the case capacity to be truly effecient like the wm. One reason I like the 7mm rem mag is it has case room to support the bullet class, as an all arounder the Rem mag shows its worth with 160 - 175 gr bullets.Other .284'slike the STW, RUM and other wildcats also shine due to case room...but they require handloading.

Speaking of handloads you can make a rem mag haul as well. I can get 3000fps out of heavier for class bullets. My elk/moose load is actually a 140gr Barnes TSX that leaves the muzzle at over 3300fps. I could get more but with sub moa groups...why?? It has dropped 3 bull elk and 2 bull moose with authority. I have only recovered one bullet on bull moose where i busted him through both shoulder at maybe 50 yards. I received full penetration the hide on the opposite side held the slug from leaving, the moose fell in a heap. I have been on a number of bull moose kills and this kind of performance is all one can ever ask for...regardless of the cartridge.

Barrel length has nothing more to do with the rem mag as it does with a win mag!

Your opinion is the rem mag is overratted and mine is the 06' is as well. I have actually used both to come to this conclusion. How about you???

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I want to thank all of ya'll for your opinions and advice. Kinda' makes me realize that the "best" caliber out of the 3 I listed is probably........the one I have the most confidence in.....so I'll change my question up a tad.

If you had a 400 lb. hog standing broadside at 100 yards and you wanted to put a bullet through both shoulders to anchor him on the spot.....would you rather be shooting.

1. a 06' with a 165gr. or 180gr. partition

or

2. a 7 Mag. with a 150gr. or 160gr. partition

I seriously doubt if the hog would be able to tell the difference, but just curious what you folks who have more experience on the terminal performace of these 2 calibers/loads on tough animals.

Thanks again for all the input! Ya'll are really helping me to come to a decision

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I use a 140 grain .280 with a nosler partition. It shoots flat and has good velocity.

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Heckwith a NP I'd let him have it with a number of my rifles but since i no longer own an 06' I'll pick the Rem Mag;).

In reality it won't matter a hill of beans both will do the job, as would a 270win, 300...etc.Buy which ever one you want, i see nothing marginal with the choices you have mentioned thus far. Good cartridges and great bullet!

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'06 with 180gr, slower heavier bullet, controlled expansion, I think somethign small and light would want to bust apart more on impact and not keep going. Course nowadays you can get any bullet in any caliber just about to find something that works great.

In regards to barrel length, I was stating that all mags.....tend to have 26" barrels, 7mm or 300 win mag, so that adds weight, and if you can get buy with a lighter setup, a 270 or .30-06 i'd go that route, and if I am going to need a mag, or prefer to shoot a mag, I'd take the 300WM over the 7mm Mag.

I'm a fan of the win mag, and yea I'm not sure how you can load a '06 up to win mag specs, or even close with such a difference in case capacity. The .300 win mag is just such a class/awesome catrdige IMO, I remeber the first time I used it thinking, nothing could stand up to a .300 mag. Just seeing that bigger magnum case when I was use to a .270 case, was awesome. You're loading 7mm with 140grs going about 3400fps? I think that would be more my style than a 175gr in a 7mm going 2900-3000fps? Not sure what I'd use if I had a7mm on elk, prob 160gr, though again I think how much great is 160grs in a7mm vs 150 in a 270, or 150/165/180gr in a '06. Sure you can shoot the same bullet with an extra 400fps? and it's flatter, I just think 3000fps is ideal for big game, varmints i like 4000fps, and african/dangerous I like 2400fps. To each their own, I'm not sure I'll ever shoot enough elk/moose with a rifle to really become sold on one way or another, so till my .300 mag lets me down, or .340 wby, speaking of, how abbout a .340 shoting 210gr partitions at around i dunno 3400fps? mayb 3300fps?

And so of your new question, id say .30-06 with 180gr at 100yds for hog, over the 7mm with 160. If you're really not shooting far, I don't think you need a mag either, at 100yds yoru not worried about bullet drop etc....

How about a .308 for hogs? could be great for your setup at 100yds....

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Thought I might mention, .338 Win Mag., tons of guys love them for deer, and that would certainly be a good hog round, and with the .338 now you're really talking about anything in north america. Could be a fun round to shoot/own. I wouldn't worry about kick either compared to any of the other mags. My new vote is 1.) 30-06 if you want to go with a classic and have it do what you want it to well. 2.) .338 Win. Mag. if you want an awesome round, and not be another guy with a .308 caliber, I'm voting for the .338, but you'd have to decide.

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Salukipv1

lets say i was going to get a Tikka T3 LIte .338 Win Mag.
now.. my question is.. what ammo would you buy/use?
Remmington .. or Winchester super X ?
$18 a box vs $32 a box
big difference.
I want a gun as well. and looking into a Tikka T3 Lite.. not sure what caliber either.. but want a bullet that will go through some nice brush as well as long distance (200-400) yards and have a pop. but.. for the range.. and just shootin.. $32+ adds up real quick.. for guys like me.. any tips?
thanks in advance!

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You are going to have to but both and shoot them. I found some 270 ammo for $10 a box and bought 10 boxes for practice. It would shoot around 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" Not too bad. Especially when the ammo I hunt with shoots a half inch smaller at 100 yds and costs 4 times as much!

Dont shoot through brush, I dont care what the idiot at the gun store told you. 400 yds not really that far away for a clear shot. Just about any centerfire will do that.

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Schoolcraft

At 100yds either would work just as well with the bullet mentioned. The secret is the bullet. In real world situations just about any bullet in .277, .284, .308 caliber will flat out kill any deer in north America provided it was placed well. Hog are a little tougher, though some would argue that. As long as you realize this and use an appropriate bullet such as the partition or other controlled expansion bullet you will be fine. I would not hesitate to shoot a large hog with my 25-06 given the proper bullet construction and a good shot opportunity. So it really goes back to what you are comfortable with and want. Find what you like and use the appropriate bullet and you will have not problems. An appropriate bullet with good placement will equal dinner on the table.

mello

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30-06 165 gr is my bullet of choice.

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It's hard to add more after whatskeeter 7mm stated. I too am a fan of the 7 mm mag. As I've stated in many posts before, I have never felt the recoil when harvesting game. With that said I do shoot lots atthe range and I wouldn't with out a shoulder recoil pad. As to the statement of ,"What's the big deal about $20/box for ammo", How about over $40/box plus,up here in Canada for some premium 7 mm mag rounds.I've been reloading these same 7mm mag rounds for years and even now can load them for approx.$.68/round. As you stated you did not have an issuewith recoil so I would lean towards a magnum. And the magnum would be the 7mm. 150 gr. will shoot flat and do the job for you. Being a lefty does restrict your choices but savagehas lefties in many cal. and styles. The first thing I would do is shoulder a few different guns and decide which best fits you. Make sure the models you are trying come in lefties so you won't be dissapointed. Don't spare the changewhen buying a scope for your new rig and you will be happy with it for many years. Thoughyou stated that the rig will be primarily for hogs and deer, the 7mm mag will offer a option for other big game hunting in your future which you at this time may not consider.

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I shoot a .338 also. I use a 225 grain Remington Core-lokt. Its a nice shooting gun and you can use it on anything.

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300 Win Mag for men and 300 WSM for women!

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Unless you like recoil the T3 Liteisn't the best platform to choose from with regards to the 338wm. Running some numbers of a buddies 338wm load with 225gr Partitions it produces around 34lbs of free recoil with a 8.75lb rig (gun and scope/bases). His gun is a BDL that weighs right around 7.5lbs bare bones the t3 lite for comaprison sake weighs over a lb less. The recoil from this load is a step up from the 300wm, its managable but you notice it as well. The 338wm is where recoil becomes a bigger factor for a lot of shooters. I certainly wouldn't consider one if your at all worried about the likes of a 300wm!! I like the 338wm a lot as a NA Big game cartridge -elk, moose & big bears. Deer, hogs or black bear it will work but not necessary. I owned on of these as well it never saw any deer action, it was strictly my moose gun - 250gr NP was my load choice. I need shoulder surgery making it a safe queen, I deceided to let it go for a rifle i could shoot without ill effects. I am now able to handle the 338wm and had been planning to build one but unsure if I may just skip it entirely and move to 375H&H instead. Africa ready, moose and elktill africa happensand the recoil IMO isn't that much different then 338wm.

hossdaniels is correct no such thing as a bush beater. Regardless of the bullet diameter all bullets are subject to deflection, don't let this wives tale even enter the arena. As far as shooting range everything you've discussed will handle it, very few shooters can out shoot their weapons!

I agree with mello collins match the bullet to the application and go hunting!

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I have a .270 Rem 700 mountain rifle (scoped), it's light and can carry it all day without killing myself. (I shoot 130 Nozler ballistic tips).
Something I'm sure you'll consider is weather you stand hunt or stalk?

I have my .30-06 for stalking, it's open sights and it's the Browning Bar, another light rifle (gas operated so recoil not bad).
When I know I'm going in thick woods, I use 220 grain for jump shooting (if I feel comfortable with the situation) which happens more in swamps.
If it's a combination of hardwoods and some swamp I'll go with my 180 grain.

Now to your question... Probably a 7mm mag as it has a little better ballistics than the .270 or .30-06

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I would go with a Tikka in 270 if I was you. I know they have some synthetics and wood models. Your choice.

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My .300 win mag loves the remington 180gr stuff.....though I think i may look to some more premo ammo/bullets if i go with it on a hunt. tough I like the core lokt stuff too. I think nowadays bullets perform better than ever, least they make cheap good bullets too.

That was my point too, 32 a box vs 18/box adds up quick? I mean how many boxes are you shooting? Sure if you're shooting alot, I'm just saying if I want to plink i wont be using premo bullets out of a .338 to plink, and I have other rifles to shoot as well. and i really dont shoot often/alot to have the costs add up sgnificantly. And if they do, why not reload?

Also .338 win mag I would suspect is by far the most popular .338 version and cheapest/easiest to come by.

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I don't see the need for any of the Magnum cartridges.. To me it is just a marketing ploy for people who want to try and compensate for other short comings.. :D.. I say the 7mm08 or 308.

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cjwink. I agree again with you. 2 or 3 times in a week. I have a ruger no. 1 in 7mm rem mag w/ a vari-x III on it, and it sits at home a lot. I am not recoil shy, but if it is not needed, I don't want it. I prefer my .243, .308, and .35 whelen. There is no degree of deadness.

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Glad to see someone agrees with me :).

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Didn't people almost make the buffalo extinct with 45-70 and 45-90 bp loads and wars were fought with 303's and 6.5's and now we can't kill a deer without a superxcalibershortultramag with a plutonium tipped kryton bullet. As a side note the plutonium tipped kryton bullets do work well on elk at 7000 yds.

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Sorry for the last reply. Just feeling sarcastic today. Most of the deer I've killed have been with a .243, and most of the hogs I've seen killed with a 22 mag.