N+1 What Caliber Next?

[Magsrgod]

Looking to get a new rifle shortly and was probably going to target a new caliber. For fun would love some feedback on what you folks would look at to further round out the quiver.

I’ve got a classic caliber selection that I enjoy and has served me well with hunting and range shooting over the years.

Current selection I own.
22LR
223/556
22-250
243
270
30-30
308

I’ve been looking at 300 mags, maybe a win mag or a PRC. But there is also a strong case for a 6.5CM or even a 7mm-08… so many good options out there.

 

[sako2]

6.5x55 swede or 7mm prc.

 

[JD338]

It's tough to beat the 300 Win Mag as an all around do all cartridge. It can handle everything from mice to moose. Known for its inherited accuracy, the 300 Win Mag has won many long range matches, including the Wimbledon Cup.
The 7-08 Remington is also an excellent choice. It became very popular on the metallic silhouette circuit. With an excellent choice of high BC bullets, it can check off many boxes.

JD338

 

[NYDAN]

I agree with what Jim (JD338) says above. If you ever plan to hunt in the west, the 300 Win. Maq. is an excellent choice. The 7mm-08 is also a great deer cartridge.

Looking at your current selection, you seem to be well covered with a few classic deer cartridges such as 243, 270, 30-30, and 308. It may be a lot of fun for you to try one of larger caliber rounds for hunting such as 338 Federal or 358 Win. You may be amazed at the knock down power of the larger diameter bullets. A 358 bullet is almost as big going in as a 270 bullet is fully expanded...

 

[salmonchaser]

Absolutely you need a 375HH

 

[xphunter]

A 25, 6.5 or 7mm is the route I would go

 

[wvbuckbuster]

What will be your primary use of said new rifle and caliber? Distances normally shot at game, that sort of thing. Plenty of good rounds available that overlap one another so fill the void that is between the rifles that you use the most. Maybe buy two

 

[Magsrgod]

Great suggestions and along the thought train that I’ve had. A 300 Win Mag is guaranteed to be in the safe at some point as I will be adventuring west at some point in my life. When I do head that way, I will spend some $$$ on that rifle.

The rifles I’ve been looking at are the Ruger G2 Predators, they look good, probably shoot acceptable, and will most likely be my sons when he gets older. Was considering the 25-06 as well because of this. The 243 I have is not a teenagers rifle, it’s a late 80’s / early 90’s Sako M591 Forester Deluxe, it collects years of age more than shots down the barrel.

@NYDAN - I have an affinity for lever guns and I have been eyeing them again with the marketing garbage I’ve been seeing with the Buckhammer or whatever they’re calling that slightly modified round. One of those style rounds will be something I pick up in the future as well.

 

[JD338]

Absolutely you need a 375HH

I concur

JD338

 

[Magsrgod]

You guys are masochists! Ive shot a 375 HH once when I was 18ish at a range in Colorado. I don't have a ton of desire to shoot them again. I think I would lean towards 338WM if I was looking at calibers that hot.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Something .338 or bigger.

338-06, 35 Whelen, 35 Rem, 338WM, 444, 45-70???

 

[Firebird24]

You are lacking in the .284 family. I’m a huge 7mm-08 fan but if you are looking at the magnums, I suggest a 28 nosler or 7 prc.

I agree on a .375 but if you don’t have Africa in your sights. I can’t justify that one

My old rem 700 bdl in .300 wm is one of my favorites-has served well from Africa to Montana and points in between!

This was 15 or more years ago (20?!) but the .300 wm and 180 AccuBond were awesome!

 

[Slimfinn]

considering the 25-06 as well because of this.

Try a 25 creed