Looking for best all around rifle caliber advice?

N

NEO Hunter

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I am looking for a good and affordable all around rifle caliber. I am trying to go with one rifle for multiple purposes for budget reasons. The smallest and most common thing I want to use it for is coyote calling. Pelt damage isn't a big deal because I do it mostly for fun and population control. I am in North East Ohio so shots typically will be 100-150 yards or less probably. I would like to have the opportunity to deer hunt out of state and maybe even elk and antelope hunt some day. I won't get a chance to shoot anything bigger than my 17 HMR or .22s very often for lack of a good outdoor shooting range so cartridge cost isn't a big deciding factor. Recoil isn't a huge deal but I don't want to go any bigger than needed to get the job done. Cartridge availability is a factor.I have narrowed my choices down to 25-06, 30-06, and .270 so far. Thanks for the advice.
 
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If you seriously believe that elk will be on the table some day, I would say 7mm-08 or .308. If not then I would definately pick a .243 of your favorite flavor.


Chupa
 
I shoot a 25-06, but not at elk. Its good imo up to deer. For elk i use the old rule of thumb, 270 level is the minimum. Ive never used smaller than 30-06 myself
 
If you have the money to travel out of state and buy elk tags I am guessing a couple hundred for a bigger gun wouldn't break you. Buy used and sell after the hunt maybe.
 
I would suggest the 25-06 I've hunted with a man for 25 years and all he used was the 25-06 and we never lost an Elk or Deer.
 
Originally Posted By: Dogman223 Originally Posted By: 2muchgun260 Rem

90gr TNTs or 95 Vmax for yotes, 130TSX for elk.......
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Some very good calibers mentioned but with the current self induced ammo situation, I would opt for something pretty common. with elk a .308 and shoot about 110s for coyotes.
Without elk .243 55 gr and up.
 
I am an ex gun junkie. Had everything from 22 Hornet to 375 H&H, and hunted extensively from Florida to Alaska for 50 years for all types of big game. After going to premium bullet like Nosler partition, and Barnes X bullets. the only big game rifle that I have now is a .308. It has never let me down on deer, elk, moose, and bear out to an honest 300 yards. All but 2 were one shot kills. The key is to dry fire a lot, and shoot under field conditions until you know your limits then never take a shot unless it is a sure thing. There is no such thing as a magic cartridge. You would not notice any difference between calibers of the same class in the field. The big difference is in bullet choice, and placement. The 308 is the most practical for hunting under 300 yards for a number of reasons. I also shoot a scope sighted air at home to keep in shape. A bolt action 308 with a 3-9X scope, and a good 3 lb trigger is all you need.
Frank
 
My choice would be the .25-06 as I've owned one for 36 years. Really good all around hunting cartridge. And I would not feel undergunned hunting Elk.

I'll also add one other thing about the .257 cal. Through the shortage I had no problems finding any bullets for the .25-06.

I would also consider a 6.5.
 
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Originally Posted By: Dogman223 Originally Posted By: 2muchgun260 Rem

90gr TNTs or 95 Vmax for yotes, 130TSX for elk.......
+1
+2
 
Originally Posted By: NEO HunterI have narrowed my choices down to 25-06, 30-06, and .270 so far. Thanks for the advice.
Do you have a preference for long actions? If not then I'd say 243, 260, 7mm08, 308 will offer a wide variety of bullet and ammo choices as well as be mild on the shoulder and cost effective to shoot while getting the job done. If you want a long action, 280rem is a good one that shouldn't be forgotten. It's right between a 270 and 30-06 for speed and energy with the great selection of 7mm bullets.
 
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