Best Hunting Caliber that Fits a Short Action??

[Leaf Litter]

7 SAUM, it's almost the perfect cartridge and has tons of good components available.

 

[RB II]

I like the 7SS. Sherman has brass and dies, no neck down/up or fire form, so other than no factory ammo, not really a wildcat.

 

[Jakeweb09]

7 Saum is best on short and long! Flat out awesome cartridge

 

[med358-boise]

There are three that come to mind. These are in no particular order because I am firm believer in there are no solutions - only tradeoffs.

7mm-08, 284 Win, & 308 Win

There are pros and cons to each of the above. It's really a matter of which "con" is the least annoying to the individual shooter.

 

[wvbearhunter]

300 wsm?

 

[Old Rooster]

Been considering going to a lighter recoil caliber myself.
The 300 win mag will still be my elk rifle but looking at the 6.5 PRC or 6.5 creedmore for deer and fun gun.
Following this thread closely.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I'm building a 6.5 Creedmoor for NRL Hunter on a TL3 action. I would like one rifle that I can use for hunting and matches. Obviously 6.5 Creedmoor is not the ideal hunting cartridge. With the TL3 I can easily switch barrels, so trying to decide on a long range hunting caliber for a second barrel that will fit a short action. Looking at 6.5 PRC, 7 SS, 7 SAUM. I know short action is going to limit the performance on the 6.5 PRC and 7 SAUM. 800 yards is really my max range I would shoot hunting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

I realize that this is an old post and the OP has probably already built what he wanted, but I want to voice my opinion on a couple of things.
First, the statement that the 6.5 Creedmoor is not an ideal hunting cartridge is a bit disingenuous. Hate it because of the marketing, or the fanboi nature of some of its users, or just because. I don't care. But to say it isn't effective just isn't true.
A 147 grain ELDM launched at 2750 from a 6.5 Creedmoor is still moving at 1760 fps at 800 yards, which is more than fast enough to upset that bullet and ensure a clean kill.

I have two short action "go to" hunting rifles in my stable right now. One is a 6.5 Creed, the other is a 7-08AI. I feel more than confident with either of them to my self-imposed max of 600 yards.

The 7SAW is another good option if you want to stick to a standard bolt face.

 

[mavrickarcher]

I agree with the above I have a SAUM in both a 700 and model 7. I was late to the 6.5 creed party but love the caliber for east Texas whitetail.

 

[AverageJoe90]

I would say it's a toss up between a 7 SAUM, or a 300 WSM if you prefer a 30 cal instead. The 6.5 SAUM wouldn't be a bad choice either.

 

[med358-boise]

Things to consider for an all around hunting caliber.

1) For hunting cartridges, something that works under poor circumstances as opposed to under the best circumstances; i.e., will this bullet and cartridge combo work when there is less than a perfect shot presentation for the largest game I will be hunting?

2) Will you be reloading for it? If yes, availability of components. If no, a wide selection of factory ammo is a benefit so one can find an accurate enough loading

3) Recoil sensitivity? Could practice with the cartridge develop flinching habits.

4) Given an individuals own skills and ethics, what is my realistic maximum field shot and just how much velocity do I really need?

 

[ARlife4me]

458wsm!

 

[Lou270]

6.8 Western is my choice for short action hunthng cartridge

Lou

 

[Pokoki]

458wsm!

That's pretty much what I did. 458 B&M SS. I couldn't be happier!

 

[Brushcutter]

458wsm!

Cool! I love my lightweight BLR in 325wsm for elk. Never heard of the 458.