Hugnot
Well-Known Member
Wifey I shoot about 4,000 rounds per year combined, like 75 rounds per week average.
Ammo is pricy, Handloading is a necessity to shoot frequently. Better than average rifle skills can only be attained by lots of shots.
Just about any beast may be killed by a bullet that destroys vital organs. Adverse conditions can & will affect bullet effectiveness. The OP having success with bow/arrow combos knows this and has a good start.
Two or three rifles would work. My suggestions would be:
.204 R or .223
.22-.250 or .22CM
6mm CM
6.5CM or 6.5-06
.270
.308 or .30-06
.300WM
Of the whole bunch the three that get pulled out from the safe the most are:
.204R
6mm CM
6.5 CM
A very major consideration for this selection is the availability of small rifle primers at our LGS (local gun store)
With the possible exception of griz bears I would have confidence in the 6.5-06 - I have used it for decades against rodents & deers and know others that have killed elks with it. Too bad it can't use small rifle primers but the 6.5 CM uses SRP at 150-200 fps less.
Ammo is pricy, Handloading is a necessity to shoot frequently. Better than average rifle skills can only be attained by lots of shots.
Just about any beast may be killed by a bullet that destroys vital organs. Adverse conditions can & will affect bullet effectiveness. The OP having success with bow/arrow combos knows this and has a good start.
Two or three rifles would work. My suggestions would be:
.204 R or .223
.22-.250 or .22CM
6mm CM
6.5CM or 6.5-06
.270
.308 or .30-06
.300WM
Of the whole bunch the three that get pulled out from the safe the most are:
.204R
6mm CM
6.5 CM
A very major consideration for this selection is the availability of small rifle primers at our LGS (local gun store)
With the possible exception of griz bears I would have confidence in the 6.5-06 - I have used it for decades against rodents & deers and know others that have killed elks with it. Too bad it can't use small rifle primers but the 6.5 CM uses SRP at 150-200 fps less.
