Short action caliber

[MallardAddict]

Either 6x47 or 6.5x47 Lapua would be my choice. I won both and can't pick a favorite. 38-40gr of powder will push a high bc bullet into the 2800-3000fps range, recoil is nil, haven't found a bullet they won't shoot, has Lapua brass that is always available despite it lasting forever,

 

[VinceMule]

Pass the AA4350 with the 139-142 in the 6.5x47 Lapua where bug holes abound with Rem 7 1/2s !!!

 

[dogbuster0006]

Easy button is 6.5creed since you've already got components.
2nd easy button is 6creed, factory ammo in a pinch and with 8lb rifle near zero recoil. No need for a break, my preference is short and quick handling but I don't shoot matches or like packing a heavy rifle anymore.
I'm a 243win 95gr fanatic but match grade 6creed ammo and components are everywhere now. The 103-115gr 6mm punch way above their weight class, 1/7.5 is spec twist should sling any pill you want.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Here is my experience and my opinion.

6 Creedmoor. I have one pushing a 105 Hyb @ 3188fps. It is nicknamed "Mr. Confidence" for a reason. Great speed, flat, and stupid accurate. Light recoil and decent BC. But it starts to peter out for energy at 700-800ish for deer-sized game. While that is plenty for most circumstances, a shot at Coues can easily be that far.

25 Creedmoor. I built one heavy (15#) to shoot steel, pushes a 135 Berger at 2935fps easily. Liked it so much right away, I built a second much lighter one for a hunting rifle. That one is pushing a 133 Elite @ 2936fps. (Screw 131 Blackjacks by the way). Good speed, pretty flat, and stupid accurate. Better BC than the 6mm heavies, and carry more energy downrange by quite a bit, and still light recoiling. Makes it more of a 1k+ deer round.

6.5mm. I think the 6.5 Creedmoor is a little lacking for anything over the 140gr. My opinion. And if you go with a 130 to get speeds up, the 25 133 outpaces it with much higher BCs. If you don't need headstamps to mach the barrel engraving, I would go .260AI. I have one that runs a 140 Hyb @ 2938fps. Add the extra mass, and they carry some good energy on game out to 1k. I also have a good load pushing a 130 OTM @ 3060fps. It is actually my hunting load. Min velocity and energy matches the 140 Hyb out to 1k+, but is a bit flatter shooting due to the additional fps. Recoil is still very manageable.

 

[The_Whitetail_kid]

While people like to mock the 6.5 CM, me included, it is a very good gun for deer sized game and can send em a long ways. It's just how the supporters got with it. But it doesn't take away from the fact that it's a good cartridge. For a short action, that's probably what I would have to go with.

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

.... 6 BR or DASHER will suit your needs in every category.

 

[jrock]

I love 6mm cartridge's for hunting deer sized game. I also like 6mm projectiles because they have decent BCs to practice to longer ranges for less cost. For hunting, I like to keep the 105 grain plus bullets going at least 2900 fps. You can make up some of that velocity with a longer barrel in the smaller BR cases. I enjoy shooting the dasher over the .243. If I were to shoot the mono bullets, they are better suited for the bigger cases like the .243, 243AI etc.

 

[JustMe2]

Look at the 6mm ARC. It can be had in a semiautomatic or bolt rifle. It's a 1200 yd rifle, great ballistics, low recoil, long barrel life, super accurate and easy to reload. A Savage 110 Tactical with target barrel, light trigger, 10-round magazine, adjustable target aluminum bedded stock can be had for $600. I am getting 0.15-0.3 inch groups at 100yds right out of the box using Hornady 103, 105 and 108gr ammo. Try it on the cheap to see if you like the cartridge. I can't imagine a better deal than this rifle especially when you're unsure of what to buy. 6.5x47 = $3.44 per round, 6mmARC = $1.60 per round from Midway.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Look at the 6mm ARC. It can be had in a semiautomatic or bolt rifle. It's a 1200 yd rifle, great ballistics, low recoil, long barrel life, super accurate and easy to reload. A Savage 110 Tactical with target barrel, light trigger, 10-round magazine, adjustable target aluminum bedded stock can be had for $600. I am getting 0.15-0.3 inch groups at 100yds right out of the box using Hornady 103, 105 and 108gr ammo. Try it on the cheap to see if you like the cartridge. I can't imagine a better deal than this rifle especially when you're unsure of what to buy. 6.5x47 = $3.44 per round, 6mmARC = $1.60 per round from Midway.

1200 for steel, sure, on a good day.
But definitely not 1200 for Coues Deer.
6ARC is built off the 6.5 Grendel case. Not enough HP for deer at 1200. I wouldn't even shoot my 6CM at 1200 on a deer.
L-R:
.243 Win, 6CM, 6x47L, 6GT, 6ARC

 

[JustMe2]

1200 for steel, sure, on a good day.
But definitely not 1200 for Coues Deer.
6ARC is built off the 6.5 Grendel case. Not enough HP for deer at 1200. I wouldn't even shoot my 6CM at 1200 on a deer.
L-R:
.243 Win, 6CM, 6x47L, 6GT, 6ARC
View attachment 482997

Agreed. I've never shot an animal over about 500yds except maybe prairie dogs. I like your brass .picture.