What Caliber and Rifle to buy?

cpolson.CP

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Feb 19, 2011
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6
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Colorado Springs
I need some help deciding what my next hunting rifle is going to be. I currently have a cheaper Savage Model 11 chambered in 7MM Rem Mag. I have been doing a good amount of research on what I want my next rifle to be. I am almost sure that I want to go with something chambered in .270 WSM. However I don't know what rifle to get.

What I am looking for is a rifle that has adequate knock down power for Coyote up to Mule Deer, and the occassion elk. The gun will be use most often for medium/long range shots on coyote and pronghorn, and prairie dogs(just for the heck of it) What would you guys advise as the best caliber/rifle combo for medium distance shots with the ability to really reach out and touch somehing?

The scope that will likely go on this rifle is a Nikon Monarch 4-16 X 42mm MILDOT.
 
I think that for your needs the 270 WSM is probably about right, though I wouldnt expect to keep to many pelts.
As far as the rifle goes, are you looking for a carryweight rifle or a heavy rifle? Idea of barrel length?
 
Do you want to keep the Savage as is? If not, buy a barrel in 270WSM, buy the brass, dies, and start loading. The bolt face on the 7mmRM is the same as the WSM. Then you will have two calibers with one rifle. Buy another barrel in .243 or .224 so you really can light the varmints up on the dog towns w/o burning up your 270WSM barrel.

Tank
 
I would suggest looking at a 25-06. It will handle the critters you talked about and is still pretty easy on the shoulder. You can load 75 grain v max for varmints 100 grain premium for deer size and 120 for elk. I think the tikka t3 would make a really good mid range gun. If you could find one with a 26 in bbl it will give you a little extra velocity.
 
Like Roininflag said, the rifle you choose will be a bigger factor in achieving satisfaction than the caliber.

That said, I would go with one of the 6.5's considering you already have a 7mm Rem Mag.

264 WM Sendero, 260 Rem 700 Mountain LSS, or perhaps 6.5x284 Savage LRH if you handload. same caliber, but 3 very different rifles

If you feel under-gunned for Elk, use the 7RM or get a big gun.

Happy hunting!
Richard
 
I think that for your needs the 270 WSM is probably about right, though I wouldnt expect to keep to many pelts.
QUOTE]

About the pelts. I've been a many year .277 fan. Like any caliber bullet design really does matter. So I use a hard copper bullet that doesn't expand at all. very clean .277 in and out. Proven by many winter prime pelts taken.

these 140's can go through 1/2 inch of steel @200 yards and make a clean hole with the petals on the front side



Sierra .277 dia. 140 gr. HPBT GameKing 1835
 
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