Which Cartridge for each caliber?

[rustyshackleford]

Current situation:
223/5.56
308 win, 300 blk, and 30-06
416 rem mag

I'd like to add a 338 Norma and that's really about it. I'll also have a 300 WSM built but I still think more often than not I'll be reaching for the 30-06. 200 gr at 2700 ft/sec is plenty for anything and if I legitimately need more the 416 is all the more I want. 6's, 6.5's, and the 7's I think about from time to time but don't really see much benefit from what I have. 25 and 27 seem totally frivolous. Nothing wrong with any of them but I'd rather have specific rifles in the same cartridges vs a myriad of calibers in a bunch of different rifles. There are enough bullets in 30 cal alone for a lifetime of amusement.

 

[memtb]

I think that the 300 WM would suffice for Griz and even Big Browns. Many back in the day used 30-30's with much success. It's all in bullet placement.

There were also some that failed and quickly journeyed to the "Happy Hunting Ground"!

It also depends upon whether it's a hunting situation or a "stopping" situation….. vastly different! memtb

 

[lancetkenyon]

.223 Rem
6 Creedmoor
25SST
6.5SS
.270AI
28 Nos
.300WM
.338 NMI

 

[Teri Anne]

If you plan your hunt as well as your shot properly there should be no need for a stop. The first bullet should do that. Then again with this group the bear would be so far off that it could never find you if you simply ****ed it off. Back when most were using 30-30's shots were under 100 yards so shooting accurately was important because a ****ed off bear is not a fun thing to deal with nor is chasing a wounded bear through the thickets they seem to prefer as ambush locations.

 

[memtb]

If you plan your hunt as well as your shot properly there should be no need for a stop. The first bullet should do that. Then again with this group the bear would be so far off that it could never find you if you simply ****ed it off. Back when most were using 30-30's shots were under 100 yards so shooting accurately was important because a ****ed off bear is not a fun thing to deal with nor is chasing a wounded bear through the thickets they seem to prefer as ambush locations.

Suppose, just suppose that it's an unintentional, chance encounter, which happens fairly often if enough time is spent hunting in the backcountry! It only takes "one encounter of the worst kind" to permanently alter your future plans!

On a planned, orchestrated encounter the 30-30 will work just fine! memtb

 

[Jnm300ultra]

If this was just for hunting rifles my choice's are
223
243
25 no need for me
6.5x47 lapua
270 WSM
280 Ackley
300 Rum
Since no 25 I'm adding a 375 Ruger

The only 2 calibers I don't own are the 270 WSM and 375 Ruger.
Jason

 

[Blacktail63]

17HMR
22LR
17x223
20 practical
22-250AI fast twist
6mmx284
257R AI
6.5WSM
270Win
270WBY
280AI
28 Nosler
30x28 Nosler
325WSM
338x06
338x28 Nosler
35Whelen
9.3x62
375Ruger
416Ruger
404 Jef

 

[pug83]

22-250 rem
243 AI
257 wbty
6.5 PRC
270 WSM
300 wbty
280 AI
338 win mag

 

[Teri Anne]

Suppose, just suppose that it's an unintentional, chance encounter, which happens fairly often if enough time is spent hunting in the backcountry! It only takes "one encounter of the worst kind" to permanently alter your future plans!

On a planned, orchestrated encounter the 30-30 will work just fine! memtb

Even during an unplanned encounter superior marksmanship will usually win out in the end.

Be sure to remember the words of your marksmanship instructor, Breathe in, breathe out, aim and squeeze, Of course by then you have either eliminated the threat or are a one course dinner for that particular bear.

 

[Philward]

I was thinking of this a slightly different way, cutting it down to 3 rifles and the cartridges to fill in what I want to do. So:
1. 257 Roberts
2. 280AI
3. 30 Nosler

 

[vedauvoo]

What an intriguing question. It is enlightening to see the variety of responses, but also to see some of the favorites show up repeatedly.

So here's my list:

204 Ruger
22 Creedmoor
6mm Creedmoor
257 AI
6.5 PRC
270 WSM
280 AI
30 Nosler
325 WSM
338 WM (338 for LR target fun!)

 

[Harry Knutz]

Decision Decisions!

 

[jasgus]

204 ruger
22 creedmoor
6mm creedmoor
25/06
6.5-284 norma
280 AI
300 weatherby
338 RUM

 

[Buckys]

22 LR
243 win
257 wby, sorry, I have zero to cancel out one of my boths
6.5 Creedmoor
270 win and 270 wby, sorry, I have to have both
7mm rem mag and 280 AI, sorry, I have to have both x2
300 win mag
338, sorry, I have zero to cancel out one of my boths