Caliber suggestions for Thompson Pro Hunter barrel?

[astropowell]

I am going to be getting a second barrel for my Thompson Pro Hunter soon. I will probably be getting a custom barrel from E.A. Brown. I am trying to decide on what caliber I want to get. I already have a .30-06 for it. I have a bolt action .257 Roberts as well. I am looking for milder recoil, and great accuracy. I hand load, so availability of ammo is not really an issue. I guess my short list includes .260 Rem, 7mm-08, and .308 Win. I will mostly use this for general shooting, and deer hunting here in Texas. Extra vote in favor of the 7-08 is that I will be getting my son a H&R Handi Rifle youth in 7-08 next year, and will already be loading for his. And I already have bullets in good supply for 30 cal if I go with the .308.

I thought about a 7mm mag or 280 rem, but both seem too close to the .30-06: no reduction in recoil, similar characteristics. Really the .260 is probably too close to the .257 Roberts.

So probably the 7-08 or a 308. Other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[hoghunting]

The .308 is very similar ballistically to the .30-06 also. If you want something milder, and able for deer hunting, try the .243. I haven't seen a whitetail in TX that the .243 couldn't handle.

 

[astropowell]

Thanks for the input, HogHunting, but I personally don't feel comfortable with lighter than my 257 Roberts. Just my preference. That is why my son is getting the 7-08 handi rifle youth rather than the 243.

I agree that the .308 is similar to the .30-06, and I am discounting the .260 rem for similarities with my .257 Roberts. I guess that I is why I am looking at the 7mm-08.

I really like the 140gr bullets for deer.

 

[Dr T]

Go with the 7-08. I use the Speer 145 gr SPBT in my handloads.