Need help with rifles and rifle calibers, don't have a clue..

[mosttoyswins]

Hey gang,

I started another thread in the General forum where I am asking for opinions on making my collection small but well rounded...here is the link, please feel free to add your .02.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=230954

Obviously no collection is well rounded without a few long guns.

My question is regarding the different calibers. I have no idea what the difference in rifle calibers are, what they should be used for and the best platforms for each.

I would like some opinions on different rifle calibers based on...

1. Availability and affordability of ammo
2. Best all around caliber for HD, hunting small to large game
3. Caliber that can be used in many different platforms in case I want to expand my collection in the future with out having to buy different types of ammo.

For example, I have decided to keep my handguns relegated to 9mm, .45 and .357.

I would like to try to do the same with rifles if this is possible.

Sooooo...

Here are some calibers that were recommended in the other thread.

Could you please tell me what these different calibers are used for and what you think is best for my arsenal.

1. 7mm
2. .30-06
3. .308
4. 30-30
5. 45-70
6. 6.5x55
7. 7.62x54r
8. 7.92x57

I am considering buying a lever action rifle in .357 since that is going to be the caliber of my revolvers. Is a rifle chambered in .357 a good choice? Can it be used for hunting, HD etc etc...

If there are any calibers not listed that I should consider, please let me know which ones and why.

Thanks in advance for the help!

MTW

 

[plexreticle]

.357 can be used for hunting but if you want a hunting rifle there are better choices. Personally I would get a 30-30 if I had my heart set on a lever gun.

I like both .308 and 30-06 because there is wide selection of inexpensive ammo and rifles available in these calibers.

 

[MachIVshooter]

1. Availability and affordability of ammo
2. Best all around caliber for HD, hunting small to large game
3. Caliber that can be used in many different platforms in case I want to expand my collection in the future with out having to buy different types of ammo.

.308 win. (7.62 NATO) would be the best compromise on all of your criteria, though .223 (5.56 NATO) is certainly cheaper and better suited to small game/varmints.

Some of the others are also good cartridges for many reasons, but will be available in fewer platforms and more expensive to feed than .308.

 

[mosttoyswins]

.357 can be used for hunting but if you want a hunting rifle there are better choices. Personally I would get a 30-30 if I had my heart set on a lever gun.

Yeah, I have heard that...thanks for your advice!

I guess what I should have asked is what is the best rifle and caliber that you can hunt with as well as use for target shooting, home defense etc etc

Kind of an "all around" performer.

 

[orangelo]

.308 .30-06 7.62x54R and 7.92x57 should all be pretty similar ballistically. They were all battle rifle calibers during or immediately after WW2.

.308 Winchester will probably be the most common in modern arms. 7.92x57 is also known as 8mm Mauser and it's great for cheap blasting in Yugoslavian/Turk/German milsurp mausers. I think 70 rounds of 7.92 goes for around $4. It's corrosive though.

 

[bowfin]

First off, you list a 7mm. Is this a Remington Magnum, 7x57 Mauser, or something else?

I would suggest you buy a specific rifle chambered in a cartridge that precisely fulfills a specific need in your life. Don't buy a collection of square pegs to pound in the various sizes of round holes you will later encounter in your shooting career, and hope that they will work for you, or that you will be satisfied with them.

If you don't have enough experience yet to make these choices on your own, then don't put your money down for anything other than a nice, accurate rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle, so you can afford almost unlimited practice and plinking. Then, try to shoot as many different rifles as you can that belong to friends, relatives, firing ranges, any place that you can, to find out your own preferences to fill your own needs, not mine or somebody else's.

I have many firearms that are serving no purpose in my life except that at one time I wanted to buy a gun out of curiosity, boredom, or it "was a good deal." I now have umpteen military surplus rifles, and no decent .22 centerfire rifle for predator hunting. I have tons of pistols, and precious few that I would consider good self defense sidearms. So, don't end up like me. Don't end up with something just because it was "something to buy". or the caliber of the cartridge was right in the middle of two other chamberings you already own.

 

[highlander 5]

45/70 bullet weight 300 - 520gr vel from 1200fps - 2000 =fps
rifles sigle shot bolt and lever for use on deer sized game up and can be used with both black and smokeless powder

 

[RNB65]

For a basic long-gun collection I would recommend one semi-auto rifle in an intermediate caliber (.223/5.56mm or 7.62x39), a bolt-action rifle in a full power rifle caliber (.308, 30-06, 8mm, etc.), and a 12 gauge shotgun.

Some guns to consider:

Intermediate caliber guns -- AR15 (fairly expensive), SKS (dirt cheap), AK47 (in-between).

Full power bolt guns -- Rem 700, Browning A Bolt, CZ 550, a whole host of mil-surps in similar full power calibers.

Shotguns -- Rem 870 pump, Rem 1100, Browning Citori O/U, Beretta 391 autoloader.

 

['Card]

.30-06 is the most popular hunting cartridge in North America (with good reason, I believe) so just about any new hunting rifle produced (with the exception of lever-actions, anyway) will probably be chambered for that round. There's also a ton of ammuntion options on the market (different bullets, different weights, etc.) because of that popularity.

But if you're interested in military-style rifles the .30-06 probably isn't a good choice. Other than the Garand, the .30-06 simply isn't considered a military cartridge anymore. For that, you'd be better off settling on the .308. The ballistics are (for all practical purposes) identical to the .30-06, and .308 is a pretty popular round with both civilian (hunting) arms and military weapons. The only downside would be that the .308 doesn't usually have as many options available in terms of commercial ammo, but what is on the market is (in my opinion) more than adequate for just about any shooting or hunting situation you might encounter.

I'm a .30-06 guy personally, but that's because I'm a hunter and I don't have much interest in military-style firearms.

 

[Jim Reaves]

Mosttoyswin
I think bowfin says it best. Don't go spending your money until you know something about the rifles. It would be a waste for you to purchase rifles that I would recommend, since we are totally different individuals with different opinions.
Go to the range, meet some of the regular shooters, try their rifles, and discuss what they use them for.

99% of the shooters that I know will let you shoot their rifles if you are really interested. We all enjoy getting new shooters into the sport.

 

[ugaarguy]

An Easy Solution

Mosttoys, Go down to the local gun shop, or if your Wal-Mart sells reloading supplies that'll work too, and get a copy of the Speer Reloading Manual. It will give you a brief history of the development of every major cartridge and even a few really odd ball ones before it goes into the reloading data. It's a good resource for any shooter.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Could you please tell me what these different calibers are used for and what you think is best for my arsenal.

1. 7mm
2. .30-06
3. .308
4. 30-30
5. 45-70
6. 6.5x55
7. 7.62x54r
8. 7.92x57

All but one of the cartridges you list are military. The exception is the .30-30.

The last three are rarely found in sporting rifles in the US (although you may find "sporterized" military rifles.)

The .45-70 is a black-powder era cartridge and can be found mostly in lever actions and single shots.

Of the three remaining, the .308 and .30-06, as mentioned above, are virtually identical. They are also quite common in the US, and you can get ammo and components everywhere. The 7X57 Mauser is much less common.

All of them would be acceptable for game up to and including elk -- but I'd prefer the .30-06. It offers the handloader a bit more potential than the .308.

 

[griz]

The easiest way to figure out what's common is to head over to Walmart and see what's on their shelves. You will find 30-06, 270, 7mm mag, 308, 30-30, 243, and 223 in rifle calibers. If you prefer to hang out in gun shops (and that is a good thing) look for the calibers with the biggest variety of loads to determine popularity. For instance, you will be lucky to find two choices of ammo for the 7mm-08, while they probably sell two bullet weights in each of several brands of 308. This has nothing to do with which is the better cartridge, just popularity.

And yes, the 357 in a rifle is a very useful round.

 

[Loanshark]

I think you're asking the quetion in the correct place. I wouldn't bother asking the gun store commandos.

You live in texas so I'm guessing you probably wont be running into many bear or moose.

If I could only have one rifle for the uses you mention it would be chambered in .308. There are a lot of choices here most hunters choose bolt action. bolties are usually more accurate than other designs, simple, easy to clean. I like semi autos so my .308 is a Saiga. Cheap, reliable, durable, and fairly accurate. Levers and pumps in this cartridge are gonna be few and far between.

If I could have only two I would add a .22lr. There are tons of good choices here. I chose the ever popular ruger 10/22, this was actually my first gun.

If you're allowing three for you collection that 45/70 lever action starts to look tempting but It's real place is with big critters with teeth and claws... You don't mention a shotgun at all and that is one longarm that everyone should have. It would be my third longgun for sure. It may actually deserve a position higher up. If you have a .22lr you can take most small game, practice all day long for pennies, and shotgun can take almost anything else out to 200 yards with slugs.

Id reccomend a remington 870 express magnum combo (comes with a shot brl. and a rfiled slug brl.)

HTH

Have fun!!

 

[longrifleman]

Good advice so far. I personally think the place to start is with a good .22lr. Cheap to practice with and adequate for general varmit control and hunting if you ever go that way. Wether you choose semi, bolt, lever or pump is a six page thread all it's own. I prefer bolties, but what do I know.


If I was going to be limited to only one centerfire rifle for everything I think I would have to choose a levergun in .30-30. It probably doesn't do anything except brush hunting the best but it will do everything adequately. And lever guns are cool.

I'm with Vern and 'Card on the 06 as an excellent all around caliber, especially if you ever handload.

Also, think about the type of rifle you want before you settle on caliber. Not everything will be available in all types. Best type of rifle will be an eight page thread. I prefer bolties, but what do I know.

 

[Essex County]

30-30, 308 and 30-06 in that order....Essex

 

[mosttoyswins]

If I was going to be limited to only one centerfire rifle for everything I think I would have to choose a levergun in .30-30. It probably doesn't do anything except brush hunting the best but it will do everything adequately. And lever guns are cool

I appreciate all the great responses and advice, and the one above is exactly what I was looking for.

Since I don't want to own 10 different rifles, I kind of what to know what is a great all around performer (platform and caliber).

Also, don't worry about shotgun reccomendations or 22lr , I already know I am going to get a Model 870 combo and a nice 22lr rifle, probably a simple Ruger 10-22.

I also am fairly certain I am going to get some sort of AR in .223, although getting one in 308 may make more sense if I am going to get a bolt action in 308.

I like semi autos so my .308 is a Saiga. Cheap, reliable, durable, and fairly accurate.

I really like the looks of the Saiga however and they are much more affordable than an AR so now I have more to think about.

Please keep the suggestions coming, I have leaned a lot just since I posted this thread this morning...THR rocks!

Thanks!

MTW

 

[Barr]

You have not said anything about the .25-06 or .270 so I thought I would throw those out there. If you do any kind of groundhog/varmint hunting and medium size game like deer, both are good cartridges especially if you reload.

The .270 Winchester is a very popular cartridge that the ammo can be found anywhere. The .25-06 is a little harder to find but still popular. I just bought my first centerfire rifle in .270 and I am glad I did. I am not recoil shy when it comes to big bore revolvers or 12 gauge shotgun skeet/trap shooting but it is nice to have a "multi-purpose" cartridge that has a good trajectory and will not beat me to death if I shoot 50-60 cartridges in one sitting.

All the other cartridges listed above are just as good. The two I mention usually are cheaper to shoot (except for military surplus) than the .30 calibers because less powder is used etc.

 

[Loanshark]

If you go .308 you can use 7.62x51 milsurp. Nice cheap plinking ammo.

 

[Legionnaire]

You need to pick up a copy of The Rifles, the Cartridges, and the Game by Clay Harvey. Used copies available at Amazon.com (click link). Harvey has an excellent discussion of the various cartridges, and talks about several different "batteries." Might help you on your quest.

 

[rangerruck]

you must get on e 22, just to get good, and not blow a bunch of money. then i say 6mm remmy, for super long , fast flat , varmint shooting. 6.5 x55, the best all around cart ever, then 30.06 and 308, either are good. feel the calibres that one our wars. then a lever 3030 is allways a good choice. if you wanna go bigger, an 8mm mauser is a good choice.

 

[FrogClan]

1. Availability and affordability of ammo
2. Best all around caliber for HD, hunting small to large game
3. Caliber that can be used in many different platforms in case I want to expand my collection in the future with out having to buy different types of ammo.

The hands-down answer is the .308 Winchester. That cartridge uses a "short action," giving you much more versatility in platform than the longer .30-06. If you are a handloader, you might prefer the .30-06 for the flexibility offered by its longer case. But my recommendation is that if you really want one cartridge that satisfies the three points you cited (above), the .308 is your baby. Bear in mind that it really isn't suitable for HD.... at least in terms of the short-range engagement most people think of when thinking HD... misses will go through your house, through your neighbor's house, and into the next block.

The cartridges with which you mainly want to concern yourself are:

- .223 Remington
- .270 Winchester
- 7mm Remington Magnum
- .30-30 Winchester
- .308 Winchester
- .30-06 Springfield

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The .223 is fine for small game (up to coyote size, for example) but you should look at the larger calibers for deer and other game.

I am considering buying a lever action rifle in .357 since that is going to be the caliber of my revolvers. Is a rifle chambered in .357 a good choice? Can it be used for hunting, HD etc etc...

Absolutely.

You can probably get your other questions answered and learn more than you want to know about calibers, bullets, and cartridges by browsing these pages:

Bullet Gude - Part 1

Bullet Guide - Part 2

Ammuntion & Cartridges

 

[ryoushi]

Have you ever hunted? What type of game and at what range would you be shooting at typically? If you are typically firing at deer size game over 200yds get a bolt action .308 and a good scope. Not really a valid home defense choice unless you envision zombie head shots from your roof.

If you are shooting around 100-150 yds tops at deer and meat pigs, a lever action 30-30 with open sights is fine.

If you really aren't a big game hunter and just want a fun plinker and SHTF type rifle plus do a little informal varmit shooting get an AR15 in 5.56MM.

That was easy

 

[mosttoyswins]

Thanks for the Links Frog...got plenty of reading to do.

Thanks again for all the responses...

Looks like I will be looking for an AR or Saiga in .223, lever action .357 caliber and something in .308.

I am planning a trip to the new Bass Pro Shop down the street,,they have LOTS of long guns you can play with.

Keep the suggestions coming!