Just the 30-06 is good for any big game in North America. I would agree with the comment above about the 243 being pretty limited in terms of application. I'd rather have a 223/556 as a complimentary rifle because that would be better on small game and the ammo is a lot cheaper, and then use the 30-06 for all big game. That would probably be my preferred two centerfire rifle set, anyway.
243 & 30-06 for all N.A Game?
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browningguy
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I have .223 for varmints, 6.5 Grendel for short range pigs and deer, .243 for longer range pigs and deer, 30-06 for bigger pigs and deer and occasional elk, 9.3 x 62 for bigger stuff and .458 for the biggest bears. And of course a couple of 22 LR's for plinking and pests.
BigBL87
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Those two plus a rimfire rifle (which I see you said you have) for small game pretty much covers your bases in a minimalist way. As mentioned by someone else, I think a .223 would be preferable for the smaller caliber and you wouldn't lose any utility, but no problem with the .243.
I'd prefer a little more power for grizzlies and moose, but .30-06 is definitely usable.
I'd prefer a little more power for grizzlies and moose, but .30-06 is definitely usable.
Ugly Sauce
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I think the '06 would be fine on Moose, but I'd not want to hunt a grizz with it. I'd be confident shooting one in self-defense, at close range with it though, but I wouldn't pick a fight with it.
Picking the fight will be safer than finishing the fight.......... Shooting an unsuspecting critter vs one with the adrenaline already up is a perspective changer. Never had to stop a grizzly charge but I'll place my experience with raccons and Badgers on this one. They ain't hard to kill with a .22 if they don't know what's about to happen, but if they're already mad/scared, .38 hollow points ain't enough short of a head shot, my kids and pets can tell ya all about it.
If Mr bear is just out fishing with his buddies, I'd be ok with a bonded or better loaded .243, if he's out to ascertain his place over me in the food chain, I'd like a .458 soccom I think.
That being said, I find no fault with the .243/30-06 combo, not my personal preference, but close enough not to argue about it. I'd concede folks on the point of a .223, or .280, or 7 RM, or .375, or .45-70, thankfully we're still allowed to make those choices for ourselves (unless an outfitter says otherwise)....
WisBorn
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The 243 & 30-06:would make a great pair. Along with a 22lr and 12 gauge you would be set. Most of us aren't going to hunt the big bears and if you can afford the tag for big bears you can buy or even borrow a bigger gun.
I like the 25-06 & 30-06 combo or 257 & 300 Weatherby Mags.
The 7mm Rem Mag paired with a 243 is my current duo.
I like the 25-06 & 30-06 combo or 257 & 300 Weatherby Mags.
The 7mm Rem Mag paired with a 243 is my current duo.
Ugly Sauce
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Well, I'd prefer the .458 if grizz was picking a fight with me, but since I hunt, trek, explore and hike in a grizzly recovery area, and feel fairly secure with whatever rifle I have with me when hunting deer or elk, (usually a flintlock, sometimes a .30wcf single shot, sometimes my side by side 12ga hammer gun loaded with black powder and .69" balls) or a .44mag pistol when just hiking or exploring or trekking, I think a rifle in .30US would be better than the .44 pistol. !!! Still, if I'm picking the fight, I'd still prefer the .458 or at least a .338. 243? I think we'll agree to disagree on that. Sure it can be done...but....!!!!
Ugly Sauce
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Hmmmm....how about an over-under combination gun, with a .22LR barrel on top, and the .30US on the bottom? Eh? I'd buy one. With it being a single shot type action, you could even have 26" barrels on it without it being a "long-tom". That would give the .30US barrel a bit of extra oooomph, ballistics would probably match .300Mag with the right handload. ? In the other direction, you could have a stubby little carbine, but still have 22" barrels.
FL-NC
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Nothing wrong with those as long as you shoot them well. My 2 are a 243 and a 6.5 CM.
Ugly Sauce
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Wow, always wanted a No.1. That one sure is a beauty. I looked for a couple of years for a used one, at the gun shows, but could not find one in '06. I came across quite a few in 7mm RemMag, and probably should have settled for one of those. Now that I hunt mostly with ML's, my '06, 350RemMag, Mausers and SMLE's just don't get much hunting use, so if I had a No.1 it would be gathering dust. When I do hunt with a cartridge gun these days, usually a .30WCF, or one of my 1873 Springfield rifles.
1967 4 digit. Orig vert split rings wouldnt allow scope where i needed it so switched to reg horiz split and used extension at back ( mediums ).
Is in .280 rem. They did about 80 pre B models in that config.
Need a vxii 3-9 or vxiii 3.5-10 on it.
Rifle did not care for the 150gr Federal Premium. 2" w horiz spread.
The 77mkIi all weather did 1.25" at 100 w the Hornady 150s and the winner w the best trigger btw.........
is the 760 in .35 rem. 3 shots, no cooling. 1" at 100. A tad low as its set for dead on at 50.
Is in .280 rem. They did about 80 pre B models in that config.
Need a vxii 3-9 or vxiii 3.5-10 on it.
Rifle did not care for the 150gr Federal Premium. 2" w horiz spread.
The 77mkIi all weather did 1.25" at 100 w the Hornady 150s and the winner w the best trigger btw.........
is the 760 in .35 rem. 3 shots, no cooling. 1" at 100. A tad low as its set for dead on at 50.
Ugly Sauce
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Yer killing me. I could live with 280. Always wanted something in .35Rem. I had such a nice 77, safety on the tang model, in .338WinMag. Should have never let that one get away. Regret for sure. As much as I love the .30US, the .338 is a jewel. I kept all my .338 dies, brass, etc. hoping I'd find another someday. I'd die for a No.1 in .338 for sure.
I wanted, and still want a Grice .35 rem 7600. They be about a K or so, used...whenever they show up ( not often ).
Wont shoot better than the old 760 I have
So need to just chill and run what I have LOL
Ideally a custom #1 stainless .35 rem.
Lot of $ and wont kill em deader or shoot better.
So the .280 w decent wood kinda scratches my #1 itch. Kinda. Bought for possible mule deer hunt down the road. Didnt know it was collectible.
Play around w reloading. Gimme something to do. It didnt like the Fed Premium. Shot 2" groups, almost all dispersion in horizontal.
The 77 mkii all weather are nonlonger made. One on GB for 860 w 3 days left and no scope.
Might list mine.
Really, .243, 35 rem and 3006 is a good spread.
Wont shoot better than the old 760 I have
So need to just chill and run what I have LOL
Ideally a custom #1 stainless .35 rem.
Lot of $ and wont kill em deader or shoot better.
So the .280 w decent wood kinda scratches my #1 itch. Kinda. Bought for possible mule deer hunt down the road. Didnt know it was collectible.
Play around w reloading. Gimme something to do. It didnt like the Fed Premium. Shot 2" groups, almost all dispersion in horizontal.
The 77 mkii all weather are nonlonger made. One on GB for 860 w 3 days left and no scope.
Might list mine.
Really, .243, 35 rem and 3006 is a good spread.
Legionnaire
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Levergunevan
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243 for all, Remington 700 with Nikon 4to12x42 just change round for desired performance!
Ugly Sauce
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Most of my deer in the past/younger days have been taken with a Ruger .44Mag Carbine. (although a few fell to the 7.7Jap) My wife bought it for my birthday about a million years ago, and when she got it, the "man behind the counter" tried to talk her out of it, saying it was "useless" as a deer rifle. I should have brought him some backstrap every time it knocked one down. As I recall, every deer I shot with it dropped in it's tracks. Even one big old Muley. Used the Hornady 265 grain SP. I may have to take it out one of these days just for old time's sake. !!
What is a "fingergroove" Ruger .44 Auto? I'm assuming some variation of the carbine?
caribou
Member
You have done well, 30-06 and .243w will kill anything and everything on the Continent, an undisputed fact, from my extended, personal, observations.
As noted above, these two cartridges might be way "overkill" on small game, I suggest some cast bullets and subsonic loads for small game "The Cats sneeze" is one name for small game loads in a large caliber rifle cartridge.
Certainly a 12 gauge and or .22lr would fill out your battery
The Bullet IS the weapon, the rest is a delivery system.
The weapon is more than enough, as long as you do your part delivering it.
As noted above, these two cartridges might be way "overkill" on small game, I suggest some cast bullets and subsonic loads for small game "The Cats sneeze" is one name for small game loads in a large caliber rifle cartridge.
Certainly a 12 gauge and or .22lr would fill out your battery
The Bullet IS the weapon, the rest is a delivery system.
The weapon is more than enough, as long as you do your part delivering it.
Tang safety m77 on GB at 599, no bids w 20 mins left.....fwiw.
Fingergroove is a nickname given to the original sporter versions on 10/22 and 44.
No barrel band. Smooth wood, but could be factory checkered ( option ).
Named as such, because they have a fingergroove on the forend, plus higher comb and grip cap. Flat buttplate too.
IMHO changes the feel considerably...for the better.
1022 SP were 66 to 71. Dunno if the .44s had same time frame. My dads is a 66.
No barrel band. Smooth wood, but could be factory checkered ( option ).
Named as such, because they have a fingergroove on the forend, plus higher comb and grip cap. Flat buttplate too.
IMHO changes the feel considerably...for the better.
1022 SP were 66 to 71. Dunno if the .44s had same time frame. My dads is a 66.
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