8x57 or 35 Whelen for a North American Beater
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My vote would be for the .338 Win Mag or the 375 H&H.
You already have a 30-06, that covers the niche for a general purpose hunting rifle better than the 8mm Mauser or the .35 Whelen.
I know very little about the 9.3's, so can't comment there.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Who cares? There are better cartridges for medium game and he has that covered. There are better cartridges for bigger game and that's what he's looking for. Funny how all the rules regarding ballistics do not apply to the magical and mystical .30-06.
WoodchuckAssassin
Member
I went Whelen.
The largest caliber I'll ever need is my .270, but I've always wanted a 35 Whelen - it's bassed off a great case, and has developed a well deserved following (including Jeff from Gunblast, a man whose opinion I trust and respect).
I love the history and documented effectiveness of the .375 H&H as well, but if I had to choose one, I'd probably still go with the 35 Whelen.
What distances will you be shooting at? Something in the area of a .45 Long Colt might be something to consider if you're within 100 yards...especially if you plan on using open sights
The largest caliber I'll ever need is my .270, but I've always wanted a 35 Whelen - it's bassed off a great case, and has developed a well deserved following (including Jeff from Gunblast, a man whose opinion I trust and respect).
I love the history and documented effectiveness of the .375 H&H as well, but if I had to choose one, I'd probably still go with the 35 Whelen.
What distances will you be shooting at? Something in the area of a .45 Long Colt might be something to consider if you're within 100 yards...especially if you plan on using open sights
Float Pilot
Member
I have been going through the same thing lately... because I have a couple of rifle actions that needed a new barrel and I have more calibers than I really need.
Here in Alaska almost everybody has a 30-06, 300 win mag or a 338 win mag and you can buy 30-06 ammo in ANY village.. And more than likely find a few hundred rounds in any parking lot full of cars/trucks.
For the next step above a 30-06 I have been using a 358 Norma Mag and 350 Remington mag... The 35 calibers really work well up here...
So I too have been thinking about a 338-06 or a 35 Whelen.... Just because I have a rifle that needs a new barrel.... But neither did anything that my other rifles need not already do,,,,,
So I went ahead and went with a 375 Ruger chambered into a 1917 action... That puts it between my 35 caliber magnums and my 416 Taylor.
If I lived down in the lower 48, I would go with a 35 Whelen... Factory ammo and brass can be found,,,, it holds 5 rounds in the mag (unlike the magnums) and it does not have a horrible recoil. And you can make ammo from 30-06 brass.
Here in Alaska almost everybody has a 30-06, 300 win mag or a 338 win mag and you can buy 30-06 ammo in ANY village.. And more than likely find a few hundred rounds in any parking lot full of cars/trucks.
For the next step above a 30-06 I have been using a 358 Norma Mag and 350 Remington mag... The 35 calibers really work well up here...
So I too have been thinking about a 338-06 or a 35 Whelen.... Just because I have a rifle that needs a new barrel.... But neither did anything that my other rifles need not already do,,,,,
So I went ahead and went with a 375 Ruger chambered into a 1917 action... That puts it between my 35 caliber magnums and my 416 Taylor.
If I lived down in the lower 48, I would go with a 35 Whelen... Factory ammo and brass can be found,,,, it holds 5 rounds in the mag (unlike the magnums) and it does not have a horrible recoil. And you can make ammo from 30-06 brass.
ExAgoradzo
Member
Nobody commented on it, prob cause it is hard to read... I tried to clean it up, but nevertheless, if you're interested in my thoughts you can go to
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=691774
Greg
I like the Federal for what you're talking about.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=691774
Greg
I like the Federal for what you're talking about.
morcey2
Member
My main gun is an 8x57 and I'd put it up against anything in its class. BUT...
As everyone else has said, you already have a 30-06 which is so close to 8x57 that it would be somewhat pointless to buy another. I voted 35 Whelen, but either of the 9.3 would be a good addition also.
Matt
As everyone else has said, you already have a 30-06 which is so close to 8x57 that it would be somewhat pointless to buy another. I voted 35 Whelen, but either of the 9.3 would be a good addition also.
Matt
watergun
Member
All Around Rifle
So get a .338 Win Mag. You can use it for ANYTHING in the 50 states. Use 200 gr for deer and 250 for anything bigger.
So get a .338 Win Mag. You can use it for ANYTHING in the 50 states. Use 200 gr for deer and 250 for anything bigger.
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