Best caliber for CO
- Thread starter diverdman
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MachIVshooter
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7.75 lbs (Armalite AR10A4C) on up.
Kachok
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diverdman you don't need alot of space to handload, I don't have room for a bench either so I do it at my kitchen table and put my gear back under the bed when I am done 
I got my starter kit some years back for $125 that included everything but the bullet components and dies. Handloading is great if you shoot a rare cartrage or expensive magnum, though not as needed for common standard cartrages like the 30-06 and 270.
I got my starter kit some years back for $125 that included everything but the bullet components and dies. Handloading is great if you shoot a rare cartrage or expensive magnum, though not as needed for common standard cartrages like the 30-06 and 270.I actually have an entire reloading kit in a small tackle box. Its based around a Lee hand press, but if I take my time, I can roll my own way better than most factory loads.
My first reloading set up was $100, also a Lee, it is perfectly capable of churning out fine ammo. If I were to start reloading in serious volume, I'd upgrade to a beefier brand progressive, I came to the conclusion that unless I'm reloading for a very specific performance, like duplicating a carry load, or for accuracy, I'd rather spend my time on other projects.
I think of it this way. If I am shooting less than, say, 200 rounds a year of a particular load, I just buy it off the shelf.
On the opposite side of the argument, I have a friend that likes to shoot 458 Lott. He reloads because its too freakin' expensive, and he likes to experiment with various loads.
Getting back to your OP, I'd keep the 300 mag, and buy a nice lever action in 30-30. The two would complement each other, one for big game, and the other as a brush gun.
My first reloading set up was $100, also a Lee, it is perfectly capable of churning out fine ammo. If I were to start reloading in serious volume, I'd upgrade to a beefier brand progressive, I came to the conclusion that unless I'm reloading for a very specific performance, like duplicating a carry load, or for accuracy, I'd rather spend my time on other projects.
I think of it this way. If I am shooting less than, say, 200 rounds a year of a particular load, I just buy it off the shelf.
On the opposite side of the argument, I have a friend that likes to shoot 458 Lott. He reloads because its too freakin' expensive, and he likes to experiment with various loads.
Getting back to your OP, I'd keep the 300 mag, and buy a nice lever action in 30-30. The two would complement each other, one for big game, and the other as a brush gun.
45crittergitter
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Just hunting, I doubt you will shoot enough .300 ammo to hurt your wallet too much, and it's a great caliber for CO. One box per year should kill all the deer and elk that are legal, right?
X-Rap
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I'd stick with what you have and invest in some top notch glass. Good bino's and spotting scope will pay off big and since you already have some of the best suited guns for hunting in this neck of the woods I would get settled in before I change BG rifles.
IMO 10x42's in binos and a 20x50 spotting scope do nicely and the more compact the better. Retail for both could easily run over 3k but there is great quality in the used market. Throw in a 1000yd+ range finder and you are set. (I'm not advocating 1000yd shots but the cheaper 600-700yd range finders are lucky to range 400 in any kind of weather and the longer distance capability can be used to plan effective stalks and also bring reality to distance estimations)
IMO 10x42's in binos and a 20x50 spotting scope do nicely and the more compact the better. Retail for both could easily run over 3k but there is great quality in the used market. Throw in a 1000yd+ range finder and you are set. (I'm not advocating 1000yd shots but the cheaper 600-700yd range finders are lucky to range 400 in any kind of weather and the longer distance capability can be used to plan effective stalks and also bring reality to distance estimations)
Yep, start reloading the .300 mag will be hard to beat.
Dr T
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The cartridges are fine--but perhaps not the most important point. Here in the Denver Metro area we are at 5300 MSL (above mean sea level). When you were on vacation, you probably noticed you were a bit short of breath since we are somewhat higher than middle Georgia. Since Atlanta is at 1050 MSL, say we are 4000 ft. higher than you are.
If you are hunting the high country for elk, it is probable that you will be above 9000 ft. That is, 4000 ft. higher that Denver. That second 4000 ft. will really hit you hard and, (finally) to the point, every extra pound of gun you are carrying UP and down the hills will seem like 5 pounds until you are acclimated. Something like a Tikka T3 lightweight with a synthetic stock is an extremely good platform (in weight, pointability, cartidge selection, and accuracy). If you were starting from scratch, there is nothing wrong with a 270 or 30-06 (long action) or 308 (short action) on that platform. Given your current arsenal (and if you wanted to branch out), I would lean towards the 270. (Disclaimer: My T3 in this configuration is a 243 and is a tack driver. My current walk-around-in-the-woods rifle at high altitude is a Ruger M77 Frontier in 308 [16.5" barrel] witha conventional scope [the scout scope thing doesn't work for me].)
BUT, as others have said, you can buy some decent reloading equipment, bullets, powder, and primers for the cost of a new rifle and optics. I suggest you start reloading. Just make darn sure you are following the manual (I suggest you start with a Speer manual because the reloading tutorial in that manual is pretty good).
If you are hunting the high country for elk, it is probable that you will be above 9000 ft. That is, 4000 ft. higher that Denver. That second 4000 ft. will really hit you hard and, (finally) to the point, every extra pound of gun you are carrying UP and down the hills will seem like 5 pounds until you are acclimated. Something like a Tikka T3 lightweight with a synthetic stock is an extremely good platform (in weight, pointability, cartidge selection, and accuracy). If you were starting from scratch, there is nothing wrong with a 270 or 30-06 (long action) or 308 (short action) on that platform. Given your current arsenal (and if you wanted to branch out), I would lean towards the 270. (Disclaimer: My T3 in this configuration is a 243 and is a tack driver. My current walk-around-in-the-woods rifle at high altitude is a Ruger M77 Frontier in 308 [16.5" barrel] witha conventional scope [the scout scope thing doesn't work for me].)
BUT, as others have said, you can buy some decent reloading equipment, bullets, powder, and primers for the cost of a new rifle and optics. I suggest you start reloading. Just make darn sure you are following the manual (I suggest you start with a Speer manual because the reloading tutorial in that manual is pretty good).
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