marksman13
Member
I’m probably about to send a Ruger No. 1 off to Pac-Nor to be re-barreled and turned into my idea of the ultimate North American medium game rifle that I don’t mind putting in the rain and snow. The short action of the No. 1 lends itself to an overall compact rifle and I’d like to take full advantage of this by keeping the barrel in the 18”-20” range. I’ll also have the barrel fluted, threaded and Cerakoted (along with the action and stocks). I figure with the short, lightweight profile barrel I can keep this rifle around 7.5 lbs with scope and short enough that it will be easily maneuverable even with a suppressor. My mind is made up about the rifle and scope choice, but I am not decided on the cartridge choice.
Parameters for the cartridge:
1. Must be .30 cal or smaller (My suppressors are all .30 cal.)
2. Factory ammo must be readily available. I don’t reload and don’t really intend to start.
3. Must be capable of cleanly killing deer, pigs and antelope out to at least 350 yards. I realize my barrel length constrain some cartridges.
As far as I can tell, the 308 Winchester is my best option, followed closely by 7mm-08. I have 308 ammo. I don’t have 7mm-08, but I know I’ll be able to find some before next deer season. Might be expensive. Might be limited, but I’ll be able to find some. Another option is one of the various 6.5s. I have plenty of 6.5 CM and 6.5x55 laying around, but I do have a No. 1 International in 6.5x55 which meets all my parameters other than being able to suppress it and it is entirely too pretty to Cerakote.
Is there another cartridge I am forgetting? There are a ton of wildcats out there, but I’m not going to reload. 338 Federal would be great if I had a .338 cal suppressor. The various short magnums and even the 30-06/270 cartridges really need a longer barrel to take full advantage of their potential. I’m curious to hear the thoughts of others. Thanks in advance.
Parameters for the cartridge:
1. Must be .30 cal or smaller (My suppressors are all .30 cal.)
2. Factory ammo must be readily available. I don’t reload and don’t really intend to start.
3. Must be capable of cleanly killing deer, pigs and antelope out to at least 350 yards. I realize my barrel length constrain some cartridges.
As far as I can tell, the 308 Winchester is my best option, followed closely by 7mm-08. I have 308 ammo. I don’t have 7mm-08, but I know I’ll be able to find some before next deer season. Might be expensive. Might be limited, but I’ll be able to find some. Another option is one of the various 6.5s. I have plenty of 6.5 CM and 6.5x55 laying around, but I do have a No. 1 International in 6.5x55 which meets all my parameters other than being able to suppress it and it is entirely too pretty to Cerakote.
Is there another cartridge I am forgetting? There are a ton of wildcats out there, but I’m not going to reload. 338 Federal would be great if I had a .338 cal suppressor. The various short magnums and even the 30-06/270 cartridges really need a longer barrel to take full advantage of their potential. I’m curious to hear the thoughts of others. Thanks in advance.