Muse

[1 LT MPC]

I go from a .22mag to a .223, to 30-30, to 30-06. What do I need between the .223 and 30-30?
I'm itchin' for a lightweight bolt rifle, scoped with mild recoil. And no, I don't hunt. (Not that I have a problem with hunting).

 

[towboat_er]

You have it pretty well covered. Guess you could add the 25/06.

 

[Ian]

A CZ 527 in 7.62x39.

 

[Abel]

A 7.62x39 is pretty much a 30-30. A 243 would fall between the 30-30 & 30-06.

Or, you could go on down below the 22 Mag and get a nice CZ or Ruger 22LR bolt action.

 

[You-Two]

Here are a few ideas:

1) Pistol cal carbine (.357 Mag, etc), but not sure about bolt rifles. Mostly levers in this area.
2) Something in .22-250. More umphh than a .223, but still able to use the same bullets if you reload.
3) A 6 or 6.5mm short cartidge like the 6.5 Grendel.

 

[Maverick223]

A .260Rem. would fit the bill nicely. Other considerations would be a .243Win., 6mmRem., 6.5x47mmLapua, 6.5mmCreedmoor, 6.5x55mmSwede, 6.5x57mmMauser, 7mm-08Rem., or 7x57mmMauser.

 

[BrocLuno]

I'd vote for 243 or 6.5 Swede.

Or, on a completely different note - 22-250 if you're hankering for 3500+ FPS lazer beam

 

[1 LT MPC]

No laser for me. I like 260 and 7mm-08, in a 20 inch barrel. I also like old calibers--257 Roberts comes to mind--and a 6.5 Grendel sounds interesting. I do reload. I'd just be shooting paper but just in case I need to do the Watusi on a four legged critter, some punch would help. I know the 06 will handle big furries but it's a safe queen auto with little use.

Any more suggestions? I think I would prefer a short action with at least a 20 inch tube.

 

[Maverick223]

IMO there is absolutely no reason to go with a 6.5mmGrendel in a bolt gun (though it would be a great build for a AR-15 platform). The ballistics are far worse than a .260Rem. and components are a bit more costly last I checked. FWIW the .257Bob is a medium length action (like the 6.5mmSwede and 7mmMauser). Also the 6mm, 6.5mm, and 7mm affords the best BC bullets for a handloader (with 6.5mm generally being the "butter-zone"). I think you are on the right track with the 7mm-08Rem. (which affords good power with moderate recoil for "four-legged critters") or the .260Rem. (which is one of the best short action cartridges for long range target use). The 7mm-08Rem. will probably perform the best in a 20in. tube; that said, you can't go wrong with any of the above.

 

[mc223]

How bout 6 PPC? Its been around for a while and has been proven to be very accurate, and its hunting and varminting popularity is growing.

 

[1 LT MPC]

Well, thanks to all for the information. I'm now between the 260 and 7mm-08-- (leaning toward 7mm).