Thinking of consolodating calibers for hunting/varminting purposes

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I have a minimalist/functional mindset and don't like having a bunch of different calibers/guns just to have them...

...thing is, I've been getting a little "scattered" in my focus, and am starting to accumulate more guns just because I like them and/or they were a good deal, I'm starting to get disorganized and lose focus, so I think it's time to trim down and get back in focus and on target

Here's my caliber footprint;

.22 (S, L, LR) (Marlin 25, Marlin 39, CZ 452 Trainer, Ruger 22/45)
.17HMR (Savage 93R17-GV)
20 gauge (H&R Topper Deluxe Classic and Pardner Compact)
12 gauge (Rem 870 Express Supermag)
7.62X39 (Yugo SKS)
.45 Colt (Ruger NM Blackhawk .45 Convertible)
.45 ACP (Kimber Custom II)
and I'm planning on adding .30-30 (Marlin 336)

I know right off the bat I'm missing a full-power caliber like .30-06/.308/.45-70, but I don't see a need for one of those for my purposes

I live on a farm in southern seacoastal Maine, we have 50 acres of land, the field is planted with Timothy and Alfalfa hay, and our neighbor cuts and bales it 2-3 times over the summer/fall, we get first choice of the hay for the horses we board in our large stable, we have chickens, laying hens, a few outdoor cats for rodent/bird control, and a couple small dogs, our neighbor just up the road raises beef cattle

Wildlife on the property consists of songbirds, pheasants, foxes, racoons, skunks, woodchucks, a family of white tail deer (5-6 animals) and feral coy-dogs (coyote-dog hybrid)

Currently, I don't hunt, but I do control the varmint population, the largest animal I may have to bring down is a white-tail deer, and the longest shot I would feel comfortable taking is no more than 200 yards, 150 would be pushing it, most shots would be between 50 and 100 yards on deer, closer for varmints, that's mainly why I don't currently feel the need for a full-power rifle like the .30-06/.308, I just don't need the performance when an intermediate caliber would do just fine

So, here's the situation....

I want to cut down on the number and types of commercial ammo I have to stock, as well as trim down my firearm selection to a few truly *good*, functional pieces

As far as reloading components go, I'd like to share as many components as possible, on the reloading side, .45 Colt, .45 ACP, .30-30 and 7.62X39 all use Large Rifle Primers, the .45's can use the same types of powder, and can even share bullets (200 Grn LSWC, 230Grn LRN/FMJ/GDHP), and the 7.62x39 and .30-30 can use the same powders for some loads, all I'll have to do is stock two different width bullets

As I peruse my collection, there are a few guns that will *NOT* be traded off, due to either difficulty in replacing them, sentimental reasons, or price to replace

keepers;
Marlin 25; my first rifle, given to me by Dad at age 16 (sentimental)
Marlin 39A; hard to find, expensive to replace (expensive to me is any firearm over $350, due to limited play-toy budget)
CZ-452 Trainer; discontinued, hard to find replacement, has 1 Lb pull YoDave trigger kit
Yugo SKS; expensive to replace, getting hard to find a good one, cheapest .30 cal centerfire to shoot with Russian milsurp ammo
H&R Topper Deluxe Classic 20 gauge; hard to find replacement
Ruger NM Blackhawk .45 Convertible; hard to find replacement (mine is 98% of new)

So, that leaves tradeable stock;

Savage 93R17-GV; .17HMR is too expensive for punchin' paper or 'sploding expired canned goods/produce, .22LR just as good for close in varminting on woodchucks/raccoons/skunks, I'm really not seeing a *purpose* for it here, I can dispatch the same varmints as effectively with my .22's, it's an insanely fun gun, no argument there, but for my purposes, it doesn't do anything my .22 rifles can't do

H&R Pardner Compact; bought it as a training gun for my nephew to use, only to discover it has a nasty bite even with clay sports shells, and with defensive rounds, fuggeddaboutit, it tries to squash your face, recoil is too excessive for a child, don't want to have him develop a flinch, he does just fine with my TDC 20G anyway

Kimber Custom II; I don't have a CCW permit, I live in a low crime area (nonexistent crime, actually), so I really don't need to use it as a PD weapon, it's a range toy, nothing more, but then again, any collector worth his salt should have at least one 1911 in the collection, just for completeness

Ruger 22/45; a fun gun, a great gun to introduce new shooters to handgunnery, but other than that, serves no real purpose other than being a fun gun, that said, Mark II series 22/45's, which this one is, are rare and owners tend to hold onto them due to the lack of "lawyer-features" and "nannyware" on the Mk III series

So, here's the question, where can I "trim the fat" as it were, the only guns I truly would not miss are the Savage .17HMR and the H&R Pardner Compact, both are easily replaceable.

Plus, trading in both of them would get me very close to an even-swap for that Marlin 336 levergun I'm wanting (used but in good shape pre-safety model 336 with excellent bore and crisp trigger), and I'd be replacing expensive-to-stock and non-reloadable .17HMR ammo for slightly less expensive *AND* reloadable .30-30 ammo, which is capable of reliably and humanely putting down a coy-dog (or white tail deer) with one well placed shot, wheras .17HMR is borderline iffy for coy-dogs and definitely inhumane for deer

what say the hunters?
 
If i was still living in Maine and it was in your neck of the woods. (you flat landers) All one would really need. A good 22lr and a 12 ga. pump shotgun. If you was to start hunting (deer) I would go with either a 25-06 or 270. That would get you well across Blue Berry fields, Hay fields and down a long distance on power lines. I miss living in Maine at times.

25.06 and or 270 was what i always used across tater fields up in the county.
 
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It seems like you have this well thought out. You say you want to reduce your caliber footprint, but what you plan to do won't accomplish that. You will eliminate the .17 hmr but add .30-30.
 
You ought to forget the 30-30, lose the 17 HMR and get a 22-250 or a 223 which would easily handle everything from the smallest varmint to deer. Once you got some practice, you might also find yourself comfortable with shots longer than 200 yards which both of the latter could also handle well and which the 30-30 would handle not so well.

If you REALLY want to trim down, also divest yourself of the 20 gauge shotgun, the Yugo 7.62X39 and the 45 Colt.
 
I know that technically it won't reduce my caliber footprint, all I'll be doing is swapping stocking .17HMR for .30-30, but I'm looking at it like this, I'm swapping a relatively expensive and non-reloadable caliber for a reloadable caliber that shares some of the reloading consumables I already have on hand (primers and propellant), all I'd need to add would be brass cases and bullets

Trading the Savage and H&R towards the Marlin 663 would reduce (slightly) the number of firearms in my increasingly cluttered and unfocused collection, besides, I'm a fan of proven, classic calibers that have stood the test of time (.45 Colt/ACP, .30-30, 12/20 gauge, .22)

Basically, I think swapping an expensive, non-reloadable cartridge for a reloadable cartridge I already have some components for makes sense

So, for my situation, what am I losing in getting rid of the .17HMR and replacing it with .30-30?
 
Using large rifle primers in pistol cartridges is not exactly the wisest thing one can do.

The ACP bullet at .451 or .452 isn't all that likely to group well from the .45 Colt's .454 barrel. The common .45 Colt bullet isn't likely to feed through a semi-auto.

IMO, the best handgun for self-defense is whichever semi-auto you best hit with in rapid fire.

Rifles? A .22 rimfire for general pleasure. A .223 for varmints to 300 yards. For the ranges mentioned for deer, the .223 with suitable ammo could be used. A .30-30 would be as good as any other cartridge available.

The important thing about any shotgun is how well it fits. In essence, the buttstock is the rear sight. If it's a proper fit for your body, you hit. If not, you'll miss a lot.

Mount a shotgun to your shoulder with your eyes closed. When you open your eyes you should be looking right down the top of the barrel, seeing the front sight but not the top of the barrel (or the rib) itself. If you don't see the front sight, you'll shoot low. If you can see the top of the barrel, you'll shoot high.
 
Art, I have both LRP and LPP onhand, I had a Savage .30-06 for a short while and did reload for it, I won't use rifle primers in pistol cartridges

If I understand correctly, the Ruger New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt has a .452 bore diameter, I haven't slugged the bore yet, but hardcast .452 diameter bullets do seem to do well in it

My shotguns fit me correctly, no problems there, and I'm good and accurate with my 1911

I have the Marlin 336 on 7 day hold so I'm in no big rush to make a decision right now anyway
 
If I wanted to keep my calibers to a minimum I'd store away the "sentimental" fireams and concentrate on what I really need.

I'd have a .22LR, .223 Win, .308 Win, and 12ga. These will do everything you need and they're all easy-to-find NATO calibers except the .22LR, of course, but is also extremely common.

Take what I write with a grain of salt because I'm a noob with only "research" as my guide.
 
The 30-30 is a nice rifle, but will it do anything for you that the SKS won't handle equally well?
Click to expand...

This was my question. The 7.62x39 is very close to the .30-30, power and ballistic-wise. Though remember, the 7.62x39 is actually .311 not .308.

My take on this is, buy the guns you want and keep the guns you want.
 
IMO the best crossovers for varmint and up to deer are the .243, .25-06 or .250 savage. These would allow the one rifle for all approach. The 22 class is a little too small for deer unless you can take them with neck shots. The .30-30 is too large for varmint. The rest has been stated already in the responses.
 
SavageManAntonio said:
IMO the best crossovers for varmint and up to deer are the .243, .25-06 or .250 savage. These would allow the one rifle for all approach. The 22 class is a little too small for deer unless you can take them with neck shots. The .30-30 is too large for varmint. The rest has been stated already in the responses.
Click to expand...
Explain please why the 30-30 is too large for varmints.
 
.22lr rifle, cheap, fun, great for plinking/small game.
.223 rifle, cheap to shoot, self defense, small to medium game
30-06 rifle for bigger game longer shots.
12 ga shottie, birds, clays, self defense with 2nd short barrel, etc.

This spread will do anything you need to do.
 
Fair statement. I should have stated it differently. A .30-30 will easily kill a varmint. However, IMO it tends to be more expensive (without reloading) and doesn't have as flat of a trajectory for longer ranges. So, IMO if one were to choose one caliber for all purposes I believe the ones I originally stated are better. I would not take away the fact that the .30-30 can be used for all purposes also.
 
I'd like to add one more caliber to the ones I listed in post #9. For small varmints I'd keep the .17 HMR. I'm not sure why I overlooked that one.
 
Consolidation

So you want to consolidate, but don't want to get rid of anything?

Here's my ruthless opinion:

.22 (S, L, LR) (Marlin 25, Marlin 39, CZ 452 Trainer, Ruger 22/45)

Keep the 22/45 and the more accurate of the 39 and CZ, tie going to Marlin 39.

.17HMR (Savage 93R17-GV)

Ditch

20 gauge (H&R Topper Deluxe Classic and Pardner Compact)

Ditch 'em both

12 gauge (Rem 870 Express Supermag)

A pump 12 gauge the shoots almost anything known to man labelled with a "12"? Keep, unless your chamber hangs onto fired shells like mine did. Maybe even pick up a slug/rifle sight barrel for it; Brennekes are like a close range sledgehammer.

7.62X39 (Yugo SKS)

Keep, unless you end up getting a 30/30. Maybe upgrade with some Tech Sights.

.45 Colt (Ruger NM Blackhawk .45 Convertible)
.45 ACP (Kimber Custom II)

Keep one, ditch one (both are easily replaceable). The Ruger is more versatile, Kimber probably more fun. If you see a .357 in your future, keep the Kimber; 9mm, keep the Ruger

and I'm planning on adding .30-30 (Marlin 336)

Don't; if you are set on adding a centerfire rifle make it a .243 if you want a dual use one, .308 if not. Yeah I know you said you didn't need one... get one anyways. If you're set on a lever action, get a .45/70; since you reload you can do everything from round balls that barely make it out of the barrel to 500gr shoulder smashers... add in the Hornady pointed bullets and even get some decent range out the rifle length barrels.
 
22 (S, L, LR) (Marlin 25, Marlin 39, CZ 452 Trainer, Ruger 22/45)
Ditch the CZ and the 22/45 put money towards reloading supplies and the Marlin

.17HMR (Savage 93R17-GV)
Samea same above

20 gauge (H&R Topper Deluxe Classic and Pardner Compact)
Ditch both as you already have the Rem 870

12 gauge (Rem 870 Express Supermag)
Read above

7.62X39 (Yugo SKS)
Unless you really have to have it divest yourself of it and put funds to reloading or another gun

.45 Colt (Ruger NM Blackhawk .45 Convertible)
This one is a keeper, get rid of the Kimber

.45 ACP (Kimber Custom II)
Read above

and I'm planning on adding .30-30 (Marlin 336)
Go ahead you won't regret it. I haven't shot my 7mm mag since I purchased mine in 2003. I've yet to encounter a scenerio while hunting were the 7mm mag would have been better. Ammo is much cheaper and there was still an abundance of 30-30 ammo during the great ammo shortage a few years ago. The same could not be said for for the likes of others e.g. .223, .243, .270, .308, and .30-06. Not only is factory ammo cheap but it is very economical to reload for as well.
 
336A said:
22 (S, L, LR) (Marlin 25, Marlin 39, CZ 452 Trainer, Ruger 22/45)
Ditch the CZ and the 22/45 put money towards reloading supplies and the Marlin

.17HMR (Savage 93R17-GV)
Samea same above

20 gauge (H&R Topper Deluxe Classic and Pardner Compact)
Ditch both as you already have the Rem 870

12 gauge (Rem 870 Express Supermag)
Read above

7.62X39 (Yugo SKS)
Unless you really have to have it divest yourself of it and put funds to reloading or another gun

.45 Colt (Ruger NM Blackhawk .45 Convertible)
This one is a keeper, get rid of the Kimber

.45 ACP (Kimber Custom II)
Read above

and I'm planning on adding .30-30 (Marlin 336)
Go ahead you won't regret it. I haven't shot my 7mm mag since I purchased mine in 2003. I've yet to encounter a scenerio while hunting were the 7mm mag would have been better. Ammo is much cheaper and there was still an abundance of 30-30 ammo during the great ammo shortage a few years ago. The same could not be said for for the likes of others e.g. .223, .243, .270, .308, and .30-06. Not only is factory ammo cheap but it is very economical to reload for as well.
Click to expand...
I agree with all of this, except you could scope the SKS and not get a 30-30 if you really like the surplus rifle.

Also, decide between the .22 rifles you like best. I honestly see the need for only one, but really pick the one you prefer. Many really like .22 pistols, but I like centerfire handguns. Save the rimfire for my rifle.

I went through this and settled on a 22 rifle and 12 gauge shotgun, .380 pistol for ccw, and a .357 and .45 for home. I don't own a centerfire rifle, but will use use my father's when I try out hunting (probably just a proven Glenfield 30-30 with a cheap Simmons scope but it works great).
 
I'm of the opinion that it is difficult for a man to have too many .22 rimfires. I would not get rid of any of them. That said, your CZ and your Marlin 25 are redundant. If you feel the need to thin the herd and can take the bite, sell the CZ. If your heart can't take that, don't feel bad about it - tell yourself that you've got a .22-centered collection of users and keep all four, including the Ruger. A Ruger .22 semiauto pistol is too much fun not to have around. Personally, I'm trying to talk my brother out of his Marlin 25, but the little brat won't even consider selling to me. :D

Sell the .17. Unless you are married to the concept of this tiny, accurate little cartridge, you are better served by letting it go down the road. It's too expensive to feed, in my mind.

Sell the shotgun you don't like. Keep the two that you do. It's too easy to find shotguns that you will like better, and there's nothing wrong with having a 20 gauge for younger relatives to shoot, even if you personally prefer the 12, and you said that you have a nephew who shoots it. You could even just give the one he likes to him, if his parents will support that. :D That would thin your personal firearms herd and ammo stockpile down, unless you are the uncle who has to provide all the ammo.

1911. If you sell it, you won't have a dedicated "self-defense" pistol. If your estimation of your life and such says that you won't actually need it, then you won't miss it too much, and it's worth enough to get good value from selling it. On the other hand, it does share ammo with the Blackhawk convertible, and it is what I would term your self-defense firearm.

Yugo SKS vs. .30-30. If you get a .30-30, in practical terms, the SKS rifle becomes redundant, and the .30-30 should be better at everything you would use a rifle for throughout a year's time anyway. I had a Yugo. Making hits at 100 yards was iffy, at 150 was an event for remarking upon. Making hits with a .30-30 at those distances is too easy! .30-30 handles heavier bullets than the SKS can, should have a better trigger, should be more accurate, should weigh less and be handier, and scopes much more easily if you get a Marlin. The SKS ammo is cheaper, but good ammo for hunting is easier to find in .30-30. Either is more than powerful enough to put down a deer, dog, coyote, etc, that you were talking about.

That said, I got a .243 bolt action when I went hunting rifle shopping this summer. Flat shooting, very accurate, good trigger, comes set up for a scope, and I can make hits out to 400 yards without much fuss. I'm currently working on 500. :D And it is also capable of taking on all of those rifle chores. It has a much better trigger than an SKS, and is way more accurate. Just throwing that out there. Doesn't kick any harder than a .30-30, either.

When I sold my SKS, I got TWICE as much money for it as I paid for it. I could have bought a new Marlin .30-30 for what I got for it plus about 20 bucks. Used, I could have paid cash. I bought a new Ruger Single Six, and I've gotten more use from it than I ever got from the SKS. Kids like it, I like it, wife likes it. So, there's another .22 that I can't do without, adding to MY unfocused collection of firearms I regularly use. :D

I do not miss that inaccurate, mushy-triggered, too-heavy for its caliber SKS.

IMHO, you should ditch the shotgun and .17, and I would add ditching the SKS. Then you could get a .30-30 (or .243) and a nice scope with the cash you get from selling them. You might even have enough left over, if you shop carefully, for a single-stage press and some other reloading gear.

Honestly, it doesn't sound like you want to thin things out too much. It sounds like you want to get rid of a gun you don't like, a gun you find too expensive to feed for what you get out of it, and you're contemplating whether or not to sell a couple of others because of limited utility, even though you like them. I say, keep guns you like unless you HAVE to sell them. Don't bother keeping guns you don't like. Don't apologize for having a certain number of guns, so long as your finances aren't suffering for you owning them.
 
For an all in one, a 300 H&H or 300 Wby Mag would do the job perfectly. They both fire, without reducing the powder charge, anything from 120gr to 220gr.
 
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