What hunting scenarios do I use my rifles in?

[dak0ta]

Hi,

So so far have 3 rifles: a 22lr, 6.5x55, and 8x57.

The 22lr is a Savage Mk II FV model which has the heavy barrel. It wears a Leupold 2-7x33 scope. I suppose its role would be target shooting (25-75 yds), varmint hunting, grouse and squirrel hunting. This caliber's role is clear.

Now the 6.5x55 and 8x57 are a toss up for me.

The 6.5x55 is a BSA CF2 wearing a Leupold 3-9x40 scope. It weighs about 8-8.5 lbs, but balances very nicely so the weight isn't apparent. With this caliber, I figure I can hunt pretty much deer, bear, elk, and moose?

The 8x57 is a Husqvarna FN 98 commercial mauser action that I left with the stock irons (rear leaf and blade with bead) as it felt much more balanced that way. I can also hunt deer, bear, elk, moose etc. with this rifle. I shot it for the first time on Tuesday, and with 198 gr FMJ bullets, I can hit a 9'' diameter gong at 200 yards. Is that good enough for hunting?

I suppose the biggest game I'd hunt is moose. Will these cartridges effectively and cleanly take a moose down with one shot assuming good shot placement? Or should I look into a magnum to ensure a one shot kill? I'd rather not get a magnum.

I'm in the Pacific Northwest where most of the hunting will be in forested coastal areas with intermittent flat pastures (farmland) etc. My rational was that the Mauser would be handy in the woods, whereas the 6.5x55 would be nice in the open terrain or dusk/dawn when there is low light so the scope will help. Is that logical?

Lastly, I am thinking that I need a caliber in between the .22 lr and the 6.5mm (.264) and 8mm (.323).

I'm a sucker for vintage cartridges, so I was contemplating the .243 Winchester. What do you guys think about this cartridge and the rifles that are chambered for it? Is this obsolete? This calibre was originally designed for varmints, but it can take small deer as well. Would all my bases be covered with this cartridge?

 

[Texan Scott]

on deer (ie, with the heavy .243s), i'm not convinced .243 will do much yourn6.5 won't already... and though we have no moose in Texas, so I can't say for sure, I think if a heavy .308 or a .270 will take them, 8x57 should do it if you can. What you NEED, i think, is a .303 Enfield for your collection.

 

[dak0ta]

I actually contemplated getting one of the post-war Enfield commercial rifles by Parker Hale.

 

[Abel]

The 6.5 is your deer rifle, that's a no brainer. But people in Sweden allegedly use the 6.5 Swede as their #1 caliber for moose. I guess its all about shot placement. The 8mm is similar, but with a 32 cal. pill, so I'd suppose that it would be the better elk/moose choice between the two.

 

[Kachok]

OK so it is no secret that I am a HUGE 6.5x55 fan, but if I was going on a moose hunting trip, and I also had an equally accurate 8x57 with some good 200gr or heavier bullets, the 6.5x55 would get the day off, yes it could harvest a moose no doubt, but the 8x57 with modern loads is a bit more suited to the task. Now I would argue that the 6.5x55 is the perfect deer cartrage, it seems to be ideally suited to that task.
If you are a sucker for vintage cartrages like me, and want something between your 22 and your 6.5x55 the obvious answer is a 257 Roberts, though the 243 fills in the gaps nicely as well. For something between the 6.5x55 and 8x57 I woulld probably lean towards the 7x57 or one of the old .30 cals (300 Savage, 30-30, 30-06) Any round that has thrived for 70 years or more is OK in my book.

 

[T.R.]

My Dad bought a Remington 760 slide action in 1969 for us to use. It's a .243that has seen much use over the years. We lived in Wyoming at the time; dozens of antelope and mulies were felled when this rifle barked. We shot through the chest organs from broadside angle for the most part.

We hunted with 100 grain bullets for many years. But about 10 years ago, I discovered 95 grain ballistic tips by Nolser - better accurasy and wider wound channels.

In summary, .243 is a very good choice for deer sized animals. It's also useful for varmints. I load 80 grain Sierra bullets for shooting Pennsylvania groundhogs.

TR

 

[Pit4Brains]

You may want to consider the .25-06. I have bagged several cow elk at varying distances up to about 430 yds. Bullets range from around 85 gr. (there may be lighter) to upwards around 115gr. I shoot Barnes triple X bullets exclusively at animals. A 117 gr solid copper bullet hits like a sledge hammer.. The smaller bullet weight can push speeds of 3400 fps and really lay out a flat trajectory for the antelope..

 

[Dr.Rob]

9" gong at 200 yards with irons? Yes that's good enough for hunting.

I'd scope the 8mm for moose and elk and bear, get the benefits of more precision--clearly YOU can shoot. Use the 6.5 for deer.

But as others have said the 6.5 is capable for most game.