Which cartridge would you select in these calibers?

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CoalTrain49

CoalTrain49

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The Grendel vs 243 debate had me thinking about buying a new rifle. Not that I'm buying a new rifle but many here might be considering one. I won't break it down any further than the caliber because obviously that would just bog us down. I think people understand enough about the suitability for their choices for the application they have in mind. Lots of different applications like BR, hunting or range toy so let's just skip that here. Let's also skip the pistol cartridges because that's a pretty small niche. I'm basically just curious what others might choose in a bottleneck rifle cartridge. It can be a really old cartridge like a 30-30 or new comer like a Grendel. If you're an AR fan that doesn't matter either. They qualify as rifles and some people wouldn't own anything else. You can justify your choices or not, doesn't matter.

So here's the size of the hole in the barrel metrically. 7.62mm (30 cal), 7mm or (284 cal), 6.5mm (264 cal), 6mm (243 cal) and 5.56mm (224 cal).

These are my choices, with no particular reason. I'm curious what yours might be. Remember, this isn't something you already own, it's something for Christmas for you or somebody you're buying for. :)

7.62mm 308 Win.
7mm 7mm-08
6.5mm 6.5 CM
6mm 243
5.56mm 5.56x45
 
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You can't really skip the application such as hunting, BR, etc since that would determine what caliber would be most suitable.

For deer hunting two of the choices you list are a couple of my favorites and would be a flip of a coin between 7-08 and 308. For varmint or punching holes in paper I still like the old deuce (call me old fashion) but that probably limits to a custom or finding an older in good condition which I'm ok with.
 
Cowhide Cliff said:
You can't really skip the application such as hunting, BR, etc since that would determine what caliber would be most suitable.

For deer hunting two of the choices you list are a couple of my favorites and would be a flip of a coin between 7-08 and 308. For varmint or punching holes in paper I still like the old deuce (call me old fashion) but that probably limits to a custom or finding an older in good condition which I'm ok with.
Click to expand...

Well, pick a cartridge in one of those calibers and tell us what the application is. The thought here is which cartridge, not why.
 
556 is a staple, cheap ammo and parts are easy to get. So as you know this is the foundation. A good basic to have.

From there 308 or 6.5 is a personal choice. As I get older and as my shoulder bugs me I’d go with the later for the reduced recoil. Either should fill the longer shot and larger caliber role.

After that, I’d say what you want and need are the keys for anything else. And everyone will have an opinion and all are valid.
 
I happen to have guns in mind to buy in each of those calibers and a couple more.

44 magnum (1892 or 1894)
358 Yeti (AR15)
338 Federal (AR10 or bolt)
30-30 Ackely Improved (Henry single shot)
308 (AR10)
30 Sabercat (AR15)
280 rem (Tikka)
270 win(encore my father in law wants to sell)
6.5x55 (Swedish Mauser)
skipping .257, already have a 25-06
6mm TCU (remage barrel model 700)
5.7x28 (contender carbine barrel)
skipping .204
17 hmr (savage 93rbtvs)
 
I have;
AR-15, a Colt 6960 CCU, in 5.56 NATO
Old Marlin .30-30
M1A in 7.62 NATO
M1 Garand in 7.62x63
Rem M700 BDL in 7mm Rem Mag

I would like to acquire;
AR-10 in .308
AR-10 upper in 6.5 Creedmoor
AR-15 upper in .458 SOCOM
Marlin .44 Mag
 
CoalTrain49 said:
The Grendel vs 243 debate had me thinking about buying a new rifle. Not that I'm buying a new rifle but many here might be considering one. I won't break it down any further than the caliber because obviously that would just bog us down. I think people understand enough about the suitability for their choices for the application they have in mind. Lots of different applications like BR, hunting or range toy so let's just skip that here. Let's also skip the pistol cartridges because that's a pretty small niche. I'm basically just curious what others might choose in a bottleneck rifle cartridge. It can be a really old cartridge like a 30-30 or new comer like a Grendel. If you're an AR fan that doesn't matter either. They qualify as rifles and some people wouldn't own anything else. You can justify your choices or not, doesn't matter.

So here's the size of the hole in the barrel metrically. 7.62mm (30 cal), 7mm or (284 cal), 6.5mm (264 cal), 6mm (243 cal) and 5.56mm (224 cal).

These are my choices, with no particular reason. I'm curious what yours might be. Remember, this isn't something you already own, it's something for Christmas for you or somebody you're buying for. :)

7.62mm 308 Win.
7mm 7mm-08
6.5mm 6.5 CM
6mm 243
5.56mm 5.56x45
Click to expand...
For me and as gifts for others:
7.62...7.62x39
7mm...280ai
6.5mm...6.5x55 in a modern action
6mm...6x45, in a bolt gun
5.56... 221 fireball in a light bolt rifle
 
.22 cal would be 5.56 (AR-15)
.24 cal is .243 (bolt gun)
.25 cal is 25 GPC currently in development and a wildcat (AR-15)
.26 cal .260 Rem (AR-10)
.27 cal .270 Win (bolt gun)
.28 cal 7mm08 (bolt gun)
7.62 30 Rem AR (AR-15)
.30 cal 7.62x39 (AR-15)
45 cal 460 S&W Magnum (revolver)

I have more firearms than I've listed but if I had to have one of each these would be it. I feel like with my list I could kill anything on this continent.
 
Looking at the OP's list I'd not change much.

7.62mm 308 Win.
7mm 7mm-08
6.5mm 6.5 CM
6mm 243
5.56mm 5.56x45
Click to expand...

I don't really see the need for a 7-08 and a 308, Pick one. And if someone has either a 308 or 7-08 for game bigger than deer it is harder to justify a 243 and 223. I'd pick one and pass on a 243 in favor of a 223.

Realistically I could do all of my hunting with just 2. But I like the 6.5CM and could justify it as a dual purpose long range target round while still being entirely adequate for most big game hunting.

The only change I'd make to the OP's list is that I'd opt for the new 6mm CM over 243 for the same reasons I'd choose 6.5 CM over 260. The 6mm CM will handle heavier bullets than 243.
 
CoalTrain49 said:
The Grendel vs 243 debate had me thinking about buying a new rifle. Not that I'm buying a new rifle but many here might be considering one. I won't break it down any further than the caliber because obviously that would just bog us down. I think people understand enough about the suitability for their choices for the application they have in mind. Lots of different applications like BR, hunting or range toy so let's just skip that here. Let's also skip the pistol cartridges because that's a pretty small niche. I'm basically just curious what others might choose in a bottleneck rifle cartridge. It can be a really old cartridge like a 30-30 or new comer like a Grendel. If you're an AR fan that doesn't matter either. They qualify as rifles and some people wouldn't own anything else. You can justify your choices or not, doesn't matter.

So here's the size of the hole in the barrel metrically. 7.62mm (30 cal), 7mm or (284 cal), 6.5mm (264 cal), 6mm (243 cal) and 5.56mm (224 cal).

These are my choices, with no particular reason. I'm curious what yours might be. Remember, this isn't something you already own, it's something for Christmas for you or somebody you're buying for. :)

7.62mm 308 Win.
7mm 7mm-08
6.5mm 6.5 CM
6mm 243
5.56mm 5.56x45
Click to expand...

Wholly depends on the rifle platform and what I plan to use it for.

Bolt actions are much easier and cheaper to go up in size than AR platforms (once you hit large frame cartridges.)

A bolt action 260 won't cost anymore than a bolt action 223. But to get a 260 into an AR you are easily doubling the cost if not more.
 
CoalTrain49 said:
7.62mm .308 I guess just for the AR-10. I don't hunt .30 caliber.
7mm 7mm WSM or 280 AI
6.5mm 6.5mm Creedmoor - good light hunting and long range round, fits in a short action with your choice of bullets
6mm 6mm Creedmoor - fits in a short action with your choice of bullets unlike the .243
5.56mm 5.56x45 I guess
Click to expand...
 
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I do already own the .280. I would change it out for 7mm-08 if the right rifle came along.

7.62mm 30-06
7mm .280 Rem
6.5mm .260 Rem
6mm 6mm Rem
5.56mm .222 Rem

I will also add:

.35 cal .35 Rem

 
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22 Nosler, 1-7 twist barrel on my 700. Why? Cause the .378 bolt already works, and the case fits in AI mags.

240Wby,1-8 twist. Cause it's cool.

264WM, 1-8twist. Cause it's Hella cool.

.280AI...see above :D

.308, cause I've never liked the squatty little bugger and I feel I should give it a chance..... eventually
 
CoalTrain49 said:
7.62mm 308 Win.
7mm 7mm-08
6.5mm 6.5 CM
6mm 243
5.56mm 5.56x45
Click to expand...

I will note, I have a person immediately pop into mind when I look at each one of these.
7.62- .30 carbine for my girls as a light centerfire they can handle, minimal for deer, would be in thick woods for a close shot.
6.5- creedmore for my coworker who laughs at modern rifles and goes back to his sharps.
6mm- .243 for my mom who is interested in doing stuff with Dad as they are entering into retirement together
5.56- 223 for my wife who pulled out my AR and called me when an escaped convict was on the loose near the house. She needs a lightweight carbine.
 
Because I'm a retard, I have to change everything...

7.62mm - An M1 Carbine... I've always wanted one. (Edit: I just realized that isn't a bottleneck cartridge.)
7mm - Don't know... not interested in one.
6.5mm - I'll have to change that to 6.8mm, I really want to build my next AR in 6.8.
6mm - Same as 7mm...
5.56mm - I would have to change that to 5.7mm, for some reason I'm just very curious about the P/PS-90 from FN. I'll be out in Las Vegas next week, I'm going to go rent a P-90 just to see.
 
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