Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Guns & Ammo Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-07-2017, 01:49 PM
Wisebuck's Avatar
Wisebuck Wisebuck is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: North east AB
Posts: 396
Default Best bolt action caliber.

I’ve hunted with lever actions all my life. .308 blr and .30-30 marlin.
Want to purchase a Tikka 3x but not sure which caliber. I reload so availability of ammo in stores is not gonna be an issue. I hunt moose, deer and thinking of getting into elk. Bears don’t interest me nor sheep or goats. Want a 400 yd caliber. Suggestions?
__________________
Huntin and fishin fool!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-07-2017, 01:59 PM
TUFFBUFF TUFFBUFF is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Gr Pr / 357 / ES4
Posts: 1,053
Default

7 mm rem mag, 160 accubonds or 150ttsx kill everything to 400yrds and look good doing it.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-07-2017, 02:03 PM
Scottmisfits Scottmisfits is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Calgary
Posts: 2,109
Default

Do you want something fancy or something that works and is easily available anywhere and everywhere?

Hard to go wrong with 30-06 or 308 or 270 or 7mm Rem Mag or.................
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-07-2017, 02:07 PM
Dick284's Avatar
Dick284 Dick284 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dreadful Valley
Posts: 14,585
Default

.28 caliber.

If you'd like my recommendation as to a cartridge chambering, I'd say .280Rem or 7mm Rem Mag. Personally I'm a bigger fan of the .280.
__________________


There are no absolutes
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-07-2017, 02:09 PM
SlightlyDistracting SlightlyDistracting is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 438
Default

308 winchester.
Itll put down anything you mentioned plus more at 400
Lots of components to choose from. Great barrel life. Less recoil than the -06.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-07-2017, 02:12 PM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is online now
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 44,826
Default

.284" for caliber , for cartridge, in a T-3, I would go 7mmremmag.
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-07-2017, 02:14 PM
Wisebuck's Avatar
Wisebuck Wisebuck is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: North east AB
Posts: 396
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick284 View Post
.28 caliber.

If you'd like my recommendation as to a cartridge chambering, I'd say .280Rem or 7mm Rem Mag. Personally I'm a bigger fan of the .280.
.280 rem or .284 win ? Are they available in t3?
__________________
Huntin and fishin fool!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-07-2017, 03:54 PM
Dick284's Avatar
Dick284 Dick284 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dreadful Valley
Posts: 14,585
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wisebuck View Post
.280 rem or .284 win ? Are they available in t3?

Go see what's offered on Tikka's website.
7mm-08, 7x64, and 7mm Rem Mag.

That's it.

All are .28 caliber.
__________________


There are no absolutes
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-07-2017, 04:33 PM
Tactical Lever Tactical Lever is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Fox Creek
Posts: 3,315
Default

You mentioned easy availability not being a requirement. Still is a pain trying to get components if it's not somewhat common.

Had to buy loaded shells for one rifle, because no one sells brass anywhere. I prefer to buy 200 gr. bullets for 30-06 because I know that they carry better at long range and have better momentum up front. Many people won't agree, and I suppose they aren't big sellers because no one seems to stock those either. I'm a big fan of .264, but even though it seems to be gaining popularity (again?), it's still hard to find the bullets I'm looking for and the price of anything slightly oddball is quite a bit higher. I had a silent chuckle, when another AO member said he went to a 6.5 to save money on powder.

One of the undisputed (highly disputed) greats of long-ish range shooting came out in about 1952(?) in the form of the 7mm Rem Mag.

Great bullets available, with selection, high BC, and SD, driven to a reasonably high velocity without being crazily overbore, makes it a real contender.

It comes down to personal preference, but a quick look at ballistics shows it's no slouch, and recoil is very manageable.
__________________
Profanity and name calling are poor substitutes for education and logic.

Survivor of the dread covid
Pureblood!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-07-2017, 04:52 PM
warriorboy10 warriorboy10 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,047
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scottmisfits View Post
Do you want something fancy or something that works and is easily available anywhere and everywhere?

Hard to go wrong with 30-06 or 308 or 270 or 7mm Rem Mag or.................
Totally agree and able to find ammo at many local stores.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12-07-2017, 04:54 PM
58thecat's Avatar
58thecat 58thecat is online now
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: At the end of the Thirsty Beaver Trail, Pinsky lake, Alberta.
Posts: 24,499
Thumbs up

7-08. 140 gr pills...this combo will really surprise you...
__________________

Be careful when you follow the masses, sometimes the "M" is silent...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-07-2017, 05:05 PM
Kurt505 Kurt505 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Communist state
Posts: 13,245
Default

Another vote for the .280, I like them so much I have 3 right now.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-07-2017, 05:22 PM
stob stob is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,426
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SlightlyDistracting View Post
308 winchester.
Itll put down anything you mentioned plus more at 400
Lots of components to choose from. Great barrel life. Less recoil than the -06.
X2 - apparently you already hav exposure to th 308. It is just a 30-06 in Short pants
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12-07-2017, 06:27 PM
Cafard Cafard is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Quebec
Posts: 53
Default

id say 6.5 Creedmoor but they don't make them yet? All depend of what t3x model you desire.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12-07-2017, 06:39 PM
Digger1's Avatar
Digger1 Digger1 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Southern Alberta
Posts: 635
Default

I’d go 6.5x55 because I love em. 5% more powder than a Creed, but maybe not the OP’s first choice for long range moose killin’.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 12-07-2017, 06:52 PM
Coiloil37's Avatar
Coiloil37 Coiloil37 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Oz
Posts: 2,109
Default

If I was going to suggest one rifle for 0-400 yard shots... buy a 30-06. It's got everything in spades over every other cartridge listed. There's a reason it's been the king for over 110 years.
If I wasn't recoil shy and liked knowing I could engage an animal at any angle and get enough penetration I could be pretty happy with a .338 win mag.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 12-07-2017, 07:17 PM
SlightlyDistracting SlightlyDistracting is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 438
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digger1 View Post
I’d go 6.5x55 because I love em. 5% more powder than a Creed, but maybe not the OP’s first choice for long range moose killin’.
Tiika makes a 6.5 creedmoor
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 12-07-2017, 07:44 PM
270person 270person is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 6,496
Default

270 or 7mm with the 7 being about the best all round..."everything" out there.

Flat. Fast. Lots of energy downrange. Manageable recoil and a wide selection of ammunition available everywhere.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 12-07-2017, 08:00 PM
Tommeh Tommeh is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 30
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SlightlyDistracting View Post
Tiika makes a 6.5 creedmoor
Definitely worth looking at
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 12-07-2017, 08:18 PM
Flieguy's Avatar
Flieguy Flieguy is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kananaskis
Posts: 2,612
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digger1 View Post
I’d go 6.5x55 because I love em. 5% more powder than a Creed, but maybe not the OP’s first choice for long range moose killin’.
6.5X55 because it kicks like a 243 and kills like a Tiger tank
__________________
the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten

instagram: @schrodo_of_the_shire
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 12-07-2017, 08:27 PM
Kurt505 Kurt505 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Communist state
Posts: 13,245
Default

I ordered my Nula in 6.5 Creedmoor because I did a lot of research beforehand. I believe it's going to be the new and improved 308. It beats the 308 in every category except popularity...... for now.

For a hunting cartridge I personally like the 06' size case with aboout 55-60gr of powder and about 150gr of projectile.

I've done the magnum thing, and after years of hunting have come to the realization that at the ranges I hunt (0-800yds) the magnum offers little to no advantage over the 06' case. Until the advent of the 6.5 Creedmoor I never really put much thought or consideration into the smaller case but seeing what a 143 or 147gr bullet in 6.5 diameter bullet can do, I'm hoping my choice in the Creedmoor was the right decision!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 12-07-2017, 08:39 PM
J0HN_R1 J0HN_R1 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 2,208
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SlightlyDistracting View Post

308 Winchester.

Itll put down anything you mentioned plus more at 400 yds.
Lots of components to choose from. Great barrel life. Less recoil than the -06.
Plus he said he reloads already... He wouldn't have to buy anything (maybe different projectiles & powder), he already has the components !

Winner winner, chicken dinner !
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 12-07-2017, 08:44 PM
catnthehat's Avatar
catnthehat catnthehat is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ft. McMurray
Posts: 38,526
Default

If I didn't already own my two favourite rifle actions in two of my favourite cartridges I would snap up Kury505's Winchester he has for sale
The FWT and the 308 are a grand combination !
Cat
__________________
Anytime I figure I've got this long range thing figured out, I just strap into the sling and irons and remind myself that I don't!
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 12-07-2017, 08:50 PM
Kurt505 Kurt505 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Communist state
Posts: 13,245
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by catnthehat View Post
If I didn't already own my two favourite rifle actions in two of my favourite cartridges I would snap up Kury505's Winchester he has for sale
The FWT and the 308 are a grand combination !
Cat
It's a fine rifle, I honestly don't think it's seen a day in the woods! I bought it off my 84yr old neighbor last winter and he said he never even shot it since the 80's!!!
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 12-07-2017, 09:09 PM
diamond k diamond k is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,051
Default

308
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 12-07-2017, 09:11 PM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is online now
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 44,826
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SlightlyDistracting View Post
Tiika makes a 6.5 creedmoor
They also make a 6.5x55 , which makes more sense in a long action.
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 12-07-2017, 09:30 PM
SlightlyDistracting SlightlyDistracting is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 438
Default

Ive got a tikka t3 in .308. A rem 700 in 6.5 creed.
Either will do what you want.
My next rifle will be in 7mm-08
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 12-07-2017, 09:59 PM
lone wolf's Avatar
lone wolf lone wolf is online now
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Medicine Hat
Posts: 3,214
Default

Despite what others have stated Tikka does not make a 6.5 Creedmore.

If I had my druthers I would buy a 7x64 (European ballistic twin of the .280), however they are a special order from Stoeger Canada ...... estimates from vendors say it might take up to a year to get one.

For what the OP wants it to do, the 7mm RM is the best choice.
__________________
Participating in a gun buy back program because you think that criminals have too many guns is like having yourself castrated because you think your neighbors have too many kids...
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 12-07-2017, 10:03 PM
Kurt505 Kurt505 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Communist state
Posts: 13,245
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by lone wolf View Post
Despite what others have stated Tikka does not make a 6.5 Creedmore.

If I had my druthers I would buy a 7x64 (European ballistic twin of the .280), however they are a special order from Stoeger Canada ...... estimates from vendors say it might take up to a year to get one.

For what the OP wants it to do, the 7-08 is the best choice.

Fixed it for you.

If 400yds is your max, there isn't an animal alive in North America that a 150gr bullet from a 7-08 won't drop in its tracks.... and that's a fact.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 12-07-2017, 10:10 PM
SlightlyDistracting SlightlyDistracting is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 438
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by lone wolf View Post
Despite what others have stated Tikka does not make a 6.5 Creedmore.

If I had my druthers I would buy a 7x64 (European ballistic twin of the .280), however they are a special order from Stoeger Canada ...... estimates from vendors say it might take up to a year to get one.

For what the OP wants it to do, the 7mm RM is the best choice.
Yes tikka makes a 6.5 creedmoor
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Screenshot_20171207-220904.jpg (17.7 KB, 103 views)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:03 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.