what caliber of hunting rifle should I add to my collection next?

Question

This is what I own:
.308
7mm mag
30-06
.243

Just wondering what I want to own next. With your suggeston, tell me why and what model!

THANKS@

Answer 1

You have a collection of hunting rifles and don't own one .22 LR , now that's incredible.

You should have at least one bolt action and one semi-auto .22 LR.

Answer 2

You don't mention where or what you might hunt, but...
I note you have a good antelope cartridge in the 243, and three elk cartridges, but nothing in between for stuff like whitetail deer. Certainly you can use the 243 if you're careful, and it doesn't hurt to be overgunned (except a sore shoulder after a long day at the range), but something in between seems a good choice: 7mm08 or 7x57 Mauser would be a good choice, or 6.5x55 or 260 Remington. I seldom use my smaller- or larger-caliber bolt guns for deer any more, and because of the area I hunt in the Rem 700 Mtn is one of my favorites.
The other way to go is up. If I were back where you are now, I'd probably be looking at 338-06 and 35 Whelen. As it is, I have 8x68 and 9.3x62, so I can't justify those calibers, but they're mighty tempting. And don't limit yourself to bolt actions. If I didn't have a model 71 Winchester, I'd probably have bought one of those Marlin Guide guns in 45-70 already.

Answer 3

You've pretty well covered the standard North American game hunting calibers. You might consider the .25-06 Remington, a stellar deer caliber, and/or the .270 Winchester.

I recently added the original short-magnums to my hunting rifle collection: The 6.5 Remington Magnum and the .350 Remington Magnum. These are in the new 673 Remington Guide Rifle with the 22" barrel(s). Also, just because, I purchased a .458 Winchester Magnum (Ruger #1).

Happy hunting.

H

Answer 4

Sounds like you don't have a straight up deer rifle other than the 308 in your line up so here is my suggestion! Any Weatherby 270! I personally use a Vanguard and it has been the most accurate and reliable weapon I have used for the past 19 years. Is your 308 British? Maybe try a 25-06 it is very high velocity and very accurate rifle! 30-06 charge but smaller bullet. What are you looking for?

Answer 5

Yep, Old Fuzz is right, you need a lever gun or three, or four.

I second the suggestion for the Marlin M-1895 .45-70.

I also highly recommend the Browning BLR, especially in .358 Winchester, and a couple of Rossi M-92 SRC carbines, one in .44 RemMag and one in .357 Magnum, it is up to you about getting one in .45 LC.

You also need a Savage Model 99, in your choice of .358 Win, .308 Win, .300 Savage, or .250-3000 Savage.

Doc

Answer 6

Sounds like bolt actions and maybe a semi auto rifle in your collection. You need a lever action.

A Marlin 45-70, the cowboy rifle with the octagon barrel. Neat lookin' rifle. Lots of good ole thumpin power. Gets some black powder loads for it and really boom a round or two down range. It will boost your testosterone!!

You will find that this old cartridge is a fine hunting round. Load up with some 300 gr. rounds and take any deer or elk on the continent. Get the 400 gr. rounds and go after that moose and Grizzly Bear.

Answer 7

You have varmints to medium game covered somewaht. You might want something for bigger game. The next step up could be a .338 Winchester or a .340 Weatherby. i peronally like bolt-action rifles by Sako and Weatherby.

Answer 8

Winchester 270

Answer 9

Why not look into a smaller .223 rem. on the AR platform. RRA makes a wonderful one that shoots very tight and is very reliable. any AR would be a great addition to the collection because they may be banned again, and its always nice to own something you're not legally able to buy anymore

Answer 10

I love my 8mm Mauser. Great rifle, performance close to the 30-06. Look into those. Best of luck.