Help an archery guy select a caliber

[Hilltop]

Here are two good articles to help you compare the calibers. Neither answer is wrong imo.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjazbe8jJ_SAhWq6YMKHQKPB3wQFggaMAA&url=http://www.chuckhawks.com/why_25-06.htm&usg=AFQjCNGuLvy8us9ZtJucV0s6nPV0oNnZkg&sig2=BmevounJ8gzeGNBE5ed9OQ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi6p8zgjJ_SAhVj7oMKHZWXDFgQFggaMAA&url=http://www.chuckhawks.com/7x57_7mm-08_260_6-5x55.htm&usg=AFQjCNEzkcq8JJsiEtVtyjiTvrPA7HGrzQ&sig2=bZKp1qoL9TcjAS3Rj7pr0Q

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Plainsman]

Fit,

I hear what you're saying on the righteous Savage discount! the savage options are quite remarkable too, especially if you're right handed- unfortunately I'm not. So to the differences, it will depend on the model. They all will have different options even if they have similar model numbers. You'll have to look at each individually to determine what specifics you'd really like. Right now they have a pretty cool 16/116 lightweight hunter, all stainless/synthetic in several calibers that would be a great addition for almost any critter. It'll come down to what options you'd like the rifle to have, but for a factory produced boom stick you really won't be disappointed by starting or ending your search with Savage, have had several and still have a couple of my favorites and they have all shot very well- factory or handloads, it really has not seemed to matter a lot. if possible/feasible I would really recommend most any of the models above and beyond the Axis, nothing against the Axis but future options for anything based on the 10/11/14/16 (110/111/114/116 for long and magnum actions) are drastically more diverse. Good luck, let us know what you pick!

 

[FitToHunt]

Thanks guys for all the valuable info. Plan is to go get my hands on a couple models and see which seems to fit me best... Now all I gotta do is draw that sheep or goat tag to use it!

 

[Timberstalker]

Having had a 25-06 for decades I'm partial to it. The draw back to my rifle is it likes 100 gr bullets over 120's. It has never been an issue for myself. Thought I might mention that to you so if you go with 25-06 and want to shoot the 120's make sure the barrel has the right twist and length for them.

 

[tim]

243 is a great a coyote antelope rig. but personally a little small for deer sheep goat

25-06 might be a ideal compromise for coyote, antelope, deer, sheep, goat

270 or 280 would be more ideal IMO for deer, goat, sheep, but on the bigger side for coyotes, and even antelope IMO.

pretty good advice right there.

I really like my 270wsm, great sheep, goat deer gun. Can be used on elk also.

 

[ColoradoV]

You own a 300 weatherby just take one step down and get a .257 weatherby mag japan made mark v. This caliber will impress you and if you are already familiar with the weatherby loads and what not I cant think of a better option.

 

[JimP]

The Mark V from Weatherby has been manufactured hare in the US since around 1994. I have a Mark V stainless that was manufactured in that year and it is stamped "Made In The USA"

Now the Vanguard line is still made in Japan by Howa

 

[Swedishhunter]

6.5mm Swede

 

[ColoradoV]

Jim you are right the weatherby has been made in Germany = highest value, Japan = imo great accuracy at the best price, and since 1994 in the usa = very good accuracy.

Japanese made from early 70's - early 90's and they can be very accurate guns. German made before USA after. The Japanese guns are older but not as collectible so if you look around you can find a better price for a hunting rifle. Not sure why the Japanese made guns have shot better for me but they have.

Again if you go with one in .257 weatherby mag I doubt you will be disappointed.

 

[Jrod]

My .02

Don't buy any of the new calibers that have come out in the last 20 years. They are great but if you get in a bind on a hunt in the back country of British Columbia or South America or somewhere else there may be a good chance that you could find 308's or 30-06 or 270 or 243. Granted that prolly will never happen but those calibers have been around forever and there is an enormous selection of bullet designs, grains etc. They all kill tons of animals every year everywhere. This is not your preferred method of hunting anyways so getting all crazy with the calibers and expensive models may just turn you to the dark side anyways Keep it simple
I do like the 7-08 though Cheers

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Another vote for the 300 WM. This cartridge will work great for any game in NA. Even more advantageous if you reload meaning if you are recoil sensitive you can take a little or a lot off as needed. If you load low-end of powder range you essentially have a 30-06 near max velocity. However, I 100% agree with what many others have stated. Find a caliber/cartridge you shoot well and are comfortable with. Definitely more important that having a big gun that you don't shoot well.