Help with Cartridge

[OftenOutdoors]

I am looking at a new build and can’t decide on the cartridge. I have a Remington long action as well as an ADL McMillan stock inletted for the Remington KS barrel contour.

This rifle will be used primarily for whitetails. I don’t have any specific needs. This is more of what would be fun. I’m thinking something light with manageable recoil (I know that is subjective but am thinking 30-06 and lower).

I handload so I’m ok with ammo that can’t be found in a LGS. I do want to be able to source brass without having to neck up/down the brass.

Right now a 6.5 Swede or 7x57 appeal to me the most. Below are my thoughts on various cartridges. Appreciate any suggestions.

7x57 - don’t have one and am interested in this
6.5x55 - already covered but love this cartridge and another one may be the answer
280ai - covered but still under consideration
270 - covered
30-06 - covered
25-06 - not particularly interested in this one
35 Whelen - interested in this but probably overkill for its intended use and recoil will be noticeable in this particular setup
338-06 - same as the 35 Whelen
6mm Remington - not particularly interested in this at the moment
257 Robert’s - covered

Thanks!

 

[JBradley500]

7x57 is probably the coolest option in my opinion, has no issues with performance, and it sounds like you want one. I'd just go that direction.

 

[sierracharlie338]

6.5x284? Can buy brass for it and dies. Hell of a round.

 

[OftenOutdoors]

I had not thought about the 6.5x284.

7x57 is probably the coolest option in my opinion, has no issues with performance, and it sounds like you want one. I'd just go that direction.

This is what I’m thinking.

 

[HandgunHTR]

My recommendation would be a 6.5-06, but you said you don't want to have to neck up or down. It is pretty easy for this one though as you just have to run either 25-06 brass or 270 brass through your FL sizer and you are all set. PPU makes good 25-06 brass that is available and 270 brass is everywhere.

Of the ones you listed however, I would go with the 6.5X55. I like the 7 Mauser, but brass is hard to find and making it from one of the 30-06 variants is a PITA. If you do go with the 6.5X55, make sure you use the "SKAN" loading data. You can find some on the Vihtavuori load data website. It is for rifles that can handle the higher pressures as opposed to data for use in the older Swedish Mausers.

 

[RockAndSage]

Long action but soft recoiling limits things a bit. You mentioned being uninterested in 25-06 but not why. Also listed .257 Roberts as "covered", but I don't see how or where it was in your post. But in both cases, especially if you don't want to neck brass, doing an AI of either of those results in a couple of pretty cool, extremely capable cartridges.

 

[TaperPin]

The 7x57 is awesome - if you’ve wanted one there’s only one way to scratch that itch.

I just checked gunbroker and ammoseek unfired Norma brass is pretty easy to track down.

There is something primal about the big hole in a 35 Whelen muzzle that brings out images of your good buddy Townsend calling you up last minute to go hunting - dressing up in WW1 wool and smacking a big moose. Again, that would be a good companion to a 7x57.

 

[SC HUNTER]

6.5x47
7mm-08
260

Of those I'd go 7mm08 and never look back.

I missed the long action part initially. I'm still at the 7mm-08.

 

[OftenOutdoors]

Long action but soft recoiling limits things a bit. You mentioned being uninterested in 25-06 but not why. Also listed .257 Roberts as "covered", but I don't see how or where it was in your post. But in both cases, especially if you don't want to neck brass, doing an AI of either of those results in a couple of pretty cool, extremely capable cartridges.

I am building a 257 Roberts so that is already taken care of. As for the 25-06, I just don’t have particular interest in it at the moment.

6.5x47
7mm-08
260

Of those I'd go 7mm08 and never look back.

I missed the long action part initially. I'm still at the 7mm-08.

All great suggestions (especially the 6.5x47 and 7mm-08) but this one is going to be on a long action.

Thanks for the responses!

 

[OftenOutdoors]

There is something primal about the big hole in a 35 Whelen muzzle that brings out images of your good buddy Townsend calling you up last minute to go hunting - dressing up in WW1 wool and smacking a big moose. Again, that would be a good companion to a 7x57.

You’re not wrong but I think I’d probably want a little beefier barrel contour for the Whelen!

 

[Deere_Man]

7x57 set up for the 180gr ELDM

 

[SC HUNTER]

240 weatherby

 

[TaperPin]

You’re not wrong but I think I’d probably want a little beefier barrel contour for the Whelen!

It’s pretty amazing that the 7x57 was developed in 1892 and is still right in the sweet spot for light mountain rifles.