Poll - One all around single cartridge under conditions

[USAF Ret]

Yes, another poll because they are fun and provide me wisdom and knowledge from folks.

You have decided to downsize significantly. You want to keep one caliber with the following considerations:
1) Mostly whitetail hunting within 300 yards, with a possibility of 400 yards.
2) A possible elk or mule deer hunt once, twice at the most.
3) The possibility of future neck and shoulder problems worsening, causing additional recoil sensitivity.
4) You reload.

 

[CJ_BG]

400yd and under deer hunting, with a possible elk hunt in the future, and you may have chronic neck and shoulder problems.

Sounds like you need a RSS in 223. If you wanted to be legal in the 6mm states then 6 arc or 6 creed. If you want to be cool you'd go with something like a 243 ackley.

For your situation none of the available cartridges offer anything in my eyes that would make them worthy options over what I listed.

 

[43.6N]

well, I’m building a 16.25” 22 creed. That would be my vote if it were an option.

A good friend is all in on an 18” 6 creed rebarrel. So that would be his vote haha!

 

[RockAndSage]

Yes, another poll because they are fun and provide me wisdom and knowledge from folks.

You have decided to downsize significantly. You want to keep one caliber with the following considerations:
1) Mostly whitetail hunting within 300 yards, with a possibility of 400 yards.
2) A possible elk or mule deer hunt once, twice at the most.
3) The possibility of future neck and shoulder problems worsening, causing additional recoil sensitivity.
4) You reload.

Looking for the "yes" button, but it seems to be missing...

(ie, they're all excellent all-around cartridges).

If you have serious neck/shoulder issues or just want to get away from recoil, 6mm ARC is an excellent option with what you shared, with ELD-M or TMK bullets.

 

[IAm_Not_Lost]

Only the 6.5 creed and 308 win are viable out of that group with the criteria you specified. I’d give the nod to 308 since your distance is within 400 yards. Cheaper, more available, and lots of low recoil options.

 

[43.6N]

Curious, why not 243win or 6CM?
Any reason YOU are specifically interested in the choices listed in your poll? Often it’s the intangibles that make all the difference for these kinds of decisions.

 

[TaperPin]

You reload so reduced loads in the 7mm08 are possible. Heck, an animal wouldn’t know the difference between getting hit with a 120 gr or 140 gr., 6.5 or 7mm bullet, so there isn’t anything on your list a reloader couldn’t come close to duplicating with the 280ai.

I like the 308 just fine and it seems to work best with 165s, but it’s nothing a 160 gr 7mm couldn’t do.

I’d get the rifle you want today and worry about trading it in on something else when the time comes.

 

[bnewt3]

Multiple reputable sources have said "the best rifle for you to shoot is the rifle you shoot best"

The possibility of increasing recoil sensitivity says 6.5 creedmoor. It can do everything you say you want it to do. And if recoil still becomes an issue, rebarrel to 6mm.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I don't hunt whitetails, so I'll leave that one off.
My vote is my handloaded 25-06. Has everything you need with different bullet selections. and GOOD shot placement. Low recoil too. I have had one for 60 years.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Expand the poll! .243

 

[USAF Ret]

Curious, why not 243win or 6CM?
Any reason YOU are specifically interested in the choices listed in your poll? Often it’s the intangibles that make all the difference for these kinds of decisions.

Those are what I own.

 

[USAF Ret]

Expand the poll! .243

Don't own one.

 

[Maverick1]

This is dumb. Inside 300 yards they are all essentially the same.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Don't own one.

Ahh yeah, not very clear that you own all of those calibers and want to sell four of them.

Thought you meant downsize in caliber.

 

[North of 60]

Since hand-loading is an option, any of those listed with a suppressor.