Poll - One all around single cartridge under conditions

[KnightExtreme]

30.06 Remington

 

[FLS]

Out of what you have listed, 6.5 Creedmoor. Good ammo and components are available and slightly less recoil than the others.

 

[MuleyFever]

Since you have those rifles I would pull out the 7-08 and 6.5CM and decide which one you like better and keep that one.

 

[rookieforever33]

Unless all of those are the same except for cartridge I would keep the one that shoots the best and fits you well. Keep the rifle you like the most, and scope you like the most. All are perfect for what you want to do.

 

[USAF Ret]

Since you have those rifles I would pull out the 7-08 and 6.5CM and decide which one you like better and keep that one.

I have been shooting them exclusively for deer season this year. Accuracy on both are excellent and both rifles are very nice. It is a hard decision. The 6.5 is a Bergara B-14 Squared Crest. The 7mm-08 is a custom Rem 700 from Mack with a Carbon Six barrel. I can definitley tell the 08 has a little more thump. Just not sure how I can handle that if things get worse with my neck, shoulder, and headaches.

 

[USAF Ret]

Another note, I will be keeping a few smaller calibers I have that have low recoil. My Rossi 30-30 as well as my little 6.5 Grendel. Those are great for deer, but I would not take them elk hunting. Well, maybe the 30-30 within 100 yards, but whatever elk hunt I go on it will be a disabled veteran hunt and I doubt I will have the ability to do any significant stalking. I also have a 25-06 with super low recoil I will be keeping. Just getting rid of the larger calibers.

If anyone is interested...I have a Weatherby 307 Range 2.0 in 280 Ackley that has never been shot along with a Tikka Ace Game in 6.5 PRC that is new as well. I also have a 308 HOWA in a chassis that I ordered a Criterion barrel for that I will probably be selling. I also have a new AR-10 upper in 338 Federal I had a buddy build before I got so bad off. If I don't sell that, I may send it back to him to rebarrel in a 22 or 25 Creedmoor.

 

[Stache Attack]

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.

Not 7mm08??

 

[bnewt3]

OP was very clear, read.

"You have decided to downsize significantly. You want to keep one caliber with the following considerations:"

"keep" makes it crystal clear.

 

[MuleyFever]

Another note, I will be keeping a few smaller calibers I have that have low recoil. My Rossi 30-30 as well as my little 6.5 Grendel. Those are great for deer, but I would not take them elk hunting. Well, maybe the 30-30 within 100 yards, but whatever elk hunt I go on it will be a disabled veteran hunt and I doubt I will have the ability to do any significant stalking. I also have a 25-06 with super low recoil I will be keeping. Just getting rid of the larger calibers.

If anyone is interested...I have a Weatherby 307 Range 2.0 in 280 Ackley that has never been shot along with a Tikka Ace Game in 6.5 PRC that is new as well. I also have a 308 HOWA in a chassis that I ordered a Criterion barrel for that I will probably be selling. I also have a new AR-10 upper in 338 Federal I had a buddy build before I got so bad off. If I don't sell that, I may send it back to him to rebarrel in a 22 or 25 Creedmoor.

If you have a 25-06 that shoots good thats the only gun you need to keep.

 

[Elkhntr08]

None of the above.
If I could only have one rifle to cover your situation, I’d grab my 257 Weatherby.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Well, it is pretty clear but folks don't read the entire description sometimes. Bullet format is about as clear as it gets.

You are spot on. I'd say more than 70% do not read original posts in their entirety, which leads to avoidable confusion and nonsense.

 

[bnewt3]

None of the above.
If I could only have one rifle to cover your situation, I’d grab my 257 Weatherby.

Not helpful.

It is very clear, hes asking which *out of what he already owns* should he keep, given his situation.

 

[MTlan66]

I lived for many years in VA hunting similar parameters. The 6.5 Creedmoor was my go to, as well as both of my sons. I lost track of how many deer we bagged with that gun. From 15 to 440 yards, it always got the job done. I have only shot two cow elk in Montana with it, but it worked fine. I never reloaded for it – just used Hornady’s 143 ELDX factory loads.

Needless to say, that’s my vote!

 

[LightFoot]

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.

7mm-08 pushing 139LRX, 140AB, or 150ELDX.
Tikka Stainless & Threaded (if factory)
Defiance Classic 75* Nitride (if custom)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bluefish]

6 arc would be my choice, but not an option. Or a 25 cm which will be my next barrel.

 

[JPW13]

If I had to burn it all down to one rifle with your list in mind, the boring but brutally honest answer is 6.5 Creedmoor. It just works. Mild recoil, easy dope to 300, perfectly lethal to 400, and zero drama on the reloading bench. You can almost close your eyes, throw a charge, and it’ll still shoot sub-MOA. Probably why so many people hate how much they like it — it’s too damn easy.

But if you reload there’s an argument for 7mm-08. With today’s bullets, that cartridge is way more capable and finding multiple loads might keep things fun vs a vanilla 6.5CM. Plus if you shoot it out you could go fast twist and really have some fun reloading.

 

[bnewt3]

Heres a thought, you like both the 7-08 and the 6.5CM, they both shoot well.....keep both.