Second rifle to buy after .300wsm

[wnelson14]

6mm/6.5

That’s Interesting I've had 20 plus elk and deer bite the dirt with 140-142 6.5mm pills. One interesting thing I've seen is that when I get 600ish or beyond and the elk do not see or smell me, they tend to die damn near where they stood. Rarely do the other elk run. I get called a liar, but I...

rokslide.com

 

[wind gypsy]

I do have a Tavor which shoots 5.56 and a .22 bolt action so they can definitely work up to the hunting rifle. At what age would you think a 6.5 creed wouldn’t be too much for a kiddo?

There’s no real line but I’m an adult and I know I’d rather shoot a hunting weight rifle in 6 creed right now than 6.5.

I started deer hunting with 12 gauge slugs that kick harder than any rifle I currently own. I was happy to have it and shoot (mostly at) deer with it but I sure dreaded shooting paper with it. Can’t say this has anything to do with it but I have to focus on follow through or I’m flinching hard still today. Recoil just sucks and a 6mm should be plenty for hogs or deer.

 

[Longleaf]

6creed 108eldm

 

[HiMtnHntr]

I’ve been looking at 7mm-08 also, but I unfortunately live in kalifornia and it’s near impossible to find most ammo. I don’t reload so I need something from the shelf. Have you had any trouble finding ammo?

I haven't really looked much. I did a bunch of stocking up pre-covid. Have enough 08 ammo to supply a small army.

 

[TheHammer]

7-08 would get my vote if not a 308… but depends what you are after. A 243 might be the ticket too.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

223, 22/250, or 22 creed. You kids don't need anything more, recoil is minimized. The bigger cases will give you a velocity boost to help offset the fact that you're stuck with monos.

.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ 176 PAGES? HERE'S THE CHEAT SHEET. “Bullets matter more than headstamps.” “Spent primers offer the supreme tutorial”. I’ve read it here and elsewhere online. It got my attention. I started digging and asking questions and listened. The 77gr TMK delivered by a .223...

rokslide.com

 

[Xbow hunter]

Get a 308. Barns 130 grain TTSX bullets come factory loaded to teach the kids with moderate recoil. If you ever take up reloading you can use the bullets in either case.

 

[budweiserlovr]

I'm not a creedmoor fan at all. But I admit its a good round for kids. I have killed more deer with a 22-250 than any other caliber.

 

[Grisha]

243. My buddy kills 400lb hogs with one, you will be fine with anything in CA and they are just so easy to shoot.

 

[cuttingedge]

243

Winner right here. The .243 Winchester is an awesome round that can do varmints up to deer sized game. Low recoil and decent ammo costs.

 

[Sierra Hunter]

I run a 300winmag and 243, love it. Only thing I’d consider would be a 257 wby but I don’t reload.

 

[ArcherAdam]

If I already had a 300wsm and was looking for a lighter rifle, my first pick would definitely be a 7mm-08. It seems like it is a proven round that is light enough for smaller game and for youth to use, etc, but still a lighter/closer range back-up for anything you would use your 300 on. It's also a round many retire to when recoil of the larger rifles become too much.

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[Ikmclean]

I'd suggest a 6.5cm for a second hunting rifle. I use a 300 win mag and a 6.5 CM. Might be harder with factory ammo but bc's and velocity with 130gn and 180gn bullets are similar making drop and wind calls nearly identical for typical hunting distances.

If your just looking for trigger time with the kids can't go wrong with a 223.

 

[allstajacket]

I’m going to go against the grain and the 6.5manbunn crowd, and suggest .308.

Infinite factory or reload options, crazy low recoil (even less with a brake or silencer) and plenty of energy out to moderate distances.

Also would do better as a backup elk gun than 6.5 with the ability to use heavier bullets.


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[-dirt-]

I’m going to go against the grain and the 6.5manbunn crowd, and suggest .308.

Infinite factory or reload options, crazy low recoil (even less with a brake or silencer) and plenty of energy out to moderate distances.

Also would do better as a backup elk gun than 6.5 with the ability to use heavier bullets.


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I second this. .308 is versatile.

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[thebobcat]

I've got 6.5 PRC Bergara Wilderness Terrain with a factory brake and its a pussy cat. Kicks less than my creedmoor and has more juice for hunting

 

[Macro]

.308, I would have made it first.

 

[RadDad]

I’ve already got a .300wsm that I use for elk hunting but want a second, lower recoil rifle for smaller game. It would also be a good option to teach my kids to shoot in a few years and they could hunt with it.

Is a 6.5 creed the best option, or is there something else to go with? I realize the 300wsm can do smaller game but ammo is just so hard to come by and frankly I just want another toy. Suggestions?

I asked this exact question in a thread late last year. My decision was to get a .223 with a brake for use while plinking. Unfortunately, where I live does not allow suppressors otherwise I’d go that route.

For me the decision was based on ammo availability, mild recoil, and the fact that my state allows big game hunting with that caliber. I have not purchased a rifle yet but am pretty set on a Tikka T3x Lite Stainless then having someone thread it.

-RadDad

 

[Rudymissouri]

My daughter handles the 6.5 recoil easily

 

[PNWGATOR]

223 with a can is the solution.

No one likes recoil or muzzle blast.

Lots of ammo choices. Ideal bullets available for killing anything on the continent inside of 450 yds.

Get them a Tikka T3x compact 223 1:8 with Sportsmatch T084 rings and a SWFA 6x milquad mil/mil and buy a them each a case of ammo and two cases for yourself.

You’ll shoot this rifle 10:1 over any other centerfire rifle you own.