Re: Best all rounder rifle?
Different terrains require different calibers.
Different animals require different calibers.
Bushveld -
Small to Medium Game: 300Win Mag / 7 x 57 / 8 x 60
Big Game (Eland etc): 300 Win Mag / 375
Buffalo: 375 / 458 / 500NE etc
Open Veld Hunts (where stuff is at distance)
Small Game: 270 / 7x64
Big Game: 300 Win Mag
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Re: Best all rounder rifle?
Howa .308 + load light for caliber in the plains, heavy for caliber in the bush. Long barrel life, easy to reload, ammo everywhere.
And take the occasional 3000y shot, if you're so inclined: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPk3xcBQmBs
Re: Best all rounder rifle?
Hallo Wors, the best all rounder rifle is in most cases an illusion for several reasons. As soon as one starts shooting more, the need for a second and third rifle arises. A general all purpose rifle has to be chosen upon your specific needs. Some ideas:
- capabilities differ; shooting a 300 WM hurts some folks.
- situations differ: it is of little use for the average bush area hunter to buy a flat shooting calibre.
- needs differ: if you make a list of your hunting experiences there should be definite trend
- feeding the bigger calibres can get expensive
- the distance you will generally be shooting should be kept in mind
- if shooting an eland bull is a regular occurrence, get a calibre which is adequate for the job. If it is a dream, borrow someone's rifle when the day comes and get a lighter calibre for your regular work.
- do you reload?
- what can you afford - both in buying and in shooting
- 308 and 270 would be my first considerations
- 375 can do it all with a smile, but at the cost of expensive ammunition and a recoil to remember
- 8x57, 30-06, 7x64, 303, 338 would all do a good job
Re: Best all rounder rifle?
I think you need to do an introduction before Admins get upset.
Re: Best all rounder rifle?
I'm still so torn between a 308 and 6.5. Would be used for longer range hunting and some PRS. have a 270 which is great
Re: Best all rounder rifle?
Thanks for all the replies, just to add a bit more of context as to why I am asking all rounder. 90% of my hunting takes place in the bush, rather than in the open like karoo etc. So basically I want a caliber that will be comfortable and not second guessing wheter it will be powerful enough to take down something like a Eland bull, assuming all shots are body shots and not head. I also understand one leads to another and you want to expand your collection of different calibers for different scenarios but as a start I want that one that sortive touch on all aspects, if that makes sense.
Thanks, been insightful so far
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Re: Best all rounder rifle?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gary-t
I think you need to do an introduction before Admins get upset.
See my reply, not sure what more introduction to give
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Re: Best all rounder rifle?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ds J
Hallo Wors, the best all rounder rifle is in most cases an illusion for several reasons. As soon as one starts shooting more, the need for a second and third rifle arises. A general all purpose rifle has to be chosen upon your specific needs. Some ideas:
- capabilities differ; shooting a 300 WM hurts some folks.
- situations differ: it is of little use for the average bush area hunter to buy a flat shooting calibre.
- needs differ: if you make a list of your hunting experiences there should be definite trend
- feeding the bigger calibres can get expensive
- the distance you will generally be shooting should be kept in mind
- if shooting an eland bull is a regular occurrence, get a calibre which is adequate for the job. If it is a dream, borrow someone's rifle when the day comes and get a lighter calibre for your regular work.
- do you reload?
- what can you afford - both in buying and in shooting
- 308 and 270 would be my first considerations
- 375 can do it all with a smile, but at the cost of expensive ammunition and a recoil to remember
- 8x57, 30-06, 7x64, 303, 338 would all do a good job
Ds J, thanks for the reply, you can also see my latest message to add bit more context.
To answer your questions,
Shooting a eland bull is not a regular occasion but if I want to shoot one I want feel comfortable that the gun will get the job done (body shot)
I do not reload.
What's your thoughts between 30-60 vs .308 given my scenario described in a message in this thread.
Thanks
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Re: Best all rounder rifle?
i like the idea of having more than one load for a 308. One for close plain shots and one for more longer distance shooting