Thread: Barrel length considerations

Was it the lack of full pressure factory ammo that deterred you from the 6.5 x 55?

308s are good. I'd trim down a regular tikka to 18 or 19inches myself with factory ammo.

A 243 might also suit your purposes. They are easier to shoot well for some and plenty enough out to 300m.

6.5 creedmore or 7mm08 have reasonable amount of factory ammo as well.

The lack of full power factory ammo was the major factor.

I spent a lot of time considering the .243. In the end I was convinced by Nathan Foster's observations that there are no prizes for knocking down an animal with the smallest bullet. Particularly as a beginner, I will be grateful for the greater leeway afforded by the larger calibre.

As for the other calibres, the near ubiquity of the .308 is most of the reason that it feels like a good calibre for a new hunter.

Furthermore, sorry if it feels like constant nonsense updates...

But, I think I'll be shooting a 150 grain bonded bullet: either a Federal Fusion or a Sako Super Hammerhead. Whatever it is, it's definitely factory ammo. Any feedback, whānau?

Chur.

Originally Posted by iambatman

The lack of full power factory ammo was the major factor.

I spent a lot of time considering the .243. In the end I was convinced by Nathan Foster's observations that there are no prizes for knocking down an animal with the smallest bullet. Particularly as a beginner, I will be grateful for the greater leeway afforded by the larger calibre.

As for the other calibres, the near ubiquity of the .308 is most of the reason that it feels like a good calibre for a new hunter.

FUCK! Nathan messes with a newbie again!!!!! NoNoNo and bloody No!!! Use the right pill, learn animal anatomy and .243 is a more decisive killer than .308 on deer out to 300. There are a number of us on here and in the hunting world in general that kill plenty up close and far away, and really big deer/Tahr same result as small. Yes I'm biased, but my bias is based on my results with both cartridges. Some .243 factory ammo is great, Hornady Superformance 95SST and the cheaper Federal blue box 100gn two of the best offerings, either of those will cleanly kill any normal game animal out to a sensible distance.

Don't go believing horseshit about .243 bouncing off pigs bla bla bla. It is all about where you put it, people cock up with 300 mags and injure animals, no shortage of power there....

I hunt mostly open country, and I'm more likely to grab my .243 than .270 and my freezer stays well stocked.

Whatever you wind up with, figure out what ammo it likes, then buy plenty of it while you can.