Cheapskate's guide to cartridge selection

[howl]

This list comes from one of the most popular ammo sales websites. The cartridges are listed in order of sales from most to least. The least cartridges were available in at least three different loads. All had a load suitable for medium game. None cost more than $20/box.

1. .223 Remington
2. 5.56x45mm
3. .300 AAC Blackout
4. 7.62x39mm
5. .308 Win
6. .30-06 Springfield
7. 6.5 Creedmoor
8. 6.5 Grendel

Same thing with a $30/box cap, except none cost less than $20/box. (Note that if you limit to at least 5 loads available, 7mm Rem Mag and below don't make the cut.)

1. .223 Remington
2. .308 Win
3. .30-06 Springfield
4. .300 AAC Blackout
5. .270 Winchester
6. .30-30 Winchester
7. 6.5 Creedmoor
8. .243 Winchester
9. .22-250 Remington
10. .222 Remington
11. .350 Legend
12. 6.5 Grendel
13. .303 British
14. 7mm-08 Remington
15. 7mm Remington Magnum
16. .25-06 Remington
17. 7.62x39mm
18. 7.62x51mm
19. 7.62x54R
20. 8mm Mauser

You'd get slightly different results with different web sites. So, grain of salt, etc.

My take on this is if you don't start with 223, well, you suffer from some shade of masochism. For your big gun, if you bother, 6.5 vs 308 vs 270 vs 30/06 should probably be based on which rifle you shoot best with action length being a factor more than cartridge.

 

[std7mag]

I reload everything that I shoot, so it's a moot point for me.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I reload everything that I shoot, so it's a moot point for me.

70 grains of powder per round costs more than 23 grains. A 284 pill costs more than a 224 pill. Basically free brass (223) is cheaper than paying for brass..

 

[std7mag]

70 grains of powder per round costs more than 23 grains. A 284 pill costs more than a 224 pill. Basically free brass (223) is cheaper than paying for brass..

Oh, I have WAAAY more than just 7mm that I shoot.
I only have 5 different 7mm cartridges. 6 if you count the 7X57 Mauser that I load for my daughter.
And only my Rem Mag and 7mm WBY take 70gr of powder.

I have seven 25 caliber rifles.
223 Rem.
45-70 Govt.
9mm Luger.
30 Carbine.

Pistols I load 380 ACP for my niece.
9mm Luger for myself and my daughter.
38 Spcl again for myself and my wife.
357 MAG
45 ACP
45 Colt

All of which are on the shelf in my basement.


Throw in 243 Win, 30-06, 30-30, 300 Savage, 300 Win Mag for friends and family.
It's a wonder that I have time to work a full time job.

Add in the fact that I like my wildcats and obsolete cartridges.

Not many places you'll find 250 Savage loaded with a 115gr Berger VLD. Or a 120gr Partition.
Ditto the 25WSSM with the Berger VLD.
But you'll find them on the shelf if you walk into my basement.

Late invite to a hunt tomorrow, but I shot all of a specific ammo that I want to use while at the range today. No problem, give me an hour and I'll have another box pumped out.

 

[howl]

The easiest path to 250 Sav is 6.5 Grendel.
25 Creedmoor could get you into a shorter than short action like the 25 WSSM, right?

Hand loading is a hobby in itself.The way most people do it is not for cheapskates.