I won a gun at my local Pheasants Forever banquet and am going to trade it in for a rifle that when my 10 year old son gets older it will be his rifle. He will be an average sized adult, probably stockier than most. I would like this to be the best overall rifle I can get for that $1,000 or under price tag for the antelope to elk range. I have been doing some research and that has confused me a little and am looking for a little clarity/opinions from some here that have a wealth of gun experience. I am not a reloader and I would like a mainstream caliber with lots of bullet options. I put together this chart to compare calibers as closely as possible. I only picked that particular bullet as it was common to almost all the calibers (except the 7-08 which was 10 grains lighter) as I wanted an apples to apples comparison. I know that if you put it in the right spot, it wont matter which one, but I can pick any caliber I want, so why not get the best I can?
Grain Bullet Muzzle V 500 Vel Mz Energy 300 Energy 500 Energy Felt Recoil
7mm08 140 Power Max Bonded 2800 1793 2437 1457 999 12.6
270 150 Power Max Bonded 2850 1784 2705 1577 1060 17
308 150 Power Max Bonded 2820 1594 2648 1378 846 15.8
3006 150 Power Max Bonded 2920 1664 2839 1492 922 17.6
7mm Mag 150 Power Max Bonded 3090 1981 3180 1904 1307 19.2
First question, are there any other calibers that I should consider?
I was really surprised that the 270 outperforms the 308 on paper. I have heard plenty of people talk about how a 270 might be a little light for elk, but have never heard that with regards to the 308, but the numbers favor the 270. What am I missing?
The 7mm-08 vs 308 really surprised me on how close they were (yes, there is a 10 grain difference). I personally own a 7-08, but have only shot an antelope with it (it tipped over dead!).
So there are ballistics on paper and there are real world experiences and other factors. What other factors should I consider? On paper, it sure seems like the 270 is hard to beat, which surprised me as I would not have guessed that going into this analysis.
Okay, that is the caliber part. How about he manufacturer? I have an XBolt and I like it. I have a Ruger American and like the ugly thing but he likes wood so that leaves the American out. I don't know much about Howa (except Randy likes the them), do they have a 3 way safety or bolt release? I will not consider a rifle that doesn't have a 3 way safety or bolt release button (so goodbye Tikka!). I prefer to avoid Remington.
Any thoughts you might have would sure be appreciated. I am using this as a learning moment for my son and am teaching him about ballistics and the importance of doing your homework prior to making a big purchase decision. Thanks!
Grain Bullet Muzzle V 500 Vel Mz Energy 300 Energy 500 Energy Felt Recoil
7mm08 140 Power Max Bonded 2800 1793 2437 1457 999 12.6
270 150 Power Max Bonded 2850 1784 2705 1577 1060 17
308 150 Power Max Bonded 2820 1594 2648 1378 846 15.8
3006 150 Power Max Bonded 2920 1664 2839 1492 922 17.6
7mm Mag 150 Power Max Bonded 3090 1981 3180 1904 1307 19.2
First question, are there any other calibers that I should consider?
I was really surprised that the 270 outperforms the 308 on paper. I have heard plenty of people talk about how a 270 might be a little light for elk, but have never heard that with regards to the 308, but the numbers favor the 270. What am I missing?
The 7mm-08 vs 308 really surprised me on how close they were (yes, there is a 10 grain difference). I personally own a 7-08, but have only shot an antelope with it (it tipped over dead!).
So there are ballistics on paper and there are real world experiences and other factors. What other factors should I consider? On paper, it sure seems like the 270 is hard to beat, which surprised me as I would not have guessed that going into this analysis.
Okay, that is the caliber part. How about he manufacturer? I have an XBolt and I like it. I have a Ruger American and like the ugly thing but he likes wood so that leaves the American out. I don't know much about Howa (except Randy likes the them), do they have a 3 way safety or bolt release? I will not consider a rifle that doesn't have a 3 way safety or bolt release button (so goodbye Tikka!). I prefer to avoid Remington.
Any thoughts you might have would sure be appreciated. I am using this as a learning moment for my son and am teaching him about ballistics and the importance of doing your homework prior to making a big purchase decision. Thanks!