Poll - One all around single cartridge under conditions

[The_Coloradoboy]

6.5prc would be my choice. It’s quickly been my do all cartridge from antelope to elk. Actually had a client kill their moose two years ago with my 6.5prc. Paired with a 156 Berger it has been absolutely potent on elk out to 700 yards. Just ballistically outperforms everything on the list excluding a 280ai with a heavy bullet. But for primarily whitetails at ranges under 400 yards with an occasional western hunt a 6.5 creedmoor would be a great choice. Cheap to shoot, very accurate, and low recoil. That being said you could accomplish the same exact thing with a 7-08 or 308.

 

[brymoore]

About any round that will kill a whitetail will kill an elk. Pick your favorite whitetail cartridge and use it too out west.

 

[Caseknife]

I voted .308 just because of so many options for bullets, weight and design. My Howa Super Lite is a dream to pack in the woods, 6# 1oz with the Banish Backcountry. If I had neck/shoulder issues it would probably be a 7.5-8# rifle suppressed and loaded with 120-130 class bullets at around 2800fps.

 

[Redman]

I have shot them all and own most of them. The 7mm08 is just the perfect all around cartridge. I bought one for my wife and I use it when she will let me. If I can find one in a 1-8 twist I will by it for myself.

 

[Nick87]

Flip a coin but if you've got shoulder problems 6.5prc for reasons gasner mentioned. Or just buy a .243

 

[RealMuddyboots]

.280AI which built on right action, freebore and twist such as Remington LA or clone to maximize magazine maximum COAL for longer heavier higher BC bullets such as monos. It will kill everything out to distances most will hunt.

Although not listed, a .270Win built on same specs above will virtually do the same. I have done this and the performance is shocking to most. I am running the 170EOL @3100, 156HH@3250 and 141HHT@3400. It is a 65K cartridge that can be special once built no different than how 6.5CM, 6.5PRC etc are now built. Longer actions, freebore, faster twists max out their potential performance. Oh yeah, lots of RL26 helps!!!

 

[EastTNHunter]

I don’t own one, but I picked 7-08 due to slightly lower recoil than the .308Win. I own a .308 and love it (maybe “them,” actually), but the 7-08 can do most things just as well, save for the really heavy stuff. Use the right bullet and it will take elk just fine. All of those will do for deer of either flavor to the ranges that you mentioned.

 

[Bullshot]

The 6.5CM and 7mm08 are virtual toss ups but 6.5 has cheaper and likely more readily available retail ammo more places. For deer and the occasional bigger game, it will perform, as well as keep to your low recoil needs. Only downside is that it is boringly accurate and just too easy to shoot with a diversity of loads - what fun is that.

 

[USAF Ret]

Level set with everyone. This is not a best cartridge of your choice I am asking. I am asking about the cartridges I own because I am looking at downsizing. I mainly hunt ground blinds and tree stands in NC, where field shots can be to 300 or further. I still have it in my mind to do one elk and mule deer hunt for my late son, before I can't. Which is rolling in close with my health issues. I am not looking to buy another cartridge or build another rifle. Thanks.

 

[chevyman181]

I voted the 6.5cm due to ammo availability. With the listed cartridges and use described, the 6.5 or 7-08 would be fine. If you reload, or need a better blood trail, the 7-08 would have the edge.

If you looking for less recoil, the 6arc might have a place and honestly, the 223.

 

[USAF Ret]

The 6.5CM and 7mm08 are virtual toss ups but 6.5 has cheaper and likely more readily available retail ammo more places. For deer and the occasional bigger game, it will perform, as well as keep to your low recoil needs. Only downside is that it is boringly accurate and just too easy to shoot with a diversity of loads - what fun is that.

At my age, having something you can count on every time is exciting. Haha. Thanks for the great input.

 

[USAF Ret]

I voted the 6.5cm due to ammo availability. With the listed cartridges and use described, the 6.5 or 7-08 would be fine. If you reload, or need a better blood trail, the 7-08 would have the edge.

If you looking for less recoil, the 6arc might have a place and honestly, the 223.

Not looking for a 6 Arc, but I do have a 223 bolt rifle (actually 2 of them) and well as a dedicated hunting AR in 223 and 6.5 Grendel. Those would not be going up for sale as they are good just to get out and practice. Thanks for the input.

 

[cgasner1]

I’ve stated it before and it’s my usual response to what caliber should I buy. PICK a bullet you want to shot. Then go look at some charts and see what caliber will make that bullet perform for what you want. Who cares about the stamp on the brass it won’t kill critters the bullet will

 

[El Jason]

the 6.5 or 7-08 would be fine. If you reload, or need a better blood trail, the 7-08 would have the edge.

How so?

 

[Robert N]

I really don’t want to vote with Old Boring…but damn.

.308.

/sigh…boring. It just kills stuff. Dead.

Totally, utterly boring.

 

[Nick87]

I’ve stated it before and it’s my usual response to what caliber should I buy. PICK a bullet you want to shot. Then go look at some charts and see what caliber will make that bullet perform for what you want. Who cares about the stamp on the brass it won’t kill critters the bullet will

This.

 

[brockel]

How so?

That .02” is a game changer. Doesn’t even matter what bullet you use.

 

[DFS]

.243.
If you’re lucky enough to hunt bigger animals, ‘06.

243 even if you are lucky enough to hunt bigger animals.

 

[El Jason]

That .02” is a game changer. Doesn’t even matter what bullet you use.

Clearly.

 

[mtmuley]

That .02” is a game changer. Doesn’t even matter what bullet you use.

As always, cartridge discussions are fun. And funny. mtmuley