[SmoothFive0]

When it comes to hunting rifles, which do you prefer, a common caliber such as a 30/30, 30-06, 270 or a not so common caliber such as a 325, 204, 260, 280? Just curious as I'm always thinking that if you use a caliber that is common and need a box of rounds, you can usually find those(even though you should never get into a situation like this) as opposed to Johnny's General store not having a box of 280's or 204's. I know some like a particular round and load their own and always have plenty on hand, but tell me what you think.

 

[Adam556]

i am one of the crazy guys that uses old WW2 rifles for hunting. I have killed deer with 6.5 Carcano, 7.62x54R, 7.5 Swiss and 8mm. I also use .308 30 06 and .300 win mag, but prefer to use old rifles, unless im hunting somewhere that i will be taking longer shots because none of my old rifles are scoped...

 

[Hamman]

My favorite deer rifle is an old sporterized swedish mauser. 6.5 x 55. Its a small, great handling rifle that is very aaccurate. I have a good stock of ammo so thats not an issue, its not to hard to find at the gun shows.

 

[THE PUNISHER]

I reload and really like the 260 Rem....but I also have a 308.

I guess I have my cake and ice cream.

 

[1911Tuner]

I much prefer the commonly available calibers, but I have a couple of Model 94s chambered for .32 Winchester Special. Not rare, but not exactly common, either. Most gun shops don't carry it, and those that keep it in stock don't normally have more than 3-4 boxes as opposed to its near twin...the .30-30 Winchester.

In fact, I need to pick up a box or two today. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[AsheMtnMan]

I definately choose common calibers for the simple reason of ammo availability. I just don't want to pay a small fortune for a box of hard to find ammo. In NC you can knock down most anything shy of a bear with a .308.

 

[WFR]

I definately choose common calibers for the simple reason of ammo availability. I just don't want to pay a small fortune for a box of hard to find ammo. In NC you can knock down most anything shy of a bear with a .308.

A .308 loaded with Nosler 180gr Partitions should end any average NC black bear's day!
A co-worker of mine took a very nice elk with same load a few years back.

I like a mixture of both.
.30-30 and .308 are my "find ammo anywhere" cartridges.
I never go on a hunt out of town without carrying at least one of the above.
.35 Rem, .45-70, .280 Rem and .35 Whelen round out the rest of my rifles.

If I was ever told to pick only one caliber I'd grab a .30-06 and call it done.

 

[Daisy Duster]

If hunting in the US the 30-06 or .308 will get you deep into the woods and still be able to find ammo. I carry on me all the ammo that I could reasonably need for any hunting trip, I run out of animals long before I do cartridges so any cartridge make will suffice for my style of hunting.

 

[2afreedom]

If hunting in the US the 30-06 or .308 will get you deep into the woods and still be able to find ammo. I carry on me all the ammo that I could reasonably need for any hunting trip, I run out of animals long before I do cartridges so any cartridge make will suffice for my style of hunting.

Agreed. The .30-06 or .308 will take down anything in the lower 48 at reasonable distances. Either round is more than enough for the average hunter in North Carolina. Who wants the added headache or expense of trying to find some oddball ammo to kill a few deer?

 

[hardluk1]

ashemtnman 308 is way more than needed for black bear with the average 190 or bonded 150 and 165gr

 

[Phantom]

If you will be using factory ammo only, I recommend common calibers. 30-30, 270, 308, 30-06 are easy to find just about anywhere.

If you reload, it does not matter.

 

[Old Soul]

I have a Tika in .270 wsm and love the round but would not buy it again. I have seen it where ammo was hard to find. Looking back I would buy a .308

 

[turkeydance]

maybe my brother-in-law's choice made him a better shot:
270 Weatherby mag. $40 for 20. with my 243, i can miss
a lot but not miss it.