In between 243 and 300 Win Mag

[1895ss]

How about a 25-06??? I have used one for many many years and is my favorite for prong horns, whitetail and Mule Deer out to 400 yrds or more. A great caliber IMHO.

 

[stownsend]

Everyone has some really good points. I know the 25-06 is a great round, just seems really close to the 243 that I already have. One point that I think is important is the availability of ammunition. I would prefer to stick with a more popular round since I don't reload and would like to be able to get ammo, if needed. The 280 interests me, but I don't know much about it.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 243 as a great all around deer gun, but in the coming years my son will be joining me on my hunts and that is probably what he will be starting with.
I need to do some comparison between the 7-08, 280 Rem., and 270...I should also look into the Swede as a lot of people say good things about it.

 

[Hokkmike]

Here would be my choices:

6.5 x 55
7mm 08
260
270

 

[Arkel23]

.270, I'm thinking about getting one.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

The 280 interests me, but I don't know much about it.

It was introduced in 1957 and was for a time known as the 7mm Express. It's basically a 7mm-06. It would be more popular, but it came along 32 years after the .270 Win. They are ballistically similar, with the edge going to the .280 because of a better selection of bullets. Doesn't come any better IMO for deer sized game, on through muled deer and Caribou than the .280 Rem. If you handload, you can get close to 7mm Rem Mag performance. It's my favorite round. Can you tell?
Oh yeah, factory ammo is not that hard to come by. Most Academy Sports I've been to stock it.

 

[jbech123]

If you were a reloader, I'd say get the 7MM Rem. Mag!

Why? For 300 yd deer hunting, there is not enough of a difference between that and the 300winmag he already has. He could download/upload the 300 to about the same levels as a 7mag.

 

[mickeydim468]

I have read this whole thread and here is my opinion. If I were looking for what you want, and didn't reload, I would want a caliber that would be available anywhere. That narrows it down to really the .270, the 7mm 06, and the .308. All three calibers will get the job you want to accomplish done very well.

>270 - not very many loads available at retail.
>7mm 06 - fairly available ammo, at least around here in Oregon.
> .308 - Ammo available everywhere many loads to choose from, also mil-surp available. Lighter rifle due to short action. May be more versatile.

Brands in safe = Remmy and Winny. Why not Weatherby? The Vanguards are as accurate as they come right out of the box.

Just my 2c, I wish you well and Happy Hunting for that perfect Rifle!

Mikey!

 

[Maverick223]

7mm 06 - fairly available ammo, at least around here in Oregon.

Mikey, if I am not mistaken the 7mm-06 is a slightly different cartridge than the .280Rem. (which is available most places); IIRC the neck was moved up slightly on the .280Rem. to prevent someone from chambering it in a .30-06 rifle.

 

[mickeydim468]

I was thinking the .280 Rem when I wrote that. I always have referred to it as the 7mm - 06. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Arkel23]

>270 - not very many loads available at retail.
>7mm 06 - fairly available ammo, at least around here in Oregon.

With the OP being more so to the East, I think he would have a better chance at getting the .270 ammo, this is my first time ever hearing about a 7mm-06, that around here is more scarce than Weatherby ammo!