FL-NC
Member
Same here, but I have more.
Must have rifle calibers.
- Thread starter Taylor Jarrell
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- all around caliber must have rifle
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Averageman
Member
.22 LR
.223
6.5 Creedmore
The more I work with 6.5 C the more I want to forego the .308.
.223
6.5 Creedmore
The more I work with 6.5 C the more I want to forego the .308.
The only cartridge i consider a requirement, atleast in MY safe is the .22lr.
After that the only round i come back to over and over again is the 7mm remington Magnum.
While I doubt it will be on too many peoples list, there isnt much the 7mag cant do pretty well, besides dangerous game.
Recoil while not light is well within most shooters ability to tolerate and shoot well, even in relatively light rifles.
I used to say .223,.308 etc for the cheap easy to get ammo, but i realized a while back that ammo cost and availability was the last thing i considered when buying a rifle. For others it maybe a concern.
After that the only round i come back to over and over again is the 7mm remington Magnum.
While I doubt it will be on too many peoples list, there isnt much the 7mag cant do pretty well, besides dangerous game.
Recoil while not light is well within most shooters ability to tolerate and shoot well, even in relatively light rifles.
I used to say .223,.308 etc for the cheap easy to get ammo, but i realized a while back that ammo cost and availability was the last thing i considered when buying a rifle. For others it maybe a concern.
Orcon
Member
Pick what you will but save room for the 20mmx138mmB. A Lahti-39 would be a suh-weet addition, everyone should have one.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
A good .22LR rifle has to be in my safe.
The rest? Well, it depends on what I'm shooting at the time to decide how high up I place a value on a particular cartridge. Plus, that cartridge tends to be tied to a particular gun I own and how well that gun shoots that cartridge.
For example: I think the 7.62x39 is a dandy cartridge, but I don't have a gun that takes full advantage of that cartridge. So, I tend to think less of 7.62x39 than I should. A Mini-30 with the accuracy of a CZ 527 could be ideal for me, but I don't own such a thing.
The rest? Well, it depends on what I'm shooting at the time to decide how high up I place a value on a particular cartridge. Plus, that cartridge tends to be tied to a particular gun I own and how well that gun shoots that cartridge.
For example: I think the 7.62x39 is a dandy cartridge, but I don't have a gun that takes full advantage of that cartridge. So, I tend to think less of 7.62x39 than I should. A Mini-30 with the accuracy of a CZ 527 could be ideal for me, but I don't own such a thing.
adcoch1
Member
For me,
22lr, 7.62x39, and the grand unnamed. But i don't think just one in each would cover it...
22lr, 7.62x39, and the grand unnamed. But i don't think just one in each would cover it...
TTv2
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This is exactly the reason why I think the Ruger American in 7.62 is going to be such a long term success for Ruger and a great accessory bolt action for anyone who owns an AK, SKS, or most especially, a Mini-30 as the American uses the same magazines. It's a great intermediate cartridge in an accurate platform in the American and I think the American takes the 7.62x39 to the quintessence of it's abilities whilst also being an affordable and well made rifle.
My only concern is how long 7.62x39 ammo will be available and at what prices.
I have a buddy that has an AR chambered in 7.62x39
He claims that shoots Sub MOA at 100 yards.
Some of these new American-made milled reciver AK47s that purists like to dog on are far more accurate than a mini 30 as well, but nowhere near the 527.
My Centurion 39 AK will shoot about two and a half inch groups at 100 with steel cased ammo.
gsbuickman
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- Nov 20, 2016
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A few 22LR's because you can't go wrong with good 22's.
For all the little varmints and critters
A 22-250 because I have no use for a 5.56 / 223 and it's excellent for coyote size varmints
A couple 6.5 Swedish because the round is so vulnerable you can't go wrong, especially for long-distance deer and Antelope
A 7.62x39 or 2 because they're damn hard to beat inside 200 yards and they're also great deer and Antelope cartridges
A 7.65x55 because it's really versatile and can be loaded to 308 specs with lower chamber pressures and will nknock down any elk or moose on the continent
And a couple long barrel and short barrel shotguns to round the group out
For all the little varmints and critters
A 22-250 because I have no use for a 5.56 / 223 and it's excellent for coyote size varmints
A couple 6.5 Swedish because the round is so vulnerable you can't go wrong, especially for long-distance deer and Antelope
A 7.62x39 or 2 because they're damn hard to beat inside 200 yards and they're also great deer and Antelope cartridges
A 7.65x55 because it's really versatile and can be loaded to 308 specs with lower chamber pressures and will nknock down any elk or moose on the continent
And a couple long barrel and short barrel shotguns to round the group out
someguy2800
Member
I left home with a 22, a 25-06, and a 12 ga and was never in need of anything, and it stayed that way for years until I finally got disposable income. The 25-06 could be replaced with about 200 different centerfire calibers and it would have made no difference. The 12 ga would be the last one I would give up.
Armored farmer
Member
I agree with the ruger american in 7.62x39 would probably be a great hog n deer rifle for the non-reloader.
WestKentucky
Member
There are so many good ones that it’s impossible to pick “the one” for each category without second guessing. AT least the categories are easy enough to pick...well you can add subcategories or disclaimers...
Small game- .22lr is essentially a must, but 17hmr is usually more accurate and is devastatingly effective, even on sub-par shots.
Varmints- .223 is the go-to but it is far from the end-all-be-all round. If I could only have one it would be a 223, but one I’m longing for pretty bad is 20 practical. All the good about a 223 amplified, and all the marginal or bad gets left behind. Then you look a different direction and see a .357 levergun, and a 9mm carbine...
Medium game- here’s where it quickly starts getting trickier. A 30-30 is the historic king of the woods, and it’s no slouch, but a .308, 7-08, .243, 7-30 waters, 35 rem....... yeah, this category is crowded with great options, and there’s bleedover both directions towards varmints and towards large game. The 6.5 crowd is getting the limelight for now, but I still like the .277 to .308 bore rifles in most any flavor. I’m picking 6.8spc here as it is a great under appreciated round.
Large game- long actions and bigbores. Anything from .270 win up gets the nod. I especially look at the .338 and 35 cal offerings but some “exotics” are great too. I’m settling on a very popular round in Africa, .375H&H.
Dangerous game- when you pull the trigger knowing you Might need to rack a self defense round you know you need something dependable. .50bmg sounds like it’s a great option but it’s too heavy for quickly aimed shots, so I’m looking more towards one of the Nitro Express rounds.
Just to add a kinda silly range round that’s a lot of fun, 30 carbine. It’s a hoot to shoot with so little recoil. Too big for bunnies, not big enough for deer, not great for varmints, but lots of fun.
Small game- .22lr is essentially a must, but 17hmr is usually more accurate and is devastatingly effective, even on sub-par shots.
Varmints- .223 is the go-to but it is far from the end-all-be-all round. If I could only have one it would be a 223, but one I’m longing for pretty bad is 20 practical. All the good about a 223 amplified, and all the marginal or bad gets left behind. Then you look a different direction and see a .357 levergun, and a 9mm carbine...
Medium game- here’s where it quickly starts getting trickier. A 30-30 is the historic king of the woods, and it’s no slouch, but a .308, 7-08, .243, 7-30 waters, 35 rem....... yeah, this category is crowded with great options, and there’s bleedover both directions towards varmints and towards large game. The 6.5 crowd is getting the limelight for now, but I still like the .277 to .308 bore rifles in most any flavor. I’m picking 6.8spc here as it is a great under appreciated round.
Large game- long actions and bigbores. Anything from .270 win up gets the nod. I especially look at the .338 and 35 cal offerings but some “exotics” are great too. I’m settling on a very popular round in Africa, .375H&H.
Dangerous game- when you pull the trigger knowing you Might need to rack a self defense round you know you need something dependable. .50bmg sounds like it’s a great option but it’s too heavy for quickly aimed shots, so I’m looking more towards one of the Nitro Express rounds.
Just to add a kinda silly range round that’s a lot of fun, 30 carbine. It’s a hoot to shoot with so little recoil. Too big for bunnies, not big enough for deer, not great for varmints, but lots of fun.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
^^^^
+1 on the 30 carbine.
Way too much fun to shoot.
That being said, i could live (it would be tough) without it. The 223 pretty much covers that ground for me.
+1 on the 30 carbine.
Way too much fun to shoot.
That being said, i could live (it would be tough) without it. The 223 pretty much covers that ground for me.
Nature Boy
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- Apr 21, 2015
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- 8,256
.308
It’s just too versatile not to have. You can shoot bullets from 110g to 200g in mutiple designs from many manufacturers and do so efficiently from a short action rifle.
It’s just too versatile not to have. You can shoot bullets from 110g to 200g in mutiple designs from many manufacturers and do so efficiently from a short action rifle.
Glockula
Member
A .22 lr or three because it is a great small game / trainer rifle.
A .223 because os ammo availability. Its light recoil coupled with the ability to take down medium game or double as a self defense rifle make it a must have to me.
.308 win - great ammo availability, you step up to a true big game center fire round and .30 caliber projectiles have almost unlimited choices in factory or hand loader options.
.270 Winchester - I have 4 30-06 and have always reached for my .270 going into the deer woods. Lighter recoil and a little flatter shooting out to 350 yards or so are my main reasons. Really just personal preference.
300wsm - this would be the long range option. You have continuity with .30 caliber projectiles as a hand loader. I like the lack of belt like a 300wm and the wsm still should stay supersonic past 1300 yards. If I did not hand load I would take a 300wm here.
45-70 - sometimes there is no substitute for being able to sling a big chunk of lead and make a BIG hole.
A .223 because os ammo availability. Its light recoil coupled with the ability to take down medium game or double as a self defense rifle make it a must have to me.
.308 win - great ammo availability, you step up to a true big game center fire round and .30 caliber projectiles have almost unlimited choices in factory or hand loader options.
.270 Winchester - I have 4 30-06 and have always reached for my .270 going into the deer woods. Lighter recoil and a little flatter shooting out to 350 yards or so are my main reasons. Really just personal preference.
300wsm - this would be the long range option. You have continuity with .30 caliber projectiles as a hand loader. I like the lack of belt like a 300wm and the wsm still should stay supersonic past 1300 yards. If I did not hand load I would take a 300wm here.
45-70 - sometimes there is no substitute for being able to sling a big chunk of lead and make a BIG hole.
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MachIVshooter
Member
For what purpose(s)? It really depends on what you're doing with said rifles. A guy who shoots long range has different needs than a big game hunter, and the cartridges that are "must haves" for either of them probably aren't for the dude who just plinks on the range.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The only "must-have" I believe in is the .22LR.
Llama Bob
member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2016
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- 2,258
I would also say the .22LR is a must have. There is no reasonable substitute because of the low cost of bulk ammo.
.223/556 is close in the sense that it's by far the cheapest, easiest, and most easily accurate centerfire to practice with.
NONE of the hunting calibers are must-haves. They're all quasi-duplicated many times over. I'm perfectly happy with the .264WM, .375 H&H, and my .45-90 although when load workup is done my .50-110 will probably take it's place as it's a somewhat nicer gun overall. Other people presumably use other things. None are essential. The same goes for military calibers other than the .223/5.56 - they're all duplicated and none are particularly essential.
.223/556 is close in the sense that it's by far the cheapest, easiest, and most easily accurate centerfire to practice with.
NONE of the hunting calibers are must-haves. They're all quasi-duplicated many times over. I'm perfectly happy with the .264WM, .375 H&H, and my .45-90 although when load workup is done my .50-110 will probably take it's place as it's a somewhat nicer gun overall. Other people presumably use other things. None are essential. The same goes for military calibers other than the .223/5.56 - they're all duplicated and none are particularly essential.
SwampWolf
Member
My grandfather was a passionate hunter who hunted everything from squirrels to antelope and did it with a Remington Model 870 12 gauge, pump shotgun (which now belongs to one of my brothers), a Remington Model 760 pump rifle, chambered in 30-06 Springfield (which has belonged to me since the late sixties) and a Remington Model 510 single-shot bolt-action rifle, chambered in .22 rf (which now belongs to a cousin).
Grandpa was a hunter, but decidedly not a "gun person". I'm pretty sure he'd wonder what was wrong with me had he ever learned of the extent of my firearm "collection"-I am a hunter and a gun lover.
bearman49709
Member
Rifles
.22 LR
.223 Rem
.308 Win
Pistols
.22 LR
9mm
.357 Mag
.44 mag
Shotguns
16 GA
28 GA
.22 LR
.223 Rem
.308 Win
Pistols
.22 LR
9mm
.357 Mag
.44 mag
Shotguns
16 GA
28 GA
.22lr, .223, .243, some sort of 6.5 magnum, either 7stw/ .270wsm, either a .357/.44/.30-30 carbine, and for the extreme giggles (not a need by far as handloads and modern bullets with the magnums have everything covered really) something .375 or bigger probably with "magnum" attached.
After trying lots of different guns and cartridges I have discovered for myself why the standards became the standards. .22lr, .223/5.56 and .308. Also, because of the hunting regulations of my home state which only allows straight wall cartridges for rifle hunting deer, .450 Bushmaster.
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