Which Caliber?

[wanderinwalker]

I know, that question pops up all of the time around here. But I am seriously interested in the group concensus on this dilemma.

I'm trying to decide what caliber to get the next barrel for my new Encore in when I choose to do it. Right now it is a 20" .50 caliber muzzleloader with aperture rear sight and fiber optic front. (Prohunter Katahdin carbine, the new top-of-the-line.) It shoots great, far better than I expected out of a soot-burner. Under 4" for 3 shots at 100-yards using 240gr saboted bullets, and I feel I am the weakest link in the system.

But at any rate, the temptation to add-on is ever-present. But I can't decide if I should go to a .270, a .30-06, a 7mm Rem Mag or a .45-70 Katahdin barrel (which would be identical to my current setup except in ease of loading and cleaning).

What does the group say?

 

[Jackal]

Id go for the good ole 30'06. The 45-70 is nice, but comparable to your .50 for hunting. My opinion is that .270 ammo is too expensive, same with 7mm. The 30'06 can take everything from varmints clear up to elk.

 

[P95Carry]

If you reload, I'd not rule out the .243 - I load that for rifle with a heavy 105 Speer spitzer and this is a very rugged round for cal IMO.

But of course yes - the venerable 30-06 is indeed a good option.

That said I rate 45-70 on its own - I load that for my BFR and it is a superb round. I favor 405 Lasercast pills over RL7 mostly.