Help me pick my next R8 caliber

[Shako Badhan]

Last year I bought an R8 with 9.3x62 barrel from another AH member. I have been enjoying greatly ever since, it’s just hard to beat. I think the time has come to add another barrel and would appreciate some input.

My thinking is to go in one of two directions. Given I already have a medium bolt head get a less expensive to shoot but still very capable caliber such as…
30-06
308
6.5x55

Or, pick up a magnum bolt head and a 300 WM barrel. The thinking is the 9.3 and 300 would get me a pretty good one rifle two barrel battery.

As I said I would appreciate the input, what do you all think?

 

[Tanks]

I am pretty happy with .300RUM as my longer distance cartridge. So, .300 WM should work well for you as well.

 

[Green Chile]

There's nothing wrong with those 3 classic calibers to match up with your 9.3 barrel. I just got back from a trip with a R8 in 300 win mag and that's a pretty versatile caliber. Numerous plains game were taken cleanly with 180 TTSX. Most of your shots in Africa will be well under 200 yds...many under 100. You don't need a mag bolt head but get what's most interesting to you.

 

[TOBY458]

If you’re only concerned with shots out to 400 yards or so, the 30/06 should work well.

 

[meigsbucks]

I started with a 9.3x62 as well. I added a .270 and .300 Wby.
I’d either add a DG round : .375 H&H or a flat shooting round: .300 mag

 

[Bert the Turtle]

I’d add a 30-06. Makes sense to stick with a bolt head family- one less part to drop and lose somewhere somehow.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

300 Win Mag for the win!

HH

 

[Pirkan]

The 6.5x55 obviously. It has been going strong for 132 years and will be going long after modern gimmicks like the 30-06 have faded away.

I may or may not be a tiny bit biased but that´s irrelevant.

 

[Daggaboy375]

30-06 and be done.

DB

 

[dchum]

Another vote for 30-06 to keep bolt the same.

30-06 and 168ttsx leaves me not wanting much. Good to 400 if you want.

270 if you want lighter and not be as close to 9.3

Swap barrel and go!

 

[Luminous Ham]

Well, I have a .243 and trying to get a .416 (19 mm) as supplements to my 9.3x62. Guess it all depends on what game you might wanna shoot. My .243 is for roe (and red stag if it passes by), 9.3 for bigger, and the .416 for buffalo.

 

[Shako Badhan]

I appreciate all the input. I am definitely leaning in the 30-06 direction. The longest shooting I think I will be doing is on Namibian PG so it should do the trick.

I will be hunting roe deer in England next month using a client R8 in 6.5x55. That experience could shape my decision.

 

[Daisy]

Consider a 223.

 

[AimSmall]

Once you start down hiway R8, plan ahead for you next 3 barrels..

 

[Shako Badhan]

Consider a 223.

I do like the caliber and I’ve hunted (two legged) animals with it before. I think I want to go a big heavier as the smallest I’ll use it for is roe deer.

 

[Canadaboy]

I’d be tempted to say .270 win to pair with a 9.3x62. But it depends on what you plan to use it for. The .308 would be an easy to feed relatively affordable option too.

Personally for my R8 I went with .22lr, 30-06, and .375 H&H. But that requires 3 bolt heads too.

 

[BeeMaa]

Step up to the MA bolt head with a 300WM and (at least) a 375H&H. Although, once bitten by the mid-bore bug a proper big bore 416RM or 458LOTT could also be in the works.

 

[Daisy]

I do like the caliber and I’ve hunted (two legged) animals with it before. I think I want to go a big heavier as the smallest I’ll use it for is roe deer.

It’s weird to think about, but 223 is a great caliber for roe deer. Use a modern fragmenting bullet and you’re golden.

Also it’s just a great cheap practice round. You’ll shoot way way more. And, bc it’s an r8 it’s the exact same shouldering and feel as any other caliber

 

[Daisy]

I do like the caliber and I’ve hunted (two legged) animals with it before. I think I want to go a big heavier as the smallest I’ll use it for is roe deer.

And like all my friends have told you here, it’s an addiction. My 6th barrel arrives this week

 

[375Ruger416]

30/06 next is the practical choice of the options you listed. Talk about damning with faint praise…

It’s still what I’d go with.