Anything but a .308

[CBH Australia]

If someone wanted one good versatile hunting rifle as opposed to multiples what chambering or cartridge would you suggest.

Where I’m saying hunting rifle I’m thinking hunting deer and pigs in Australia, Plains game in Africa, Deer in the UK or Elk or whitetail in the US or something in Europe. Generally any huntable species excluding varmints and dangerous game or rifles configured to those purposes.

The context is that the .308 common so if you wanted a nice scoped rifle in some other cartridge that is better or has a bit more prestige, history or classic status what would you choose?

 

[DaleGribble82]

take your pick

.375 H&H
.30-06
.300wm
7mm Rem Mag
7mmPRC
300PRC

 

[cmk]

Oh dear. This can be a can or worms...

The 30-06 is extremely versatile. More of a classic US cartridge, but was very much popular here as well. Now the 308 has taken that no 1 spot. It can handle all of the big game in Europe and North America, and I guess, most game in Australia as well.

But there are a lot of others that also tick those boxes; 8x57 Mauser, 300 WinMag, 7x64 Brenneke and a multitiude of similar class cartridges.

The 30-06 might not have the "class" of some other chamberings (like 300 H&H), but it will get the job done. The 8x57 is also just another ex-military cartridge, but very capable. The 7x64 is is (and was always) a civilian proposition, and is a fine choice, but probably most common in Europe.

 

[farmer_john]

If someone wanted one good versatile hunting rifle as opposed to multiples what chambering or cartridge would you suggest.

Where I’m saying hunting rifle I’m thinking hunting deer and pigs in Australia, Plains game in Africa, Deer in the UK or Elk or whitetail in the US or something in Europe. Generally any huntable species excluding varmints and dangerous game or rifles configured to those purposes.

The context is that the .308 common so if you wanted a nice scoped rifle in some other cartridge that is better or has a bit more prestige, history or classic status what would you choose?

Im in the 3006 club.
I like it because its a happy middle ground between the 308 and 300wm.
Load it hotter you get lower end of 300wm territory
Lighter 308

 

[DaddyFlip]

When you say ".308" do you mean .308 Winchester specifically or all 30 caliber cartridges in general? If the former, then far and away I would pick the .30-06. If the latter, then the purists will probably say 7x57; I would say 7 Rem Mag, or if I wanted something a little more exotic (and beltless) I would go 7x64.

 

[ARHinAK]

Hand loaded 7x57 if history, prestige or classic status is important.
7mm08 if you just want a nice little round that will take the game animals you mentioned.

 

[DieJager]

7x64

 

[Flbt]

If someone wanted one good versatile hunting rifle as opposed to multiples what chambering or cartridge would you suggest.

Where I’m saying hunting rifle I’m thinking hunting deer and pigs in Australia, Plains game in Africa, Deer in the UK or Elk or whitetail in the US or something in Europe. Generally any huntable species excluding varmints and dangerous game or rifles configured to those purposes.

The context is that the .308 common so if you wanted a nice scoped rifle in some other cartridge that is better or has a bit more prestige, history or classic status what would you choose?

7x57
6.5x55
7-08
260
358
35w

And for game up to a blackbear
I am fine with the 6mm rem.
Coyote,bobcat, gator, turkey,deer ,fox and wild hog.
I would hunt blackbear with it but it would not be my first choice

 

[CBH Australia]

When you say ".308" do you mean .308 Winchester specifically or all 30 caliber cartridges in general? If the former, then far and away I would pick the .30-06. If the latter, then the purists will probably say 7x57; I would say 7 Rem Mag, or if I wanted something a little more exotic (and beltless) I would go 7x64.

The .308 Winchester.

I will probably always have one because it’s versatile, affordable , available, effective but I thought I would see what others might choose if it wasn’t an option .

I know a Aussie that likes the .30-06 for a bit more power.

I know another that says .308 is good for Sambar as they are not that hard to kill.

A friend that had a .22-250 and reckons the .308 is so, slow

I met a bloke who hunted Africa 26 times with a 270 and .338wm

An old school friend who I hunted with years ago now likes the .270 and .30-06

I think .308 gets a fair run in the UK from what I see on YouTube

Tikka use one action length but Sako offer different lengths on different cartridges. So if you had a 7mm-08 it would be different to a .270 or .30-06 and it got me thinking if I was buying something like that I would have one cartridge in mind.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

30-06
“The Springfield”

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

The .303 was in service 112 years for a reason

 

[Whelen]

I’m a fan of 30-06. I’ve killed a lot of different animals with a browning xbolt in 30-06 with a 168gr TTSX loaded by buffalo bore. Species ranging from blackbuck to sambar and everything in between. Recently bought a 7 prc and shoot 160gr Barnes LRX. I think either are capable of killing everything short of dangerous game. If you like reaching out then go with 7 prc. Recently shot a blackbuck inside of 100yds that had no significant meat damage to speak of. Also, a gemsbok at 225yd. Again, no meat damage to speak of.

One caveat: I went with my 35 whelen shooting a Barnes 225gr tsx from buffalo bore when hunting free range nilgai in South Texas due to guide requirement. But still kind of a 30-06. Haha

 

[Whelen]

Of note, federal’s new +peak ammo soon to be available in 308 should do some impressive things: 300 win mag ballistics from a short action…

 

[Joker12]

For me it would be either a 30'06 or a 270.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Nostalgia... and practical: .300 Savage.

 

[Mekaniks]

How about a 280 Ackley???

The 280 Ackley Improved Is Still One of the Greatest Western Big Game Cartridges

The .280 Ackley Improved might not be the newest or fastest cartridge out there. But the following characteristics make it one of the best options for Western big game.

www.outdoorlife.com

 

[Betterinthebush]

.25-06 REM

It’s my go-to.

 

[Jefferry404]

30-06

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Thor’s Hammer: .340 Weatherby

 

[Tex .416]

.30-06 or .300 Win Mag. come in lots of flavors from tool grade to “prestige” as you requested and capable of the tasks you describe. Ammo and brass are abundant.

The .308 is a utilitarian work horse for sure, but also can dress up nicely too. Here is a .308 made by Sterling Davenport:

Here is a .30-06 stocked by Sterling Davenport, barreled by Mark Penrod that I picked up because of the unique carved wood scroll work. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but the point is these old work horse rounds can shine up in the right craftsman’s hands if that is what you desire.

(The big scope is for load workup, a smaller scope will go up top for hunting.)