Fill this Rifle Gap

Aaron N

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Good morning Gents,

I have a problem that only the AH Enablers can solve.

I picked up two barreled actions last night. One is a 6.5x55 built on a Mod 98, and the other is a 8x57 built on a Husquvarna. I need help to come up with ideas for the 8mm. Here’s my current stable:

-6.5x54
-270
-280 Ross
-7x57
-30-06
-308
-300H&H
-8x57
-8x68s
-375H&H
-450/400
-505 Gibbs

Right now I leaning towards 6.5x57 or 68s, maybe 318WR, or even another Ross (280 Rimless). Based on your guys’ tendencies I know the 9.3x62 and 35 Whelen, or even 404 flags will be coming out strong! We all know how much members love spending others members money, so let me hear what INTERESTING cartridge you’d build with my money.
 
What about a 68 squared (6.8x68)? I wonder if that’s been wildcatted?
 
You NEED a 416 Taylor!
 
Looks like you have the 8mm’s covered.

Why not go smaller with a quarter bore? Maybe a 25-06 or 257WBY to fill that gap below 6.5mm.

EDIT - Apologies, you said interesting… How about a 257ROB or 257ROB-IMPROVED?
 
Last edited:
Looks like you have the 8mm’s covered.

Why not go smaller with a quarter bore? Maybe a 25-06 or 257WBY to fill that gap below 6.5mm.

EDIT - Apologies, you said interesting… How about a 257ROB or 257ROB-IMPROVED?
I figured a quarter bore would come up. To be honest, I have no experience with them!
 
I figured a quarter bore would come up. To be honest, I have no experience with them!
Stone cold killers.

And no experience is just a learning opportunity.
 
The biggest gap in your impressive inventory is in 9mm. So, I suggest 9.3x62, or 9.3x64, or 338 win mag, In medium calibers.

other option is in the realm of 40-ies, rimless cartridges. So, in this next level, I suggest 416 rigby.
 
Would make a good kids deer gun?
Depending on the size of the child and marksmanship skills. Might want to stay away from a 257WBY until they grow into their mid to late teens. 257ROB should be much easier and the 22HOR as @KMG Hunting Safaris suggested.
 
338-06 close to a 318 WR but easy to find components and ammo. Another would be a 358 Norma
338-06 A Sq Ackley Improved and 257 (x757) Ackley Improved.
 
The only thing you're really missing is a pellet gun for the backyard...
If I shot the squirrel, what would my dog spend his days trying to catch?!
 
Looks like you have the 8mm’s covered.

Why not go smaller with a quarter bore? Maybe a 25-06 or 257WBY to fill that gap below 6.5mm.

EDIT - Apologies, you said interesting… How about a 257ROB or 257ROB-IMPROVED?
I know you guys are US centric, but damn. With his new addition he already has the quarter bores covered as well with the two 6.5's unless he wants a really fast one. I am inclined to go with the 9.3 as well. It can be made into a significantly lighter rifle than a .375 and is about perfect for bear, hogs, red stag, wild boar and a lot of PG.
 

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