Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Adding a new to me all around big game rifle

Looking to add another big game rifle to the line up. I've been offered my choice of .264 win mag, 7 rem mag, .300 win mag and Weatherby. Now the .300's don't particularly excite me but I've turned to the learned here for advice. My current big game rifles are a .30-06 and 7mm-08.
Moose and black bear are the most likely quarry other than whitetails. Nothing that my current two can't handle without a sweat, but variety is the spice of life.

I would spend my money on something else.

.375 H&H

If you got a 30/06 and 7/08, that's the answer.

This. If you can't get it done in North America with a .30-06 or 7-08, then another rifle isn't going to solve your problems.

If you're looking for variety but also practicalness, elk's suggestion above is spot on.

Lots of folks are surprised at the .375 H&H's relative lack of recoil, effectiveness on smaller game without excessive damage, and availability of rounds. I've settled on the 260 Partition in mine, and while not exactly a long range setup, it has proven ridiculously effective on black bear, elk, whitetail, wolf and antelope. Never shot a moose with it, but would not be concerned about it's ability to.

The OP specifically said "Nothing that my current two can't handle without a sweat, but variety is the spice of life"...he's looking for an excuse to buy another rifle for the hell of it, not because he thinks he needs one.

Nothing wrong with wanting another rifle. I've gotten away from magnums lately but I keep a couple of 7Mags in the safe. I tried a 300 Win Mag but it was more than I wanted. A 7Mag is about the top of my comfort level. It's similar recoil wise to the 30-06 with flatter trajectory. If the chance to hunt something really big ever comes along, I can load it up with a 160 TSX or 175 Partition and not feel a bit under-gunned.

I've never tried a 264 Win Mag, but it does interest me. Maybe some day.

Out of what you've been offered, I'd go .300 Win.

A .264 will recoil about like your .30-06 and produce a significantly flatter trajectory with similar sectional density. It will certainly need at least a 24" barrel and could easily use one 26" or longer. Since I usually go with after market I would use a 28" barrel in that cartridge.

Although I would wear out the factory barrel first!

Yeah.... SURE you would...

The 300 and then rebore/rebarrel it to 338 Win Mag

Those calibers tend to be bolt action. Since you already have a couple, maybe consider a different package like a lever action or pump. Maybe a 45/70, 444 Marlin or perhaps a Remington 7600 in .35 Whelen.

I was thinking .264 if the seller will come down some on the price. Then I have the option of working my way up to the .375 CT one rebore at a time.

Other than what chambering, maybe a different style of rifle would add some variety to your lineup. If you have standard weight rifles, maybe a lightweight 264 or 7RM? I had an ULA 7RM that was a joy to carry and was more pleasant than you'd expect when the trigger was pulled.

300 Weatherby all the way! I like 180 grain Nosler Partitions.

why are you limited to those four calibers??

264's are fun!

The 7-08 is a lightish weight rifle. Model 7 with a 24" aftermarket barrel. Next step will be fluting and getting a synthetic stock for it.
The cartridges listed are just the ones I've been offered that intrigue me either due to rifle, perhaps a 760 series in a .35 Whelan or Marlin in a .444 or .45-70 is an avenue I should look at.

Of the ones you mention in your original post unless you handload the 264 Win Mag (which I have and like) isn't a good option so I would go with the 7mm Rem Mag instead since you can get cheap shells at Canadian Tire. The 300 will only add recoil to the equation.

Since you have a 7mm-08 and 30-06 I would look at a 223 instead or one of the ones you just mentioned, the 7600 35 Whelen or a Marlin. The Marlin lever guns have pretty heavy recoil so if the stock doesn't fit well (like it does with me) it isn't fun to shoot.