Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles What cartridge do I choose?

Looking through my "stuff" and I found an Obermeyer 11.25 twist 30 cal barrel, both LA and SA Remington receivers. I'm trying to remember if I've ever had a 308, but am leaning that way. The barrel has what I call a Remington mag. contour. It will be a hunting rig. I've wildcated for years, but not really looking to do that on this one.
What are your thoughts?

A 308 has a lot going for it. But the game you hunt may play a part in your choice. My 300WSM shoots really well with a 11.25 barrel.

I do have a 300 SAUM that shoots lights out and I like it. It may be like several that I have, mostly a safe queen. I have an 06, 30BR, 280AI, 300SAUM, 260, 6.5X47L, 6.5 Creedmore, 7x57, 257 Roberts, and bigbores. Deer size cartridge will probably be the max for it as I have larger cartridges if needed.

I’d want more speed with a slow twist barrel than a 308 offers.

I have 308 bullets from 112 to 220 on hand. I will also qualify that my personal limit for hunting game animals is 300yds. My Grandson has a 16 twist 30 barrel on his Mod 7 and it is an excellent shooter. Remember, I've had this barrel in the stack for over 20yrs, I don't have to buy one.

Butchlambert: I think the 308 Winchester caliber would be a wonderful choice.
I "made" myself a Remington Mountain Rifle LONG before Big Green even began thinking of a name for their Mountain Rifle 700 model. And the caliber I chose was 308 Winchester.
It has served me exceptionally well as I have taken 3 varieties of Deer with it, Elk, 2 Black Bears, a few Antelope and a world class Mt. Goat with it - and it is as accurate today as it was when I put it together 35+ years ago.
When you get your Rifle "done" (and if it is in 308 Winchester caliber) be sure and try the wonderful Nosler 165 grain Partitions in it - its all I have ever needed/used.
Best of luck in your venture.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

can't miss with the 3006. may be old fashioned but works well on everything. I have 2, my go to rifle and another just like it for backup. god bless and stay safe.

Thanks for the suggestions. I do have a 30-06, but no 308. I guess I should have said, talk me out of the 308.

I'll also vote for the 300WSM. Since your barrel has a "mag contour". I had one with a 11.25 twist barrel and it was a fantastic shooter. Don't like the 308w much..

I am with 1917!!

I also forgot to mention that my bolts have 308 bolt faces. BSA, with a 300SAUM and a 300 WMag, the WSM would superfluous. It works well for some though.

I guess my post is out in space. I need to mention that my bolt faces are 308 size. I have a 300SAUM and a 300WMag, so a 300WSM would be superfluous.The WSM is a good cartridge, but?

Yeah, I agree. The saum and WSM are 2 peas in a pod.. Good luck with your decision. A heavy barreled 308 is great to shoot off the bench, but not a whole lot of fun in the field. However, I pack around old sporterized m1917's so heavy rifles also work in the field, as you well know... If you have a .473 bolt face and don't want to open up it up, the 308 seems like a great choice. That or the old war horse 30-06....

.30/06

I have a 1917 in 416 Rigby and a Remington 30 in 30-06

I think a 308 is the ideal scenario.

If I was to use the long action, I'd make a 30-06. If I used the short action I'd go with a 308. Just how I'd do it, but YOU should do it the way you will be happiest.

Since I have a 30-06 and no 308 a 308 it will be.

Butch,

Every 30 caliber barrel I have bought from Boots Obermeyer has been a 11 or 11.25 twist. I have called Boots several times and I would be thinking a 10 twist for a new barrel project. He said the only reason a 30/06 was standardized for a .30/06 was to shot the 220 grain bullet. Boots would always talk me into a 11 or 11.25 barrel twist. He says that a 30/06 or 300 mag with 10:1 twist is too fast for anything under a 220 grain bullet. I would suck it up and follow Obermeyer's advice. He must be right because they always shot great!

Go with the 308 Win. It's a boring but great cartridge.