Home
For me it's the .250-3000. I like everything about the cartridge and feel it's about ideal for my needs and I even love the Savage 99 rifle. But for some reason the cartridge always eluded me. A couple months ago my son called me from NC to tell me Ledford's in Hickory had a 99 EG in .250 Savage for $550. He said he didn't know if I'd be interested because even though it is nice it's drilled and tapped. I told him to buy it right away. He went back the next day and it was sold. So the round still eludes me. Someday......
The 270 Weatherby, have wanted one for years. Have a 264 and 7mm Rem Mag right now, when they are gone I might try it finally.
Originally Posted by moosemike
For me it's the .250-3000.


I could go for that, myself. I'm fond of cartridges that bite more than they bark.

Alas, the practical side of me is saying, "Just download your Roberts, dummy!".

FC
375 H&H. Shot them, never owned one.
.375 Wby
Mike I'm not being Smart.

I really don't feel there is a 'best' cartridge I've never had. Any cartridge or rifle that I really wanted somehow I managed to get it. Factor in I'm 67 YO.
One in particular that I thot I'd love, turned out to be a real disappointment. Actually it was the rifle not the cartridge.

After many many yrs I have my FIRST 284 Win in a custom 98. It shoots very well w/139 HBTSP @ 3000 and I'm not pushing the red line.
This yr will be my first hunt w/it. It will NOT do anything that a 280 or 270 can't do. I've just always like the case. In the 98 action I have plenty magazine length for OAL. Time will tell.

OTOH - the only other cartridge I want to PLAY with is a 416 Rem Mag. I have NO need for one, just would like to play with it. That's the reason I never pressed the issue of getting one.
I feel blessed and privileged to have been able to go thru a TRAIN load of rifles in different cartridges.

Jerry
"Best" can't be claimed without being assigned a mission.

For me, the "best" rifle cartridges I have owned have been;
22 LR
223
270
375H&H
(9.3X62 would be in there if I'd ever owned one, but I am going to fix that deficit soon)
404 Jeffery. or 416 Taylor

Best handgun cartridges for me have been
22 LR
357 mag
44 magnum.

Best shotgun for me is 20 gauge.

Best all around muzzleloading caliber for hunting of small game 40 cal.
Best all around muzzleloading caliber for hunting of big game 62 cal
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.375 Wby


And I thot I was crazy. grin

Jerry
Oops
The post said NEVER had, not EVER had.
I didn't catch that.
always wanted a Mark 5 Weatherby in 300 Weatherby.....but when I look at one and pick it up, it doesn't feel right.....
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.375 Wby


And I thot I was crazy. grin

Jerry
You are. wink

.404 Jeffery,would be another choice.
.220 Swift
7mm Wby
340Wby
.22 BR
.270 Winchester. Great cartridge, but have never had the desire to own a rifle chambered for it.
50-110
.470 Nitro Express,shot one,never owned one.

.500 Nitro Express
.444 Marlin
6.5 Creed.....

I'd already run out of give a schit about the flavor of the week when it got "hot".
There are 2. Both calibers are not on my favorites list and that's likely why I haven't owned them.

257 Weatherby Mag

7MM Rem Mag.
.500 SW in a big horn armory lever action. T. rex would be in deep dinosaur do do.
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.375 Wby


And I thot I was crazy. grin

Jerry
You are. wink

.404 Jeffery,would be another choice.

I built one, nice round. A .300 RUM action makes an ideal donor.

Traded the Jeffery after shoulder surgery, kept my .375 H&H.

Actually the .404J isn't a bad kicker; I really didn't need both.

We don't have those mega, NM size Jackwabbits in our neck of the woods...

For our swamp wabbits, 250 gr. Sierra Gameking/375 H&H, shot angle not critical.

Here's a 404J link. https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/7846376/3

DF
Nice .404 Jeffery DF,you should've lent it to me for testing on NM rabbits. wink

Would use the 400 gr Woodleigh and not the 450 gr.
.400 H&H



Just kidding. laugh
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.470 Nitro Express,shot one,never owned one.

.500 Nitro Express

Never shot a .470.

I helped a friend load ammo for his Merkel .500 NE in prep. for Africa. I enjoyed shooting that gun. Big push, better manners than a 7# .300 Wby, IMO. The Merkel was around 10 pounds, handled like a lighter gun.

To me, light weight super magnums can be more unpleasant than big guns; some can get down right nasty. But, you know that.

DF
7mm Remington Magnum - never really wanted one or needed one
300 Winchester Magnum - shot them, never wanted one of my own
338 Winchester Magnum - shot a Ruger tang safety model enough to know
I had no use for one.

There is a pattern here. I like short action rifles, and have no desire for a rifle in a caliber more powerful than I need for what I hunt. Just me.
Originally Posted by Dirtfarmer
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.470 Nitro Express,shot one,never owned one.

.500 Nitro Express

Never shot a .470.

I helped a friend load ammo for his Merkel .500 NE in prep. for Africa. I enjoyed shooting that gun. Big push, better manners than a 7# .300 Wby, IMO. The Merkel was around 10 pounds, handled like a lighter gun.

To me, light weight super magnums can be more unpleasant than big guns; some can get down right nasty. But, you know that.

DF

The .470 NE was a Merkel IIRC,and like the .500 NE you shot,the recoil was a big push. My wife and daughter shot it also,but with lighter loads. My wife wanted a double rifle after she shot the .470....until she seen what a DR goes for.
Hands down the .300 Win mag. Always wanted one and when I went to get one I came home with a 8mm Remington mag. Love the 8mm but that is as close as I ever got to the .300 win mag.
Originally Posted by lastround

338 Winchester Magnum - shot a Ruger tang safety model enough to know
I had no use for one.


I know that feeling ! !



Originally Posted by lastround

300 Winchester Magnum - shot them, never wanted one of my own
.

For some reason, the 300 WM is one of my favorite rounds. Someone earlier said they didn't like the short neck of the 300 WM. It has never given me any problem at all -- IN Rem or Win long actions.

This thread illustrates....

Different strokes......Different folks.

Jerry
Like others there are few rounds out there that interest me that I have not owned or own at present.. Most of the new short rounds have no appeal what so ever. The 6.5 Creed and what have you are fine I guess if you shoot a lot of paper.. They don't interest me in the least or they would be in the safe.. Unlike lastround, the 7mags. and .300's would be the last calibers to leave my safe if I am going to hunt big game.. I find the .270 more useful since once i picked up a rifle that was built to my liking.. I carry it a lot for coyotes, chucks, maybe a shot at a wolf or black bear.. I once ask my grandfather what rifle would he buy if he were getting a new one.. I ask that to all the hunters I met.. He was the only one that said, "one like I have.". I have that old 06 plus a couple more.. I can say I like the rifles I have.. If there was one burning a hole in my heart, it would be here.. Too bad Moose, I have a 99 in .250.. My late wife's fathers.. We shot a few head of game with it, and put it in the safe.. If it were not for family ties, it would have been long gone with the rest of the 99's....
Light load in the .470 NE.
[Linked Image]

Heavy load .470 NE.
[Linked Image]

My daughter just before pulling the trigger on the .470 NE.
[Linked Image]

Just after pulling the trigger on the .470.
[Linked Image]

My wife just before pulling the trigger on the .470.
[Linked Image]
Thinking about this makes me realize just how many different rifles I have owned over the years!

By process of elimination (or is that illumination?), and because I think it's a fantastic cartridge I have to vote for 308 Norma.
Originally Posted by skitish
Hands down the .300 Win mag. Always wanted one and when I went to get one I came home with a 8mm Remington mag. Love the 8mm but that is as close as I ever got to the .300 win mag.


I have both. Only had 1, - 8 but have had several 300 WMs.

The 8 is more gun than the 300 but I like the 300 better for a couple of reasons.
There is less recoil and there are many more bullet choices.

Both are great rounds with tons of potential.

Jerry
Originally Posted by RickF
Thinking about this makes me realize just how many different rifles I have owned over the years!

By process of elimination (or is that illumination?), and because I think it's a fantastic cartridge I have to vote for 308 Norma.
Yup. Messed around with the .300 Win/H&H/Wby but never a .308 Norma mag. Would like too,someday.
It doesn't help that I recently bought Larry Koller's "Shot's at Whitetails". In it he basically praises the .250 Savage as the answer for the deer woods.
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by RickF
Thinking about this makes me realize just how many different rifles I have owned over the years!

By process of elimination (or is that illumination?), and because I think it's a fantastic cartridge I have to vote for 308 Norma.
Yup. Messed around with the .300 Win/H&H/Wby but never a .308 Norma mag. Would like too,someday.

I used to have a Springfield 03 sporter in .308 Norma mag. Nice round.
I still have the three you mention elk, but never a Norma.. No desire now.. Have more than I can shoot in a season, sure you and jwall know the feeling, it is a good one.. I get a big laugh out of people who put down the big rifles and have never used them.. They remind me of guys I see in places like Pa. that say we have good huntin; here.. No need to go anywhere else..

Sad, but in away great.. They don;t know what they missed!!
404 Jeffrey for me.
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by RickF
Thinking about this makes me realize just how many different rifles I have owned over the years!

By process of elimination (or is that illumination?), and because I think it's a fantastic cartridge I have to vote for 308 Norma.
Yup. Messed around with the .300 Win/H&H/Wby but never a .308 Norma mag. Would like too,someday.

I used to have a Springfield 03 sporter in .308 Norma mag. Nice round.

Seen one like that at a gunshow 3-4 years ago,should have bought it.
35 whelen...I will have one at some point. I just traded into 30-06 #4 earlier this week. I should probably get one rebored into a whelen and be done LOL
Originally Posted by WyoCoyoteHunter
Most of the new short rounds have no appeal what so ever. The 6.5 Creed and what have you are fine I guess if you shoot a lot of paper.. They don't interest me in the least or they would be in the safe..

Unlike lastround, the 7mags. and .300's would be the last calibers to leave my safe if I am going to hunt big game...


Dad .. Is that you ? ? grin grin

We must be related. laugh laugh

Jerry
25-06
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.470 Nitro Express,shot one,never owned one.

.500 Nitro Express

I got a Searcy .500 and a Kriegoff .470. I really want a 450 no.2 or a 475 no.2. Joseph Lang would do nicely.
For me it would be a 308 Norma and a 458 Win Mag. I have been all around both cartridges, but never actually owned either one of these two.

At this stage of my life, I will probably not.

donsm70
Originally Posted by Zengela
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.470 Nitro Express,shot one,never owned one.

.500 Nitro Express

I got a Searcy .500 and a Kriegoff .470. I really want a 450 no.2 or a 475 no.2. Joseph Lang would do nicely.

Give you $1 for the Searcy .500. grin
6.5 Creed

If I was just starting out, I'd probably jump on it. But over the years, I've become highly invested in the 257 Roberts grin, which for my purposes (hunting) is just about equivalent. (120gr bullet @ 2900ish)
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.400 H&H



Just kidding. laugh


+1 on the 400 H&H. Working on it. Elk - No need to kid, get it in the queue.

The other cartridge I hope to own one day is the 7x64 Brenneke.
Originally Posted by pinotguy
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.400 H&H



Just kidding. laugh


+1 on the 400 H&H. Working on it. Elk - No need to kid, get it in the queue.

The other cartridge I hope to own one day is the 7x64 Brenneke.

wink
Over the years, I have acquired several rifles that I thought would be the one I really wanted to kill elk with,and I did kill elk with them. Then I settled on the .06 .Mostly l because I inherited from my FIL and it had some history.I have killed a lot of elk with it.
However, if were starting today,I would settle on a 7-08 . Heavy enough for elk, yet great for deer and antelope.Something is Pre-64 Win. Clone
Dave no .25-06!!! That is un American!!! I had one when it was still a wildcat..
Have always wanted an 8x68S. Won't do a damn thing the 8mm Mag already in the safe won't do, but I still want one in a nice European bolt gun, or a Weatherby Mark V.
I've never owned a 257 Roberts or 250 Savage. Never owned anything Weatherby. Pretty sure I've had close to everything else under .375 diameter.
Originally Posted by WyoCoyoteHunter
Dave no .25-06!!! That is un American!!! I had one when it was still a wildcat..


Well......there is a 25-06 IN every 270 Win ! ! laugh laugh

Jerry
Always wanted a 257 Roberts in a Remington 722, just because it is what my grandpa swore by, so I'd say that would be the best round I've never had.
You didn't miss anything with a .257 Roberts..

Jwall, that may be true, but I like them both.. The 25 is better for varmints, but the .270 when we move to bigger game.. Right now the .270 is always in the truck.. It will do coyotes, chucks, but the 25 is better for them, but the .270 will handle a wolf, black bear etc. with a bit more bullet wt.. It has really become a favorite for these off seasons.. A guy can kill a wolf with a lot less, but if I get a shot, I want to make it count for sure...
I have always wanted a .45-70 in a Marlin Guide Gun and a .257 Roberts in a Winchester Featherweight or Ruger M77 MKII.
7X57.

The more I learn about cartridges the more I'm amazed that rounds like 7X57 and 6.5X55 that were developed in the early 1890's seemed to have gotten it right the 1st time around. The 6.5 Creedmoor and 7-08 are ballistic twins. We've come full circle and are now realizing there never really was any need to try to improve on the originals.
8X57,
Just damnifIknow.. I never had it yet.

6MM Rem/244 maybe.

g
6.5x284 is on my wish list.
-22lr
-30-06
-12 guage

I could hunt the rest of my life with those 3.

Throw the 308 in for a short action mountain rifle.
You never had those ?

Jerry
.30-06 and .375 h& h. Would cover the majority of hunting needs for 98-99% of anything you'd ever want or need to hunt.


Other than birds
Also have never owned a .410, but never figured I was good enough with a scattergun to have one
.222 Magnum
.257 Roberts
.280 Remington
.45/70
Originally Posted by jwall
You never had those ?

Jerry



Ahh [bleep]....misread the title.

I guess id say 270wsm, 6.5 creedmore, 7/08.
Originally Posted by moosemike
For me it's the .250-3000. I like everything about the cartridge and feel it's about ideal for my needs and I even love the Savage 99 rifle. But for some reason the cartridge always eluded me. A couple months ago my son called me from NC to tell me Ledford's in Hickory had a 99 EG in .250 Savage for $550. He said he didn't know if I'd be interested because even though it is nice it's drilled and tapped. I told him to buy it right away. He went back the next day and it was sold. So the round still eludes me. Someday......


Probably a .270. I went to the .30-06 instead. Several of my friends have owned them and done very well.

I actually owned a Model 70 SS .270 FW with a Boss I bought for a donor. Never shot it though. Rebarreled it with a new take-off. It is still my favorite rifle.
There is a few that I was interested in years ago but never had: 264 WM, 358. Win, 35 whelen, 338 WM and the 284.
.50-140 x 3-1/4" Sharps
Probably a .280. Had most everything else I'd ever need for the hunting I do. Might include a 6mm Remington as well.
Having read a lot of books and stories about Alaskan and Canadian hunting in the late 1800's thru early 1900's era, I've always been intrigued by a couple of rounds used in Winchester lever guns, that were often mentioned in those stories.....45-90 and 38-55 Winchester. When I was a kid, my best friend showed me an old gun they had in the back of a closet. It was a Winchester lever gun in 38-55. I'll never forget handling it, and wishing it were mine. His dad loaned it to a friend to go deer hunting with, and it was stolen out of his car. I have zero use for either of those cartridges, and will more than likely never own one, but it would be nice.
358 Win, the ultimate northwoods whitetail stalking cartridge. Just never found one in a rifle that called to me. Im really ho-hum over all short action cartridges, but this one calls to me.
6mm Dasher. Will get one as soon as the 243 Win barrel is shot out.
7 Rem mag. There can only be one.
.416 Wby
.460 A-Square Short.
22-243
.300 Whelen

grin
Cartridges I've had/have:

223
22-250
243
250-3000
257 RBTS
270
270 WSM
7-08
7x57
280
300 SAV
308 Win
30-06
300 WSM
338-06
338 WM
35 REM
358 WIN
350 RM
375 H&H

Only cartridge I want to try/never had:

6.5 Creedmoor

I'm pretty clear on what I like/want. Low recoil is high on the list.
The title of the thread is "The best cartridge you NEVER had?"
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
The title of the thread is "The best cartridge you NEVER had?"



For the reading impaired:


Originally Posted by Brad

Only cartridge I want to try/never had:

6.5 Creedmoor

I'm pretty clear on what I like/want. Low recoil is high on the list.



The BEST one I've never had is probably the 280
Originally Posted by Brad
Cartridges I've had/have:

223
22-250
243
250-3000
257 RBTS
270
270 WSM
7-08
7x57
280
300 SAV
308 Win
30-06
300 WSM
338-06
338 WM
35 REM
358 WIN
350 RM
375 H&H


Only cartridge I want to try/never had:

6.5 Creedmoor

I'm pretty clear on what I like/want. Low recoil is high on the list.
For the reading impaired.
7x57. Always wanted one but never found one in a lefty. Should have gotten a Ruger #1 and been done.
I always thought I needed a 264 win. Hasbeen
Originally Posted by WyoCoyoteHunter
Dave no .25-06!!! That is un American!!! I had one when it was still a wildcat..


A friend loaned me his 25-06 and I got a buck with it. Another friend was dogging deer for me and the buck jumped out of a brush pile and I shot him. DRT!!! When I bought my first 243 I wanted either a 25-06 or 243 stainless Ruger 77 MKII. They weren't available in 25-06 at the time. I haven't regretted the 243. wink
Over the years I've come to the conclusion that the boring old 308 is one of the most versatile accurate rounds ever yet for some reason I've never owned one.
308 Norma, 8mm Rem Mag, 358 Norma, 32 Winchester Center Fire, 264 winmag
Never had a 300wsm or a 25-06. Both great rounds....might have to step out and buy one of each. 😜
I think the 6.5-06 for me...since I don't reload I'll probably never get that chance.
Potty training was evidently a childhood issue...
The best cartridge I never had would probably be a .222 Remington - one time bench rest king, mild mannered and easy to find good loads for. The .223 has taken over its niche completely, and with good reasons, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it is still an excellent little cartridge.

Runner up in this category would be the .458 Win. Magnum – excellent for what it’s made for, just never needed one.
Was always interested in the 300WSM, but never got around to it. Had a 300Win and a 300RUM, hated the report, too loud. Knowing this, I still fancied having a 300WSM.
"Best cartridge I never had..."

Don't feel any real need but it would probably be one of the following:

,260 Rem in a fast twist rifle
6.5 CM
7mm-08
How could I possbily know? Every time I think I find one and get it, it doesn't kill deer any deader or faster than the 8mm Mauser I had when I was 12 years old.
I've always wanted a 222 and a 220 Swift. Just cause I like their nicknames; the "Triple Duce", and the "Swift" 😀
I've never had a 7mm magnum, of any persuasion, but I own/owned other .284" offerings and it continues to be my favorite "metric" bore diameter.

I've never had a .25-06 or .257 Wby, but again, I've owned other quarter-bores.

I've never had a short-mag of any kind.

I've never had a .35 cal of any kind.

I've never had a .270 of any kind, either, but I really don't want one. grin




I know this isn't the handgun section, but I've always kind of wanted a .38 Super.

I think a .35 Rem in an XP-100 would be neat to have, as well.
9.3 B-S

B 29
22 PPC and the 6mm PPC.
.425 Westley Richards
Originally Posted by Wyogal
Was always interested in the 300WSM, but never got around to it. Had a 300Win and a 300RUM, hated the report, too loud. Knowing this, I still fancied having a 300WSM.

I S A L U T E you ! ! ! wink

A female with more GRIT (political correct) than many "guys" on the fire !!! cool cool smile

Salute'

Jerry
I've wanted a 280 since the late 1980's but never bought one. I also thought the 284 win would make a cool lightweight mountain rifle like the ultra light rifles built in the later 1980's. Also never had a 257 wby, my son does and it is a heck of a deer rifle. And for lever rifles I would like a 45-70 in a '86 win. or a 45-60 in a '76 win. I also would like a Colt SAA in 45 L.C.
Mark V Classicmark 270 Weatherby
22 Hornet has always intrigued me, but somehow I have never owned one.
Just saw one mentioned that I never owned, but kink of wanted.. A .35 Remington.. My grandfather's best pal had a model 30 Rem. in .35 caliber.. I looked several times at Marlin 336's, but never put the $ down to buy one.. Last year in Mich.. we were shopping for a pistol for my step daughter, while she did the paper work, I looked around.. They had a bunch of nice Rem. 141's and maybe a model 14 in .35 Rem.. I was all set to buy one when they told me I would have to ship to a dealer.. With the extra cost, it wasn't worth the trouble.. May check out the used rack's in Pa. when we head east to fish and visit friends..
.22 Earschplittinloudenboomer
.375 Chatfield-Taylor (necked up .338win)...shame no manufacturer took it up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/2439candace/375Wildcats005.jpg
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.22 Earschplittinloudenboomer



I remember that-- can't remember WHO did it or named it.

Jerry
Originally Posted by harv3589
I think the 6.5-06 for me...since I don't reload I'll probably never get that chance.


Harv, there's only one thing to do. Start reloading. grin
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.22 Earschplittinloudenboomer



I remember that-- can't remember WHO did it or named it.

Jerry

This is what I found,and it was made for Bob Hutton of Guns & Ammo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.O._Ackley
.35 Whelen.
Wyogal, what jwall said!! +1
It's not a cartridge I've never had, I actually used it quite a bit 10 or so years ago, but I'd love to get a .45-70 again.
Originally Posted by elkhunternm

This is what I found,and it was made for Bob Hutton of Guns & Ammo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.O._Ackley


Okay. I may have read it from P O, but other writers may have mentioned because I read/heard it moreN once.
Ken Howell or J B come to mind.

Good for a chuckle anyway
Thnx

Jerry
For Me......338 Win Mag.......Hb
Tried to re barrel the 725 to 7mm-08 - came up with a MOA .260 bbl instead...

.375 H & H. Shot a few porcupines with a USFS Pre-64 70, and have ever since lusted after one. They over-penetrate on porkys, but the shower of quills from up-tree is impressive. Only way to discourage them from chewing on your tent-frame in the dead of night. We needed our sleep on trail crew! You could run them off, but they would be back.
6.5/284, 7 Ultra.
For me the 30/40 Krag. The cartridge long neck like the 30/30 and enough powder capacity to equal the 300 savage. In a Ruger #1 the 30-40 would be a classic Finding brass is challenging and expensive.

Doc
I'd have to say the 243 Winchester. Most of the guys that started our hunting camp really like them for deer and coyotes. All of them I've had the chance to shoot were accurate and light recoiling. The best bit is they're popular enough to make it easy to find what you like as well as ammo to feed it. The only reason one doesn't live at my house is that a 25-06 I like very well does. I've come close to picking one up over the years, it just never made sense financially.
6.5x55..........but someday I´ll buy one for sure !
I've got 2...

9.3x62, going to scratch that itch sometime in the next year(although, I figure between my 8x57's and my .300 Win Mag, I've got anything I'd hunt with it already covered).

6.5 Gibbs, Friend of my Dad's built one when I was in High School, told Dad to take it out and "test" it the first deer season after he built it...it was an awesome piece of equipment. The same rifle sold a while back on Gunbroker, more than I had available to spend.
Someday I'll probably scratch a long-term itch and have a B-78 or Higwall in a fast-twist 6mm Rem.

I've also often Jones'd a Marlin Guide in 45-70. Problem is, anytime I'd practically carry the 45-70, I'd likely default to my 375 Kimber Talkeetna. I don't shoot a lever anywhere near enough to make one faster or handier than a bolt action.

Sako Finnwolf lever in 284win would be hard to pass up. I'll probably end up building a short-action Win FWT clone in 284 some day as well. I do have a Win 100 in 284 but I've never fired it so IMO it doesn't count.
257 weather.

Have a 25-06 and 7 mag....just cant justify one but someday I'll give in !
.416 Hoffman
Originally Posted by WhelenAway
340Wby


This.
I think it is 300 H&H for me. I tarried too long on a pre-64 a few years ago and am still kicking myself for that!
220 Swift twisted to shoot 55 Ballistic Tips, maybe some day.
30-06. Very versatile.
Originally Posted by LEADMINER
I think it is 300 H&H for me. I tarried too long on a pre-64 a few years ago and am still kicking myself for that!


That would be 'Classic' classic. I could get into that. smile

Jerry
I'd like a .275 Rigby, just like Mr. Bell's.
Does a GAU 30mm count? Friggin rush hour traffic is painful in Phoenix. Since its a peach in the A-10 Thunderbolt II aka Warthog, I figure I could use one.
+3 400 Holland and Holland

honorable mentions

300 holland and Holland

7x57 Mauser

50BMG
Not sure why, but I always wanted a nice M98 full stock rifle in 6.5x57. 20" bbl, not drilled for scope mounts, std military safety, nice FN or BRNO or Mauser or similar cool crest on front ring with a Redfield receiver sight.
Both ends of the spectrum.

A 250-3000 Savage and a 257 Weatherby Magnum.


Dan
Originally Posted by SuperCub
Not sure why, but I always wanted a nice M98 full stock rifle in 6.5x57. 20" bbl, not drilled for scope mounts, std military safety, nice FN or BRNO or Mauser or similar cool crest on front ring with a Redfield receiver sight.


That would be really cool...
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by Wyogal
Was always interested in the 300WSM, but never got around to it. Had a 300Win and a 300RUM, hated the report, too loud. Knowing this, I still fancied having a 300WSM.

I S A L U T E you ! ! ! wink

A female with more GRIT (political correct) than many "guys" on the fire !!! cool cool smile

Salute'

Jerry


Giggle....thanks. I am a rifle loonie. smile
For me it's the 9.3x62. That will be my next rifle. I'm going to keep my eye out for a Remington 760 to send to JES for a rebore
7 X 57. Got a .280 and a 7-08 so I don't see one in the future either.
Anything I liked I bought.
Later sold many of those because they were not anything much different than what I had.
Really, cartridges are very similar to others.
Originally Posted by Wyogal
Originally Posted by jwall

I S A L U T E you ! ! ! wink

A female with more GRIT (political correct) than many "guys" on the fire !!! cool cool smile

Salute'

Jerry


Giggle....thanks. I am a rifle loonie. smile

smile smile I should think that's obvious. grin

You are the "Gal With Grit" cool

Jerry
I’ve owned rifles chambered for the following cartridges:
.17 Mach 2
.17 HMR
.17 WSM
.17 Hornady Hornet
.17 Fireball
.17 Remington
.204 Ruger
.22 Long Rifle
.22 Win. Magnum
.22 Hornet
.22 K-Hornet
.221 Fireball
.222 Remington
.223 Remington
.223 Remington Ackley Improved
.22 Savage High Power
.22-250
.220 Swift
.223 WSSM
.22/6mm Remington
6mm PPC
6mm Lee Navy
6XC
.243 Winchester
6mm Remington
.240 Weatherby
.25-20 WCF
.25-35 WCF
.250-3000 Savage
.257 Roberts
.257 Roberts Ackley Improved
.25-06
.257 Weatherby Magnum
6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer
6.4x54 Mauser
6.5 Creedmoor
.260 Remington
6.5x57R
6.5x55
6.5-06
.264 Winchester Magnum
26 Nosler
.270 Winchester
.270 WSM
.270 Weatherby
7mm-08
7x57
.280 Remington
.280 Remington Ackley Improved
7mm Rem. SAUM
7mm Rem. Magnum
7mm Wby. Magnum
7mm STW
.300 Blackout
.30-30 WCF
.303 Savage
.300 Savage
.308 Winchester
.30-40 Krag
7.5x55 Swiss
7.62 Russian
.30-06
.300 WSM
.300 Win. Magnum
.300 Wby. Magnum
.32-20 WCF
.303 British
7.7 Arisaka
.32 Win. Special
8x57 Mauser
8mm-06
.33 WCF
.338 Federal
.338-06
.338 Win. Magnum
.340 Wby. Magnum
.348 WCF
.35 Remington
.358 Winchester
.35 Whelen
.35 Whelen Ackley Improved
.350 Rem. Magnum
.358 Norma Magnum
.358 STA
9.3x72R
9.3x57
9.3 Barsness-Sisk
9.3x57 Mauser
9.3x62 Mauser
.375 H&H
.375 Ruger
.38-55
.40-82 WCF
.405 WCF
.400/.450 Nitro-Express 3”
.416 Rem. Magnum
.416 Rigby
.45-70 Springfield
.458 Winchester Magnum

Have also been able to fire, often extensively, dozens of rifles chambered in various other cartridges from the .14 Hornet to the .600 Nitro Express. They’ve usually satisfied my curiosity as far as those rounds go, but there’s always some cartridge, somewhere that just might be worth trying!
M D -

If you don't mind I'd like to know something. In YOUR experience how does the 416 R M compare to the 375 H H? I'm talking about recoil, FELT recoil perception. I've shot a 700 BDL 375 H H enuff to be familiar with it.

Thank You

Jerry
I've long suspected the reason some shooters says the .416 doesn't recoil significantly more than the .375 is they've only shot heavier .416's. In rifles of equal weight, the .416 definitely recoils more, especially with its most popular 400-grain bullet weight.

I found this out by shooting several .416 Remingtons, two of which I owned, but the recoil calculator in Sierra's Infinity ballistic program backs it up. In a 9-pound rifle, the .375 H&H with 300's at 2550 fps (a typical muzzle velocity) generates 42.6 foot-pounds of recoil, while a .416 Remington in a 9-pound rifle with 400's at 2400 generates 57.3 foot-pounds. (That's using 75 grains of powder, also pretty typical, in both rounds.)
240 Weatherby Magnum
22 BR
6.5 Creedmoor
M D

That makes sense to me. If nothing else 400 gr bullets V 300 gr bullets has to make a difference.

Thank you very much.

Jerry
7x57...always wanted one...might have to scratch that itch soon
Obviously its the B-29. Of course if I got one of those I'd have no need for any other rifle, and whats the fun in that?
Yeah, and that's exactly why the shooting industry squashed the B-29 like an ant under a semi! They'd never sell any rifles in other chamberings, ever again....
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
Yeah, and that's exactly why the shooting industry squashed the B-29 like an ant under a semi! They'd never sell any rifles in other chamberings, ever again....



I knew it! Now where is my tinfoil stetson at....
M D

It looks like the best cartridge you 'never' had is --- 284 Win.

How'd that happen ?

Jerry
7mm Dakota
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
I’ve owned rifles chambered for the following cartridges:
.17 Mach 2
.17 HMR
.17 WSM
.17 Hornady Hornet
.17 Fireball
.17 Remington
.204 Ruger
.22 Long Rifle
.22 Win. Magnum
.22 Hornet
.22 K-Hornet
.221 Fireball
.222 Remington
.223 Remington
.223 Remington Ackley Improved
.22 Savage High Power
.22-250
.220 Swift
.223 WSSM
.22/6mm Remington
6mm PPC
6mm Lee Navy
6XC
.243 Winchester
6mm Remington
.240 Weatherby
.25-20 WCF
.25-35 WCF
.250-3000 Savage
.257 Roberts
.257 Roberts Ackley Improved
.25-06
.257 Weatherby Magnum
6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer
6.4x54 Mauser
6.5 Creedmoor
.260 Remington
6.5x57R
6.5x55
6.5-06
.264 Winchester Magnum
26 Nosler
.270 Winchester
.270 WSM
.270 Weatherby
7mm-08
7x57
.280 Remington
.280 Remington Ackley Improved
7mm Rem. SAUM
7mm Rem. Magnum
7mm Wby. Magnum
7mm STW
.300 Blackout
.30-30 WCF
.303 Savage
.300 Savage
.308 Winchester
.30-40 Krag
7.5x55 Swiss
7.62 Russian
.30-06
.300 WSM
.300 Win. Magnum
.300 Wby. Magnum
.32-20 WCF
.303 British
7.7 Arisaka
.32 Win. Special
8x57 Mauser
8mm-06
.33 WCF
.338 Federal
.338-06
.338 Win. Magnum
.340 Wby. Magnum
.348 WCF
.35 Remington
.358 Winchester
.35 Whelen
.35 Whelen Ackley Improved
.350 Rem. Magnum
.358 Norma Magnum
.358 STA
9.3x72R
9.3x57
9.3 Barsness-Sisk
9.3x57 Mauser
9.3x62 Mauser
.375 H&H
.375 Ruger
.38-55
.40-82 WCF
.405 WCF
.400/.450 Nitro-Express 3”
.416 Rem. Magnum
.416 Rigby
.45-70 Springfield
.458 Winchester Magnum

Have also been able to fire, often extensively, dozens of rifles chambered in various other cartridges from the .14 Hornet to the .600 Nitro Express. They’ve usually satisfied my curiosity as far as those rounds go, but there’s always some cartridge, somewhere that just might be worth trying!



WOW! shocked
Originally Posted by Mule Deer

.264 Winchester Magnum
26 Nosler
.270 Winchester
.270 WSM
.270 Weatherby

7mm-08
7x57
.280 Remington
.280 Remington Ackley Improved
7mm Rem. SAUM
7mm Rem. Magnun



? 284 Win ? Did you NOT own or simply forget ?

Jerry
Too many to really name...
How can you consider something "the best" if you never had it?
Probably my two biggest regrets on guns I didn't buy were:

Buds had a Ruger #1 in 257 Roberts on the closeout list for around $650.00 that I didn't buy.

Back in the day Shotgun News or Gunlist had a ad for 505 Gibbs for a stupidly low price.
Originally Posted by bigwhoop
How can you consider something "the best" if you never had it?


So you've never shot or used a firearm you didn't own apparently.
Have absolutely no need for one,
BUT:

I have an urge for a 300HH in Pre-64 M70 !!!
50 BMG
For myself it would no doubt be a 375 H&H. Never was in a position to use one hunting so never did buy one.
Jerry,

Simply forgot: I have owned a .284!
.338/378 Keith-Thompson
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
Jerry,

Simply forgot: I have owned a .284!

Figures! laugh
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.338/378 Keith-Thompson


I've noticed you have a very high opinion of a lot of cartridges you haven't owned! laugh
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
Jerry,

Simply forgot: I have owned a .284!

Did not see the .300 H&H on your list and I know you owned a couple of them. whistle grin
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.338/378 Keith-Thompson


I've noticed you have a very high opinion of a lot of cartridges you haven't owned! laugh

Yup! grin
Originally Posted by patbrennan
For myself it would no doubt be a 375 H&H. Never was in a position to use one hunting so never did buy one.


This is where I am. I've heard great things about the round but just have not needed one with our small southern whitetails. I'd love to have one in a Pre 64 Model 70 or a Ruger #1 so that on the off chance that I get the opportunity to hunt Africa or Alaska, I'll be ready!
elkhunter,

Yeah, have owned three .300 H&H's too. Knew I'd forget some in making out the list. Thanks for reminding me....
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
Jerry,

Simply forgot: I have owned a .284!

Okay thanks, I felt like you probably had.
If you want a .375 H&H,buy one and use it on your deer. My gosh I used mine on a springbok and it did not blow it into tiny bits and pieces.
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
If you want a .375 H&H,buy one and use it on your deer. My gosh I used mine on a springbok and it did not blow it into tiny bits and pieces.


I think it would be a fun gun to reload and shoot a big old cast bullet.
Yup,it would.

Plinking with it is never a bad idea.
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
.300 Whelen


grin



Really ? I have 1 now and HAVE HAD several.

"A rose by any other name........"




grin

Jerry

edit -- brain & fingers nor connected smirk
Everybody needs at least one .300 Whelen in their gunsafe. wink
Always wanted a swift back in my groundhog hunting days
Originally Posted by bangeye
Always wanted a swift back in my groundhog hunting days



Had a Ruger tang safety heavy barrel 220 Swift early on in my ground hog days. That rifle would stack Sierra 52 gr bullets in clover leafs using IMR-4320. Got tired of carry the heavy beast around so we parted ways, my Ruger #1-B in 22/250 was easier to carry as walk around rifle.

Doc

.
The best cartridge I never had also includes a rifle. That would be the 7 X 61 Sharpe & Hart in the Danish Shultz & Larson rifle. This combo was what the 7mm Remington Magnum was also supposed to be; 160 grain bullet at 3,100 fps. This was supposed to be THE combo for all North American big game at any range, (except the big bears). It supposedly outshot everything at long range, just like the 6.5 Creedmore does today. 😉 Truth is of course, it was not as good as the 7MM Remington Magnum, and neither shoot much better than the 30/06 or .270 WCF in most rifles. Still, I always wanted one, (sigh).

Other rounds I have always wanted are the nostalgic or heritage cartridges already mentioned here by many others. .275 Rigby-7X57MM, 6.5 Mannlicher, .250-3000 Savage, .38/55 and .358 Winchester.
I always wanted a 220 Swift but I've yet to find the right one.

I've cooled on the idea of late but I used to want a 270 Wby.

The 375 Wby. has always been interesting to me.

One of the big 50s would be fun. I suppose the A Square would be the most reasonable way to go.
270 Winchester, because I have a 25-06 and 7mm Rem Mag, but it would do 90% of what they both do together.
I've had an appreciation for the 270 Wby Mag but...
I've had 7 Rem Mags so long I didn't and don't see any advantage.

That said , I think it's a cartridge worthy of it's ranking.

Jerry
Well,it has got to be the 375 H& H ,closely followed by the .300. Probably will never own them but they do have style!
Best based on popularity and tradition, the 30-30. Best based on popularity and capability - any of the .300 magnums. I have not been interested in any of them enough to own one..
7/08.. would be my choice.
Originally Posted by castnblast
Best based on popularity and tradition, the 30-30. Best based on popularity and capability - any of the .300 magnums. I have not been interested in any of them enough to own one..


I've owned entirely too many 30-30's in this life. I can't even remember them all. I currently only have 2 but I have my eyes out for the right Winchester......
7mm Mashburn
30-30
I'm on the fence and eventuallywill get one of these.
338-06, 35 whelen or 9.3x62
For me it would be a B-29.
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
Jerry,

Simply forgot: I have owned a .284!

Did not see the .300 H&H on your list and I know you owned a couple of them. whistle grin


Hey Gomer, I noticed you didn't take Mule Deer to task for listing what he's had as I did... apparently your hall monitor job is only part time?
Originally Posted by Brad
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
Jerry,

Simply forgot: I have owned a .284!

Did not see the .300 H&H on your list and I know you owned a couple of them. whistle grin


Hey Gomer, I noticed you didn't take Mule Deer to task for listing what he's had as I did... apparently your hall monitor job is only part time?


You going to get your panties in a wad now that I didn't hold him to task for listing the cartridges he owned and was not supposed too?

What's next,you going to follow my every post and make sure I treat everyone the same? You going to make sure the pics I post are up to your standards,oh,wait,you tried that already in the past.

Maybe you should have held Mule Deer to the same standards as I held you,instead of relying on someone else to do it?

Or,is just bellyaching about it more your style?
Originally Posted by elkhunternm


Maybe you should have held Mule Deer to the same standards as I held you,instead of relying on someone else to do it?


WTF?
Either a 6.5 short mag or a 6.5-06.
338 Norma mag... I've had a lapua

Bb
308 Norma magnum....
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by RickF
Thinking about this makes me realize just how many different rifles I have owned over the years!

By process of elimination (or is that illumination?), and because I think it's a fantastic cartridge I have to vote for 308 Norma.
Yup. Messed around with the .300 Win/H&H/Wby but never a .308 Norma mag. Would like too,someday.

I used to have a Springfield 03 sporter in .308 Norma mag. Nice round.

Seen one like that at a gunshow 3-4 years ago,should have bought it.


Probably the same rifle I saw. Sob keeps making its rounds and haunting the hell out of us... laugh
Originally Posted by bsa1917hunter
308 Norma magnum....


I had acquired a set of dies for the 30-338 with good intentions of making up a rifle in it. I ended up finding a real nice P64 that was rechambered to 300 Wby and decided I would leave good enough alone..

I have always wanted a 250 Savage as well. Think it would be a slick little deer rifle in a M99 or a svelte little bolt gun.
Yup,he does!
Originally Posted by bsa1917hunter
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Originally Posted by RickF
Thinking about this makes me realize just how many different rifles I have owned over the years!

By process of elimination (or is that illumination?), and because I think it's a fantastic cartridge I have to vote for 308 Norma.
Yup. Messed around with the .300 Win/H&H/Wby but never a .308 Norma mag. Would like too,someday.

I used to have a Springfield 03 sporter in .308 Norma mag. Nice round.

Seen one like that at a gunshow 3-4 years ago,should have bought it.


Probably the same rifle I saw. Sob keeps making its rounds and haunting the hell out of us... laugh

Yes,it does! grin
For me...it would be a 280. I love the 7x57 but could never get a real accurate one. The 7-08 answered that call for me. A 280 has always eluded me though. I've never shot one, never loaded for one. I'd love to...perhaps when the super grades make it to the pipeline...
Originally Posted by JMR40
7X57.

The more I learn about cartridges the more I'm amazed that rounds like 7X57 and 6.5X55 that were developed in the early 1890's seemed to have gotten it right the 1st time around. The 6.5 Creedmoor and 7-08 are ballistic twins. We've come full circle and are now realizing there never really was any need to try to improve on the originals.



Agree...BUT

With the newer rounds you never have to worry about under powered factory rounds. Also, brass can be made from the super abundant, cheap and excellent military 308 brass. Last but not least the newer rounds seem to shoot circles around the older ones for whatever reason.

It pains me to say as the 7x57 is the most romantic and cool cartridge this side of the 375 hh
I have owned a lot of rifles chambered for a lot of cartridges between .22 and .458. I have never got into a lot of the recent year stuff starting with the short magnums and the super/ultra stuff. I can only think of two that I missed along the way that I certainly think worthwhile and those are the .220 Swift and the 7 Mauser. Wait I did have a cruddy Mexican Mauser at one time, but I never got it to a satisfactory state before dumping it. At almost eighty, I no longer own any belted magnums. I do have my bases covered from varmints to bears topping out with a 9.3x62.

Jack
I like my .257 WBY. Its a little hot for any kind of barrel life, but fun and accurate.

Just came across a .338 win mag Super America I haven't shot. Heard some folks really like the .338 so we'll see.....
I hate to admit it but probably the best cartridge I never had is that damned .270. (And I don't intend to make it right either!)
Originally Posted by River_Ridge
I hate to admit it but probably the best cartridge I never had is that damned .270. (And I don't intend to make it right either!)


That's real smart. smirk , crazy

Jerry
For me it's the 280 rem, I built myself a nice one on a mod 70 and my son made off with it....that was fine as I can build another one...
I have a donor sako in 270 that will become a 280 when I get to it....
Originally Posted by River_Ridge
I hate to admit it but probably the best cartridge I never had is that damned .270. (And I don't intend to make it right either!)


Same here. Never picked up a .270. The first gun I purchased when I was 16 was a model 70 in 7mm rem mag. Since I've added stuff smaller and bigger but went with a 280 instead of the 270 since I already have .284 bullets on hand. .007" doesn't make that much of a difference to me. Not saying I will never own one but it's not real high on my list.
280 Remington, I have everything around it.
Originally Posted by Jonnymac

The first gun I purchased when I was 16 was a model 70 in 7mm rem mag.

Since I've added stuff smaller and bigger but went with a 280 instead of the 270 since I already have .284 bullets on hand. .007" doesn't make that much of a difference to me. Not saying I will never own one but it's not real high on my list.


Same page here, w/ diff cartridges.


Originally Posted by hanco
280 Remington, I have everything around it.


Yep. I have 270s > 7 RM and lately 284 Win.

IF I'd started with a 280 in the 70s I 'might not' have a 270. There isn't a poot in a whirlwind's difference.

Jerry
6.5 anything. I've just got that caliber surrounded by others, with no solid reason to dip my toe in as yet.

One of those handy light Howas in 6.5 Grendel might just break the ice. Still waiting for one without the DM.
Yeah, the 6.5's are great rounds but I have yet to catch the bug and get one. I was recently shooting my sons Creedmoor and that was pretty sweet.
22-250, 6.5-06, 30-06, 338rum
6.5x55 Swedish, always wanted one in a Remington 700 Classic.
I didn't realize how many were on my list but still " need" :


220 swift
257 Weatherby
264 Win Mag
270 WSM
300 WSM
338 Lapua ot or 338-378 Weatherby
35 Whelan
416 Rigby.

Since I sold my 375 I'm too light at the top end
I started hunting after college in 1980, but never had a 30-06 though the years. I fixed that last summer with a Win 70 Featherweight in 30-06. Guess I can't say "never" anymore. It went elk hunting last fall, but retained its virginity.
416 Rigby. Been plotting and scheming to get one for years. Got brass, got dies, got ammo built and tested.
Just keep getting distracted and buying other rifles, hand guns, and bows. One a these days though, gonna get one, put the smackdown on the monster blacktails we have in SE Alaska...
.25-06
Buddies have had them, I've shot 'em. Nice rigs (700 and B78)
There's a break open single shot Peterlongo at my LGS.
Too much $ for me, but cool rig!

I've been wanting a MkV in .257 WM since I was a kid. Never had one, never shot one.
Maybe next yr. Kids in college killing my toy fund.
toss up between the 7x57 and the 416 Rigby.....

Dang it! now I'm lusting again.....LOL

Tom
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