Got a 3 centerfire rifle battery in mind. Just making things simpler.

270, 223 are the bookends.

What goes in between? And why

6 something for 105s.
Everything else is pretty well covered.

For me it would depend on what you hunt, and under what conditions, as well as what the configuration of the .223 and .270. For example, if the .223 is a hefty sort of rig set up for target shooting and sniping varmints from long range, a light walk-around rifle for small game might make sense, if you have the opportunity to do so. Vice versa if the .223 is already a lightweight walk-around rifle - you might choose something with a bit of weight and a fast-twist barrel for reaching out a bit, and perhaps a bit of competition if that interests you - perhaps a 6mm of some sort, or another .223.

If you might do a bit of hunting in the scrub, perhaps popping pigs, then you might want something compact, and perhaps capable of getting repeat shots away quickly too if you are culling, and if the .270 doesn't fit that bill then there are any number of options which will, such as a .30-30 lever action, or a pump or self-loader in a suitable calibre.

You can always justify more rifles ;-)

^^^^^^^
Alert! Alert! dan oz, turn in your loony card!

"You can always justify more rifles ;-)"

This is just the kind of slippery slope some people innocently (?) put us on, and nothing good comes of it!!!

Repeat at least 100 times, "What's need got to do with it?"

If the board believes you are sincere in your contrition, we'll consider reinstating your loony card . . .

DAMMIT! Ever vigilant men!

I'd consider ditching the .270 and going with .30-06, then filling the gap with maybe .25-06...or stick with .270 and get a .243 or 6mm Remington. If the .243 doesn't appeal to you, then you could always assemble an AR15 in 6mm AR. It's a nice round.

The .243 is the logical choice.....but for me, you've picked the wrong bookends as there really isn't much room between them.

I am leaning 257 roberts

Despite my picking on him for fun, dan oz gave a great answer. There is so much more about a rifle than the cartridge, and the intended use figures heavily in the decisions of action type, barrel length, sights, weight, and finally, cartridge. Actually, for any given use, cartridge should come last, because more than one will likely work about as well as some others There are also the questions of do you reload or use just factory, as well as ammo availability in out of the way places. If you want to simplify to three rifles, you have to choose wisely.

I don't mind three rifle batteries, as long as I'm allowed several. All of mine lean heavily on the 257 Roberts and 250-3000 for mid size rounds.

Somewhat in-line with Dan Oz's comment...

If the .223 & 270 are synthetic stainless===> I would look at something a little more 'Classic', say a Savage 99 in 250 Savage, Win 94 in 32 Special, Marlin 336 in 35 Rem., or ?


Jerry

While a 3 centerfire battery seems like a great idea unless you are doing some speciality hunting the 270 will cover any big game, the 223 will cover any varmints. So rather than all centerfires why not consider a quality rimfire rifle chambered in 22 LR as a part of the 3 rifle battery.

An accurate quality rimfire 22 LR will probably be shot much, much more than any of the centerfires, they are great for practice, inexpensive to shoot, can be shot in practically any locales, and are just plain fun - they are great for putting a smile on your face.

Just my .02 cents even though I strayed from your question.

drover

In my opinion the bookends have everything covered except for the 3rd wheel backup rifle that everyone should have. A 3rd wheel should have attributes of pleasant recoil yet still will take game easily in the hands of an experienced hunter. The third wheel rifle is the one you always want to shoot 50 times at the range and enjoy countless hours testing new loads while seeking accuracy and on game performance.

The 257 Roberts fits the 3rd wheel perfectly IMO



Trystan

^^^^^^^
For that "3rd wheel backup rifle", I keep thinking I should buy a Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmoor, hang a good scope on it, and just try to wear it out.
They are said to be damn accurate, yet they don't cost much more than a new barrel on my "nicer, prettier" rifles.
And while I have backup rifles now, I can imagine not wanting those in the hands of some people I know. I'd be willing to risk the Ruger.

Not a bad idea i guess. I am just not a plastic rifle kinda guy

It sounds like you are wanting three nice rifles. I was responding to Trystan's concept of a "backup" rifle. Admittedly, I was responding having in mind my preconceived idea that "backup" means I might have to lend it out.

When that plastic rifle is shooting well, and you keep remembering what you paid for it, you might get used to it. That said, it would probably always be a "backup and range rifle" to me. I'm plenty happy with my current hunting rifles, but I wouldn't mind saving their barrels for hunting.

What you need is a nice drilling, with the shotgun barrels 16-gauge and the rifle barrel the 6.5x57R, and a Krieghoff insert for the right-hand shotgun barrel in .22 Magnum. That'l work as back up for 99% of all hunting in North America, and the the 6.5x57R is the ballistic equivalent of the 6.5 Creedmoor without the shameful connotations.

I know where you might be able to buy a very accurate drilling fitting that exact description, but it will cost about 10 times as much as an RAR in 6.5 Creedmoor.

There you go being all practical again. Sheesh!

Why not something like a .25-20 for fun time plinking? Sounds like the OP has the serious hunting game sewn up with his first two choices.

"Sounds like the OP has the serious hunting game sewn up with his first two choices."

That's kinda my thought as well!

No one has addressed the “cool” factor.

Creed or Swede ups the ante, at least here on the Fire.

DF

I like the copper top ones!!

Sounds like a good spot for a M77 tang safety or M70 Featherweight in .257 Roberts. Happy Trails

I was thinking he needed to make the .270 the middle and add a 9.3 x 62. But if he doesn't hunt any "big" critters, not a great plan.

Sounds like a good spot for a M77 tang safety or M70 Featherweight in .257 Roberts. Happy Trails

Now there's an idea! If you're going to limit yourself to just three, why not have something a bit special?

I filled a gap in my own "battery" with almost exactly this some years back, though mine has a 7x57R rifle barrel rather than 6.5. It is a very fine and versatile little gun too, with which I have hunted everything from birds to rabbits to deer.

dan,

Sounds wonderful!

I really kind of wanted a 7x57R myself, but this one came along at the right time. I've hunted the same variety of game with it that you have with yours.

257 is the statistical in between.

With that being said, I do not see a gap to fill. Were I to add a rifle to that group, my choice would be a 338-06 or a 300 H&H.

Instead of thinking of a cartridge , maybe consider a different rifle action. I think with your .223 and .270 covering just about everything, the third rifle could be a single shot like a Ruger 1A in 7x57 or .257 Roberts. Just for when you feel like hunting with something different.

While a .270 would not be my first choice for shooting big bears, I have seen mine run a 110 grain TTSX through a godawful amount of bone and still exit. It would work and work well. A .223 would work just fine on anything lesser. To me that leave a different action for a little different purpose.as the best third rifle. For many years I have brought a Marlin 30-30 along deer hunting as a backup rifle. I use it as my first choice for tracking and dispatching wounded deer. It is small, light and accurate. Barnes 150 grain TSXs at 2400 FPS provide all the range I need. It has a 1-4x20 Leupy down very low to the receiver so it handles very quickly..

308 or 243

Bookends = .22 Hornet & .416 Rigby. 3 gun battery? OMG! I can't, I can't !!!!

I'd slip something in .280 Rem in between those two if I was inclined to have a three gun battery with .416 at the top end. That's a heck of a span, though.

243... ideal on larger varmints, antelope and deer.

A 223, 243, and 270 has always been my “Ultimate-Practical Montana Battery.”

The 243 can step in to realistically handle the work of the 270 (bear, elk, moose) should the 270 be “indisposed.” The 223 is to the 243, what the 243 is to the 270... ie, it can handle the same chores, but in a lighter recoiling guise.

A bit of redundancy/overlap is desirable in a “battery.”

-Or- you could just get three 6.5 Creedmoors of differing weight, barrel length, and optics aboard...

257

As always.... This.

But if you must something with a 257 in it.

I would go with the .243 or 6mm Rem. It would be worlds better than the .223 in open country/high winds, and will take an Antelope or Deer if you don't have the .270 with you.

I don't mind them either, for other people. Musta been a Democrat hanging by his tail from my family tree somewhere.

7" twist 6mm would be my pick, probably the Creedmoor.

This is probably the best recommendation of the lot, especially if you disregard the last sentance.

drover

There isn't a whole lot that doesn't fit between that .416 and the Hornet!

Roberts. Case closed.

My personal feeling is that rifles in three chamberings simply do not provide enough flexibility in minutiae arguments. Thirty is a good start.

There's a gap between .223 and .270 ? Not really in my book. In my book the .223 and .270 would fill the medium and large slots {though I'd prefer a .30-06 to a .270 on the top end} and you still need a good rimfire rifle for the small stuff.

+1

Since I see you live in Ohio, why not get something that you could use in that state for deer. A 357 mag rifle would be good. Those cowboy type lever actions are a nice walkabout gun and when you get older and can't take the recoil anymore, it would be the gun you would be glad you bought. Did I mention home self-defense?

Might consider the 350 Legend also. The only problem is no background on it for how it performs on game yet.

A .270 AND a .223? Why two varmint rifles?

This is why you are a GOAT! Greatest of All Times!

Mine as well.

Sig line worthy!

250 AI is a very underrated cartridge.

Just saying.

With an AR in .223 , a 24” bolt in .270 . One is left with the obvious wMart ammo choice of 6.5 CM Done

Montana is a boring, boring place, with nothing but wide open spaces.

I never really cared much for Jack O'Connor, but his battery of a 222, 270 and 375 HH would work just as well today as it did in his time.

Of course a 223, 257 or 416, 22 Hornet, 30/06 and 458 might right in there too. 204, 7mm Mag, 416 Weatherby....

Stainless
Tikka T3x
223 & 308
20 inch barrels
One shared silencer
McMillan Sako Hunter
Sportsmatch 30mm rings
Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42
Upgrade the bottom metal and bolt handle

Go hunt.


Then spend the serious money on a full blown custom 22lr with the most beautiful walnut stock you can afford.
Rust blueing, nitre blueing, checkered steel buttplate, engraving on scope rings and bolt handle.
And the best optic you can afford for looking through for hours without eyestrain.
Just go hog wild on the fit and finish..


Then you have something you can look at for hours while admiring the immaculate work done... and shooting thousands and thousands of rounds each year.


.

At least 30, I think 40 would be better!

With your bookends that makes good sense.