What's everyone's favourite cartridge and why?

[Oryx Pit]

Nice shooting Flyer, but what happened to the fifth shot?

I usually shoot 4-shot groups when I test load. It's more indicative than 3 shots, and if they shoot good into 4, they usually shoot good into 5. The main problems I have with 5-shot groups when load developing is they use up a lot of brass and projectiles if you want to cover a bit of ground (I shot 6x 4-shot groups today from 42.8-44.8gr 2209 with 123 Lapua Scenars); it takes longer waiting for the barrel to cool down; and I often fudge the fifth shot anyway as it's hard to shoot precisely and consistently for strings on end. Once I find something that works, I start to load around it and shoot a few more to ensure its repeatable.

It's not easy removing the human factor (was it the load, or did I pull that?) as well as the wind in trying to find something that works.

Nice shooting Flyer. Those 123 Scenars can be temperamental buggers. Shoot good when dialed in though.
What MV you getting with that load?

[Flyer]

I can only guess, as I don't have a a chrono, but most of the load data I've collected tells me it should be in the 2850fps range. The actual load is 123gr Lapua Scenar, 43.2gr of 2209, Lapua small primer cases, CCI BR4 primers, seat 2.850", or 0.015" off the lands.

That was the low node. There was a higher node at 44.4gr that looked like it might have potential, and I went as high as 44.8gr with no pressure signs. But as I'm looking for a target load out to 200m for Field Rifle, I'm happy with accuracy at the lower MV. It will be a bit easier on the barrel, and I plan to put a few shots through this rifle. Hornady 143 EDL X is the next projectile to try.

[Mick280]

45-70? That's been around since about 1 million yeas BC, hasn't it?

It has!!
Still shoots and still gaining popularity!!
50m with buckhorn sights!!
405 gn Casts at 1400 fps!!

[John]

I or way find my self going picking up my tikka .243 it shoots so good out of the case every time. They have more nock down power than a lot of people give them credit for. I’ve used it all over Australia and love it even know I’ve got bigger and better can’t help but like it for what it is

[CrackThump]

.303 ... because.. ANZACS yo....

nuff said..

[Blr243]

Never had one but I have always liked the idea of a 2506 Sounds like it would have heaps of knock down and shoot quite flat

[bigrich]

well, old post, i still love my 222 and 6.5x55 winchesters , but after all this covid 19 stuff is over i'm looking forward to picking up my other model 70 from swans . i've had her rebarrelled to 358 win. it was originally a 243 that i bought as a project rifle for this coversion . i got sidetracked and tried 243 but it was a odd caliber for my uses and seemed much more affected by muzzle velocity generated heat than other calibers . anyway, 358 can shoot 180 to 225 grain projectiles with very good energy transfer out to 200-250 yards (225 game kings go further apparently) , i can utilise 358 hp pistol bullets for close in pest control, and i reckon it would prove useful pushing 250-275 grain lead projectiles as well . so quite a versatile caliber. and it's very easy making brass from 308 . so from lead pistol bullet plinking loads to boar flattening power ,and bigger , sambar , camel , etc , i reckon it's gunna become one of my favorites .

i've got plenty of time to refinish the stock and make brass at the moment......

[sungazer]

I think in my case the gun that the calibre is in effects my choice somewhat. The top choice would have to be the 308, but I find myself taking out the 243 probably more often as I dont go after the Sambar deliberately as much as I do other pests. The 6.5 cm would probably be the next gun down the list then a 223. If I am just out for some plinking then the 223 would be the first choice either in pump or bolt. Backyard offhand practice is the 22LR and even for other positions on of the 22LR is still going to be the first choice. However I dont buy the big buckets of cheap 22 I probably should buy one just to play with but how do you know if you are improving with your training if the ammo is giving a false indication?

One gun for everything is never a good choice if you have the money, time and space then a set of 18 like golf clubs is the way to go. Not saying that 18 is enough but a good starting point.

[Fred Smith]

My go to is my 22-250 for general vermin control. However, I prefer my 6.5 swede. Currently doing load testing with 129gn SST's. 143gn ELD-X shots 0.7 inches at 200 meters at Ripley range. Took it vermin hunting a while ago and killed everything out to the edge of the spotlight. I just love using it. I bought my Carl Gustaf in1990. Best thing I ever did. Used to go vermin shooting on the wheat and would get the"Oh, that's to far away"! Bang....Thud. 6.5 to the rescue.

Ian

[Grandadbushy]

Crikey it's hard to pick one but I use 22-250 for dogs real good, also 25-06 was good on dogs to and larger animals , i'm growing fond of the 7 rem mag but to be honest I like them all and would have them all if I could afford them

[solarpak]

I have recently thinned the herd somewhat on have settled on the following - 7.62x39 , 243 Win, 270 Win and 308 Win.
The 7.62 x39 and 243 are my dedicated goat hunting outfits and the 270/308 for deer .
I had the 25-06 and 30-06 but these went down the road as the 270 does what the 2506 does (and more) and the 308 is all i need in a 30-cal out to 300m ......leave the long range exploits to the experts out there!!

Of all the for calibre i have - the 270 is the pick !

C.

[Stix]

Interesting that youve kept all the short action cartridges solarpak, & yet kept the "inbetweener" in the 06 based cartridges & sprooked it as your fav...
Just an observation...

Id have thought that the .270 would be equally successful as the 308 out to 300..especially here in SA where we dont have min cal for given species...(well atleast not when hunting privately.

But i dont know that from experience as ive never owned an 06 based cartridge...

[solarpak]

Stix,
had to keep the 270 (Sako 85 Finnlight) as it was a wedding present from my wife - so i cant sell that one
The 308 (a Tikka T3x Hinter Stainless fluted ) was kept as its a lovely stalking rifle - nice and light - when compared too the other 308 i sent down the road in the Lithgow LA102. Had to keep one 308 as i have quite a bit of factory ammo already for that calibre.

I will eventually but something else down the track - want something in 7mm - already owned a couple of 7x57's which were sweet to shoot - but with the rarity of half decent rifles in that calibre the 7mm-08 (ballistic twin of the 7x57) could be on the cards - as could be the 7x64 - but these two 7mm's would entail me reloading for them as factory ammo would be expensive. May have to buy some dies and get a mate to load up for me.

C.

[AussieCapitalist]

I think 223 has to be first for me. Perfect for rifles and handguns. Easy to control and a cheap round to buy in bulk. Whilst it is a bit on the small side it still packs a punch. 22LR would be second and 308 would be third.

[snag]

.223 handgun? Would that be a Thompson Contender or something?

[AussieCapitalist]

.223 handgun? Would that be a Thompson Contender or something?

I was thinking more like an AR pistol. Wedgetail make the WT15

https://shootersdelight.com.au/product/ ... t-10-shot/

[SCJ429]

Wow, a 223, 308 and a 22LR. Really going out on a limb there.

[JimTom]

Wow, a 223, 308 and a 22LR. Really going out on a limb there.

[bigrich]

Wow, a 223, 308 and a 22LR. Really going out on a limb there.

Horses for courses I guess . I’ve gotta reload , but all my favourites are old school that work for me. 222 , 6.5x55 , 30-30 - mainly because the rifle is a very accurate unique Winchester, and my soon to be new favourite , 358 win . If I had to have basics 22lr , 222, and the 6.5 . They suit the part of the country where I live and shoot

[AussieCapitalist]

Wow, a 223, 308 and a 22LR. Really going out on a limb there.

I'm not into all these weird stuff like 6.5creadmore, 7mm,17HMR,350 ledged,22mag etc. They just don't blow my skirt up.

The basics do me just fine.
22LR is for small game and general plinking
223 is for everything
308 is for everything but better

add in the 45-70 if you really want to drop big game at close range and the 50BMG or 338 Lapua for long range shooting that packs a bit of a punch.

[SCJ429]

Would you consider living a little and put an Ackley reamer up your 223?