.44Mag lever-action is going to be tough to beat for that, or maybe a .357Mag.
.303/7.62x39mm actually has quite a useful range of bullets for hunting, try the Hornady 123gn SST, 123gn SP, or the 150gn SP. Speer do a 150gn SP, and a 123gn Gold Dot SP, though I haven't seen the GD in Oz. Sierra do 125gn and 150gn SP. It's also worth trying some .308" bullets, sometimes they shoot fine. Barnes even do a copper TSX 150gn, but it might be too long to be useful in the 7.62x39mm cartridge. Berry's do cheap hardcast copper-plated 123gn bullets you can file the points off, but they're under-size for my .303/7.62x54R bores.
If you're loading your own though, 7mm-08 is the go. 145gn Speer SP in reduced loads is like a pussycat to shoot.
Rathie wrote:G'day most beautiful people,
As a quick update - the Tikka M55 in 6mmTCU is shooting very well. On trips to Ripley Range have fireformed nearly 200 cases and am now in the process of load development. FWIW fireform loads (when i bothered trying to shoot groups) easily stayed under 1"
OK - have a 20 gauge single barrel on order, but have now got the urge for a light weight and light recoil short range srub rifle for goats, piggs and the occasional fallow for use in the NSW New England tablelands. Those who familiar with the area know there can be long walks in very rough and steep country. Average shot is probably 25-50 metres and a long shot would be 150 metres.
Looking for a short bolt action (CZ 527, Howa Mini etc), short barrel (20") in a low recoiling cartridge.
I would prefer factory this time - one wildcat in the family is enough. Would consider a common wildcat if cases easy to make/procure.
Started my thinking with 7.62x39 - but there is not much in the way of projectile choice for reloading. Have thought about 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC II - would rather a bigger calibre and be a minimum of 7mm (but 6.8 SPC still interesting). 7mmBR or 30mmBR is a thought - i think factory cases are available.
300 savage looks interesting - though i suspect recoil would be very similar to a 308. I'm fine with 308 - but perhaps not on an outfit around 7 pounds.
This will be used by my daughters, visitors to the property etc etc - so id rather put something in their hands they can enjoy and not be afraid to learn to shoot with.
welcome all thoughts and suggestions, cheers rathie