Author Topic: Which Handi to get?????????/ (Read 1385 times)

jmckinley · « **on:** April 05, 2006, 03:05:09 AM »

Sometime later in the day I'll be picking up a new rifle for goats, deer and elk if I can draw this year here in NM. I just can't make my mind up on the caliber to get. I have been thinking 06, 308, 280, 270 or ever 25-06 and still am up in the air. The first 4 have pretty much equal performance and there in lies the rub. I am recoil sensitive due to more than a few concussions (sp) and do not like my head rattled to much at all. I loved my 25-06 ultra and like a dumb........ I sold it, not sure it's the best choice for Elk but have a Gunsmith I know uses the 25 for big elk every year.Was going to get a bolt and changed my mind. The S/S keeps me disciplined in the field plus it makes you a better hunter in my opinion. Help!!!!!!!

:? Jess

cheatermk3 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2006, 03:42:12 AM »

I have a friend that hunts elk here in the PNW and he uses a 25-06. He takes a bull more often than not, I don't know what bullet he uses I think it's a Nosler partition. The only caveat is that your handirifle might not like heavy for caliber bullets; mine shoots the remington 120 corelokt into 1.25 MOA.

If it's muzzle blast you're sensitive to, then you need to keep the muzzle as far from your head as possible regardless of caliber since any hipower caliber will have lots of blast. The 25-06 is a bit lighter in recoil than the others you mention but the blast might be more severe due to the smaller hole in the bore giving a higher pitch.

longwalker · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2006, 03:44:38 AM »

In my opinion go with the 30-06, or the 280. You will have oddles of different bullet configurations and weights to try if you reload. If you don't reload then the 30-06 will offer you the most choices in bullets and weights out of the box. As far as recoil start out with "reduced loads" and get confident with the gun then step up with heavyer loads.

You could easly shoot deer and antelope with the 125 grain reduced loads and put a 180 in it for elk.

longwalker

mattparliament · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2006, 04:21:48 AM »

prehaps the new 35 Whelen?? If you handload you could make some managable recoil loads

mitchell · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2006, 04:30:55 AM »

if they still have them send in for a ultra comp in 30-06 they will shoot great and wont kick at all. if they don't then get a 280 or 30-06 and have a brake put on it (might run you $100) but then you wont have all the recoil and you'll still have a heck of a thumper, just make sure you use ear plugs.

RemingtonMagnum · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2006, 04:36:28 AM »

Get a 30-06 and enjoy the feel of a major shooting rifle.

Don Jackson Remington Magnum/Ultramag

Norseman112 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2006, 05:04:47 AM »

I know some hunters take elk with 25-06, but for myself I would rather have a 30-06 and install a muzzel brake as Mitchell said. You can always load down the 30-06 to or buy reduced loads, but with a muzzel brake recoil should be manageble.

best of luck

John

GrampaMike · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2006, 08:13:16 AM »

jmckinley

Forgot the 7mm-08 less recoil than all listed.

Maybe the 30-30 Win or 7.62x39, recoil lower than listed.

But 7mm-08 is the best of the bunch listed.

jmckinley · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2006, 10:05:32 AM »

Gentlemen thanks a bunch for your responses, i have narrowed it down to a 308 survivor or as Grandpa Mike suggested a 7-08 would fill the bill. i have lost most of my hearing in my left ear due to a small explosion while I was in the USAF, so a muzzle brake is the last thing i need. Plus the survivor stock should help absorb so recoil and I'll put a sims pad on the backend which i know will help. I can handle up to 300 Win recoil just at the age that it's not all that much fun to loosen my fillings anymore!

Jess :-D

A.J. · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2006, 10:23:48 AM »

If it's not too late for my 2 cents, if a person LIVES in Elk country, he has the luxury of extended hunting/ scouting time and is more able to pick his shots, and thus be able to use a smaller caliber. An out of state hunter has a much more limited hunting/ scouting time and could more easily be faced with either a bad angle shot requiring more penetration from his bullet, or no shot at all. To me, a 7-08 (while I dearly love this all around caliber) is just not up to the task under those circumstances. While the 30-06 would marginally have the most punch, I would go with the 280 for no other reason than it's flat trajectory makes it a more versatile round, PLUS you can hunt different sized game without reloading OR even switching bullet weights, by simply using the bullet TYPE for the animal you're after...Ballistic Tips for deer and antelope...Partitions for Elk and Moose...again, just my 2 cents.

RemingtonMagnum · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2006, 01:11:20 PM »

YOU know that is the beauty of this and other board/list.

1: You can ask for suggestions!

2: We can all give our advice!

3: You and any other member can then make own decisions and purchases.

4: Then there are those people like me. I love the 30-06 but am mesmerized by all the other choices. Have to have them also.

Don Jackson Remington Magnum/Ultramag

jmckinley · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2006, 02:25:59 PM »

Well he who hesitates.....u know the rest, I was going to order the Survivor but had a change of mind. I looked at the ballistics of the 280 and will be ordering one tommorrow from Wally World and will put my 3-9X50 Scope Chief on it. It will give me less recoil than the 06 and still allow me to hunt goats to elk with little loss in performance, Thnks for everyones input it did get me thinking on my first purchase and it wii give me an excuse to buy 4 or 5 more of these little rifles. All in all how can I go wrong with a rifle that will cost me $ 220 including tax. I Know for sure i'll never feel undergunned with a Handi. I will change to a thumbhole stock before I'm done. Thanks again. Jess :-D

nomosendero · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2006, 05:13:45 PM »

Jess, not that it matters much but I think you made the right choice.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2006, 05:28:54 PM »

Good Choice :agree:

Mac

RemingtonMagnum · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2006, 06:37:48 PM »

Enjoy your 280 and have a ton of fun.

Don Jackson Remington Magnum/Ultramag

RackWrangler · « **Reply #15 on:** April 06, 2006, 08:52:56 AM »

If you like the look or feel of the Survivor, you could always swap a set of Survivor stocks on to your new 280.

To me, the Survivor stock (with a slip on LimbSaver pad) seems to absorb more recoil than the standard style. Maybe it's the shooting hand position, or maybe it's just in my rattled head.

I haven't had the opportunity to shoot a Choate Varmint Stock yet, but would assume that they would shoot about the same.

RackWrangler

FirstFreedom · « **Reply #16 on:** April 06, 2006, 03:51:48 PM »

NM=Plains. Couple that with low recoil desire, and it adds up to .25-06, definitely! If you get the 26" one, then that will reduce recoil further, put the blast further from your face, & add velocity. .270 second choice.

jmckinley · « **Reply #17 on:** April 06, 2006, 04:53:00 PM »

Well after all the suggestions I ordered a 280Rem today from Wally World i'll have it by the end of the month. Firstfreedom the 25-06 will be my next Handi and after that a fluted 223 or 243 and then i'll see. I post how it does at the range as soon as I get it to the range. Gentlen thanks for your kindness in offering your opinions.

God Bless,
Jess

DavOh · « **Reply #18 on:** April 07, 2006, 02:43:51 PM »

I was once enamored by the concept of all these exotic sounding calibers. .300 savage, .338-06, 257 roberts, 30-06AI etc etc etc etc....

BUT! I keep coming back to the .308. easily managable recoil with plenty of bank for your buck. Besides, If I ever do get to go on a elk hunt, it'll be that old beat up Remington 788 .308 win that goes with me. It's never failed me on whitetail, even at extended ranges. I've never NOT gotten a full-pass through regardless of shot angle or range. All I've ever hunted with was 150 gr Rem. Softpoint Corlokts.

Confidence in your weapon is key.

jmckinley · « **Reply #19 on:** April 07, 2006, 04:52:30 PM »

Found out today that the 280 was not available after all and will change my order to the 308 Survivor after all. Plus ammo for the 280 is not readily available so the 308 instead. I will be getting a 25-06 for my goat rifle. Jess :eek: :eek:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 07, 2006, 06:12:56 PM »

That's a shame it isn't available there..but it is available as a extra barrel from NEF..and I wouldn't hesitate getting one....Ammo is just a phone call or mouse click away..cases,bullets,primers & powder too if you can't get them locally..Nothing against the 308..I know a few folks who use nothing but them to Elk hunt with..so I don't think you'll be lacking using one..I'm not a big fan of the Survivor stock set..I would opt for the regular synthetic type over it..but..to each his own as they say..I just got both of mine in this week..both the 25-06 & the 280..I have a preference for the longer barrels on a single shot..all the extra velocity from normal factory ammo is very appealing to me...and the lenght is still shorter than most bolt guns..

Good Luck with your Survivor

Mac

jmckinley · « **Reply #21 on:** April 08, 2006, 06:30:33 AM »

Mac I ordered the Survivir today in 308win, your idea about the 280 barrel makes sense to me. If I don't like the stock I'll order the plain synthetic one or possibly the Choate Varmint. My next full Handi will be an Ultra in 25-06 and possibly a 35 whelen when available for my Elk gun. I don't reload so the 308 for me make a perfect round, but I do agree a 280 is in my future. Jess

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #22 on:** April 08, 2006, 02:09:51 PM »

My 280 with the 26" barrel is just about in the middle between the 30 06 and the 7 mag. 2975 fps with the 150 gr. corlokts,and close to 3100 fps with the 140's.With some good handloads,it won't be far behind the 7 mag.Recoil in my Ultra frame and stock is less than my 45 70 barrel and factory Win. 300 grs.bullets. Digger

Mac11700 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 08, 2006, 04:42:10 PM »

Digger...that is pretty awsome :agree: I hope mine does as well as yours has done..

Mac

jmckinley · « **Reply #24 on:** April 09, 2006, 03:53:49 AM »

:x Something on this post has stuck in my craw and with my personality I am going to address it. The comment to each his own hit me wrong. First and foremost I made this post to get opinions on what cal. most of you would pick. I have hunted with a bow much more than I ever have a rifle.I have hunted and shot a rifle enough to have an opinion. I make it a habit to do my homework before I spend a dime on rilfe, bow or whatever I want. I guess its the military in me or just being anal. The point being opinions are like backsides some sure look better than others if you get my drift. I do have favorites 308, 270, 25-06,223 and finally 300WSM. The 280 is a fine round but ammo is hard to find in this neck of the woods. Not being a handloader makes it less attractive to me, hence I picked a round that I can find anywhere in rural NM. I may find I hate the Survivor stock and change to the Varmint or wood for that matter. The point I am making we go with what fits are needs not the latest and greatest. When the finally choice is made it's my nickle not yours and the same goes for all of us. Opinions from other hunter/shooters is helpful and appericiated but its ultimately up to the person writing the check. Jess

Mac11700 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 09, 2006, 05:02:27 AM »

Quote from: jmckinley

:x Something on this post has stuck in my craw and with my personality I am going to address it. The comment to each his own hit me wrong. Jess

.....I have also owned a 308 Survivor..and it while I really liked the caliber..I just didn't care for the stock set..and that's all I meant by it..JMckinley..no need to be upset with my comment..The final choice is always yours

Also..being in a remote part of a state no-longer precludes you from being able to purchase quality ammo...for any caliber..Since you do have a internet connection..Your options are far greater than what you can go and purchase over the counter locally.I always had reservations about buying anything on-line..and still do for somethings..but with companies like MidwayUSA..Mid-South Shooters Supplies,Cabelas, Graft & Sons,Natchez..those mis-givings have gone away for me purchasing ammo & supplies...Give them a look..sometimes you can find really good deals on what your needing...

Good Luck with your Survivor

jmckinley · « **Reply #26 on:** April 09, 2006, 06:34:00 AM »

Mac no problem just getting fiesty the closer I get to 60. Boy that hurts. Fact is I like the Heavy barrel on the Survivor. I'll most likely change the stock to a Choate Varmint or regular syntheic when I pick it uo. I'll have a 280 before summers end and will put the choate stock on it. Plus a 25-06, Whelen and Fluted 243. I need to learn to reload and then It isn' a problem what ever I purchase. Sorry about being a horses hindquarers!! :oops: Jess

Mac11700 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 09, 2006, 07:04:18 AM »

No problem...You have selected some fine calibers to utilize...and you'll enjoy them for some time to come..

Mac

lovedogs · « **Reply #28 on:** April 10, 2006, 09:07:59 AM »

Hi Jess,

Not knowing the folks on this forum it's hard to tell who knows what they're talking about and who is just talking. I've lived in Montana most of my life and did 14 yrs. in Wyoming when I was with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service so I've seen a lot of elk and even managed to shoot them when I could draw a permit. The Jackson Elk Refuge was also the sister refuge to the one I worked on. While I don't claim to know all about them and the hunting of them I think I know what to shoot them with.

Elk can be tough customers. But if you're careful about what you're doing they aren't so hard to put down. I've seen knowledgable hunters shoot them with handguns and small caliber rifles. Bigger is better. But if you are careful you can shoot them with almost any good rifle from .243 and up, though I don't recommend anything smaller than .25 caliber.

Let me just tell you a story about a friend who couldn't shoot anything with much kick. His father-in-law bought him a .300 Weatherby. He tried to use it for two seasons and was so flinchy he couldn't hit a thing. I helped him trade it off on a good .25-06. We loaded it up with a good load using a 120 gr. Nosler Partition. You can buy such loads if you don't learn to reload. I got him so he could shoot again and he went hunting with the man who bought that .300 for him. They came upon a nice 5-point bull at 100 yds. He shot the bull just behing the shoulder with that .25-06. The Partition angled up forward and exited throught the off-side shoulder. The bull took about five steps and piled up.

Within range the .25-06 with a good 120 gr. bullet will do almost anything a good .270 would do with the 130 gr. And we all know that was Jack O'Connors favorite elk medicine.

So, I'd say if you're not comfortable with recoil just get you a good .25, shoot it a lot, have fun. You'll do better with a rifle you like than one you're not sure about. Happy Hunting! And don't eat too much elk steak.