Cartridge reccomendations...

[slide-flipper]

Gents (and ladies if you are out there),
    While I don't really have an aversion to recoil, I don't really care to get punched in the jaw just for fun either...  can y'all make suggestions for my next barrel(s)?  I'm looking for something like the .300 Whisper.  In fact, I'll probably buy one, but am wondering what else is out there.  Small cases, heavy for caliber bullets, and most importantly... factory loaded if at all possible.  I'm going to buy a .45-70 just to say I have it and then to hunt with once in a while but, it's a little more noise and push than I care to mess with on a regular basis.  I'm interested in things that will work well with a 12" piston barrel or a very short rifle barrel.  

thanks in advance,
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[Grumulkin]

There are, of course, more Whisper cartridges than the 300.  Go to the SSK Industries link at the top of the Graybeard Outdoors forums page for other ideas.  Most if not all are a reloading proposition though.

[skb2706]

Although it requires handloading for full effect a .357 max is an excellent choice in either a short rifle or big pistol.

[rickyp]

you are asking a lot froma  factory round,
you may have to look into a stright walled handgun case like the 45 colt or 44 magnum for a heavy bullet in a smaller case that is factory loaded,
now If you handload you have a lot more options, the 357 herrett, 30 herrett, 357 max, 7 tcu all should work.

[poncaguy]

You can buy 357 Max loads from Dan Wesson Firearms, or at least I did last summer. Since CZ bought them out, I'm not sure.

[Racepres]

IMHO yer lookin for a 30/30. Very mild except the report  [terrible I think in a 10" bbl] But in a 14 + or a carbine .... I want one myself... MV

[Johnly]

If you want something close to a 300 Whisper without the cost of a custom barrel and custom dies, I'd suggest a factory 30-20(32-20) barrel.

T/C 30-20 barrels have a long throat, 1/10 twist, and a 308 bore that lends itself well to shooting heavy bullets.  Not having the 1/8 twist of a SSK 300 Whisper barrel you won't be able to shoot 200 gr. Sierra Matchkings, but I'be had great fun with my 10" 30-20 barrel.

John in Oregon

[Lone Star]

Another option is the .30 Carbine.  These can be found on the used market, or new from Fox Ridge.  I have two, one of which I used for years in IHMSA competition.  I shot 170-grain cast bullets at about 1450 fps and shot lots of scores in the high 30s.  The .308 bore and 10" twist allow the use of pretty heavy bullets, but it also shot reasonably well with 110-grain factory ammo.  Factory stuff is pretty cheap too.  My .30s are about 150-200 fps slower than my .300 Whisper barrel with equal bullets, all 10" long.

[slide-flipper]

SIT REP...

Live in Germany for next three years... guns are in US therefore no handloading.  Need factory loadings so I can be ready to shoot when I get back on leave.  Won't have time for development.  I had pretty much settled on the .300 Whisper for the carbine, but wanted to know whether I was missing anything obvious or not.  I really like my G2 as a carbine with a barely legal length barrel.  Too much powder (ie big case) is going to flash and bang too much for my taste.  I already have a .357 Mag barrel 10" so probably won't buy a MAX for pistol.  Might go to a .45 Colt  but haven't decided yet.  
On the upside... once I manage to pass my Hunters Course or Sport Shooting Course, then I will be legally able to buy or own guns here.  Won't bring any over since I don't want to put them through customs.  Besides there are some really nice firearms here if you don't mind paying the prices...

Thanks a lot for the info!

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