My three calibers...I made a start

[briannmilewis]

The other day I had some spare cash, something I have not had for 3 years, I went to my local pawn shop in Jefferson City, MO and they had a pre-owned, unfired 7mm-08 Handi. I paid $310 out the door. Not that I have any reloading gear or anything else I need yet, but it put me back in my frame of mind of what 3 calibers would I own if that is all we were allowed (California law in in 2020  ).

For a long time I have said 223 Rem, 7mm-08 and 356/358 Win., so I think I will send the action in to get the 223 and 357 barrels fitted.

Then I will worry about more Handi purchases later, after I get my LH Savage Bolt in 223 that we can modify for the 223 Short.

Dreaming, just dreaming...My brain is not working as well as it used to, so I thought I would check to see if the plan makes sense!

[Dinny]

Congrats, you will like the 7-08. But....I think you will like the 356/358 even more.

Thanks, Dinny

[petemi]

I don't know if I can completely agree with Dinny on that.  My wife and I have all three Handis mentioned, including a pair of SL 7mm-08s.  They're all shooters.  I really like the 7mm-08 as well as the .356/.358.  I'm partial to the .308 family.  It's been very good to me over the years.  I recently added a SL .243 and I'm thrilled with its performance.  I think you've made excellent choices. 

Good luck and good shooting,

Pete

[thejanitor]

I have to chime in.... the 7-08s at our house have been favorites. All three have some fun stories to tell. And all three are in some of the happiest hunting pictures we have.
Hope you like it as much as we have.   thejanitor

[OldSchoolRanger]

The other day ....
Not that I have any reloading gear or anything else I need yet, but it put me back in my frame of mind of what 3 calibers would I own if that is all we were allowed (California law in in 2020  ).

For a long time I have said 223 Rem, 7mm-08 and 356/358 Win., so I think I will send the action in to get the 223 and 357 barrels fitted.

Then I will worry about more Handi purchases later, after I get my LH Savage Bolt in 223 that we can modify for the 223 Short.

Dreaming, just dreaming...My brain is not working as well as it used to, so I thought I would check to see if the plan makes sense!

That's a crazy scenario, that only the People's Republic of Kaliforny would try.  Unfortunately, they just might.  Good choices of caliber, but have you also considered the 30-30's and 45-70's?

I don't know if I can completely agree with Dinny on that.  My wife and I have all three Handis mentioned, including a pair of SL 7mm-08s.  They're all shooters.  I really like the 7mm-08 as well as the .356/.358.  I'm partial to the .308 family.  It's been very good to me over the years.  I recently added a SL .243 and I'm thrilled with its performance.  I think you've made excellent choices. 

Good luck and good shooting,

Pete

I agree with petemi, about the 308 family, but I'm still trying to get my 7-08 to shoot as nice a group as my 30-30's, .357, and 45-70's. 

[45-70.gov]

of mind of what 3 calibers would I own if that is all we were allowed (California law in in 2020   ).


what is this???

[briannmilewis]

OldSchool Ranger -thejanitor just clued me into minimum loads for the 7mm-08.

[briannmilewis]

of mind of what 3 calibers would I own if that is all we were allowed (California law in in 2020   ).


what is this? ??

Just yanking your chain, took me a millisecond to think up a stupid California law they would try and pass.

[ncloader88]

In the three caliber scenario, I'm on the exact same page!  Those three chamberings have been floating around in my head for a while and it's making me dizzy.  However, let's just dream for a second and pretend that california would let me have four , I would jump at the chance to add the 444 marlin.  They probably wouldn't allow it though.... wouldn't want me hurling 300 grain hunks of toxic lead around willy-nilly.    Luckily, I don't live in cali, so this is all hypothetical.

[bikerbeans]

#1 223 makes sense.
 
#2 308W might be better for ammo availability if you don't reload, but you done made that decision.
 
#3 Now a 356/358W ain't a real big bore, just a reduced loaded 35Whelan.    For an instead 100 yard stopper I would go either 45-70 or a 20 ga USH.  The 12 ga USH would be better but needs a different frame.
 
BB

[Whiterabbitttttt]

Im having a hell of a tiem getting my 20 ga USH to shoot. I have one chance left with some remington copper solids on the way but after that I have to start looking at bizzare-o ammo like the dupleks stuff. Or load myself which I dont want to do just yet for a shotgun!
 
The 357 barrel on the other hand, it shoots ANYTHING! amazing barrel. I've been very happy with that purchase.

[gendoc]

#1 223 makes sense.
 
#2 308W might be better for ammo availability if you don't reload, but you done made that decision.
 
#3 Now a 356/358W ain't a real big bore, just a reduced loaded 35Whelan.    For an instead 100 yard stopper I would go either 45-70 or a 20 ga USH.  The 12 ga USH would be better but needs a different frame.
 
BB
 
 

 
thatsa right BB...........    #1 & 2  is all gud, but #3 ain't so special in my book either
some here love it for there reasons.... an thats why i ain't got no use for one ina handi
for my reason's and not speculations    might as well make it 3 for three in tha
 unrim area ................35 whelen sounds great and performs excellent for me

[mechanic]

If there were such a law..Handi's would be ideal...the receiver is the gun, so one gun with 15 barrels.      
 
Ben

[gendoc]

If there were such a law..Handi's would be ideal...the receiver is the gun, so one gun with 15 barrels.      
 
Ben

NOW THATSA WHAT I'M TALK'N BOUT BEN !!!!!

[Whiterabbitttttt]

My 357 max load can launch a 250 grain bullet at 1700 fps. It definitely ain't no big bore, and it ain't no 35 whelen! But I wouldn't be willing to get shot with that particular bullet, either! And the recoil is shockingly low for the power it can produce.
 
I also happen to think the 7mm size bullet is the perfect size for everything. Though of course, in a 7x57.

[gcrank1]

22LR
7MM
And whatever Real bigbore (over 44cal.) trips yer trigger
BUT, its your dream, so get what ya want and dance with who ya brung!

[briannmilewis]

My 357 max load can launch a 250 grain bullet at 1700 fps. It definitely ain't no big bore, and it ain't no 35 whelen! But I wouldn't be willing to get shot with that particular bullet, either! And the recoil is shockingly low for the power it can produce.
 
I also happen to think the 7mm size bullet is the perfect size for everything. Though of course, in a 7x57.

With you...I am  recoil wimp that is why the 356/358 choice for the top end of the range.

[jpshaw]

Whatever you do don't get rid of the 7-08.  My son just killed another doe yesterday with ours.  It's been a family favorite of ours for decades.  Ours is not a Handi but a Remington Mountain Rifle (700 with a thin barrel).  I was using a Handi in .444 leftover from Louisiana's Primitive season but barely got on my stand before a text message from my son put me on "dragging duty".