Author Topic: Which Next? (Read 644 times)

Big Blue · « **on:** July 14, 2004, 03:22:04 PM »

I'm picking up a NEF Sportster in .17 tomorrow, and can't wait. I have also worked enough OT lately, to order another rifle when I pick this one up. I've been wanting a .308 and am thinking about getting that. Handi, Survivor, or Ultra, so many choices. I have a 7mm-08 in an uncheckered laminated stock, is the .308 too similar to the 7mm-08, to make much of a difference? Would I be better off getting the 30/06 instead? I already have the 45/70 BC, 7mm-08, 243 ultra, and the .223 ultra. Any suggestions?
Don

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2004, 03:46:25 PM »

Don, I would think the .25-06 would be a nicer addition to your arsenal than the .308, but I'm a bit biased as a .25-06 owner.... :grin:

JPH45 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2004, 04:30:58 PM »

I think your guess is right that the 7-08 and the 308 are too similar to make a difference that would matter. The 30-06 using bullets up to 165 grains fall into the same pratical catagory. Using 180's to 225's is a different story, but how much elk, moose or bear are you going after? The problem of the NEF product line is this, look at your Handi battery, andyou will will find yourself pretty well prepared for most any situation that would confront a hunter on the North Americn Continent (except perhaps muzzleloading, more in a moment) The exceptions would require Magnums for which the Handi is not chambered.

So at this point your Handi collecting could turn to chamebrings like the 357 and 44 Mags or the more rarely produced chamberings like the 7 x 64 Brenneke or 35 Whelenwithout the conception of filling some niche. You may want to get one of every centerfire and rimfire rifle H&R/NEF has made, but I don't see where you have a hole in your present Handi's.

As to a muzzleloader, forgive if I am wrong but don't you live in an area where MZL hunting is big and good seasons are offered? This is the real niche I see in your present battery and if you are not taking advantage of this, you should be, and a 50 cal barrel would make a nice addition.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2004, 05:32:31 PM »

Don,

If was getting a new barrel, I would get a .30-06. It's easier to load down than it is to load up. That being said, the .30-06 is more versatile than a .308. According to Speer #10, the .30-06 is 200 fps faster than the same 150 gr bullet in a .308 with the same barrel length. If you want it to shoot like a max load .308, just reduce the load by 4.0 gr, but don't try it the other way around!

.308 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2004, 06:49:47 PM »

Well if it don't have to be a 'thirty' caliber, there are two other offerings based on the '06 case that I'm partial to: .270 Win. and .280 Rem. Coin toss if you 'roll yer own.' .25-06 is also a good choice, too. Forget the .357 if you're looking to buy new, they're gone and the .44 mag. will be too if what I hear is correct. Factory guy called the .44 mag. a "dog", refering to it's sales. So sounds like it is on it's way out. Don't know if they've (H&R) have ever brought one back after they've dropped it. Sure would like to have me a .35 Wheel and a .444 Marlin if they ever did.

Big Blue · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2004, 08:58:01 AM »

Thanks for the advice guys. When I picked up my Sportster, I just couldn't make up my mind which to get next, so I held onto my cash for now. I have a .44 mag. in a Marlin 1894, and a .50 BP Optima for the fall inline season. The .280, and .270 are just too much like my 7mm-08. I'm sort of leaning towards the 30/06 now, considering I could use heavier bullets than in the .308. That 35 Wheelen sure would be nice, if it could be had.
Don

Mac11700 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2004, 03:37:09 PM »

Quote from: Paul5388

Don,

If was getting a new barrel, I would get a .30-06. It's easier to load down than it is to load up. That being said, the .30-06 is more versatile than a .308. According to Speer #10, the .30-06 is 200 fps faster than the same 150 gr bullet in a .308 with the same barrel length. If you want it to shoot like a max load .308, just reduce the load by 4.0 gr, but don't try it the other way around!

Paul:

Here's another reason to "update" to a current reloading manual...page # 281 Speer reloading manual #13... and I quote

Lab Notes...

We've had many callers ask why the 308 velocities shown are EQUAL to or better than some of the 30-06 velocities shown a few pages ahead They ask if it's a mistake.No it's real,and there are two reason.
First,a compact case and a higher pressure limit give the 308 and edge with bullets up to 150 grains.Things are about equal with the 165 grain bullets,but the big 30-06 case's ability to hold a lot of slow burning powder gives it the upper hand with heavy bullets.

The second reason is the sporting rifles used to record final velocities.Both have 22" barrels and were bought at the same time.The 30-06 sporter posted velocities about 50-100 ft/sec behind the 24" pressure barrel.That's normal.On the other hand,the 308 sporter was consistently equal to or slightly faster than the pressure barrel(Speers italics). Like we've said several times,all sporters are different! See "Why Ballisticians Get Grey" in the handgun section......

Now as far as the 30-06 being more versital...I agree with you...the 308 can't handle the real heavy weights like the '06 can with the 180 grainers and up.. you'll have the same advantage as the 308 does with the 150 grainers and below...

Mac