help me choose 2 new barrels please....

[ebonitekid767]

ok guys heres the scoop.i have a .223 heavy barrel already now im gonna get 2 new barrels but what.here is some info.

i hunt deer,woodchucks,coyotes and fox.

i do not reload.

max shot....300yards

now what 2 barrels?

[Mac11700]

Woodchucks,coyotes,and fox all can be hunted with your 223 heavy barrel...that leaves deer hunting ...go for a brush gun and a long range deer gun...if you want the same caliber...get a 30-30...and a 30-06 Ultra barrel...if your not paticular on calibers being the same...30-30 or a 45-70...and a 280 or 270 or 25-06...again all ultra barrels...opps...the 280 isn't an ultra barrel anymore...but that's ok...it's still a great round...the 25-06 will fill the gap nicely...and make a dandy long range deer or varmint round...the others will give you the oppourtunity to take on larger game if you ever want to...

Right now...I have the 25-06...270....30-30...30-06...and a Marlin 45-70...each one is awsome...and will cover just about anything I want to hunt with...but I could use a real nice dedicated varmint gun...Oh Heck..\ it's happening again.. I'm getting another urge to go buy another gun.... :wink:

Mac

[Sourdough]

.223, .243, and 30-06, you've got everything in North America covered.  This way when that once in a life time invitation pops up to go hunt Antalope,  Elk, Hogs, bears, or anything else your already set up for it.

[quickdtoo]

Right now...I have the 25-06...270....30-30...30-06...and a Marlin 45-70...each one is awsome...and will cover just about anything I want to hunt with...but I could use a real nice dedicated varmint gun...Oh Heck..\ it's happening again.. I'm getting another urge to go buy another gun.... :wink:

Mac

Mac, it's too late for me :eek: .....I did buy another, a .280 and am looking into yet another .45-70, a BC....and I haven't even got the 45-120 off the ground yet.....it's trully a sickness...... :oops:

[Nuttinbutchunks]

Just get a .243 Winchester. That will cover it. And while you're at it, have them work on the trigger if needed.

[James B]

I just got a new 7mm-08. That would be a good all around choice. I got  mine at Gander Mountain. The guy said he can get any caliber in about seven days. MAN!! Why did he have to tell me that?? :x

[bajabill]

with the info provided about the game you hunt, you only need one more barrel, and many fit that need.

What do you want??

[shaner]

iam about to agree with the 243 will cover anything you want to do , u can also down load it with light bullets for varmints  or go with a 100gr for deer, since you dont reload id buy the one barrel in 243 and spend the rest on reloading equipment just a thought

[Big Blue]

ebonitekid767,
  I'd say the .280, and the 45/70 should fill that void. The .280 has to be one of the best, most overlooked deer cartridges going, and the 45/70, well, probably the most fun that can be had in a Handi.
Don

[dgii]

Since you don't reload you may want to go with calibers that offer a large amount of factory loads.  I like the 243 good for deer, woodchucks, at long range on coyotes and fox.  Rips the fur bearers up in close.  The other barrel I would go with the 270 or 3006 just because they both are offered in so many diffirent loads from a lot of companies.  You can get high quality loads for all three of them from Winchester, Hornady and Federal.  Plus, most companies make some real inexpensive loads for practice.  Since reloading is out, look around at the ammo you can get for any barrel you buy.

[danwolla]

My first choice would be the 308, it is like the 223 in that surplus ammo, as well as remanufactured (factory reloads) are available.  It's nice to shoot for cheap.  Also, compare the trajectories of a 55gr 223 to a 165gr 308.  If memory serves me, they are VERY similar at least to 400 yds or so.  For larger game, ie Elk or Moose, check out the Federal high energy with a 180 gr Nosler Partition, again a very similar trajectory.  For a second barrel, my personal choice would be for something fun, a 357 or 22 hornet, but the hornet is probably not a great choice if you don't handload.  357 is available remanufactured also and quite inexpensive to shoot.  Those would be my choices, but i haven't seen any bad advice on this post, so go with what YOU like.

DW

[danwolla]

Please allow me to revise my suggestion for the second barrel.  With a little more thought, I realized there may be a better choice.  How about a black powder barrel to get yourself a second deer season?  I still think this would be a fun shooter, but I am not so sure about the expense.  Again, I would counsel you to follow your own desires.  Listen to the advice that everyone has given, and go with what you believe you would like.

dw

[DanielWGriggs]

So many choices.... what to do?  I got the 308 as my third handi, 58cal muzzel loader,.223 ultra any way. You have been given a lot of advise all of it good. The cost of 2 barrels is 230+ if i'm not mistaken How about a combo package 243/50cal muzzel loader. 183+tax or The one I have my eye on(like it's only one) The 12ga slug/50 cal combo.

But in Il we are not allowed to deer hunt with a rifle yotes yes deer no makes no sense to me but I don't make the laws.

I envy you your deliema let us know what you decide.

[Markus]

Given what you hunt I'd get a shot gun barrel and star hunting some other stuff and and a muzzle loader to give you more deer season.