Author Topic: So what is next? (Read 743 times)

flatlander · « **on:** February 22, 2003, 02:58:16 AM »

I have a problem. I'm looking for something new, but I just am not sure what to buy. I have a Contender with a 22 match, 7x30 waters and 30-30 barrels. I'm looking for the next logical addition to the family. I love the 22 and 7x30 barrels, but after that I'm not sure where to go. I got rid of a 375 JDJ because it just kicked a little too much. I may decide to get rid of the 30-30 as well although it is a decent barrel, since my 7x30 will pretty much takes care of all the deer size hunting that I want to do. I don't do much varminting, or hunting big game over mule deer size. Swap the 30-30 for a 35? 223? 256? I'm interested in hearing opinions on this one.

Gregory · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2003, 04:22:17 AM »

flatlander
What will be the primary purpose of the new barrel? Do you prefer 10" or 14" barrels?
Not having too much to go on, I'll throw out a few ideas:
You may want to consider a 357 Max. In a 10" barrel it will make a dandy walk around deer gun. And with a straight wall cartridge you can use carbide dies and avoid case lube. A 357 Mag would be another possibility. TC does not recommend shooting 357 Mag or 38 Spec. out of the Max however, due to chamber ringing.
You may also want to consider a 300 Whisper. I think the 256 or 223 that you are already considering would be fine choices.

Oldoperator · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2003, 06:14:38 AM »

The 300 Whisper with a 1 in 8 twist is very versatile and unique barrel that you can have loads of fun with. It's a OK deer hunting round without much kick and it is also an excelent varmint or target round. It all depends on how it's loaded. You can roll your own ammo or buy from Cor-Bon ready made. :gun4:

KYODE · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2003, 06:48:37 AM »

got it all figured out :grin: keep what you have already. you can always experiment with loads etc. you are kinnda lean on the low end calibers. how about the new 17hmr. i bet it would just be a ball to shoot. if not 17hmr, then add the great little .223.
i guess, if it was me i'd have to get a 6mm of some sort. 6x45,6x47, 6tcu. they are great shooters. i'm thinkin you really need at least two more barrels. :eek: hehe, yep i vote add two barrels plus keep what you already have. love spending someone else's money.

flatlander · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2003, 01:00:09 PM »

Yeah, that 17 HMR has been one of the ones rattling around in my head. I also have an opportunity at a 10" 222. The smaller stuff would probably be something I could have fun with, especially since I just found somewhere to shoot some prairie dogs. :grin: I guess if I had the $$ for 2, I'd probably go for the 223 and then either the 35 or 17. But then again....Hmm.... :?:

ramaslama · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2003, 07:14:37 PM »

Hey Flatlander,

I had the same problem a while back and I solved it by getting a 10" 22 Hornet barrel. I was a bit concerned because I had read quite a few articles about the Hornet and most of them said it's very hard to get it to shoot well. I enjoy handloading and load development so I thought it might be a fun challenge. It didn't exactly work out that way though. The very first test loads went under 3/4" at a hundred yards! Honestly, I haven't found a truly bad load yet and I've tried 9 powders and 6 bullets. So far my WORST group is a bit over 1.5"! :shock: It's quiet, the recoil is almost non-existant and with a 10" barrel isn't all that far behind the 223 velocity wise. It uses an average of 10-11 grains of powder, the brass is cheap and lasts forever if you neck size and don't get too crazy with the pressure. I have a Tasco 3-12x "Varmint" scope on it that ran about $60 from Natchez and even with the power cranked all the way up I don't have any problem with the 2-3" eye relief. In a word- this thing is a BALL!!
I was really considering a 223 when I bought the Hornet but felt it would be too much in a 10" barrel- 14" would be better- maybe even ideal for the 223.
I've been looking at the 17 HMR too and figure when I get tired of paying $10 for 50 rounds I can get it rechambered to a 17 Hornet and shoot for about half the cost. Whatever you end up getting- have fun! :grin:

Dave L.