Beginner Hunter Caliber Question

[astar250]

R


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[MJB]

Between the 270 and the 30-06 is a beat your head against the wall argument. Both calibers are more than adequate for taking any game in Kali especially for a beginner.

The 270 is the flatter shooting round but at 200 yds it doesn't make any difference compared to the 30-06. It's strong point is the lighter recoil. It will still put a thumping down. It's drawbacks are the lack of range of bullet weights and that is a non-issue in my opinion.

The 30-06 is an Americana round. Does the job and does it well even at distance. You have a wide variety of bullet weights to choose from for the different types of hunts you may want to try. It's drawbacks are it will punish you more than the 270. (not by much IMHO)

Both are widely available. Both are a great choice for all around hunting, they will both get the job done.

You can't go wrong with one or the other but if you do want to do long range varmint hunting as well I'd stick with the 270. If that's not in your scope and you decide to go hunt elk up north then I'd go 30-06. If none of that is in your plans then flip a coin and run with it, you won't make a bad decision either way. I chose the 30-06 and my brother chose the 270. He used my rifle for his elk hunt in Colorado for what it's worth,

Yep and yep!

.270 for everything but I do use my 06 in 180gr Hornady "custom" SST, for elk.

I love the 270 for reloading with copper. The TSX 130gr at Max pressure is a killer and is near match grade accuracy. No drift and I loose 30-40% of bullet weight when the pedals break off.

I never recommend the 308 for Western hunting it's just too weak and drops fast.

As for practice with a lighter caliber? Well that would not be my choice.
First off you should always practice with the gun you're going to hunt with you need to know it inside and out.
Second recoil at the range is mitigated with a pad or a sled. When hunting there is no sled there is no pad there is no bench this is what you should practice once sighted in. How to isolate all parts of your body from moving while shooting in the woods is huge. Most shots don't have much time to set up so knowing your **** before the hunt pays off.

Good luck!

[Sputnik]

There's nothing wrong with learning the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship with a rimfire, be it .22 or .17. I don't think anyone suggested using it on big or medium game. Bunnies maybe.
You learn the basics while spending significantly less money on ammo. Then break out the big gun, transfer what you've learned to that rifle and you'll be better prepared to transfer some lead (or a CA mandated lead-free alternative) to some tasty animals.

[NATEWA]

Good video

https://youtu.be/Cfd3XkHDaDA

[Garandimal]

Learn to shoot.

Then, learn to hunt.




GR

[Garandimal]

Back when male appendages were OEM, the Military used to train and produce qualified .30 cal Riflemen in Two Weeks.

Learn to Shoot a Rifle, from Field Positions.

Then, learn to Hunt.




GR

[k1dude]

Good video

https://youtu.be/Cfd3XkHDaDA

Yep. Evidently, even 6.5 Creedmoor is coming on strong with elk hunters.

[diver160651]

Beginner Hunter Caliber Question

Yep. Evidently, even 6.5 Creedmoor is coming on strong with elk hunters.

[JTROKS]

[FishnHunt]

I'm wondering if we confused the OP more than he was, or were we any help?

[Dirtlaw]

Sharing experience and knowledge

I'm wondering if we confused the OP more than he was, or were we any help?

As a newby myself, all the advice is greatly appreciated. I've learned a ton from this bulletin board.

[XVIga_Rob]

I'm wondering if we confused the OP more than he was, or were we any help?

It is best if you can practice to hone your skills, & hunt with the same rifle. If a little/less recoiling rifle works better to hone your skill’s, mabe 2 rifles are better than 1.

[Bisley]

Learn to shoot.

Then, learn to hunt.




GR

Exactly! Can't hit what you're hunting if you can't shoot. Can't learn to shoot if you don't shoot a LOT! Can't shoot a lot at $1 a shot. As silly as it sounds, in some cases EVENTUALLY going to two rifles is a cheaper solution, as well as a better and quicker learning curve. You didn't go out the day after you got your license and buy a Crew Cab 3500 Dodge Cummins and a 35' fifth wheel because you want to camp in the future. It also doesn't mean the OP has to wait a few years before hunting big game as wants. Just take it in steps. And the more you shoot, the quicker things get learned. And the cheaper the ammo the more (and faster) learn. And then when you are proficient at shooting you start hunting a way more abundant game (like ground squirrels and rabbits) so that your proficiency at hunting gets there very quickly. These two types of game will be great at forcing you to learn what's behind your game before pulling a trigger. And once that becomes second nature you're ready for the BIG step. You will already have the forethought of where the vitals are by then as well as the natural instincts.

Not to mention you will be doing everyone else in the field a HUGE favor by learning to shoot first as well.

[Dirtlaw]

Freedom Day


In 6 months freedom day. My goal on (or before) that day is to find a bunch of rabbits or some other varmint that is not regulated so I can practice and practice my shooting skills with .22 and .17 HMR. Soon after ... bucket list number 1 ... the boar hunt. I've made some mistakes in the things I've purchased, but God has blessed me with generous resources so that's no huge deal. I feel good with my final decisions -- an ultra light Kimber 6.5 Creedmoor and a Marlin 1985 .45/70 SBL. I just wish that I was going through these experiences 60 years ago.

[FishnHunt]

It is best if you can practice to hone your skills, & hunt with the same rifle. If a little/less recoiling rifle works better to hone your skill’s, mabe 2 rifles are better than 1.

^ True
After 30 years of shooting and probably 20 years of hunting this is what I suggest.
With 10/22 he can plink all day for peanuts and go hunt rabbits. He will learn how to shoulder his rifle quickly and lead game if need to.
223 will enable him to shoot well beyond his 200 yard mark.
This will all translate and help him save his shoulder and money when he starts shootings 30/06. Obviously you will have to shoot the big gun to be proficient in all aspects.
To each his own.