Looking for suggestions on a new caliber

[bucdoego]

I am a .270 fan as well. I have a .270 Win and a .270WSM with the .270 Win being the latest addition (I LOVE shooting the .270 Win). As far as the 6.5 Creedmoor and associated calibers of 6.5 I will say this, there was a time when any of the WSM calibers was on everyone's mind. Try buying ammo for a WSM now. I bought reloading dies for mine on clearance and have only found a few boxes of factory ammo in the past couple years.

I do like my 270WSM, but it is becoming almost 'obsolete' with many local shops not supporting it (my area, anyway). I wouldn't buy one again today with how it is doing.

Like you, I've lived thru the 270WSM factory ammo dry spell. It is better at the moment with 329 offerings (at AmmoSeek), if you are willing to buy online. I like your idea of buying reloading dies (especially on clearance).

.270 WSM Ammo

In-stock best prices for 270 WSM Ammo | Best 270 WSM Ammunition - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

 

[Cammy]

I do like my 270WSM, but it is becoming almost 'obsolete' with many local shops not supporting it (my area, anyway). I wouldn't buy one again today with how it is doing.

Like you, I've lived thru the 270WSM factory ammo dry spell. It is better at the moment with 329 offerings (at AmmoSeek), if you are willing to buy online. I like your idea of buying reloading dies (especially on clearance).

.270 WSM Ammo

In-stock best prices for 270 WSM Ammo | Best 270 WSM Ammunition - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

After a disastrous hunt last year I was ready to sell the gun for scrap. I took it to a local shop that was a buy/sell gun shop to see if I could sell it and buy a .270 Win. The guy laughed and told me he wouldn't buy it as the .270WSM was "..a dead caliber". I have enough factory ammo to last me for a while and with a recent purchase I have enough once fired empty brass to last me 3 lifetimes with reloading.

 

[bucdoego]

After a disastrous hunt last year I was ready to sell the gun for scrap. I took it to a local shop that was a buy/sell gun shop to see if I could sell it and buy a .270 Win. The guy laughed and told me he wouldn't buy it as the .270WSM was "..a dead caliber". I have enough factory ammo to last me for a while and with a recent purchase I have enough once fired empty brass to last me 3 lifetimes with reloading.

I'm sort of in the same situation. I bought pretty heavy when I found ammo that I thought might be an answer for me (Federal Trophy Copper and Hornady CX). The gun likes both, so I'm probably set for any (lower-48) Elk/Moose/Bison hunt or an Alaska trip that I might still pursue. I'm going to keep an eye out for a die set though...

 

[Cammy]

I'm sort of in the same situation. I bought pretty heavy when I found ammo that I thought might be an answer for me (Federal Trophy Copper and Hornady CX). The gun likes both, so I'm probably set for any (lower-48) Elk/Moose/Bison hunt or an Alaska trip that I might still pursue. I'm going to keep an eye out for a die set though...

Found my die set at Bass Pro and snagged it for $25.00. Local Sportsman's Warehouse had a set on the shelf for $80.00

 

[dhsmithiv]

If handloading, one vote for .270 Weatherby Mag with a 130 grain Scirocco. Has worked perfect on deer, elk, sheep, black bear, pig

 

[Jnasa]

If you’re wanting something different I would say maybe the 308. Lots of ammo options. If you reload could do the 270 Winchester as you could probably use powders you already have. Lots of new cartridges out there I just always hesitate on ammo cost and availability.

 

[Ringbill27]

25-06 is a deer cartridge. But my choice would be a 7mm08. It’s a fantastic cartridge.

 

[Westelker]

.270 almost any bullet will get you a deer, antelope or bull elk. Shot placement at a reasonable range will do the job...keep it simple, .270 bullets are available almost anywhere. No recoil, rifle is light and not noisy. Couple a good .270 with a decent scope and you'll be happy for years. You don't have to go for the hibreds and hard to find bullets!

 

[kiwi hunter]

After a disastrous hunt last year I was ready to sell the gun for scrap. I took it to a local shop that was a buy/sell gun shop to see if I could sell it and buy a .270 Win. The guy laughed and told me he wouldn't buy it as the .270WSM was "..a dead caliber". I have enough factory ammo to last me for a while and with a recent purchase I have enough once fired empty brass to last me 3 lifetimes with reloading.

Paired with 150 gr projectiles they be dead fast

 

[TrapperJ]

I don't see much wrong with the 25.06 but a 7mm-08 would serve pretty well in that lineup or if you want a bit of spice in your life any lever action fromm 44 mag to 360 buckhammer( fairly new from what I've heard) or even a timeless 30.30 win would do it when I bought my deer gun I was tore between the 7mm-08 and 270 win but after going with the 7mm-08 I don't regret it but the ammo isn't as available ( I'm really trying to encourage the 7mm-08 on ya

 

[noharleyyet]

If I had the time to operate the old caliber safe residents & had an inclination for a new one, I think it'd be a 7PRC or a 7AI...maybe both

 

[Siege009]

I currently own a 25-06 and a 338 win mag. I’m looking to possibly get a caliber for more deer like game. So something definitely bigger than the 25-06 that has more ammo available.

In an effort to change the game up I am a big fan of my 44 mag henry lever action. It is without a doubt the best woods gun I have ever used. If range is of the paramount I'd go 7mm-08.

 

[Robert N]

Well, let’s change the question a little bit. What else would you do with the rifle? Would you want it for long range hunting? Or long range target practice, out to say 600-1000 yards? Or perhaps maybe you want an ultralight rifle?

What else would you do with the rifle?

 

[champ198]

6.5 in PRC or CM

 

[Boarmaster]

I love my 7mm08 for Whitetails. But starting over I would go 6.5 CM. Just more available ammo. I probably have a 15 year supply of 7mm08 but 6.5 is a lot easier to snag. If I wanted something slightly bigger than a 6.5 then I would go 270 win. Which I do have in the safe myself. Pretty easy to find ammo for that about anywhere.

 

[sclancy27]

Just sell the .338 and keep the 25-06, it will kill anything with the right bullets. If you want to get something just to shoot, maybe a 6 ARC?

 

[Don Fischer]

The 25-06 is pretty dang good for any deer out there. What exactly do you want this new cartridge to do that the 25-06 isn't capable?

What new rifle are you wanting to get? I'm all for a new gun. What cartridges does that gun come in?

I think the most overlooked cartridges are the 6.5's and in 260 rem, 6.5 Creedmoor and especially 6.5x55. The best is gonna be up to you as all the cartridges will do well on a deer! Myself I avoid magnums for anything and everything, don't like recoil! But even a magnum will kill a deer if you like them and their recoil!

 

[BrentD]

I currently own a 25-06 and a 338 win mag. I’m looking to possibly get a caliber for more deer like game. So something definitely bigger than the 25-06 that has more ammo available.

.45 patched roundball? Everyone needs at least half a dozen rifles that begin with a .4