No Such Animal

[bigblue]

I've been thinking that it sure would be nice to have one rifle that could do it all. Something that you could use for deer, bear, groundhogs, and even coyotes. Now I know that any rifle that could cross all those lines probably wouldn't be the best pick for any one of them, just marginal at any task. Like a Jack of all trades and master of none. It sure would be nice though to be able to spend that much time and practice with just the one rifle. I just hate the limits reality places on things.
Don

[bubbawitha4570]

If you took bear out of the equation then any number of rifles would fit the bill handily. I would venture to say that something in the 30/06 would probably be your best bet here. The bullet selection in the 30 cal. range is just soo wide, that it almost hurts to consider it. Couple that with good handloading, and you could pretty much be set for anything other than Africa. If you have good placement on the shot, heavy bullets, and enough space, the 30/06 would take bear. It has before, many times. Heck I remember hearing stories about bear hunting guides carrying 30/30's for backup, and they did the job well enough.

I would vote for the 45/70, and just not expect much on the groundhog end of things, but that is just me.

One could theoretically sabot the 45/70 in order to get a flatter trajectory, hence the groundhog/coyote question is not that far out. I don't have any idea on how this would affect the long range accuracy of the projectile, but it would be fun trying. If you can get close enought to the intended target, then my Marlin would suit me just fine.

If I could have any cartridge (taking bear out of the equation) I would pick the 257 RobertsAI. I have done much research on this caliber, and it fits many of my requirements for efficiency and killing power. A 25/06 is pretty much the unofficial king of the hill locally for deer, and the RobertsAI can match the 25/06 nicely, burning 1/3 less powder. Only on the extreme heavy bullet end do things not perform as well.

[smokepolehall]

Well now thats a horse of a different color! I will pick the 6.5x55 Swed,very mild recoil, very accurate. Can shoot bullets fer varmints and biggest game in north america! I have one and its my big game rifle! ;D ;D ;D

[bigblue]

bubbawitha4570 said:

If I could have any cartridge (taking bear out of the equation) I would pick the 257 RobertsAI.

With the .257 Roberts published loads being so enemic, I wonder what the original cartridge would be capable of if loaded to the modern rifles pressure withstanding abilities. The 7x57 is another example of a cartridge loaded to older less capable specs that has much more potential in modern higher pressure firearms.
Don

[smokepolehall]

I'd say if you got Bob with a 24" bbl. and reloaded yer rounds. You could give a 25/06 a good run fer its money! ;D

[bubbawitha4570]

Yup, the 257 Roberts AI does mimic the 25/06 with handloads. BUT you need the Ackley Improved version.

I've been lately looking real hard at the 25/06 AI as a monster 257 for coyote. The round looks to get very close to 257 Weatherby levels. And I've been thinking about one of the Savage/Stevens guns to do it with....accuracy without high costs.

[bigblue]

Bubba,

Another option is the Weatherby Vanguard in .257 Weatherby Magnum. The synthetic version can be had under $400 and comes with that 1.5" guarranty. The walnut Sporter version that I got from Kelsey in 7mm Rem. Mag. shoots under 1" with several loads and he had a special deal on those for under $400. The only drawback to the .257 Weatherby Magnum is the cost of brass or even worse is the cost of loaded ammo.

Kelsey says he can get any of the Stevens 200 caliber choices and they are really nice for under $300. I bought one in 7mm-08 and may look at other calibers in the future. The barrels are threaded, same as the Savage so you have a choice of easily putting a aftermarket 25-06 AI barrel on it, or have the original's chamber reamed.

Don

[scottymydog]

I agree with bubbawitha4570 on the 30-06 everything from 22cal sabot -220grain bullets.This caliber will take any game in the western hemisphere.

[jasonjennings]

The 7mm-08 would be agreat round for you. This round will take evrything suggested here except for the biggest of bears. And in theory with the right bullet choice it would do that too. It just may not be the caliber of choice for them.