Caliber Choice Question, Because I'm a Weirdo

[gcbailey]

Ok, I'm not really sure how to go about this one. I want another barrel made for my Bailey Bradshaw Rotary Action rifle. Bailey has been showcasing my rifle while I have been on deployment, and since he already has the rifle, I figured might as well make the most of it and get another barrel for it. It is currently chambered in 7x57R. I am also torn between 405 Winchester and 45-70. I already have a Shiloh 45-70 and don't know between the two, which is better for larger game. I also don't really need a larger caliber, as I have a double rifle in 9.3x74R and a 450/400 Jeffery (I love the 9.3s though). Or I could go small and get a 22 Hornet, which I don't have. I also like the idea of 303 British, 333 Jeffery, and 375 Flanged, but the 303 isn't all that much different than the 7mm and 33 Jeffery and 375 Flanged is hard to come by. I do know I want it to be a rimmed cartridge. If you were having another barrel made, which way would you go? The rifle is quite light at 5 lbs 11 oz. Attached is a photo of my rifle, just for the heck of it. HELP!

 

[MontanaGrant]

Honestly a sleek rifle like that I think you’re on the right track with a .22 hornet. .405 would also be a good choice as it’s unique for a unique gun.

My opinion leave the .45-70 to the classic 45-70 guns.

 

[BeeMaa]

9.3x74R would be an option, but a handful at that weight. 6.5x57R would be just about perfect.

 

[Mauser78]

8x57, .318,
any of those, you cannot put a normal caliber on that rifle. maybe some Wildcat with a .338, but that is close to the 9.3, so either an 8mm or then smaller like you say, some 6mm?

 

[MS 9x56]

303 British is so iconic it fairly begs to be hunted in such a beautiful rifle.

 

[gcbailey]

9.3x74R would be an option, but a handful at that weight. 6.5x57R would be just about perfect.

That’s an interesting idea. I don’t know anything about that caliber, but the only issue I see is that the 6.5 is only slightly smaller than the 7x57. I don’t want a caliber that can basically do the same thing as the 7x57, say deer hunt. I’m looking for a caliber that may fill a capability gap from the 7x57.

 

[gcbailey]

8x57, .318,
any of those, you cannot put a normal caliber on that rifle. maybe some Wildcat with a .338, but that is close to the 9.3, so either an 8mm or then smaller like you say, some 6mm?

8x57 is what Bailey recommended the first time time around. He really liked that caliber. He almost sold me, but I really love the 275 Rigby and wanted the rinmed version of that in the rifle. Is the 8x57 a significant step up from the 7x57?

 

[gcbailey]

303 British is so iconic it fairly begs to be hunted in such a beautiful rifle.

I have always wanted a 303. It’s just classic cool. I almost called Bailey to tell him to pick a caliber for me, so long as it was a 303 lol. In all seriousness, the ONLY reason I haven’t gone 303 is that it would compete with the 7x57 for deer hunting. Maybe that isn’t a problem but I think I want either a step up or step down in capability.

 

[AZDAVE]

Since you have the 7x57R , first thought would be 303 but they are close ballistics wise, the 405 would be a good non DG rifle. (I have a double and encore barrel in 405). In your rifle at that weight recoil will be snappy/sporty. The 45/70 would be more of the same.

The 22 hornet would be a nice option.

You might also look at something like a 38/55 Winchester or other small bison era sharps rounds 40/50 straight sharps etc.

 

[AZDAVE]

The 8x57rimmed ballistics are 195-200gr at 2400fps

 

[uplander01]

I’d do a a 22 hornet and shoot the tiny’s with it.

 

[gcbailey]

I’d do a a 22 hornet and shoot the tiny’s with it.

It’s sounding more and more like the Hornet is the most sensible solution to a self made problem.

 

[Josh P]

Sounds like you need more than one! 22H would fill a new slot and 303 is pretty versatile.

 

[Challer]

I have the Hornet barrel for my R8. Loads of fun. Blow it out to K Hornet and it really picks up. Reload with modern bullets and it takes off.

 

[Mauser78]

8x57 is what Bailey recommended the first time time around. He really liked that caliber. He almost sold me, but I really love the 275 Rigby and wanted the rinmed version of that in the rifle. Is the 8x57 a significant step up from the 7x57?

jip, 196Ggr @ 2400-2500Fps, very nice. can go down to 160 and up to 220gr. go for the .323 diameter.

 

[odonata]

I have three Ruger No. 1's in 6.5x55, 275 Rigby & 303 British. I love all three of them but to be honest, the spectacular results I've gotten hunting deer at moderate ranges is fairly equivalent for them. So as much as I love the idea of this rifle being rebarreled in 303 (that probably would have been my first choice), it's not a lot of differentiation from the 7x57r you currently have.

My all-around favorite Ruger No. 1S is my 9.3x74r but since you have that in a double, that seems a bit redundant. That's not necessarily a bad thing as I'm redundant on my 303 British, 30-06 and 375 H&H and the 9.3 is one of my favorite rounds. I love my Winchester 1885 Traditional Hunter in 405 Win but it is significantly heavier than your rifle so I'm not sure I would personally go that large on a lightweight rifle.

Going smaller seems to be a choice that has a lot of merits. I think it would be some enjoyable shooting. Looking at the rimmed caliber selections that are available for the Blaser K95 & checking for available ammo is often a good way to get new ideas. Since the highly regarded 22 Hornet (5.6x36r) has been a popular recommendation, I'll add the 5.6x50r Magnum and the 5.6x52r (aka the Savage Hi-Power from 1912) to the list of chamberings to consider.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

8x57mm JRS

 

[Russ16]

I’d be very tempted to go with a .220 Swift. But the Hornet would be good too.

 

[ActionBob]

It’s sounding more and more like the Hornet is the most sensible solution to a self made problem.

But look into the K Hornet. Reportedly better accuracy

 

[DG870]

Something a little different?