Help me figure out a rifle

[MS 9x56]

I have 40+ years experience with the 7x57 and none with the 7mm-08. That said, I have always had the impression, perhaps wrong, that the 7x57 was a better fit for the heavier bullets (175 gr), due to c.o.l. limitations with the 7mm-08.

You are correct. I reload for my sons 7mm08 and my 7x57. Due to short throat the 08 I load 140 grains but my 7x57 really likes the 175 grain round nosed bullets.

 

[fourfive8]

Most versatile meeting your criteria, IMO, is a bolt 30-06. If you reload, most any caliber up to larger mags can be loaded down. Popular light weight, svelte stocked rifles are not your friend for reducing felt recoil.

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

Mannlicher-Schönauer stutzen in 6.5x54.

Prepare for Brian Rothhammer, below!

Who... me?

Though I do perk up at any mention of der Mannlicher Schoenauer I haven't much to add on this one.

I've never owned or fired an MS stutzen in 6.5 but have read that recoil is light and they are, of course, light and handy with legendary smoothness of operation and are supremely 'pointable' (stock engineered for 'snap shooting') as is my M1910 (9.5X57) Take Down Model.

That said, the advice of so many lifelong hunters here regarding rifles with which they have years of personal experiences far outweighs any speculation I may have regarding the OP's situation.

I have profound respect and admiration for Mannlicher Schoenauers, particularly those of the pre WW2 period, but would that make one an ideal rifle for Billy? The fact that the Schoenauer magazine of an M1903 performs flawlessly _only when fed cartridges at or very near to original profile_ limits the type of ammunition used and availability of same can be an issue.

 

[MS 9x56]

Who... me?

Though I do perk up at any mention of der Mannlicher Schoenauer I haven't much to add on this one.

I've never owned or fired an MS stutzen in 6.5 but have read that recoil is light and they are, of course, light and handy with legendary smoothness of operation and are supremely 'pointable' (stock engineered for 'snap shooting') as is my M1910 (9.5X57) Take Down Model.

That said, the advice of so many lifelong hunters here regarding rifles with which they have years of personal experiences far outweighs any speculation I may have regarding the OP's situation.

I have profound respect and admiration for Mannlicher Schoenauers, particularly those of the pre WW2 period, but would that make one an ideal rifle for Billy? The fact that the Schoenauer magazine of an M1903 performs flawlessly _only when fed cartridges at or very near to original profile_ limits the type of ammunition used and availability of same can be an issue.

Good to hear from you again Brian. Soon as I get back on both legs ( had both knees replaced in April) I plan on getting my 1905 to the range.

 

[Safari Dave]

Of the two you mentioned in your original post, the 7mm Remington Magnum would be the most versatile.


I really like the 7x57 and have collected several deer with it, but I think the 7mm Remington will be much more suited for longer shots and bigger game.

 

[akrifleman]

Of the two you mentioned in your original post, the 7mm Remington Magnum would be the most versatile.


I really like the 7x57 and have collected several deer with it, but I think the 7mm Remington will be much more suited for longer shots and bigger game.

How long exactly? Both carry more than enough for 500 yds, and the OP indicated he'd prefer to avoid excessive recoil. If you want more versatile, then wouldn't the 7 STW or 7 Weatherby be better choices? This ends up being a never ending arms race, where there is always a bump of 3 lbs of recoil being *just* in reach.

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

Good to hear from you again Brian. Soon as I get back on both legs ( had both knees replaced in April) I plan on getting my 1905 to the range.

Ouch.

Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.

 

[AZDAVE]

Both of the 2 rounds both work great. For elk size animals under 200 yards 7x57/275Rigby over 200yards & REM MAG.

 

[WAB]

Both of the 2 rounds both work great. For elk size animals under 200 yards 7x57/275Rigby over 200yards & REM MAG.

I’ve taken elk with the 7x57 using 160 gr A-Frames. Your guidance on range is very sensible for this combination. You can go beyond this, but discipline in shot selection becomes very critical.

 

[grand veneur]

I am looking to get a rifle that I can shoot deer in N America and possibly an elk but mostly deer as well as plains game in Africa. I’m open to most anything but leaning towards a 7mm RM or .275 Rigby (7x57mm) if I’m not mistaken. I am stuck between them and I have asked everyone I know and I’m still stuck. So I’d love to hear whatever y’all’s opinions are!
Thanks in advance,
Swampy

PS I have a shoulder that isn’t to great so that’s why I’m leaning towards a smaller rounds.

I skimmed through the posts, did not read them in detail, but I noticed that the majority advised relatively small cartridges.

I have to say that the heaviest or most dangerous game you can encounter will determine the choice of the caliber. In our case that would be the elk and in Africa the larger antelopes, although you also have to take into account the danger that some wild species can pose during the hunt.

If I think back to my early hunting days and refer to authors like Edward Matunas or Wayne Van Zwoll, the cartridge 338 Winchester Magnum would be the choice for your project.

I also shot some Maral deers, deers that are absolutely similar to the North American elk, in a first time with the cartridge 9,3x64, later with the cartridge 340 WBY-Magnum, because latter provides better external ballistics when it comes to shooting at long range. I did not feel overgunned with these cartridges. They are also ideally suited for Africa, the cartridge 9,3x64 is even conditionally suitable for hunting Big and Dangerous Game.

 

[grand veneur]

 

[Nevada Mike]

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I have great respect for Bob Milek, but many prefer to made one or two rifles do all the work. For all the game pictured above a 30-'06 will do nicely.

 

[akrifleman]

I have great respect for Bob Milek, but many prefer to made one or two rifles do all the work. For all the game pictured above a 30-'06 will do nicely.

A great many of these seasoned writers were smart and well traveled individuals. However, the vast majority of them came from the era of "rotten bullets" aka "when bullets failed". Nowadays, premium bullets rarely fail, and a hole is a hole.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Good to hear from you again Brian. Soon as I get back on both legs ( had both knees replaced in April) I plan on getting my 1905 to the range.

@MS 9x56
MY best mate Craig had both knees done last Christmas and he's never been the same since. Has great difficulty with ladders and finds step painful. Not much fun for a builder.
Hopefully you have a better outcome.
Bob

 

[MS 9x56]

@MS 9x56
MY best mate Craig had both knees done last Christmas and he's never been the same since. Has great difficulty with ladders and finds step painful. Not much fun for a builder.
Hopefully you have a better outcome.
Bob

Was doing great after 2 months but had a charley horse (leg cramp) that is now causing me some swelling issues in my left knee. Taking it easy on it for a few days now. Stairs have not been an issue yet but haven't tried any ladders yet. I hope you are well and getting some shooting in.

 

[matt vejar]

Eleanor O’Conner shot everything with a 7by57 so their ya go!

 

[matt vejar]

I’ve shot Duiker to Eland with my ought-six so that’s where my money lies. I shoot my 7 mag and 300 win every now and then just to remind me why I don’t hunt with them!!

 

[Rich s]

7 mm rem mag would be a great choice. I’ve killed elk, moose, brown bear. Countless deer and coyotes with it. Ammo and components will be so much easier to find than the rigby. Tolerable recoil and with the high bc bullets makes it out perform most of the 30 calibers at longer distances.

 

[R eight]

If performance, style and class is important then the 30/06 would be my first choice. However, if you’re just after results and are happy to hunt with a practical, no frills cartridge then the 308 Winchester cannot be surpassed.

If neither of those cartridges tickle your fancy…..and you like messing around and enjoy trying to reinvent the wheel …. Then just about anything else will suffice.

 

[Martin77]

300 Win Mag or 30-06 gets my vote