Too many rifles that do the same thing

[2000Z-71]

I'm finally starting to get into reloading for my hunting rifles. Putting to use the powder, primers and bullets that I've bought over the years with the intention of working up handloads.

Just looking at the last 3 rifles I've worked up initial loads for; 7mm Magnum, .25-06 and .270. I started to ask myself how did I end up with 3 rifles that basically serve the same purpose? All 3 relatively fast, flat shooting cartridges. All of them can basically do the job of the other with the .25-06 being a little on the light end.

Then I remembered; I got the 7mm Model 70 Featherweight as the go anywhere hunt anything rifle, the .25-06 NO. 1 came a few years later as the specialized antelope rifle and the fact that a single shot rifle kind of has an appeal all of its own, then I picked up the Classic Sporter 70 in .270 last year because of Jack O'Conner and the fact Winchester was no longer making them.

I guess there's some logic to it. I still keep asking how I ended up with 3 rifles that all have similar capabilities. The funny thing is, I don't want to part with any of them, and I keep telling myself that I "need" a .30-06 bolt gun.

 

[2000Z-71]

I'm finally starting to get into reloading for my hunting rifles. Putting to use the powder, primers and bullets that I've bought over the years with the intention of working up handloads.

Just looking at the last 3 rifles I've worked up initial loads for; 7mm Magnum, .25-06 and .270. I started to ask myself how did I end up with 3 rifles that basically serve the same purpose? All 3 relatively fast, flat shooting cartridges. All of them can basically do the job of the other with the .25-06 being a little on the light end.

Then I remembered; I got the 7mm Model 70 Featherweight as the go anywhere hunt anything rifle, the .25-06 NO. 1 came a few years later as the specialized antelope rifle and the fact that a single shot rifle kind of has an appeal all of its own, then I picked up the Classic Sporter 70 in .270 last year because of Jack O'Conner and the fact Winchester was no longer making them.

I guess there's some logic to it. I still keep asking how I ended up with 3 rifles that all have similar capabilities. The funny thing is, I don't want to part with any of them, and I keep telling myself that I "need" a .30-06 bolt gun.

 

[Wickahoney]

Wait till you pass 200 or so. Then by golly you have to work really realy hard to explain/rationalize a niche.

RWT

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, I'm reminded of the truism, "Two is one; one is none." That is to say, redundancy isn't always a bad thing.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[feralmerril]

Lets see: In handguns, 6 .22s. 2 .32s, 5 .38s, 5 .357s, 6 .44 specials, 1 44 wcf, 1 44 mag, 2 45 acps, 5 .45 colts, 1 .44 c&b, couple others.

Rifles: 3 .22s, 1 .22 K hornet, 1 7x57, 1 .270, 2 30-30s, 2 .308s, 1 30/40, 2 30-06s, 1 .300 H&H, 1 .44 mag.

Think I forgot some + shotguns.

 

[rewster]

Everybody "needs" a 30-06 bolt gun

 

[tobyracing]

Originally posted by rewster:
Everybody "needs" a 30-06 bolt gun

+1...can you really ever have too many?

 

[rburg]

OK, I have "Too many rifles that do the same thing." What is it they do? How about sit in a gunsafe and hide from the sunlight.

 

[CAR-VER]

Good ans. Dick .
but we all want all we can get .
I just bought a new Remington long range tactical in 300 win mag .What does a 54 year old banker that will never take it hunting , need with that one ?????? But that question never entered my mind . All I wanted to know is where can I lay my hands on another grand for a new Leupold .
ENJOY'EM BOYS .......OUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED UNTILL IT WILL NOT BE AS EASY TO GET WHAT WE WANT .
PHILLIP

 

[Bassamatic]

Yeah, I'm kind of like you. I have my 7MM for ultra long range mule deer hunting and if I have a bear tag it will fill the bill nicely for that as well. I did go with a 280 REM over the 270 and I also have a couple of .243's for lighter shooting that can double for a yote gun if needed.

It's all good. I mean, you have more than one pair of socks right?

 

[tobyracing]

Even though you may have overlap in calibers, I find that each gun's configuration is often built for specific purposes. I've got three rifles chambered for .223 Remington and each is considerably different from the others (Remington Model 700 Varmint Special with a Leupold 3-9X40mm, Ruger Mini-14 with iron sights, Bushmaster XM-15 with a Bushnell 6-24X40mm).

 

[dennis40x]

I use to have more than enough hunting rifles. Notable among them were rifles chambering 338Win-Mag, 375H&H, and 416 Rem. Those days are over and done with.

If it can't be done with the 30-06 or 30-30 I'm not doing it.

 

[35Rem]

All mine go "Bang" when I pull the trigger. Do I need some that don't?

 

[44forever]

If you had fewer then you wouldn't get to work up as many loads. You just have to put the right spin on it.

 

[Jeepnut]

I see you're a fan of the mid-20's. So?...if you aren't a handloader, keep the .270 and divest yourself of the 7mm and 25-06.

The 30-06 you are wondering about will produce results akin the 7mm RM with more efficiency at only 100fps or so slower. At practical shootin' range distance, that's a moot point. Ya'd match ballistics if you handloaded, depending on bullet wieght. Lot's cheaper to reload '06 over the 7 RM, and not too shy on efficiency.

The 25-06 might be a classic caliber...but so what? If it's shootin-tools and not collectin' you have in mind...get her gone. Put it into a decent scope for the '06 and call it a day.

Yeah,...wordy, I know. Best of luck makin' a choice!

 

[Duke426]

Originally posted by dennis40x:
I use to have more than enough hunting rifles. Notable among them were rifles chambering 338Win-Mag, 375H&H, and 416 Rem. Those days are over and done with.

If it can't be done with the 30-06 or 30-30 I'm not doing it.

Bingo! Been there and done that. Down to just one '06 and as you say, if that won't get it done I'm not doing it.

 

[RufusG]

I guess there's some logic to it.

Yep, that's exactly what you have to keep telling yourself

 

[toroflow1]

OK, I have "Too many rifles that do the same thing." What is it they do? How about sit in a gunsafe and hide from the sunlight.

HA HA!! CORRECT!!!

 

[Clayton]

7mag, .270 and 25-06. The exact 3 rifles that I have. I figure I have it covered.
BUt all 3 do something different. The 7mag is noisy as hell...it has a brake. The .270 kicks like hell. And the .25 is just plain fun to shoot.

 

[2000Z-71]

Originally posted by 35Rem:
All mine go "Bang" when I pull the trigger. Do I need some that don't?

Everybody should own a Kimber at least once in their life...

 

[R. Walter]

If you're not a varmint hunter, get rid of the 25-06 and the 7mm and keep the 270. You've got most of your bases covered then. If you go after bears in Alaska, pick up a 338 WinMag. If you hunt Africa, bring those two and, depending on the country you hunt, you may need a 375 plus in caliber.

Really, a 270Win and the 338WinMag are sufficient for almost all hunting (non-varmint).

 

[2000Z-71]

Originally posted by R. Walter:
If you're not a varmint hunter, get rid of the 25-06 and the 7mm and keep the 270. You've got most of your bases covered then. If you go after bears in Alaska, pick up a 338 WinMag. If you hunt Africa, bring those two and, depending on the country you hunt, you may need a 375 plus in caliber.

Really, a 270Win and the 338WinMag are sufficient for almost all hunting (non-varmint).

I'm not limited to just those 3 rifles mentioned. I just found it funny that I ended up with three cartridges that are similar in performance. If I need bigger, I can always grab the .340 Weatherby or the .375 H&H.

For next year's safari which is now on indefinate hold thanks to the state of the econmy, lack of construction and my current unemployment; I had similar thinking on a 2 gun rifle battery: the 7 Mag and the .375.

 

[gregintenn]

LOL! I've got at least three of each in several different calibers.

 

[rundownfid]

I can't relate to "too many rifles". Does Carter have to many Little Liver Pills? Does Van Gogh have too many ears? Does Dolly Parton have too much ...hair? I think not and I don't have too many guns. More than I need maybe, but not more than I want.

 

[bmcgilvray]

The .30-06 is my favorite rifle cartridge and is actually very interesting from a hand loading point of view. The .30 caliber bullets go from 110 grain to 220 grain (actually both less and more if one counts certain specialty bullets). What other bore diameter offers bullets that double in weight over the weight range of suitable bullets? The .30-06 will easily handle them all. There's no magnum cartridge with a bore diameter smaller than .30 that I'd choose over a .30-06 for any game at any range.

I have plenty of other rifles chambered for neato cartridges but .30-06 is best.

 

[crofoot629]

I'm not as much fun as I used to be, can't deny it.

I think I'm down to,
223/5.56
30-06
45-70
In centerfire rifles.


Emory

 

[GB]

Why? Thats easy. Because you can!

Thats the reason that I own about 30 30-06s

...And now they are a better value than my 401K

 

[rburg]

Originally posted by GB:
And now they are a better value than my 401K

Only because Obammy hasn't started working his magic on our gun collections, yet. When he does, your gun collection will look like everyone elses 401k.

 

[GB]

You are probably right, Mr. Burg

 

[beemerrider]

2000Z-71 Somehow you've gotten confused and are under the mistaken illusion that there's anything rational about our actions relative to guns, ammunition or anything else to do with this captivating hobby.