Sweetwater Fishing Forums

Special Interest => Hunting and Shooting => Topic started by: bondy99 on November 02, 2012, 09:17:47 AM

Title: Best Rifle
Post by: bondy99 on November 02, 2012, 09:17:47 AM
Hi,

Can anyone recommend what would be the best all round rifle to use against Deer, Pigs, Foxes and Rabbits?

Someone suggested a 303 (Ex Army) would be ideal. I was thinking about using a scope also.

Any advice or suggestions are welcome.
Cheers, Bondy
Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: bushwacker on November 02, 2012, 11:24:49 AM
Deer and pigs arent lightweights .. well depends on what deer you are talking about but whatever caliber you need for deer and or pigs will just turn foxes and rabbits into paddock pizza

Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: aussiebasser on November 02, 2012, 08:57:12 PM
Not sure about up here, but the minimum calibre for Deer used to be .270 and that's too much rifle for bunnies
Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: Barney on November 03, 2012, 04:07:43 AM
Hi Bondy ,
l was a pro shooter in western NSW for several years [whilst having other jobs] and everything had to be head shot [for the chillers , or for skins].
75% of goats and pigs were taken with a 243 , the rest with a 270 or a custom built 30/06.
Foxes , roos's , cats , wild dogs were taken with a 22/250 or an old battered 223. Again , all head shot. Sometimes , when there was no wind , l would use a 17Remington on the foxes.
Never worried about rabbits but would take a few for dogs or myself to eat with a 22.

l dont think there is 'one' rifle that would do everything you want to do properly , but 223 and 243 are both very versatile especially if you plan on rolling your own reloads. l shot a lot of pigs and goats with the 223 when walking dams/creeks. Just had to place the shot well.

Buy the best rifle/scope you can afford. l used Remington , Sako  , Brno and Tikka rifles , and Leupold or Pecar scopes.

lf you want to get an ex-military rifle , go for a Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 cal. Try to get one with a good barrel and tight action.
You can get them drilled for a scope mount , and with a 3-9x40 scope you can hunt a lot of game with it. Though with rabbits you will get 'paddock pizza'  :))

But the most fun was hunting pigs on foot with a single shot , falling block Sharps replica 45/70 calibre with a huge octagonal barrel and peep sights.  :D

Hope this helps ,
Barney.

Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: PMC on November 03, 2012, 06:46:47 AM
308 for larger animals, pigs, etc, and a 222 or 223 for lighter.
VIC regulates 270 for Sambar, but lighter deer its not required
270 is a great round if you are only buying one gun, 7mm 08 would be my preferred for one gun, i have a preference for short action rifles. 270 is a long action, Each to their own
You can use 223 for heavier stuff but shot placement is important, sometimes its what is in your hands is used, and in close it doesnt matter.
If budget is not an issue, 1000 to 1500 will buy a good quality new rifle,
You can buy a new Howa for around 600 if you shop around, which is great value. I bought a 2nd hand brno in 308 early this year for 550, and it is a great rifle. Go to the gunstore and have a feel, all second hand guns are graded in condition, some of them can be a bargain. A new CZ brno is approx 1200 today. I like old guns, but if i was shooting it everyday, i would buy a Howa, and when it wears out, buy another
Whatever you do, make sure you know what you want, if its carry around hunting, dont fall for the trick of buying a heavy barrel for greater accuracy. Sporter weight will still be very accurate for hunting purposes
Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: Binder on November 03, 2012, 10:39:16 AM
Always reckoned 243 the best all round rifle. 22's are not worth taking off the gun rack. Bigger just costs more to feed.
In Qld 243 used to be the minimum for deer, no idea on current rules.
Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: beau on November 03, 2012, 11:20:24 AM
2506  might be what your after ?
Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: bondy99 on November 04, 2012, 08:25:31 AM
Hi guys,

Thanks very much for your input and advice on rifle selection. I must admit I'm a bit overwhelmed.

I agree a large calibre rifle is not ideal for rabbits. I guess I'll have to purchase two rifles, each having their own specific target. I.e. heavy for deer and pigs and a lighter one for rabbits.

I use to be a member of a rifle range club but left my membership to lapse a long time ago.

Am I correct that one needs a letter or similar from an organisation these days to authenticate the reason for purchasing or holding a rifle.

Cheers, Bondy

Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: bushwacker on November 04, 2012, 07:23:04 PM
I have a CZ 527 american in .222, Its short, lightweight and shoots extremely well

My .22 hornet is a bruno fox mod 2 and shoots like a laser perfect for anything up to wild dogs within 200 yards ( Good shot placement tho )

I have others but dont get used very much i sold a new tikka T3 hunter not long ago after a misfire blew brass back into my eye ( not the rifles fault missed a primer recall )

The two rifles i long for are a sako vixen in .222 and my fathers Tikka M55 in .243 ( back when things where made under an iron fist )

I dare you find a better bushy rifle than those last 2

Fallow and chital deer would use a minimum .243

Steve
 
Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: bondy99 on November 04, 2012, 10:44:24 PM
Bushwaker (Steve),

Thanks mate, sounds like you have a nice collection, bummer about the backfire, could have been nasty and lose an eye hey!

I hope the one I eventually purchase wont do the same, i.e. backfire.

Bondy
Title: Re: Best Rfle
Post by: bushwacker on November 05, 2012, 06:42:10 AM
Not really the rifles fault although actions arent made how they used to be.

Was using a brick of federal primers that had been recalled for the very reason that the odd one was blowing out the side wall of the primer pocket.

It pitted the bolt face but had the rifle sent back to NIOA trading under warrenty to get the bolt face polished and pressure tested.

They sent the rifle back to me with the all clear and a new 1000 federal primers
I could never use the rifle the same after i am sure it was a mental thing but can use my dads fine.

Steve
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: Sweetwater on November 05, 2012, 09:48:03 AM
From my past life shooting hogs, goats and odd deer every 2nd weekend, I ended up sticking with a 22/250 for shooting from the ute or staking out a hill top. A touch of overkill for bunnies and foxes but at least didn't spray them all over the paddock, maybe a touch under gunned for a decent hog at times. When on foot I'd take the SKK (apparently you're not allowed to have these any more  :Oops) ) or the tough as nails old 30/30 in thick scrub (brigalow or lantana etc), alot of bang and as accurate as a catapult after 60 feet but would pull up a hog in its tracks if you hit it. 

243 is generally regarded as a good allrounder

A 303 will stop a pig for sure, and the one behind it, also handy if you happen to run into a bull elephant while walking thru the scrub.  :OMG
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bondy99 on November 05, 2012, 11:36:49 AM
Bushwaker and Sweetwater,

Thanks very much for the additional info, it will certainly give me something to think about.

I wonder if the 303 can still be purchased these days?

Bondy
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bushwacker on November 05, 2012, 11:59:06 AM
Another one to chew on i dropped a micky bull the other day out of a ladys paddock with a .243 with 1 shot.

You might have to re live some of your past lif one day Fitzy
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: jordo on November 05, 2012, 08:08:06 PM
I will back the others and say the 243 is a good all round rifle. I do a fair bit of deer hunting and bit of dog and pig hunting and i wouldn't be one bit worried in carrying a 243. All to do with getting in close and shot position.  I usaully hunt deer with a 30-06 but or compound bow now. Dogs usually with 223 or 243 and then little stuff with 22 or 22 mag.
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: Bracey on November 05, 2012, 10:55:25 PM
 :Hunting)

.243 for pigs, a .22 Magnum for the smaller variety of Aussie pests & a 12 gauge shotgun.

 :thanks

 :Nothing)

Dave!!!
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bondy99 on November 05, 2012, 10:56:24 PM
Jordo,

Whereabouts are you located?

Next time you go deer shooting, could I get some venison off you if you can spare some. I assume they are hanged for a few days.

Bondy
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: Barney on November 06, 2012, 06:34:57 AM
Bondy , old 303's are still around , just goooogle "used rifles for sale" and select 'pages from australia.
Only thing though , lve seen a 'blown' 303 action that had failed. They are a good action , but nowhere near as good as a Mauser action rifle.
The Mauser action is what most modern bolt actions are based on.
Older rifles [pre 1985?] had 'forged' actions. these are the strongest. Many 'modern' bolt actions are 'investment cast' actions , and they are rated less because of this. Though , with using sensible , normal loads you will have no trouble at all.
Most big bore hunters/target shooters etc use mauser actions with new barrels etc.
lf you want a good , relaible , knock around deer/pig/goat rifle its hard to go past a Swedish Mauser with a scope. Or a 243 :)
Cheers,
Barney.
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bondy99 on November 06, 2012, 09:56:33 AM
Barney,

Thanks mate, I appreciate your knowledge and assistance. I am looking for an all rounder, just not keen to be carrying or buying different rifles for different targets simultaneously.

Bondy
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: childers on January 27, 2013, 11:42:16 AM
Mate you want a flat trajectory with enough grunt to knock over pigs and deer ,

I have shot miles of pigs and deer with a .243 and 80 grain slugs , i used to prefer the 80s shot way flatter than the 100 grainers , cant remember ever losing a deer wounded with them

Back then only 80 and 100 avail in factory loads , not sure these days

The .243 is easy and mild to shoot , short stubby round compared to .270 ,25/06 ,30/06 etc
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: PMC on February 03, 2013, 08:27:41 AM
If you are only going to have one gun, 243 is possibly the best choice
 Ammo is available everywhere, at good prices. Get one in a modern sporter weight, and it is going to last forever
You can load light flat shooting varmint getters, or load heavy for stopping power
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bondy99 on February 03, 2013, 09:51:34 PM
Thanks guys,

How much does it cost these days for a 243?

What make / brand of rifle is the 243?

Cheers, Bondy
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bushwacker on February 04, 2013, 09:22:22 AM
Just about every maker of rifles make a .243 .

now its just a matter of what brand of rifle you want . personally i would stick with european makes even tho some are made in USA now like CZ they are still good with keeping the fundimentals.

American brand rifles like remington and hower are just average in my eyes
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: PMC on February 04, 2013, 10:33:11 AM
243 is a calibre, the parent case is 308. (.243 is 6mm in metric)
 The family of calibres formed from the 308 are, 22-250, 243, 260, 7mm 08
It is available in most of the brands, it is one of the most popular calibres, very accurate and very flat shooting
 Have a look at all the brands, there is something available to suit your budget
Dont write off Howa, very good value for money gun. Nothing wrong with Japanese made
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bondy99 on February 04, 2013, 10:40:52 PM
Thanks people,

Much appreciated, I'll look into it when I can.

Cheers, Bondy
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: rick.heaton on July 12, 2013, 07:35:17 PM
303-25 best all round gun for accuracy and hitting power, good for rabbits too skins and guts them in one shot lol
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bushwacker on July 12, 2013, 08:08:09 PM
Wouldnt say the .303-25 is known for accuracy but anythings possible with time and work
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: takrat on August 18, 2013, 07:50:10 PM
Go the 243 mate you can't beat them for all 'round performance and if you hand load it will bring out a few other options. Beg to differ on the 22/250 it is actually based on the 250/3000 case. I had one when they were still a wildcat cartridge and we had to buy the 3000 cases and neck them down. The 257 Roberts was also a great cartridge, I had one re-chambered to the Ackley or improved version. Dead right about the Mauser 98 action great bit of hardware. The 22Hornet was also great for foxes and even bunnies if you could get a head shot. Mine was a Brno with double set triggers. Ahhh memories.
JD 
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bushwacker on August 18, 2013, 07:54:57 PM
Flat or round bolt handle JD ?

I have dads .22 hornet Bruno Fox Mod 2 ... its a laser to 200 yards with a 35gr V-max... Maybe 1/4 inch drop if that.

The projectiles construction makes up for the lighter weight as they don't leave much to the imagination on impact
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: beau on August 18, 2013, 08:00:02 PM
How you find the vmax?
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bushwacker on August 18, 2013, 08:47:04 PM
Besides 63gr soft point sierra's for small pigs they are all I use.

Anything up to 70 grain just explode and cause massive damage within the animal and over has the penetration for thicker hide animals with the same effect.

I have shot a wild dog at 90 yards with the 35grain V-max and it was a mess....

My average hunting load in the 527 American cuts a clover leaf at 90 yards... the .22 hornet just leaves 1 hole after 3 shots


Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: takrat on August 19, 2013, 08:44:54 PM
Flat or round bolt handle JD ?

I have dads .22 hornet Bruno Fox Mod 2 ... its a laser to 200 yards with a 35gr V-max... Maybe 1/4 inch drop if that.

The projectiles construction makes up for the lighter weight as they don't leave much to the imagination on impact
Round bold handle Steve, I had it chambered out to K Hornet and used only 45grain Hornady's. Best fox rifle I ever saw.
JD
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: aussiebasser on August 20, 2013, 07:48:15 AM
I used to use a .17 Ackley Hornet Improved as a Rabbit/Fox rifle.  10 power Leupold, Harris Bi-pod.  It was built on a Brno double trigger action with a #7 Hart barrel.  It was capable of 1/2 MOA groups out to 200 yards.  It had a beautiful 26 lpi checkered Walnut stock.  This was before the .17 Rem was widely available and the .17 rimfire hadn't been heard of.  Much over 200 yards and the .220 Swift Ruger 77 was used.
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: Barney on September 01, 2013, 08:49:21 PM
I used to use a .17 Ackley Hornet Improved as a Rabbit/Fox rifle.  10 power Leupold, Harris Bi-pod.  It was built on a Brno double trigger action with a #7 Hart barrel.  It was capable of 1/2 MOA groups out to 200 yards.  It had a beautiful 26 lpi checkered Walnut stock.  This was before the .17 Rem was widely available and the .17 rimfire hadn't been heard of.  Much over 200 yards and the .220 Swift Ruger 77 was used.

1/2"MOA @200yards??? Thats some serious shootin! lol

.17AH were pretty good. had one based on a mint Martini falling block action. nice n fancy but not my cup o tea.

i liked my workin guns sako , tikka , remington 700s etc.
and my Sharps...lol

Barney
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: bondy99 on September 07, 2013, 11:05:14 PM
Ok, 243 it is,

Cheers
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: takrat on November 20, 2013, 07:20:32 PM
Barney I saw a dogger over in West Aus a while back and he had one of those Sharps rifles. He used it on camels. He reckoned you don't want to carry it too far but it slowed the camels pretty well.
Title: Re: Best Rifle
Post by: Barney on November 23, 2013, 02:56:21 PM
yes that would be right JD l reckon mine weighed about 20lbs it was a long barrel version. l kept the metal butt plate on it  , recoil wasnt so bad.

l can imagine camels not being fond of it...lol , a few times l saw mid-sized porkers lifted off their feet lol

Barney.