Which Calibre ?

Mauser 308

Hi all, Just looking for some advise on calibre's for deer hunting. This has been my first full season hunting deer. I have been using a basic model 6.5 x 55. I am looking to upgrade when the season is over to a Mauser 03. I have always wanted a mauser and I wanted to get one I can moderate. Im a big lad so dont mind the kick so much. Looking for a good all round calibre for fallow, sika and the odd Red. I hunt a funny range of ground and have shots between 40 yards up to 250 yards. Looking for something that will not be mad loud when moderated. My current gun is very loud.
Any advise

patsat

I'd say .270 all the way! It does kick and is very loud but with an ase north star mod on mine I find it very tame!

It's plenty powerful for any animal you will encounter in Ireland.

whitetail

270 fitted with a moderator will cover all hunting in this country!

stick shooter

As patsat says you will not go wrong with a .270 but if you want less kick go for a .243 ,It will behave more like a 6.5 x 55

Mauser 308

Thanks for the feed back, Ive also heard a lot about the 308 being a good round. What ranges are you comfortable using the 270 at. What amo do you find works well for you.

patsat

Mauser 308 wrote: »

Thanks for the feed back, Ive also heard a lot about the 308 being a good round. What ranges are you comfortable using the 270 at. What amo do you find works well for you.

I'm using 140gr sst hornadys and I'm having great results with them!

Lots if people will say .308 but I took my advice from very experienced people to go down the .270 route and can't see myself changing to a different cal. For stalking!

poulo6.5

Mauser 308 wrote: »

Thanks for the feed back, Ive also heard a lot about the 308 being a good round. What ranges are you comfortable using the 270 at. What amo do you find works well for you.

Hi I had a 6.5x55 last year. And I have a .308 now. There is a nice variety of rounds available for .308 from cheap plinkers to expensive target and everything in-between.
The recoil is not to bad either and with a mod on it's a puppy. I shot and dropped a fallow doe a couple of weeks ago at 312y no problem.
I often practice out to much longer distances 700-800y. Just for practice and it is well capable of hitting what you want at those distances.

stick shooter

If you want some thing you want to put on to paper as well then then i would go with paulo6.5 the .308 is the best option .There is no target rounds for the .270 for target shooting

Mauser 308

stick shooter wrote: »

If you want some thing you want to put on to paper as well then then i would go with paulo6.5 the .308 is the best option .There is no target rounds for the .270 for target shooting

No not planning to shoot targets just Stalking. Looking for a good hard hitting reliable round that will moderate noise well, cover most species, good amo range and not mad amo prices.

4gun

I would have to vouch for the .308 as well very versatile round and can be got for as little as 10euro a box of 20 (FMJ army surplus) for plinking,
with the one gun you can shoot long range targets and stalk deer.my Cz has a recoil pad on the butt, you can shoot it all day with out any suffering some of the smaller cals have a higher pitch to their report compared to the 308 so can be more uncomfortable on the unprotected ears while stalking.

stick shooter

Mauser 308 wrote: »

No not planning to shoot targets just Stalking. Looking for a good hard hitting reliable round that will moderate noise well, cover most species, good amo range and not mad amo prices.

Well with out a doubt the .270 is what i would be going for .Shot a lot of deer with it and the best caliber i have ever used,.

poulo6.5

Mauser 308 wrote: »

No not planning to shoot targets just Stalking. Looking for a good hard hitting reliable round that will moderate noise well, cover most species, good amo range and not mad amo prices.

Well then the .308 ticks all those boxes and more. I'm having great results with hornady superformance ammo at €37 a box. But I was also using cheap privi partizan 168gr soft point at €20 a box. All very capable hunting rounds.
I have also used lighter 123gr sp and 124 gr bt also very good hunters.
Like I said .308 gives lots of options from 110gr to 200 gr depending on your needs and takes a mod really well.

4gun

going by your user name..you've already made your choice?
any thing else and you'll have to change it

Tackleberrywho

4gun wrote: »

going by your user name..you've already made your choice?
any thing else and you'll have to change it

Tell that to Paulo .308 :D

Mauser 308

4gun wrote: »

going by your user name..you've already made your choice?
any thing else and you'll have to change it

Name well spotted,no honestly havent made a final decision. paid a deposit on a mauser rifle but they come in changable calibres. So need to decide what calibre I want before we do the paper work, waiting till the season ends to Change so all calibres still on the table. Only one season into stalking though I have been shooting Game since I was a nipper. Now that I am changing gun I want to get a calibre I will be happy with for life hopefully. I am going for a Mauser 03 and hope not to have to change again.

stick shooter

You do realise with a .308 you are in the restricted class .(home security)

patsat

If it's not going to be for target then I'd pick a .270 over .308, it has that extra punch for sika stags!

Also you can get some very flat shooting rounds for it, 110gr Remington shoot well in my rifle but I remember jw talking about shooting 90 grains incredibly flat out to 400 yards!!

With the 140 grains I have shot deer from 20 yards to 320 yards!

stick shooter

Well out to 400 yards the best deer caliber is the .270 no doubt:D

4gun

stick shooter wrote: »

You do realise with a .308 you are in the restricted class .(home security)

absolute bull :mad:
you should brush up on your regulations, that is 100% nutrue ..the 308 is the largest unrestricted calibre you can own ..get your facts straight

patsat

stick shooter wrote: »

You do realise with a .308 you are in the restricted class .(home security)

I had a guard tell me last year that a .308 was a restricted rifle! After asking was he joking he replied.."oh god ya sher even a 303 is restricted nowadays" !

Totally untrue...

It wasn't me!

4gun wrote: »

absolute bull :mad:
you should brush up on your regulations, that is 100% nutrue ..the 308 is the largest unrestricted calibre you can own ..get your facts straight

Actually, I'd just like to add a clarification there while you're at it. You're broadly right, but any rifle of calibre .308 or less is unrestricted, so a .308 Win is unrestricted, but so is a .30-06 or a .300 win mag or any other .30 calibre rifle.

I'd say for the versatility you're looking for, something like a .270, .308 or .30-06 is perfect. The .270 is the flattest shooting of the lot, but both it and the .30-06 are very loud. Get a longer barrel, at least 24", and the noise should be tolerable. The .308 is the least flat shooting (Though it's pretty irrelevant at just about all stalking ranges) but it's also the quietest, and the easiest to get ammo for. Personally I really like the .270, and I'd have that. It has roughly the same recoil as the .308 (It's louder, which means people think it kicks more, but it really doesn't). However, the .30-06 is the best of the lot, if I'm being objective, as it's plenty flat enough, and has enough versatility to do any wild boar or plains game you wanted to do in Africa. If you can only have the one, go with that. If you think you might get another barrel for the Mauser (And of course you will) then get the .270. Can add a 9.3x62 or a .300 win mag or something down the line for the other stuff.

FISMA

I use the 30-06 and it is indeed unrestricted.

I think the .270 is a nice compromise if you want to do something other than deer hunt. Let's just say that the 30-06 is a bit much for foxes.

If I were to do it all again, I would probably try the 7mm Magnum. From what I am reading, it is a very nice round.

The K98 round of 8mm Mauser was also a very nice round. Perfect for deer.

Were you looking into a magnum or regular? Check out the 7mm Magnum round before you do anything else. Also, you may wish to check out the availability of the rounds at your local sioppa.

4gun

patsat wrote: »

I had a guard tell me last year that a .308 was a restricted rifle! After asking was he joking he replied.."oh god ya sher even a 303 is restricted nowadays" !

Totally untrue...

My local FO tried telling me the same thing..that the 308 was restricted had me convinced almost...

Tackleberrywho

4gun wrote: »

My local FO tried telling me the same thing..that the 308 was restricted had me convinced almost...

I remember when I bought my 6.5x55, the fuss it created down home, and the fact that I bought it in Northern Ireland:eek::eek:


If I were to chose a calibre for all deer, and continental shooting I'd go .308 (So I did )

IWM has a .25-06 which is supposed to be the bees knees yet he never reccomends it

I'd love a moderated one for the odd deer and foxing if the Ammo was cheaper

If the OP Thinks a 6.5x55 is loud, then a .30-06 .25-06 .270 (all .30-06 variants) Will deafen you. Make sure you get a mod if you don't want tinnitus

The .308 is on a par with the 6.5 for noise, remembering a blaser is horrible with a mod on!

patsat

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

The .308 is on a par with the 6.5 for noise, remembering a blaser is horrible with a mod on!

Remembering a blaser is not a Mauser!

stick shooter

4gun wrote: »

absolute bull :mad:
you should brush up on your regulations, that is 100% nutrue ..the 308 is the largest unrestricted calibre you can own ..get your facts straight

Relax , it is just what i was told and if i was told wrong then i guess you know the rest
But the main point to what i said earlier was the .270 is a superior deer stalking calibre to the .308 . What i found was the .270 is very flat shooting great weight retention and sectional density which should be one of the first things looked at when picking a deer calibre. And another important part is every gun shop has a good selection of rounds sitting on the shelf .

It wasn't me!

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

IWM has a .25-06 which is supposed to be the bees knees yet he never reccomends it

Yes, he does, frequently. However, in a .25-06 versus .270 debate, if you don't mind the extra oomph on your shoulder, then the .270 is a clear winner for ammo availability, long range trajectory and energy retention and versatility with regard to game you'd be allowed shoot elsewhere in the world. Both are great rounds, but the .270 will make for an easier life.

MACT1RE

Mauser 308 wrote: »

Hi all, Just looking for some advise on calibre's for deer hunting. This has been my first full season hunting deer. I have been using a basic model 6.5 x 55. I am looking to upgrade when the season is over to a Mauser 03. I have always wanted a mauser and I wanted to get one I can moderate. Im a big lad so dont mind the kick so much. Looking for a good all round calibre for fallow, sika and the odd Red. I hunt a funny range of ground and have shots between 40 yards up to 250 yards. Looking for something that will not be mad loud when moderated. My current gun is very loud.
Any advise

If you went with any of the big three, 270, 308 or 30-06 you’ll get what you’re after. It’s really down to your personal preference. For me, the .308 comes out on top for availability, versatility and price of ammo. As Poulo said, stick a mod on a 308 and its like shooting a 223. Something like the 155gr Hornady TAP will rarely give an exit wound on a chest shot deer so it is that bit safer in more built up areas and the 110gr Hornady TAP are great for necking deer and are also a fantastic fox round.

Or you could be really adventuress and get a 300win mag. If I was ever to change from the 308, which I can’t see happing, it would be to the 300win mag just for the pure long range power.;)

robertpatterson

Whats the difference between a restricted rifle and an unrestricted one?

Tackleberrywho

robertpatterson wrote: »

Whats the difference between a restricted rifle and an unrestricted one?

A rifle that has a calibre bigger than .30
eg .375 Holland & Holland Restricted
.44 magnum restricted

It was a line drawn in the sand by the Statute Instruments in 2009 in the largest calibres without needing an extra review step (ie a chief super approval)
.308 unrestricted .30-06 UNrestricted .300 Win mag unrestriceted as calibres are all considered .30 cal

MACT1RE

robertpatterson wrote: »

Whats the difference between a restricted rifle and an unrestricted one?

Determination.

It wasn't me!

Specifically, when applying for a restricted firearm, you don't just have to provide a good reason to have it; you need to provide evidence that the purpose for which you require the restricted firearm could not be accomplished with an unrestricted firearm.

Tackleberrywho

Any 6mm-30 Cal will take Irish sized deer, if you wanted a weird German Calibre you would have to prove you go Moose/Bear?Boar shooting etc and that is teh reason you want a Restricted calibre.

You have to apply to the chief super and may fall into a different security cat than you do already.

For deer in Ireland .22-250** .243 6mm** .25-06 .270 .308 .30-06 .300WinMag :eek: are all considered deer calibres and they are considered Not Restricted.

If you want a Buffalo rifle you need to get a restricted licence.

Restricted really comes into play with short arms as most are more than happy with the choice of deer hunting calibres available to Licence here.

newby.204

If its only for deer, would you consider a 7mm-08? although ammo availalbilty may be a problem

mrbrianj

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

Any 6mm-30 Cal will take Irish sized deer, if you wanted a weird German Calibre you would have to prove you go Moose/Bear?Boar shooting etc and that is teh reason you want a Restricted calibre.

You have to apply to the chief super and may fall into a different security cat than you do already.

For deer in Ireland .22-250** .243 6mm** .25-06 .270 .308 .30-06 .300WinMag :eek: are all considered deer calibres and they are considered Not Restricted.

If you want a Buffalo rifle you need to get a restricted licence.

Restricted really comes into play with short arms as most are more than happy with the choice of deer hunting calibres available to Licence here.

Just a question Tack, Is the idea of restricted licences not more aimed at the type of gun rather than calibre, ie to restrict the likes of semi auto centrefire/ military style guns and high capacity rimfires.

I have not heard of anybody looking for an africian size gun being refused if its used for a "possible" trip aboard. But how many shoters are there here that actually need or want something like that. plus those thing are costly to feed!

It wasn't me!

mrbrianj wrote: »

Just a question Tack, Is the idea of restricted licences not more aimed at the type of gun rather than calibre, ie to restrict the likes of semi auto centrefire/ military style guns and high capacity rimfires.

I have not heard of anybody looking for an africian size gun being refused if its used for a "possible" trip aboard. But how many shoters are there here that actually need or want something like that. plus those thing are costly to feed!

Me, because I'd like to hunt in Africa. However, the gun will be bought well in advance of the trip, at least a year, in order to get very proficient with it, so I'll have it long before the trip is booked. And yeah, a lot of those rounds are pricey, but for say a .375 H&H, you can get ammo for under €50 a box, which is the sort of money people are paying for 6.5x55, so you can feasibly practise cheaply, then use the pricey stuff on that once in a lifetime cape buffalo.

deerhunter1

Mauser 308 wrote: »

Hi all, Just looking for some advise on calibre's for deer hunting. This has been my first full season hunting deer. I have been using a basic model 6.5 x 55. I am looking to upgrade when the season is over to a Mauser 03. I have always wanted a mauser and I wanted to get one I can moderate. Im a big lad so dont mind the kick so much. Looking for a good all round calibre for fallow, sika and the odd Red. I hunt a funny range of ground and have shots between 40 yards up to 250 yards. Looking for something that will not be mad loud when moderated. My current gun is very loud.
Any advise

308 308 308 308 308:D:D:D

mrbrianj

Owm that's the thing, it's lads like yourself, experienced shooters that would go big calibres. You also have a valid reason so they should not be considered fo restriction.

A semiauto 22 and inexperienced hands could prove far more dangerous

Mauser 308

stick shooter wrote: »

Well with out a doubt the .270 is what i would be going for .Shot a lot of deer with it and the best caliber i have ever used,.

Thanks for the feed back, just wondering what other cabibers you have used?

ballistic

270 win is what I use. Great callibre if you want decent velocity with a short barrel. Loads of ammo choice, flat shooting and hard hitting. If you find it a little bit ignorant to fire unmoderated (which I do) put a little a tec mod on it, weighing 7 ounces and its a joy to shoot.

Mauser 308

Very hard to decide which way to go, 270,308,30-06. Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and advise. Taking it all in it seems that the 270,30-06 punches a bit harder than the 308, but they are louder than the 308 when they are all moderated. All will work fine on all our deer even big Red's it seems. The 308 amo is cheeper and has a better range. Have I got it correct? The kick doesent bother me its down to punch, noise and decent range of amo...

Tackleberrywho

mrbrianj wrote: »

Owm that's the thing, it's lads like yourself, experienced shooters that would go big calibres. You also have a valid reason so they should not be considered fo restriction.

A semiauto 22 and inexperienced hands could prove far more dangerous

Any firearm in inexperienced hands is dangerous.

The DOJ are more concerned what would happen if a restricted firearm got into the wrong hands!

I've no reason to go bigger than .308 in this country as Cape Buffalo are few and far between.

I own 1 restricted firearm but that is a short-arm, all my rifles including my .308 are unrestricted

Tackleberrywho

Mauser 308 wrote: »

Very hard to decide which way to go, 270,308,30-06. Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and advise. Taking it all in it seems that the 270,30-06 punches a bit harder than the 308, but they are louder than the 308 when they are all moderated. All will work fine on all our deer even big Red's it seems. The 308 amo is cheeper and has a better range. Have I got it correct? The kick doesent bother me its down to punch, noise and decent range of amo...

Mauser .308, Sorted

.308 .308 .308

Ammo for plinking €10 a box, up to €40 for premium stuff and prices anywhere in between

tfox

I currently shoot a 6.5x55 and am very happy with it but there is a limited choice of bullet weights and none are too cheap, except prvi !!

If I was to change calibre it would be for a .308, behaves much like the 6.5, but more availabilty and choice of rounds.

Only thing is you cant use it in France as it's considered a military round :mad:

clivej

This question comes up so many times, it seems at least every 2 weeks or once a fortnight.

I have to ask "How hard do you need to hit a deer to kill it"?

It looks to me that Mauser 308 wants a big, heavy, round, as i did when looking to get a stalking calibre rfile.
But dead is dead. My zero is 185y and my point blank range is 230y using 155gr BT ammo. So anything is in the kill zone from 25y to 230y. Anything over that, which is not realy on, is just aim a little higher, drop to 300y is come-up 6".

So what did I get??

A 308 'cos it did the job, ammo is plentyful, recoil is nothing as you never feel it on the kill shot, report is OK without hearing protection using a mod and not so bad without the mod. Can be used on the African game hunting, will it? I doubt it.

Con's. Some European countries ban the 30 cal rifles. Does that bother me......NO

It wasn't me!

clivej wrote: »

Con's. Some European countries ban the 30 cal rifles. Does that bother me......NO

Of course not! It's an excuse to buy another rifle when the time comes.

Mauser 308

tfox wrote: »

I currently shoot a 6.5x55 and am very happy with it but there is a limited choice of bullet weights and none are too cheap, except prvi !!

If I was to change calibre it would be for a .308, behaves much like the 6.5, but more availabilty and choice of rounds.

Only thing is you cant use it in France as it's considered a military round :mad:

Thanks Tom, why a 308 if you were to change?

It wasn't me!

By the way, OP, I presume you're interested in the Mauser for the facility to change calibres, so the choice isn't so critical, in that you can get something fairly specialist and there's always the option of another barrel for another job.

Mauser 308

It wasn't me! wrote: »

By the way, OP, I presume you're interested in the Mauser for the facility to change calibres, so the choice isn't so critical, in that you can get something fairly specialist and there's always the option of another barrel for another job.

Spot on, got a 6.5x55 to start with. Found it a a good calibre but when spending the money on a Mauser I wanted to get a calibre that would suit me for life (till I decide to change again) with a good amo supply.

It wasn't me!

Mauser 308 wrote: »

Spot on, got a 6.5x55 to start with. Found it a a good calibre but when spending the money on a Mauser I wanted to get a calibre that would suit me for life (till I decide to change again) with a good amo supply.

The nice thing is you can swap components to change the weights and build styles, so you could have a lightweight stainless synthetic .270 or .25-06 for a mountain stalker, something like a 9.3x62 short barrelled wooden stock for driven shooting and woods shooting and a .416 Rigby and a .300 Win Mag for Africa, all with the same feeling bolt and trigger. Sweet setup.

deerhunter1

stick shooter wrote: »

Well out to 400 yards the best deer caliber is the .270 no doubt:D

no no 308 shot deer in the head at 460 yrds