What caliber?

[Elbe]

I think I will purchase the Ruger American rifle. I am not sure what caliber to buy. I am a newb, so I do not really understand what caliber is best for various game. What do you all use for deer and hogs?

The other consideration is ammo cost. The Ruger American comes in .243, .308, .270, and 30-06. Which one is middle of the road in terms of cost?

 

[cleric]

308 very common with good power

 

[Younggun]

.308 or .270, the .308 would probably be cheaper for range time cause you should be able to find some surplus ammo.

.243 is a great round but you may find it underpowered for larger hogs. I still love mine for deer and wouldn't trade it for anything.

The 30/06 is gonna have some kick and won't do anything your wanton to do better than the .308 or .270. Plus, they both shoot flatter.


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[Dawico]

Go with the .308. For what you are wanting to do and ammo considerations it is the best option.

 

[Texas42]

In Texas, hunting is 92% shot placement, 8% bullet selection, and 0.0001% caliber.

I prefer short action calibers. . .because they are shorter, lighter, and work better with shorter barrels (which I like). I prefer .243 winchester, but there isn't any reason not to go .308 either. You can get surplus 7.62x51Nato relatively inexpensive, and match ammo can be found for about $1ish/round.

Show me the pig that will die from a 308 and not from a .243.

 

[Elbe]

Looks like .308 is winning. Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[Tejano Scott]

308

 

[AaronP220]

what do you shoot right now?

 

[Elbe]

what do you shoot right now?

Nothing, this will be my first hunting rifle.

 

[AaronP220]

Nothing, this will be my first hunting rifle.

Ahhh..I see. In that case .308.

 

[Dawico]

.243 will have the least recoil but not by much. I still vote .308 though.

 

[Sugar Land]

308 is the ticket.

 

[Hondo]

For Texas hogs and deer .308 is a fine choice.

 

[AaronP220]

I'd go out and see what you could put your hands on before you bought anything. Why wastefully spend your money.

 

[Younggun]

Show me the pig that will die from a 308 and not from a .243.

I wasn't trying to down talk the .243, I have one and love it. Will likely always have one. And I have used it for hog hunting. However hogs have some pretty tough areas on their body which at longer distances and/or on larger hogs would need to be avoided when taking a shot.

If I were hunting and spotted hogzilla at 250 yrds I would definatly wish I had a .308. The .243 just doesn't have quite as much momentum for punching through is all. Still a great multi purpose round.


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[Elbe]

I'd go out and see what you could put your hands on before you bought anything. Why wastefully spend your money.

Valid point, however, the only people I know with rifles are on here, and none of you live by me. Has not every gun owner taken a chance on something they have never shot before? The Ruger American is in my price range. Of course, I still need a scope for it, but that's another topic.

 

[Elbe]

One thing I like about it is the tang safety.

 

[Army 1911]

Of course you could also go for a 500 Gibbs Nitro Express and leave no doubt. Plus it scares the Rhinos and Elephants away. Haven't seen any have you. Must work.

 

[40Arpent]

I prefer short action calibers. . .because they are shorter, lighter, and work better with shorter barrels...

And cycling the bolt is much quicker.

 

[BMiracleTX]

.308 is my choice. If you are only going to have one rifle, make it a .308.