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From: Bigfive (Original Message) Sent: 6/5/2002 5:04 PM
Hi guys,

Well I'm still hunting for a new rifle but can't make up my mind.I need a bush rifle bigger than .243 and smaller than .460.Was looking at .375 and 9.3x62 and 30-06 or 308 and 8x57 but I can't decide.
Any suggestions????Somebody willing to push me in a direction to make a choice.I wish I had the money to buy all of them!!!!!

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From: redbeard Sent: 6/7/2002 6:03 PM
Dpends on how brave ya are (how close ya want to get) i use 4570 for 99% of my hunting of game we have deer,I would use it on most everything we have in the USA

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From: Nitro Sent: 6/21/2002 8:01 AM
BigFive

I like the idea of a 9,3x62 in a easy and reasonably light Mauser 98 actioned rifle. You have a 460 Wby Mag for the nasties so the 375 probably isn¨t needed for that role and the 9,3 willcover most of the 375 requirements anyway.

But a rifle with a reasonable ranging distance is probably required and out of a 8x57, 308 and 30-06 I would choose a 30-06 - yes I am biased to that calibre. I wouldn¨t choose a 308 as the bullet weight is limited to 180 grs in a practical sense.

It also depends on what you want the rifle to do - be used for your PH duties, or as a personal sporting rifle. If a PH backup rifle the 9,3 sounds better especially on big antelope, and easier and cheaper to use than a 460 if dangerous game is not being hunted. The heavier bullets would be better for brush bucking and penetration. If a sporting rifle either sound great.

A compromise would be something like a 338 Win Mag, 8x68S.

In the end its a personal preference but in the end, one of each - ie 9,3 and 30-06 - sounds good

Have fun with the choosing

Nitro

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From: moss Sent: 6/23/2002 1:37 PM
I've loaded the 308 with 200 gr. bullets and even pushed 220 gr out with know problems. These were all hand loaded. I'm a little partal to the 308. If I had to choose just one of the above though, I'd have to constiter the 30-06 first but would hold the 308 in a close second.
If good shot placement is used any one of the aboved mentioned rifle are great for any med size game and lots of big game.

I'm still would like to get my hands on a 50/70 or a 45/90

moss

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From: Nitro Sent: 7/4/2002 9:42 PM
Moss

Good to hear about your 308.

Honestly I haven't really tried bullets heavier than 180 gr in my rifle, but relied on other peoples opinions. I do prefer a 30-06 for the longer heavier bullets and slightly higher velocity in which I used 200 grainers on plains game and have used 220 grs as well. I also prefer to use mild handloads as compared to hot handloads for reliability, use in hot climates, and ease of chambering and extraction. Many African hunters prefer heavy to calibre bullets for their hunting.

Nitro

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From: Nitro Sent: 8/7/2002 2:03 AM
BigFive

Have you progressed on this project? Any thoughts of which calibre you will be basing your new rifle on?

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From: Bigfive Sent: 8/7/2002 5:33 PM
Nitro,

Wish I could tell you that I've purchased a rifle but unfortunatly not yet!!I think I'll go for a 30-06 or a 308.Just in a tight spot at the moment with the cash flow.If all my things go according to plan I'll be able to buy one in late November or early December.Gun prices rocketed out of the sky here due to foreign exchange---the devaluation of the Rand against the US Dollar.All major currencies is a lot stronger than the Rand so importing gets expensive for the gun agents.But I'm working full steam towards it.Remeber that the salaries we earn here in SA is what you guys overseas spend on a Sunday afternoon lunch in coffee shop or tea garden!!!!!!HAHA
Not really that bad but not far from the truth either!!!

I'll buy a Brno/CZ.It is the only deent rifle that I can buy here in any caliber for less than R10 000.And that already is to much for me.The alternative is to go second-hand wich make it a bit easier.And a standard hunting rifle that shot a 1000 shots effectively worked for 1.5 seconds.But I'll see when I get there.

Would'nt it been nice to have been at the top of the financial food chain??????/

Regards
Bigfive

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