3rd fullbore rifle, what calibre

[ptheta]

Following my recent thread about LBRs and LBPs, I've just had a chat with my FLO and I'm about to put in a variation for an LBP for a .22 1911 and an LBR for a Buntline in .38. As that takes me up to 11 I thought I might as well chuck another rifle in while I'm paying my £25 anyway. The question is what calibre though.

Now I already have a Schmidt Rubin (7.5x55) and a No4 (.303). The Schmidt I shoot open and the No4 has a lovely old S&B 6x42 on it. So what should I get to complement these?

My first thought was .308 because it's the obvious all rounder but then I thought what is it going to give me that the .303 doesn't? I'm going to start reloading .303 in a month so the price differential for the ammo isn't really an issue.

Next I though .223 but it's a bit weedy really isn't it. I want to be able to tell when I've squeezed the trigger. :-)
I suppose 7.62x39 is a possible too but is there really any advantage over .223 going down that route?

Currently I'm ruminating on 7.92 and maybe getting a Yugoslav Mauser or something along those lines.

I shan't be filling in the form until Sunday so I'd welcome your thoughts. I should add that I'm only thinking of spending £500 to an absolute maximum of £1000 on this rifle so .308 for an AI isn't really an option.

Paul.

[ovenpaa]

A nice G98 Mauser maybe? I would be inclined to avoid a Kar98 these day as the majority seem to be Russian capture ones. Plus the G98 can be a very accurate rifle and milsurp is readily available.

[dromia]

Swedish Mauser M96 in 6.5 x 55 Swedish.

Best Mausers made and a tack driver of a cartridge.

[ptheta]

Those are some interesting ideas, thanks. It's certainly given me something to think about.

Any thoughts on .30-06?

[Rifleman798]

30.06 is nice. A good Springfield model 1903 A1, Not cheap though :( However you could pick up a nice Remington 700 in 30.06 for under a grand.

James

[spud]

30.06 improved

[Robin128]

ptheta

Are you talking paper punching?

I have 223rem and 308win...If you are looking for bigger recoils and louder bangs...its the 308win...but if its accuracy, then it may depend on the range.

My 223rem same holes at 100, 308 does blackberries.

If its for hunting...what exactly?

[ptheta]

It's for paper. It'll probably never go anywhere except Bisley. It'll be shot mainly at 100 and 300 with an occasional 600 and 1000.

I'm looking for what's going to put the biggest smile on my face. It would be nice if it could be shot open or take a scope but not essential.

I probably won't buy until around Christmas as I'll be getting the pistols first but I just want to submit the one variation. Hence my needing to make a decision now.

[Robin128]

223rem more affected by weather.

Good out to 500+

Both rounds easy to reload.

I do like my Remington 700 Police with a Jewell trigger...

[Rifleman798]

Very nice Robin :) a man after my own heart.

James