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Posted: 2/16/2024 3:38:18 AM EDT
Hey fellas, I'm goin on 57 and seems like the years are hittin harder and harder. I currently have several .308's a 45/70 and a .357 lever gun. I'm thinking about downsizing my collection and picking up a caliber that will suit my old and aching shoulder for the years to come. My property in east Texas will have shots possibly out to 200 yards for hogs. I know many will say the .357 will take down a pig but I'm thinking 100 plus yards is pushing it, I'm sure many will say even less than that.
So I'm thinking of selling the Henry 45/70 and a couple .308's to fund a new rifle for the future. Looking for opinions on a softer shooting caliber and rifle suggestions. TIA |
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My first instinct was a .300 BO but, hogs at 200 yards, look into a 6.5 Grendel. A very versatile round that performs nicely at that range with less recoil than what you own.
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You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you’re capable of great violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful, you’re harmless.
Selling dime bags of primers. |
put a muzzle brake & gel recoil pad on one of your 308s?
if you just want a new caliber, like above mentioned 6.5 grendel maybe even 6.5 creedmoor 338 federal, .243, 350 legend you really have a bunch of possibilities... might be best to see what is avail in your area & go from there |
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Proud Member of Team Ranstad
NRA Member Tennessee Squire #PlasticPoniesForAll Aimless = Suburban Pot Bellied Snow Chicken |
You using bolt actions? Switch to a semi-auto.
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Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the other have all been destroyed... |
59 is not old, but my buddy who is in his 70’s shoots a 7mm-08. I think it’s Hornady that makes a mild load. He has shoulder problems and I sight it in for him. Doesn’t kick at all.
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17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
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Grendel was my first thought.
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6.5 CM or perhaps .243
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The .243 would get my vote…
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"This would have never happened at Black Mesa"
“So shines a good deed in a weary world” |
6mm Creedmoor. Your shoulder will thank you.
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OP like many have said switch to a semi auto. If you don’t want to get rid of a bunch of ammo get a .308 gas gun. If you’re concerned that will still bother you go to either one of the 6.5s. I have one of each and they are both very mild recoiling. My 6.5 Grendel is relatively heavy so the recoil is really minimal I Ed. The down side is 6.5G ammo is a bit hard to come by. 6.5CM is a lot easier to get right now.
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“Firearm springs sometimes are made to be air soluble.” CSM Woods
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I never considered the .308 to be especially bad on recoil. If necessary you could always just swap to a lighter .308 bullet. The 125 gr Sierras work just fine for hog.
However, if this is an new gun excuse, .243 or .223. |
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223
6.5x47/.260/6.5 Creedmoor 6.8 Spec2 upper assuming you have an AR already. 250 Savage 257 Robert’s .243 . You’re from Texas so a nice .30-30 would do. |
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Originally Posted By John-in-austin: I never considered the .308 to be especially bad on recoil. If necessary you could always just swap to a lighter .308 bullet. The 125 gr Sierras work just fine for hog. However, if this is an new gun excuse, .243 or .223. View Quote When I was younger and owned just one center fire rifle I loaded my .308 with Speer 110 spire points for woodchucks. Also some speer 130 grain hollow points. |
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8.6 blackout shooting ham shredders
https://www.loaddevelopment.com/8-6-creedmoor-or-8-6-blk-or-8-6-blackout/ |
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"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the boogaloo, whose face is marred by pixels and ink and cheetos.”,
Teddy the Toad, (w,stte), "The Derpmen" |
My vote would be the Ruger Ranch/Predator's in 556 or Grendel
They are a sweet bolt gun... Red Big thread here..... https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Ruger-American-Ranch/5-2513605/ |
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B Double-O M Spells BOOM - BF
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My night time hog gun is an AR in 6.8 SPC. I am very comfortable making 200+ yard shots with it.
Recoil is negligible. |
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.243 is the old school fudd answer for someone looking for low recoil.
The answer to why it is old school is because it works. Good choice of factory ammo most anywhere , good selection of bullets if you reload . generally can be found in the used racks . Not super super high power but it will reach pretty far out. never sell a gun. 5.56 isn't a horrible answer either . |
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300 HAMR is a great choice for your use.
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AR 47 in 762x39
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Needs more curb stomping...
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Well I ended up trading my Browning lever action .308 for a Remington Model 700 in 25-06 with my nephew. Both guns stay in the family, his house is on the same property as my weekend/bugout location/hunting place. I can use the .308 if I need it but I still have 2 other .308's.
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Originally Posted By FloydGeneBallin: Well I ended up trading my Browning lever action .308 for a Remington Model 700 in 25-06 with my nephew. Both guns stay in the family, his house is on the same property as my weekend/bugout location/hunting place. I can use the .308 if I need it but I still have 2 other .308's. View Quote Sounds like a good deal. Though I don’t think you gained much in recoil reduction. But you gained some fun factor. |
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Chicken Farmer by choice hunter of shade tree's and hiding spots by nature.
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I’ve been converted by 6.5 Grendel. Recoils as light as a .223, hits pretty stinking hard on deer, hog and everything smaller.
You can buy or build an ultralight 6.5 and still not pay with recoil. Howa’s ultralight is cheap, to boot! An AR is where it’s sweetest, thought. Can’t recommend it enough. ETA- Just saw your update about the .25-06 and that should also prove to be gentle. Happy hunting! |
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Originally Posted By nhsport: .243 is the old school fudd answer for someone looking for low recoil. The answer to why it is old school is because it works. Good choice of factory ammo most anywhere , good selection of bullets if you reload . generally can be found in the used racks . Not super super high power but it will reach pretty far out. never sell a gun. 5.56 isn't a horrible answer either . View Quote I agree. 243 kills harder than it should. But 223 head shots works. |
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