Short Barrel Truck Gun Opinions

[ray1970]

I voted 308 even though I am not a fan of it in really short barrels. I would have voted 223/5.56 based off of the whole short barrel, possibly folder thing. But then I saw 800 yards and the the deer thing. So my vote went for 308 for it's "jack of all trades" ability.

[Colorado Osprey]

... I thought there was a minimum weight requirement for the bullet itself ...

There is minimums for Colorado big game:
70 grain bullet minimum/ 85 grain for elk and moose
.243 dia bullet minimum
Also, must have 100ft/lbs at 100 yards

The 243 does this easily in all aspects as well as able to punch little 55 grain bullets at laser speeds at critters
The 60 grain Sierra HP is death medicine on coyotes

I know a lot of people who shoot the 243 and like the 85's on antelope and deer. Personally I like the anchor factor on the 90's and 100's for deer and antelope.

[ray1970]

7mm-08 might be a good choice as well but I honestly have no idea how it would do in a short barrel. Just like someone else already stated.

[smchop]

I'm not sure on the 7-08 either Ray, wish I knew someone with one. The .243 I'm kinda liking the idea, wonder if the barrel twist would work for 55's up to the 85's?

[DHC]

I'm not sure on the 7-08 either Ray, wish I knew someone with one. The .243 I'm kinda liking the idea, wonder if the barrel twist would work for 55's up to the 85's?

I have a Remmy 7mm-08 in a hunting rifle. It is plenty of rifle for deer-sized game. The DOW encourages use of this caliber for younger hunters that go on their mentored youth hunts for elk, so it offers plenty of punch. The .284 (7mm) is an efficient caliber and should offer good BC for longer ranges.

IHTH

[Colorado Osprey]

I'm not sure on the 7-08 either Ray, wish I knew someone with one. The .243 I'm kinda liking the idea, wonder if the barrel twist would work for 55's up to the 85's?

My 243 was originally a 7mm-08 I put a 243 tube on. As far as twist a 1:10 will stabilize a 55-85. My 1:10 stabilizes all the way to 100 but doesn't like the 107's. Some 1:10's have issues over 90 grain.

[smchop]

My 243 was originally a 7mm-08 I put a 243 tube on. As far as twist a 1:10 will stabilize a 55-85. My 1:10 stabilizes all the way to 100 but doesn't like the 107's. Some 1:10's have issues over 90 grain.

My 6mm Creedmoor (.243) shooting the 105 hybrids runs a 1:8, but will also run the heavier bullets to. 1:10 huh? Now I think I'm kinda really liking the .243 idea.

My concern with the 7-08 is it being to heavy on the bullets to be fun to shoot varmints with, the 7mm SAUM was running the 162's with great results. Haven't looked to see what lighter loads could be built for the 7mm.

[ray1970]

I've shot 140s out of my 7mm Rem mag with decent results. I'm not sure how light of a bullet you can get. I've always wanted a light weight 7mm-08.

[ray1970]

OK. I took a quick peek. Looks like you can load 120 grain bullets in the 7mm-08 to right at 3,000 fps.

[ray1970]

And 175s at about 2,500 ish.