Thread: Advice Needed: Choosing Caliber for Open Tops Hunting

Originally Posted by Hugh Shields

Second vote for the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser. Almost identical ballistics to the 6.5CM and same powder charge as the 308, but with higher ballistic coefficient projectiles (potentially).
Also I'm a huge fan on the 30.06 family, 270, 25.06, 280, 8mm06 and 308 etc.
From the 308 family, huge fan of 308, 7mm-08, but not so keen on the 6mm 243. If you want 6mm (Why??) The 6mm Remington is 150 - 200 fps faster and more foot pounds of energy than the 243.
One thing for you and your father to consider is the mechanics of a LONG action, verses a SHORT action. The early calibres (30.06family) are mostly LONG action, whilst the more "modern" calibres in the 308 family (circa 1950) and today's new calibres are mostly short action.
Reason being; lighter to carry, cheaper to manufacture, ammunition is shorter, therefore lighter to carry and troops can carry more rounds, modern powders can get the same, or better, performance outvof smaller case capacity, short, fat cases burn the powder more efficiently than long skinny case.
308 or 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser would be my choice.

Bro 6mm Remington is the easily the dumbest suggestion so far