I started with a 308 but havent used that for 18 yrs. The 6,5 mm works superb for the small deer I shoot.
I'vd tried 6mm, but dont like the lesser blood trail if I need to track it.
I'd like to try 7-08, 280 or 7mmRM but its kinda daft to pay 2x bullet price over 6, 5mm here. A magnum really makes a difference in terminal perfofmance at range, but it also less forgiving to errors in the shooting positions. For hunting the shooting position is often flawed, so I stay away from recoil and seems to stay away from poorly shot zeer.
I bought 1000 new 6.5x284 brass as I can get good 6.5x55 performance in a short barrel. This is what i use for hunting.
I also have 600 rds ox 6XC I'm keen to try, but curfently I have no barrel chambered.
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