Trying to decide on which calibers.

[DVW]

My Christmas gift this year from my family is a riffle. I have already decided on the rifle I am going to get. It is a Rossi Wizard. This is similar to a Thompson Center as it is a break action that you can buy different barrels for. I'm a sucker for single shots. Now I just need to decide on the calibers. I want a caliber for shooting deer under 75 yards as that is what 90% of my hunting is. Then I also want a long range caliber for Deer and Black bear. For the short range I am torn between the 45-70, 357 magnum and the .243. I like the .357 and .243 because they are lower energy, very common ammo and I already have guns in those calibers. However I find the 45-70 is just plain cool. For long range I am torn between the .270 and 30-06. I like the .270 better but the 30-06 is more common ammo.

[CircuitRider]

Really, the 270 or 30-06 would cover all you needs both short and long for deer and only one barrel is needed. The 45/70 will kick real hard in that single shot. Even the 270 and 30-06 will not be that pleasant in that rig but are much more manageable and will allow you to shoot better. Now all that said, the 243 would be just about right for deer hunting covering your short shots and even your longer shots and is very accurate and comfortable. Of course being like most of us, you probably have all ready made up your mind, so whatever you choose (all except the .357 which is not really that good of a deer round, which I have killed deer with my S&W .357 when I was younger) I am sure you will have fun. Let us know your choice :)

[Hunting Man]

I can imagine the recoil will be a bit stout. I don't know the cost involved but is there anyway to look at used rifles in the same price range that would fit your needs? I'd stay away from the 357 and the 243 if you are going after any bears.

[DVW]

I hadn't given much thought about the recoil of the 45-70. It probably would be stout. I wouldn't use the smaller calibers for bear, just whitetail deer. The reason that I want a lower energy round is that my whitetail hunting is from a stand and it is heavily treed so my shots are always close. I just don't see the need to use such a powerful round at less then 75 yards. So far I have used a toned down muzzle loader, a shot gun and a .243. My bear hunting though is on public land and I am shooting 200 to 300 yards. So I have decided to get two separate barrels. I just haven't decided on the calibers.

[Hellbilly]

for short range 100yds or less for deer or bear a 30-30 barrel would work great. IMO for the longer ranges a 270 barrel would be nice and will work for deer and bear

[Predator]

considering your selection of barrels and the game you mentioned, I am with Hunting Man 100% on what to stay away from. I would select the .270 to cover everything and then some.

[BruceBruce1959]

if 90% of your hunting is under 75 yards then I would probably go for a .30-30 caliber especially if you'll be filling bear tags as well.
Good Luck

[turner]

Originally Posted by DVW

My Christmas gift this year from my family is a riffle. I have already decided on the rifle I am going to get. It is a Rossi Wizard. This is similar to a Thompson Center as it is a break action that you can buy different barrels for. I'm a sucker for single shots. Now I just need to decide on the calibers. I want a caliber for shooting deer under 75 yards as that is what 90% of my hunting is. Then I also want a long range caliber for Deer and Black bear. For the short range I am torn between the 45-70, 357 magnum and the .243. I like the .357 and .243 because they are lower energy, very common ammo and I already have guns in those calibers. However I find the 45-70 is just plain cool. For long range I am torn between the .270 and 30-06. I like the .270 better but the 30-06 is more common ammo.

There is no comparison between the .357 mag, .243 & 45-70. Fo close cover clout, there is no substitution for frontal area. Simply pick up a .243 cartridge, a .357 cartridge & a 45-70 cartridge all at once in your hand and then ask your self which you'd rather have when you track the bear that ran off after the shot and then look in a mirror. You'll have your answer quick enough. I own two 45-70s, 2 .450s and a slew of other mediums too. They are not the monsters most make them out to be. My last buck I took two weeks ago was with a .450 Marlin shooting 350gr @ 2150 FPS. Bang/Flop.

At the ranges you are talking for the short-range barrel, standard factory ammo in 405gr @ 1300 FPS or 300gr @ 1800 FPS will do a bang-up job for you with minimal recoil. If you want more horsepower from the 45-70, get some loads with a 400gr @ 1800 FPS if you want ($25/box). It will recoil stoutly, however. I shoot a 325gr bullet at 2150 FPS in my Ruger #1 45-70 and it's not bad at all (that's the LeverEvolution ammo) and a 400gr @ 1800 FPS in my Marlin 45-70.

I'd think the 45-70 to be an absolutely great choice for you and that rifle for your short range desires. As for a long-range cartridge for deer & bear, between the .270 & '06, I'd choose the larger frontal area and heavier bullets of the '06 for bear, again hands down. The ammo choices and availability for either the .270 or '06 are numerous and no problem finding either anywhere they sell ammo.

Good luck and enjoy that nice new rifle when you get it!!

[CircuitRider]

I have kill all the bear I have taken with a 30-06 and 7mm-08. These have been one shot kills and a 400 pound bear dropped by my 7mm-08 Custom Sako Shilen barrel with a 140gr Partition at 45 yards. You don't need a cannon like a 45/70 especially in the rifle you are talking about buying (which will really recoil more than you probably imagine), to kill a black bear. I in fact they die fairly easy. I have killed them with a 140gr Accubond in a 7mm-08.

[Hunting Man]

Having one rifle presents some problems when multiple game will be pursued at varing distances. After reading all the input, I would be leaning for a 270 win. The 270 will take down everything on your list with great results and as stated ammo is everywhere. Good luck in shopping and future hunting!