Best all-around hunting rifle

[zion zig zag]

7mm WSM, sako stainless synthetic.

[zion zig zag]

Winchester Short Magnum

The Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) cartridge concept proved that “magnum” doesn’t always mean bigger. It does, however, mean better.
When directly compared to conventional, long-action calibers, the 270 WSM, 7mm WSM and 300 WSM exceed (depending on bullet weight and type) the ballistics of the 270 Win., 7mm Rem. Mag. and 300 Win. Mag.

Moving beyond the obvious ballistic advantages of the WSM concept, there are also huge advantages in the rifles that fire these powerhouse cartridges. Most notably, WSM rifles are built on short-action configurations.

Prior to the WSM concept, short-action cartridges capable of high muzzle velocities did so with lightweight bullets and low downrange energy. To enter the realm of high velocity and heavy knockdown energy, beefed-up, belted magnum cartridges and heavy, long action rifles were required. However, by introducing long-action, belted magnum ballistics to the world of lightweight, short-action rifles, WSM calibers have effectively rewritten the rules that govern what a hard-hitting, high velocity rifle can be. Rifles chambered in WSM calibers are simply lighter and faster handling than their long action counterparts thanks to the shorter, stiffer actions and barrels used. Recoil is also reduced thanks to the short, fat case which produces a more efficient powder burn.

Better ballistics and lighter, more efficient rifles create a package that can’t be beat.

[lemon boy]

Oh and since this came back up:

.270 and 30-06 = Available for purchase in every gas station in hunting country.

300 wm, 7mm WST not so much.

[Woodsy]

"AK-47. When you absolutely, positively got to kill every
motherfucker in the room, accept no substitutes"

[13]

That oughta do it, don'tcha think?

[grrrr]

30-06 has the most widely available and largest range of stock ammo. 308 or 7mm are better in long range shooting, but that won't matter to you right now.

For deer, I'd go Browning A-bolt SS in a .270. For elk, same gun in a 30-06.(I like the Browning)

[Flake]

The WSM and Rem SAUM short mags are a nice concept. But in factory rifles they are short, but not neccecarily light. My "old" .300 win mag with a 26 inch barrel and a bipod was lighter than a Rem Model 7 in 7mm Short Action Ultra Mag when weighed side by side.

[Flake]

Grrr. The Browning SS are nice rigs for the $ but my .25-06 has a shiny spot on the bottom of the barrel where that whippy plastic stock hits it during recoil. I just can't get excited about great accuracy potential with those plastic stocks that they put on lots of the cheaper stainless rifles out there.
Of course you have to know to get that worn spot I've used that gun a lot. I love it other than the stock. A little dremel tool work and it doesn't seem to hit anymore.

[El Chupacabra]

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