Minimum Catridge for Big Game

Rob 1,if you read my posts on long range hunting you will see I like to minimise the risk.I know you can kill just about anything with anything if you get close and put the bullet in the right place.I have used the .17 rem cal to cull a wide range of animals.

The first criteria for a shooter is to be able to put the bullet where it counts.Second and equally important is choosing the correct projectile for the game.I have seen all calibers fail to do what they are supposed to on game.My thoughts are that a 284 or 30 cal will break bones and go on through most every time.I have seen the .224 cals deflect.I like to keep the odds on my side.

Having said that, if you are most comfortable with a 223 or 22-250 and can shoot it well and it isn't illegal then using it in preference to gut shooting something with a supermagnum is a sensible choice.My preference will always be a bit bigger.Have a good one macca.

Macca

 I really wasn't trying to make a case for or against small cartridge hunting. Whenever a long range discussion comes up there is seldom any middle ground, opinions are strong on both sides. When someone mentions small cartridges the majority suggest using a "appropriate" cartridge. I think a strong argument could be made that a short range hunter with a .22 hornet could equal or exceed the success of a long ranger ( so many different definitions so I'll say 500+yards.)

 I was a little suprised to see so many that consider a .243 as too small. I think one has a good varmint/deer combo with that chambering. I would choose a 25-06 over it though as it's more versatile. Rob

Lawdog;

Last fall, October, I stopped by a taxidermist's shop just a coupla blocks down the streed from me.  Shawn, the taxidermist, was skinning out a smallish black bear that had been field dressed.  I got to talking with the young man, mid-to-late 20's that had brought the bear in.

He said that he'd been deer hunting but saw the bear get up about 200 yards out from him, higher on a hillside.  Since he also had a bear tag, he took the shot & the bear went 10 yards & dropped.  Said the bullet went in between two ribs just behind the shoulder, ripped up the lungs & stopped just under the offside ribs.

So I asked him what he shot the bear with.  He replied that it was his .22-250 with a 55gr spire point.  Did he get lucky? YES.  Would I want to be his life insurance agent?  NO!!

900F