.243, 25-06, or .270 Tikka?

I think you might not find much difference between the recoil of the .25-06 and the 270. That 25-06 has a fearsome charge of powder for that little bullet, that's why it's the King of the Pronghorn Rifles.

Is recoil REALLY that big of a deal to you? Keep in mind, when you step up to a gun that you're going to be using in situations as you describe, there's not going to be much need to sit around hammering away with it. Unless, of course, you're an accuracy crazed handloader and you can't leave a gun alone until it's shooting half inch groups or less.

The .243 would be great, but if elk really are in the picture, I'd say 270.

As another approach, you might want to just say to yourself that IF you go elk hunting, you'll buy a rifle that's more suatable at that time. Now that you can get very good rifles for under $500, the rifle has become one of the cheaper parts of the equation for the traveling hunter. If you're planning on going out of state for elk, the cost of the rifle could very well be cheaper than your elk tag.

I'd love to make a case for the .25-06 because it's a fine cartridge and it has ruined the day of a lot of mule deer. But it's mainly a specialist tool for the open country hunter that needs to be able to reach out a long distance because getting closer isn't an option. It's a pronghorn's worst nightmare, but I'm not sure it's really a fit for your situation.

Also, I've seen a coyote that was hit by a hot .25-06 load at about 250 yards. One would not exactly call the the .25 a fur friendly gun, let's just say that.

Grouse
 
I own a .243 as well as a 25-06 and a 7mm08. The 25-06 is my favorite caliber period. It will do what you are looking for with no problem.
 
For hogs, I'd recommend the 270. IMHO the 270 win is the most versatile rifle cartridge. It can take just about any north American game humanely on up to a black bear, however id prefer something a bit larger for our bigger bear species as a safety precaution, although I think the 270 is capable dispute this. As far as recoil goes, I have a Savage Axis in 270win, that is an extremely light gun for the caliber, and honestly, my shoulder is only slightly sore after about 60 rounds, but that wears off in an hour or two, shooting prone is a different story though. The 270 is also the best hog gun IMO, anything bigger is unecessary at ranges under about 400yd. However, it is more than enough for coyotes but I wouldn't necessarily call it overkill unless your after pelts. Dispite this, I assure you the extra umph on hogs and the versatility will be well worth a little pelt damage.
 
Everyone has raised some excellent points. I don't take fur so pelt damage is a non issue. I'm a 300 yard guy and I'm unlikely to ever shoot to 400 yards. There are so many choices to make but that is half the fun!
 
I would be inclined to look at the 7mm-08. It is available in Tikka. The 08 has very similar performance specs to a .270.
However the 7mm-08 based on .308 holds less powder. Maybe 15 grains less. This can result in about 25% less recoil.
 
People really hype up pigs. I killed a lot when I was growing up, and a .243 will take care of any pig you'll ever run across. There are lots of WMAs in the SE that allow year round hog hunting, but only with rimfires or archery equipment. There are plenty of big pigs brought out every year with .22 mags. A .25 is a real versatile round, and although I've never killed an elk, have read lots of stories about it ruining a bull elk's day. I would go with the .243 or .25, just decide if you want a short or long action. And someone else already said it, while the Tikkas do have the same length bolt, but different bolt stops for the action length.

The above is worth about $0.02.
 
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Originally Posted By: quackaddictPeople really hype up pigs. I killed a lot when I was growing up, and a .243 will take care of any pig you'll ever run across.

Maybe it's just me, but has anyone else noticed that wild hogs especially seem to attract a strong tendency to overgun?

Good Lord, but the advice I've see people give for hogs! 7 MM Mag, 300 Mag and 300 WSM, .338. I've all of these mentioned as "ideal" hog calibers! I mean, maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Has there been a new subspecies of 900 pound Zombie Ninja hogs from [beeep] out there and it really does take a heavy safari caliber to stop them?

Honestly, I'm sure somewhere out there, someone has in total honesty recommend a .375 H&H for hogs. You can't be too careful. . . New! The 500 Nitro Hog Getter by Holland & Holland. . .

Why is this? Do hogs just attract rage because of the way they tear stuff up?

Grouse
 
I did not read every post.But if you own a .223
I would say .270, wild boar,deer,elk,mule deer.Anything lesser no problem.A 270 at 300 yards will shoot with the best of them and beat most.And push more lead to that point.Unless you want to go 7mm rem mag and up.
 
Originally Posted By: The Famous GrouseOriginally Posted By: quackaddictPeople really hype up pigs. I killed a lot when I was growing up, and a .243 will take care of any pig you'll ever run across.

Maybe it's just me, but has anyone else noticed that wild hogs especially seem to attract a strong tendency to overgun?

Good Lord, but the advice I've see people give for hogs! 7 MM Mag, 300 Mag and 300 WSM, .338. I've all of these mentioned as "ideal" hog calibers! I mean, maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Has there been a new subspecies of 900 pound Zombie Ninja hogs from [beeep] out there and it really does take a heavy safari caliber to stop them?

Honestly, I'm sure somewhere out there, someone has in total honesty recommend a .375 H&H for hogs. You can't be too careful. . . New! The 500 Nitro Hog Getter by Holland & Holland. . .

Why is this? Do hogs just attract rage because of the way they tear stuff up?

Grouse


That is what i'm saying. I bet the .243 or 25-06 will both smoke them hogs. I mean archery guys hunt them all the time in CA and its illegal to carry a backup gun! Never heard of anyone being killed or even get wounded. I'm guessing people respect that they can hurt you and avoid dangerous situations.

I just got my first pig tag today along with a box of .223 62 gr TSX. I also got a box of 10mm buffalo bore barnes 155 gr. tac-xp. My buddy will be backing me up with a 6.8spc and a 41 mag. Don't think a .223 with tsx will drop hogs dead in their tracks? Just go to google images and search for boar 62 tsx. There are hogs that are 150 and 200 pounds taken at 150 yards and the bullet exits the chest. Tons of dead deer too. One guy uses a 180 gr tac-xp from a 45 acp and it exits a big hog, 10mm should do as good or better!

He has access to probably the best private property for hog hunting in CA. It backs up to the tejon ranch which cost 500 bucks a day or more to hunt! There are said to be as many as 2,000 hogs on tejon ranch. He showed me lots of pictures of dead hogs, not to mention it is coyote, deer, and quail central! 12,500 acres of our own private heaven!

Going to see how I like the ribs and chops before I plunk down the cash for a dedicated hog gun.
 
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They hype the dam turkeys up also.Not hard to kill gobblers if you hunt where they are.Same as deer,coyotes,crows,fox,or anything.The turkey thing is just like bass fishing,I guess boar hunting is joining the group also.
 
Originally Posted By: The Famous GrouseOriginally Posted By: quackaddictPeople really hype up pigs. I killed a lot when I was growing up, and a .243 will take care of any pig you'll ever run across.

Maybe it's just me, but has anyone else noticed that wild hogs especially seem to attract a strong tendency to overgun?

Good Lord, but the advice I've see people give for hogs! 7 MM Mag, 300 Mag and 300 WSM, .338. I've all of these mentioned as "ideal" hog calibers! I mean, maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Has there been a new subspecies of 900 pound Zombie Ninja hogs from [beeep] out there and it really does take a heavy safari caliber to stop them?

Honestly, I'm sure somewhere out there, someone has in total honesty recommend a .375 H&H for hogs. You can't be too careful. . . New! The 500 Nitro Hog Getter by Holland & Holland. . .

Why is this? Do hogs just attract rage because of the way they tear stuff up?

Grouse


The word "Elk" was brought up in the op's original post. You must be reading another thread. There has been some good advice given.
 
I know 7mm-08 wasn't one of your choices, but it is a good one to consider. Heck, I think a 30/06 would be a good one to consider also...tons of bullet options (110gr clear up to 220gr), and you can even get the reduced recoil loads for it.

A friend of mine shot an elk with a 25/06 this year, I was standing right beside him when he did. 120gr Fusion, 155 yards away in a clear cut. The elk was hit right through the lungs and we watched it go about 75 yards and go down. It worked...but what I didn't like about it was the lack of a large wound channel. In the 75 yards it moved, there was barely any blood that came out of it onto the hide, let alone onto the ground. A marginal hit would've resulted in no blood trail to follow. The bullet also never hit any bone, went in between the ribs, and yet it didn't exit. I'm a huge fan of 25/06, and it'll work if you for sure put the bullet where it belongs, but I really consider it very marginal for elk.

I think you should really consider a 7mm-08 (if not the 30/06). Very light recoil and a bigger wound channel if you ever decide to go after Elk.
 
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.270 Win!
My son used to shoot my 270 every chance he got when he was 12. He was small for his age at 12. I'm certain that the recoil wouldnt be to much for you.
 
Originally Posted By: LUCKYDOGOriginally Posted By: The Famous GrouseOriginally Posted By: quackaddictPeople really hype up pigs. I killed a lot when I was growing up, and a .243 will take care of any pig you'll ever run across.

Maybe it's just me, but has anyone else noticed that wild hogs especially seem to attract a strong tendency to overgun?

Good Lord, but the advice I've see people give for hogs! 7 MM Mag, 300 Mag and 300 WSM, .338. I've all of these mentioned as "ideal" hog calibers! I mean, maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Has there been a new subspecies of 900 pound Zombie Ninja hogs from [beeep] out there and it really does take a heavy safari caliber to stop them?

Honestly, I'm sure somewhere out there, someone has in total honesty recommend a .375 H&H for hogs. You can't be too careful. . . New! The 500 Nitro Hog Getter by Holland & Holland. . .

Why is this? Do hogs just attract rage because of the way they tear stuff up?

Grouse


The word "Elk" was brought up in the op's original post. You must be reading another thread. There has been some good advice given.

My response was to the post that I quoted. I was agreeing with his direction and wondering what it is that causes people to overgun so much when it comes to hogs.

I already had given my opinion on the OP's choices as they relate to elk in my previous post.

Grouse
 
Originally Posted By: dwilsonI have all of the calibers listed andI'mpartial to the 25.06.

what is it that makes you like it better then the others?
 
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