Three European calibers for a do-it-all R8

[Scandihunter]

Greetings all

I recently purchased three barrels for my Blaser R8 to cover all hunting in Scandinavia but with the opportunity to go cover anything worldwide as well. My three barrels are .270win, 8.5x55 blaser, and the .375H&H. Being a European hunter and liking traditions has made me rethink my decision or given me a wish to investigate which three European traditional cartridges could replace this setup. My first thinking is the 6.5x55 for fox and roe deer, 7x64 to cover fallow and red deer, and the 9.3x62 for wild boar, bear, moose, and buffalo (eventually). Only concern regarding the 9.3x62 is its low velocity with lead-free bullets (legally required in a lot of Northern European countries).
Looking forward to your input!

 

[FlowHamed18]

8x68 -> you won't need a 7x64 and another 9,3x62

Or a 8x64S and a 9,3x64

 

[chino_cba]

375 hh is european

 

[Scandihunter]

8x68 -> you won't need a 7x64 and another 9,3x62

Or a 8x64S and a 9,3x64

I am not sure about the availability of the 8x68 nor the 9.3x64. Don’t think it’s very good in copper bullets (factory loaded).

375 hh is european

Yes, I know that. But not from the continent I am split between the 9.3x62 and the .375H&H.

 

[PerH]

Brenneke and Geco have some good lead free options also in 9,3 and other like 7x64

 

[Lumaberpat]

500 Schuler for big game … you’ll need to eletropencil the barrel to correct it though

 

[AZDAVE]

A 250gr barnes in the x62 is capable of 2600fps and a 286 or 300 gr aframe at 2400 will take most anything you would consider.

you might want to consider the 22 Hornet, 7x64, and 9.3x62 as your 3 gun battery.

 

[StevenQ718]

8x57?

 

[CBH Australia]

I like your first picks. 6.5x55, 7x64 and 9.3x62.

Are you limited to factory ammo or can you use reloads?

If reloads are an option then the 9.3x64 with approved projectiles increases options.

Are there any suitable chamberings under 6.5x55? I thought there were a few that I am not familiar with 5.6x45, 6x47 or 5.6x57

 

[odonata]

If worldwide hunting was a future option with buffalo as a possibility, I would be hesitant to give up the 375 H&H because of its power & versatility. It's not a continental European chambering but it is a versatile and widely available cartridge that is a classic.

Since you already have an 8.5x55 barrel, I would also question swapping it out for an 8x68s or a 9.3x62. With bullets from 139gr ~ 230gr traveling at the speed they do & delivering substantial amounts of energy, it seems like there is a bit of overlap with the other two chamberings. I'm not sure you would gain much by making the swap. It seems like a pretty solid middle round to have.

I don't own a 270 Win but I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. I do love my 6.5x55 and took two deer with it last season. As a Scandinavian hunter who likes tradition, it seems like it's a historical cartridge that would be a good fit for your collection.

So 6.5x55 SE, 8.5x55 Blaser & 375 H&H would be my choice given the current limited options. Having said that, your original alternatives of 6.5x55, 7x64 & 9.3x62 are all excellent rounds that I would enjoy owning. I usually solve these kinds of dilemmas by buying them all but I know that's not always an option even if it is my favorite solution.

 

[steve white]

You are still a little heavy for fox--and since you said ALL game, marmots and other small game as well. Roe deer you could include in the next step up? Finally, for EUROPE only, why do you need a 375?

Slightly OT, what ever became of the Blaser lineup of 7mm, 300 and 375 Blaser? Have some been discontinued, or just unpopular.

 

[Green Chile]

Do you reload or only use factory ammo? What are the most popular calibers of ammo in the stores? Those answers would be important to answer your question.