Three European calibers for a do-it-all R8

[Kalthoff]

Lead projectiles are illegal in Denmark and several parts of Germany. It is very likely that other countries in Europe will follow suit.

This affects caliber choice for European hunting.

If you only intend to hunt where lead projectiles are legal, then two barrels will do fine for most European species and types of hunts: 6,5x55 and 9,3x62

My post-lead-ban experience is too limited to make any caliber or projectile recommendations. I am gaining experience with several types of copper/tin projectiles in .270W for roe and fallow deer.

 

[Scandihunter]

Lead projectiles are illegal in Denmark and several parts of Germany. It is very likely that other countries in Europe will follow suit.

This affects caliber choice for European hunting.

If you only intend to hunt where lead projectiles are legal, then two barrels will do fine for Europe: 6,5x55 and 9,3x62

My post-lead-ban experience is too limited to make any caliber or projectile recommendations. I am gaining experience with several types of copper/tin projectiles in .270W for roe and fallow deer.

Exactly my concern as well. As I am mostly hunting in lead-free only territories, I want velocity for the hard monolithic bullets to expand properly. But I think 6.5 for fox and roe, 8.5x55 (900 m/s with 160gr TTSx) and then .375 for bear, moose and eventually buffalo would be an interesting battery. However, I do like the results from the .270win with the 130gr RWS Hit so far.

 

[grand veneur]

Lead projectiles are illegal in Denmark and several parts of Germany. It is very likely that other countries in Europe will follow suit.

This affects caliber choice for European hunting.

If you only intend to hunt where lead projectiles are legal, then two barrels will do fine for most European species and types of hunts: 6,5x55 and 9,3x62

My post-lead-ban experience is too limited to make any caliber or projectile recommendations. I am gaining experience with several types of copper/tin projectiles in .270W for roe and fallow deer.

I switched all my rifles, except the big bores, to lead-free bullets, it was not a problem. It is sure that it is easier if you are a reloader, otherwise it is a little bit expensive, but you can in all cases find something for your rifles. This will not affect the choice of the caliber.

 

[Kalthoff]

Exactly my concern as well. As I am mostly hunting in lead-free only territories, I want velocity for the hard monolithic bullets to expand properly. But I think 6.5 for fox and roe, 8.5x55 (900 m/s with 160gr TTSx) and then .375 for bear, moose and eventually buffalo would be an interesting battery. However, I do like the results from the .270win with the 130gr RWS Hit so far.

I bought the .270W because of the lead ban in Denmark. It sure is capable of delivering impressive velocity with little felt recoil:

Factory numbers:
1080 m/s with 6,2 gram projectiles (eg. RWS Evolution Green)
960 m/s with 7.8 gram projectiles (eg. Sako Powerhead Blade)

Do you intend to engage in something like topjakt for Tjur in Sweden or mountain hunting for Gemse in the Alps? Such more specialized hunts might call for a caliber especially suited for that type of hunt.

 

[Scandihunter]

I bought the .270W because of the lead ban in Denmark. It sure is capable of delivering impressive velocity with little felt recoil:

Factory numbers:
1080 m/s with 6,2 gram projectiles (eg. RWS Evolution Green)
960 m/s with 7.8 gram projectiles (eg. Sako Powerhead Blade)

Do you intend to engage in something like topjakt for Tjur in Sweden or mountain hunting for Gemse in the Alps? Such more specialized hunts might call for a caliber especially suited for that type of hunt.

I completely agree. Planning on a Gemse hunt for next year actually - so yes. Also going for Topfågel eventually.

 

[HWL]

My personal choice of a three European cartridges combination for do-it-all would be the 300 H&H Magnum, the 9,3x64 Brenneke and the 12,7x70 Schüler. All three rifle are already in my gun safe.

There are so may kinds of small game around the globe.
Think about the tiny ten in Africa, reh deer in Europe or all the little predators.
Don't you think, a .300 H&H Magnum is a little bit to much for all those?

HWL

 

[Phil Giordano]

Late in the party, but to me 7x64, 8x68S, 9,3x64 - maybe because I have and love all three! Fantastic European continental calibers, with tons of performance and tradition, readily available in top factory rounds (RWS / Brenneke have all three, Norma the first two)

 

[steve white]

Late in the party, but to me 7x64, 8x68S, 9,3x64 - maybe because I have and love all three! Fantastic European continental calibers, with tons of performance and tradition, readily available in top factory rounds (RWS / Brenneke have all three, Norma the first two)

Great choices, but maybe substitute 7x57 at the low end?

 

[Phil Giordano]

Great choices, but maybe substitute 7x57 at the low end?

Yes, why not... maybe better yet
It's a great little cartridge, also readily available as a factory round, too...
Good choice

 

[Scandihunter]

Great choices, but maybe substitute 7x57 at the low end?

Would love to have 7x57 at the low end. However, availability of factory ammunition is extremely limited if not non-existing when it comes to lead-free ammunition.
The 6,5x55 is one of the most popular calibers in Sweden for everything up to bear (including moose).