How many of 1 caliber is too many?

smokinbobf4

Gunny Sergeant
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Dec 26, 2018
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So I have recently gotten bitten by the bug to build or buy another gun or 2. Something I don’t need but just want. Seems to happen when the temps get below zero for whatever reason. Any ways, I currently have a custom built hunting rifle in 6.5 creed and a tikka ctr in a bravo in 6.5 creed with added weight mainly for target shooting. I ordered a bighorn origin and a mdt acc chassis that should be here soon and I cannot decide on a caliber. Part of me says just make another 6.5 creed because I have ammo and maybe you would learn the bullet more if that is basically all that you shoot. But on the other hand I would kind of like to try something different and maybe a lighter weight bullet. I do not compete as there is no where close to me to do so, I just shoot steel and paper a fair amount. Would almost like to have more of a varmint caliber and make it a varmint and steel gun but not sure how many smaller varmint calibers are very good to 1000yardsish. Another side of me says to get a 22-250 barrel and a 6.5 creed barrel for the origin. So many problems. Any advise would be appreciated. And also I do not currently reload which makes this a bit more challenging
 
If you don’t reload, pick a caliber that you can find factory ammo for- and save your brass. I’ve erred on the side of breadth of calibers, as opposed to depth of rifles. I can only carry so many at once, and won’t be equipping a company, so each rifle has a purpose that is partially fulfilled by the caliber selection. I don’t need 3 6.5 creedmoor rifles, but a 6.5 CM, and a 270win, and a 300 weatherby mag all fill niches in my motley assortment of rifles.
 
I've always wanted a 3006 because it can really stretch out and you can do a lot with it. However, I don't reload and the current factory options don't bring out the potential in a 3006. I also don't need all the energy and ballistics of a 3006 because my 6.5 kills what I hunt pretty good and shoots really good out to the ranges I shoot.

When i start reloading, I may just try building one.

I've also been interested as of recently to build something smaller. Maybe a 6mm variant or may be a 22 cal variant.

Consider a 224V if you don't reload. This offers factory ammo with heavy for cal bullets. If you reload, maybe a 22BR or straight up, a 223.

204 Ruger sounds interesting too but you won't get to 1000 with it, at least not reliably.
 
I'm a caliber minimalist so If another 6.5cm fits the bill for your new rig I'd go that route. It's a great round. For a varminter 223/556 is really easy to build the ammo is easy to get and easy on the pocketbook although not a 1000yd one.
 
I've always wanted a 3006 because it can really stretch out and you can do a lot with it. However, I don't reload and the current factory options don't bring out the potential in a 3006. I also don't need all the energy and ballistics of a 3006 because my 6.5 kills what I hunt pretty good and shoots really good out to the ranges I shoot.

When i start reloading, I may just try building one.

I've also been interested as of recently to build something smaller. Maybe a 6mm variant or may be a 22 cal variant.

Consider a 224V if you don't reload. This offers factory ammo with heavy for cal bullets. If you reload, maybe a 22BR or straight up, a 223.

204 Ruger sounds interesting too but you won't get to 1000 with it, at least not reliably.

yea since OP doesn’t reload 224 Valkyrie makes a lot of sense or even a 223.
 
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For a retail ammo shooter, I don’t think there is such a thing as too many.

To a reloader, keeping brass lots for each chamber sucks! I do it for a few, but try not to make a habit of it unless a sweet deal comes along on something I just have to have - then it generally becomes a wildcat candidate if "in the mood".
 
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I never thought of 224. Maybe I should look into that a bit. Haven’t even seen yet how much there is for factory ammo for that. I also thought of 223 just for the price and availability. 6mm creed is probably top of my list as of now but I know barrel life is short and factory ammo isn’t real cheap but not too bad. I am wondering about consolidating calibers also. Went with only .45 and 9mm for pistols. Currently have a cheap .243 for the kids, a ca Mesa 300 win, tikka t3 270wsm that I am trying to get rid of, ar 223 and ar10 308. I fell like I have too many calibers. But some don’t get shot a ton
 
I never thought of 224. Maybe I should look into that a bit. Haven’t even seen yet how much there is for factory ammo for that. I also thought of 223 just for the price and availability. 6mm creed is probably top of my list as of now but I know barrel life is short and factory ammo isn’t real cheap but not too bad. I am wondering about consolidating calibers also. Went with only .45 and 9mm for pistols. Currently have a cheap .243 for the kids, a ca Mesa 300 win, tikka t3 270wsm that I am trying to get rid of, ar 223 and ar10 308. I fell like I have too many calibers. But some don’t get shot a ton
So I have recently gotten bitten by the bug to build or buy another gun or 2. Something I don’t need but just want. Seems to happen when the temps get below zero for whatever reason. Any ways, I currently have a custom built hunting rifle in 6.5 creed and a tikka ctr in a bravo in 6.5 creed with added weight mainly for target shooting. I ordered a bighorn origin and a mdt acc chassis that should be here soon and I cannot decide on a caliber. Part of me says just make another 6.5 creed because I have ammo and maybe you would learn the bullet more if that is basically all that you shoot. But on the other hand I would kind of like to try something different and maybe a lighter weight bullet. I do not compete as there is no where close to me to do so, I just shoot steel and paper a fair amount. Would almost like to have more of a varmint caliber and make it a varmint and steel gun but not sure how many smaller varmint calibers are very good to 1000yardsish. Another side of me says to get a 22-250 barrel and a 6.5 creed barrel for the origin. So many problems. Any advise would be appreciated. And also I do not currently reload which makes this a bit more challenging
Two is one, one is none...
 
My favorites are 6.5 and 224 Valkyrie.

I’ve been shooting the Valkyrie more lately.

It shoots factory 88 eld pretty good bit I worked up a load for it and shot some of the best groups I’ve ever shot at 700 yards.

It’s a fun little gun and cheaper to shoot.
 
What is everyone’s thoughts on the 224? Is it here to stay or will it be almost dead like my 270wsm in 10 years?



It'll stay. 22-250 replacement.

I have 15 rifles in 9 calibers. I'm currently building 2 more in different calibers.

It starts out as a 22-250 for varmints, then you say "well, it's cheaper to buy bullets and less powder in a .221 fireball". Pretty soon you have 2 dozen varmint rifles of varying 20 & 22 calibers.

Basically, just start reloading and buy whatever you want.

We do some things because they're sensible, others because it's just fun.