HighDesertWolf

its been a few years but I finally dug out the old 30-30 from the safe and started loaded up some varmint loads for it (125 grain hollow points). ive been using either my 22-250 and 6mm but the shots have been pretty close lately on the coyotes so figured id make it a bit of challenge to nab yotes with open sights, besides i miss hunting with that thing. Ive been doing alot more varminting since i moved to arizona its pretty difficult to get big game tags, I have been here almost 3 years and have not been drawn yet. you know about my buffalo hunt i have coming up this fall, but I went through an outfitter and the tag cost me 700 bucks. Seems if you live in AZ and want to hunt big game every season its gonna cost big bucks. but to pass the time coyote hunting is pretty fun.

I should be moving back to missouri in about 2 years after i finish school, Im taking a parks and rec management course this fall and police academy. Im hoping to get a job with the MDC or maybe waterpatrol when I get back to MO. I cant wait to get back home I miss it very much.

ths78

Well, I personally love 30-30s, but since you are looking for maximum expansion, I'd recommend a 44 mag.

Look at the ruger 9644 or 9944. I love my 99-44(ruger deerfield).

Loaded with hornady 240 gr JHP-XTP, you should zero 1" high at 100 yds. You'll only be about 2" low at 150 yds. This ammo will give you the widest wound channel b/c it is already 44 cal going in and then it'll expand to about 1" on impact.

The 44 mag is an often overlooked deer cartridge, but is an excellent choice.

Mr. Longbeard

7mm-08 or 243

HighDesertWolf

I got to thinkin and really sat down with this idea though my imeddiate choice is the 30-30 I got pokin around on the net and read several articles and got a pretty good idea of ballistics of several calibers that I feel would also make a good short to medium range caliber. I determined that a .356 Winchester might be the best overall answer for a perfect cartridge to fit the criteria. the only downside would be finding a gun chambered for the caliber. The second choice would then be the .35 Remington

Sniper151

Imy favorite brushcaliber isthe 35 Remington.Other good choicesare the 30-30, 308 and 45-70.

ejpaul1

just get a 243, you wont regret it! Little recoil, and deadly providing you do your job. EJ

HighDesertWolf

theres no such thing as a brush caliber all my years of hunting no matter the caliber if the bullet struck brush before the target it was 10 out of 10 times deflected. also I remember watching a show and they were trying to determine which caliber bucks the brush the best they determined fmj military cartridges did the best especially the 5.56mm.

elk30hunter06

Here are my top picks.

1. .243 Win
Energy: 1900-2000 at muzzle

2. .25-06 Rem
Energy: 2200-2300 at muzzle

Your .280 has energy of around 2700 with whice the felt recoil as these 2.

elgallo114

For a lever action, I like the Henry in .45.

I also agree that you could go with a muzzle loader in .50.

But I have to say that with what your describing, you could go with just about any decent deer caliber. I hunt an area that could have you taking 50 yard shots, all the way up to 250 yard shots. More often than not, they are just under 100 though. My .30-06 does just fine under 100. I don't see a problem here. Doesn't seem like you really need a new rifle.

Now, if your just looking for an excuse to buy a new one, then I'm on your side!!!!!!!!!

HighDesertWolf

actually i think hes having recoil issues.