328: Best Caliber For First-Time Hunters

Welcome to the Ron Spomer Outdoors Podcast! Well, the world keeps on turning. But how fast does it go, and does that have anything to do with shooting, and what's the difference between a silencer, a suppressor, and a muffler? And, what is the best caliber for first-time hunters? This and more on this episode of Ron Spomer Outdoors Podcast.
Affiliate Links - help support the channel at no additional charge to you
Links:
Website: ronspomeroutdo...
Facebook: / ronspomeroutdoors
Instagram: / ronspomer
Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: Red 11 Media - www.red11media...
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@ronladuke7235]

In Canada 🇨🇦 we are not allowed firearm silencers. Not sure what they’re protecting us from but it is not hearing damage lol.

[@MrJtin69]

Hahahah

[@woodsinme]

Obviously from yourselves. (TIC) We are the gubment and we're here to help.

[@duanesamuelson2256]

I find the US and Canadian take on suppressors odd when they are required in Europe in many situations.

[@chadbinette3201]

We aren't allowed suppressors in Maine either. Can't put an aftermarket exhaust on your snowmobile but motorcycles can have straight pipes???? I asked a warden before why we can't change the exhaust on a snowmobile when trails are through the woods " well when you cross a lake people don't want to hear that" oh cause a motorcycle never passes by houses ?

[@RustySprocket]

​@@chadbinette3201 Don't ask the gubment "why gubment?" They're idiots

[@seanhumphreys5498]

Absolutely wonderful information as always. I am really looking forward to the book release.

[@TheGDizzo]

Tell Andre... I started hunting at 45yo! (Had always wanted to as a younger man. But life got in the way back then from do-overs in marriage. ;) So it's NEVER too late to Start! He'll be hooked in no time!

[@jimparker7778]

Switch-barrel outfits are more trouble than they're worth.

[@calebwhiteknives]

My 10yr old son had great success taking his first deer last year, a nice healthy doe, with the 6mm ARC and a 108grain Berger Hybrid Hunter. The light kicking, friendly nature of the cartridge gave him confidence as we started shooting months prior in preparation for his first hunt. When the animal walked out at 50yds he didn’t hesitate or flinch, and calmly placed that screaming 108 right through her heart. Dead. On. Arrival!

[@patrickorear4987]

I loved reading that. I'll be taking my son on his first deer hunt in November. I've scouted his stand sight all summer, plated wheat, rye etc, and he's gotten proficient with his 6.5 this summer. I hope I get to tell the same story as you soon!

[@mattc6015]

@@patrickorear4987have y’all gone yet? I just took my nephew for his first hunt and he freaking loved it he told me “uncle Matt that was the most I’ve ever had ever”

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

My nephew killed deer near and far with his single shot .243 for years. When he out grew it, I tried to talk him into the 7mm-08 but he had seen his ole Uncle Jim (me) drop deer like they had been hit with a sledge hammer. He now has a sweet shooting Weatherby Vanguard in .308. 👍

[@marcmoore4115]

Couldn't have gone wrong with either 👍🏼

[@phild9813]

243 might still be the best rifle cartridge for a beginner deer hunter! We do have more great options now too, like the 6.5 grendel, 6 arc, 6.5 creedmoor, 6 creedmoor, perhaps the 223, 300 blackout, or 22-250 if the horsepower isn’t needed. My kids love the little 300, and with some barnes 110 tactx, it’ll easily kill a deer or hog under a hundred yards.

[@marcmoore4115]

@@phild9813 I absolutely agree with all those choices, depending on the use. Personally I'd start them off practicing with .22LR of course, then move up to a .223 at first, for plinking and getting into target shooting. Once the kid is about 10 or so I'd start them hunting smaller antelope species (here in Africa. Alternatively just deer sized game) with a .243 or 6 Creed. Simple reason is that the other AR-15 cartridges give about the same results as .223, but arguably a bit better. Once they've proven themselves on that setup, and are capable of moving up, I'd personally skip 6.5 Creed and go to .308 or an equivalent, maybe 7mm-08, and step up to the larger sized game like Gemsbok and Kudu (Elk sized game). After that, it's up to the kid where to go from there. Stick with it, go to a magnum... their own choice but with my guidance.

[@lewisstoneking3873]

I own 4 .243, 2 .308 and don't feel the need to have a magnum or the next greatest thing to hit the shelves. Keep your shots at doable distance and these two cartridges will handle any thin skinned animal in north America. In a pinch the 308 will even handle the big bears or the 243 if that is all you had in a defensive situation. I mean I prefer a 243 to any of the pistols they recommend for bear country.

[@wildweasel6898]

I started with a 308 and when I saw how effective and pleasurable to shoot my brothers .243 was I begged my dad for one. Christmas came around and a savage 110 .243 was waiting for me under the tree. I'm 40 now and just took a big forken horn with it. I'll never get anything else.

[@blackpowderriflehunter7573]

Hunters gotta pay their dues at the range. There is no substitute for marksmanship.

[@claymiller9192]

I have 2, Banish 30 from Silencer Central, and I really enjoy them. I picked the Banish because of weight, it can be shortened from 9 to 7 inches, and it can be taken apart and cleaned. Oh, and it will run .17 cal to .30 cal. Silencer Central did all the work including the set up of my trust, and I never left the house, except to mail initial paperwork, and then to pick up my suppressor at the Post office. Very easy process. However, as easy as it was, the wait is still fairly long. But, that has very little to do with the company selling suppressors.

[@wyndy1879]

For my daughter, Mossberg patriot in 6.5cm. Damn thing just shoots!

[@mausernut9025]

6.5 Grendel I've killed deer and so has my kids with it chaberd in ruger American ranch 16in barrel light no recoil, hand loading is a must because ammo so hard to get

[@muchachonextdoor5608]

My boys started with a 6.8 spc loaded with 120 grain Hornady SST bullets. Shoots flat, hits hard, and almost zero recoil. I think it and the 6.5 Grendel are the perfect starter cartridges for young hunters. Either will do a great job.

[@nospam3409]

couldn't agree more. Neither are good options for elk, but they are great for mulecdeer and under. I'm still using a Grendel with a 105gr MKZ, and I've taken nice bucks as far as 300 yds with it, and had great expansion and total penetration.

[@scotteger6271]

Along those lines now is the 6 ARC…with it being looked at for military adoption it should stick around and it does a great job with those 6mm bullets

[@henrygilliam8488]

.243 probably the best … maybe 308 with like Hornady’s 125gr light loads and then as they grow so can the rifle…

[@jimholman5045]

Loved Andre’s letter. I didn’t take my first deer until I was 43. You are never too late! Good luck!

[@Andrew-ch1fj]

Hey man. Thank you for the nice words. Have an amazing day.

[@richjageman3976]

I called it a silencer until "experts" berated me and demanded I call it a suppressor. Then I saw a copy of the original patent. The inventor named it silencer so I again call them silencers. If he named it Fred I would call them Freds.

[@phild9813]

For me, it’s less about what they were originally named and more about what might be helpful in getting them acceptable to the masses. I think suppressor is a more accurate term to describe them as well. Or “muffler” as Ron has mentioned.

[@deanmccormick8070]

Suppressor is more accurate but silencer is what the NFA of 1934 called them, as well.

[@richki.24]

I started hunting using my father's WW1 30-06 bolt gun which was my great grand fathers rifle from the military, it is a Springfield 1903/A3

[@warrengreen3217]

Do you still have it

[@thelittledetailscr7231]

I have one that has been in my family for a lonngggg time. Still shoot it out of respect.

[@Historyfreak-f7o]

Great choice! Historic piece!

[@jerroldshelton9367]

The 1903A3 wasn't around for WW1. It was a WW,2 thing.

[@richki.24]

@@jerroldshelton9367 , okay captain but it’s been in my family pre WW2, so I’m not sure what it is but the range instructor where I belong said that’s what it is.

[@shanehebert396]

The interesting thing about cartridges is that one that works great for beginners works *at least* exactly the same (if not better, because of more practice and better shot placement) for everybody else... even extremely seasoned hunters.

[@glockparaastra]

Andre, 7X64 Brenneke Tikka or Sako with 24" barrel!

[@MrJtin69]

7mm-08 rem

[@davidteague5461]

I just wanted to tell ya , that I’ve watched you talk about all copper bullets. I was very old fashioned . I just thought what ever. Well I bought some all copper by mistake. Barnes vie-tx lr long rang ammunition. I got a doe this October doe season here in mo. Wow!!! Way impressed!!! U were right . They are awesome. Love your videos.

[@cjberan]

Tried copper with my son and in a 243. It worked great on his first buck

[@calebroyer8178]

My sister and I both killed our first deer with a Remington Model 742 Woodmaster chambered in 30-06. It was perfect for fast shooting in the woods and shooting across 300 yard pastures. And I'm sure the gas operated action helped our little frames handle the recoil. Make sure to keep it clean, or it would live up to its nickname of "Jammaster."

[@scotteger6271]

To the guy from Germany buy a Tikka or if you want a barrel interchangeable rifle look into Sabatti. To the 30-06 guy about the 26-28” barrel…you can get real lost in the weeds with some of this stuff…just pick a well made rifle and it will have an appropriate length barrel…probably 22-24”. If you feel like you need more more get a magnum…there’s lots of good choices but for something really high stepping look at the Weatherby’s. To the 300WSM guy…maybe you need to explore 300 PRC.

[@francisvantuyle]

Best cartridge.for a beginner is 22LR. Great intro cartridge.

[@davewinter2688]

You have that absolutely right. See my long comment on the subject.

[@garybarnhart8379]

Nothing wrong with the old 257 Roberts. Have taken Pronghorn's,Mule and Whitetails with it. Love that caliber rifle.

[@bridgerfeuz536]

The first 3 Elk I took including a nice mature bull was with a 257 Roberts.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

Correction, there is one thing wrong, sourcing new ammunition is a bear. Reloading helps a lot, but a lot of people don't reload.

[@randallseverini8688]

Its one of the most useful rounds ever developed. light recoil and superb performance. I have recently moved from 120gr partitions at 2,800 to 100gr TTSX at 3,000.

[@Drivapete]

​@@randallseverini8688me too! I have a .250 Savage mod 98A I've had since I was 7yrs old, (59 now) shoots 100gr TTSX @ 2800 fps.

[@JimmyDickens1]

To Mike - I bought a Banish 30, Banish 46, and a Banish 223. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! I shot with all three just last Monday. Flawless w/ great dB reduction. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Silencer Central makes the process super easy and extremely efficient. Worse part is waiting for ATF to do their part!

[@42N8_1]

My first rifle was chambered in 243 win. If 6.5 PRC existed back then I would have gone with that caliber.

[@phild9813]

I think the PRC would be a bit much for a beginner rifle. The equivalent when you bought your 243 was a 270 win.

[@Extaordignarly]

Ron. F class shooters still use the 300wsm for competition at 1000 yrds. It's a fantastic round capable of winning championships at that level. Why do you disregard it as one of the best hunting cartridges? It has proven performance...

[@Peter-od7op]

Hunting should be 500 yrds or less

[@scotteger6271]

Lots of cartridges can be target accurate at distance but doesn’t mean it’s ethical…that said, there are newer cartridges that are purpose built for long range accuracy, like 300 PRC

[@Peter-od7op]

@@scotteger6271 you are following the prc craze.

[@toddnicholas8945]

.243 all day 🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@warrengreen3217]

I love the 308 and 30-06 and all the cals made from them to cases but the 243 never did anything for me so many better rounds out there for deer

[@jerrymartin5100]

308 Winchester, 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, not many can say as much as these have, lots are faster, not many have killed as much game as these 3.

[@Airon79]

You forgot 30-30 . More deer have been killed with 30-30 than any other round .

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

100% agree. 270 with a copper or nosler partition if not recoil sensitive 3006 can be loaded to harvest about anything

[@jerrymartin5100]

@travissmith-wz5nc i find the hornady Interlock and nosler Partition to be the best game takers, for the ranges we have in my state.

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

@jerrymartin5100 I like the copper bullets. Less meat damage and waste it seems like the 270 has a way of breaking up typical bullets.

[@jerrymartin5100]

@travissmith-wz5nc lung shot if possible, zero meat damage, I've never had one walk away from those 2 bullets

[@adamnesbitt7695]

I suggest the 350 legend it has very tame recoil and will put the hammer on a deer out to 200 yards and if that was not an option I would go with a good 123 grain soft point in 7.62x39 it’s a good round for deer as well for a beginner shooter but honestly when you get some shooting in and have some recoil control you can’t beat a trusty 308

[@kyleciarametaro7448]

Started my daughter with the .350 L, perfect choice for new shooters!

[@tbjtbj4786]

You got that one right both my nephews use one. The 9 year old been using it the last 4 years. The youngest shot it this last weekend and keepted all shots in a 9in plate at 25 yds. And I used one when my shoulder was giving me a bunch of trouble. The oldest boy shot my 257 Robert and 250 savge this weekend. He can use them but still does better with his 350l And he said there a bit more recoil than the 350L

[@woodsinme]

I'm a fan of 7.62x39, of course among others. Never shot .300blckt.. Hear it's pretty good .

[@warrengreen3217]

If your not in a straight wall state theres no need for a 350L when a 30-30 dose the same and bullets are cheaper

[@warrengreen3217]

​@@woodsinmeI never use a 300 black out for deer

[@jamesahoffman]

Where I'm at in WV, after the state DNR removed the .25cal or larger restriction for whitetails in 2012 thinking everyone was going to AR's and .223 rem, what I noticed was alot of hunters both real young and older, opted for the .234 Winchester! With interest for first time shooters in centerfire cartridges were: 234 Winchester, 6.5 Grendel, 7mm-08, 7.62x39mm, 30-30 Winchester, 7x57mm. With full size cartridges being : 308, 7.62x54r, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x55 swede, 30-06, 270 Winchester, with a few picking up 7.5x55mm (GP-11) with a few surplused swiss k-31's that hit the market. It seems .223 rem/5.56 nato just getting picked up for coyotes or smaller, or just goofing off at the range.

[@diggernash1]

Congress debating how unconstitutional to be; seems to be what government does.

[@Drivapete]

My son and daughter started out on a .250 Savage, same as myself. My Dad gave me a Model 99A for my seventh birthday in 1971. "It's easy on the shoulder and wont scare him", is what he was told by the gunshop owner. I still own that rifle, and many others but the 99A is ny favorite.

[@jfess1911]

With the WSM (and SAUM) cartridges, the length of the action makes a big difference on what bullets can be used. It is fairly limited if kept to its SAAMI 2.86" overall length since the length of the ogive needs to be kept relatively short and a significant amount of the bullet is stuffed in the case reducing propellant volume. Today, the WSM and SAUM cartridges are often put in longer actions to allow a greater length of the to be loaded more out of the case. This allows the use of modern, high-BC bullets with ogives too long for the SAAMI max length and to load shorter bullets farther out, increasing propellant volume. I have seen numerous loads well over 3" long. Many have the chamber "throated" longer, to make this work even better. This, by the way, is what was done with the 6.8 Western cartridge, which needs an action about 3" long, longer than many "short actions".

[@jctedsap]

I’ve heard that 24,000 mph quoted a number of times over the years. Thanks for clarifying that.

[@stephenparchewski1998]

.505 Gibbs?

[@woodsinme]

Hey Ron! Have you ever done a comparison between 7.62x39 vs. 30-40 kraag ? That would be interesting. At least for me. Thanks.

[@fedup3582]

I can't help but wonder why you would like to see the comparison of the 7.62x39 with the 30-40 krag. 30-40 krag factory loads are on par with factory loaded 7x57 and 300 savage, with similar weight bullets. It is a larger cartridge than the 7.62x39, unless you are comparing the factory loaded bullets. If you are handloading to factory level pressures, but using similar type bullets, the 30-40 will be more powerful. Each person has their own preferences and uses, but I have little interest in the 7.62x39, and have owned and used a number of 30-40 krags. I still have two, a bolt action krag 98, and a Winchester 1885. I could handload the 1885 to much higher pressure as it is a modern miroku built one, but the additional pressure is not necessary and I would not want the higher pressure rounds to find their way into the krag rifle.

[@brettboyer8739]

Knowledgeable

[@woodsinme]

@@fedup3582 Yep, I hear you. Ballistics have always been an interest to me. Slingshots, slings, bows, whatever. So the older, more venerable Kraag versus the 7.62x39. The Kraag at 30 caliber and a 40mm length case (I've been wrong before). Run them at similar bullet weights and profiles and platforms. Just a curious ballistaphile and Ron would be the guy to get after it. I do follow a lot of utube channels. I actually enjoy the platform. Thanks for the question. Here is one for you.. What is your favorite medium size game rifle cartridge? Have a good one.

[@woodsinme]

Also the argument of commonality. I'm not the biggest fan of 9mm but it is really popular, as is 7.62 stuff. Availability. A tool for every job but then you have to feed it. I have a.35 lever that is a thumper. Might have an old 742 in 30 06. Then a norinco (old rattle trap that I know will work). 5.56 is another cartridge I'm not a big fan of. But it is popular and more readily available. Run what you got I guess.

[@fedup3582]

@@woodsinme standard pressure factory loaded 30-40 krag is much more powerful than a 7.62x39. The 7.62x39 is about 30-30 level and I would still pick the 30-30. In my 1885 I could load the 30-40 krag up to 308 Winchester level but it is not necessary and I wouldn't want those plus p loads to find their way into the krag rifle. If I want 308 level performance, I will just use my 308. Favorite medium game cartridge? Don't have one, I like to play with many different cartridges. I have successfully hunted big game with 37 different cartridges plus a 12 guage slug. Variety can add spice to life, but I do have some favorites I like better than others. I have had exceptional performance from 35, 30, and 25 calibers, but others have worked very well also.

[@anthonymagill3714]

Sako would be a good choice for eruo country's

[@russellmoore1046]

I really wish the 250 Savage was more popular as it kicks even less than the 243 Win. Even with a heavy for caliber 117 gr SST it barely out kicks my old Daisy red rider BB gun!

[@adamgregor105]

You couldn't be more right! Like Ron's son-in-law, I myself didn't get into hunting until my 30s. Shot my first buck this Thanksgiving, and now I am hunting almost every day off. Also looking to go on a wild boar hunt this February. Ron seems more like I am listening to a friend. Instead of other content creators that seem more like a paid actor in a commercial. Love your podcast, Ron. Keep them coming.

[@troy9477]

The traditional centerfire starter long seemed to be the 243. Nowadays it may be the 6.5 CM, since it is also light in recoil. To each his own. My first real hunting capable rifle was a mint Marlin 336 in 1997. I didn't count the SKS, M1 Carbine, and 10/22. If i hunt , it will almost certainly be with one of my 308's. I have a #1 in 30-06 if i need more oomph. I plan to get a 7mm-08, but it will mostly be used for target shooting. Still want a 45-70 too......😁

[@kieranh2005]

My list of calibres for new hunters in New Zealand used to be 270, 308 and 243. You will find rifles and ammunition for these calibres in any place that sells them, and they are so ubiquitous that they are very well understood. 270 if you're hunting more open ground and want a flatter trajectory to reach out a little further without too much recoil. 308 if you're hunting more bush and want a more compact rifle that's easier to handle in the bush. 243 if your shooter is lighter framed or recoil shy. I've added a few to that. 7mm08 between 270 and 308. 6.5CM just ahead of 243. There are a plethora of other calibres clustered around these, 6.5x55, 7x57, 303, 7mmRem Mag, 30-30 etc

[@55OISH55]

Talking 7, could you get a comparison with the 6.8 vs 7saum. Want a short action with better stats than the 7mm-08, though I do love the 7mm-08. who makes those calibers and ease of factory rounds?

[@kieranh2005]

Red Stag get pretty big. We weighed one once when we got it out of the bush. It was 110kg with the head off and the guts out. No wonder I'd struggled carrying it up the gully to the quad. Moral of the story: pick your shots carefully when your mates are broken old buggers.

[@chrisblake1918]

Ron, what about the 7.65x53 Argentine/Belgian?

[@randallseverini8688]

nearly identical to the original 7.62x54 (.308 Win.) Brass and ammo are a problem to find unless you load and have brass resizing.

[@kennethnewton1070]

This is why I use the Leupold TBR. True Ballistics Range. You set your caliber. The reading gives you the solution; it might say 500 yards, but actual distance maybe 625 yards. Set your weapon a 500 yard shot and, appropriate windage.

[@kencleg7721]

7 mm08 w 120 grain bullets 2950-3000 fps. A 100 grain .243 is 3100 at the muzzle

[@robertpetersson5655]

In general terms you will have better precision with 222 than 223 with light varmint bullets. I think the slower twist is the key.

[@johnbuck6685]

Best beginner round 220 swift then graduate to the 270 never need anything more your covered for all game

[@brentwinkelman1990]

8.6 blk is a 6.5creed case necked up so u need ar10 or rem700 sa length action

[@CowboyCaleb_Hubcap]

Im getting a 270win Ruger with Vortex scope

[@blackie1of4]

I would recommend these three cartridges.. The 243 Winchester The 6.5 Creedmoor The 350 Legend That being said.. I wanted a short lightweight carbine that's accurate and has readily available ammo. I went with the 350 Legend! Plenty enough energy out to 200 yards.. and it will knock the snot out of the biggest buck in the woods! I use both Winchester and Federal 180 grain loads. I harvested a big bodied Pennsylvania eight point and my brothers nephew bagged a huge ten point. Both complete pass through heart and lung shots. The deer fell within thirty yards! Is it the best.. nope.. cause I still carry my 7mm-08 and 358 Winchester! It is another choice though 😊

[@ChronicalsofAl]

Why

[@ChronicalsofAl]

243, 7mm08 and 308 are all you will ever need for anything short of brown bears - especially with the "new" copper Bullets

[@blackie1of4]

@@ChronicalsofAl cause it was a choice! Especially for those who don't reload.. you can't beat the 308 Winchester! What's not to like about a short lightweight low recoiling firearm.. that has tons of factory ammo support and it's available and inexpensive to boot ❤️ My favorite cartridge is the 7mm-08 Remington.. but it can be hard to find ammo. Especially during the shortage! Heck.. the only ammo on the shelves was the 350 Legend. No 22.. no shotgun.. no rifle other than the 350 Legend! Give it a try.. it's fun as well ❤️

[@martinhiner2059]

2700, or 7mm.08 makes me wondet.

[@gatorflea2788]

.284 is the best projectile from wayback !

[@hunterjohnson5635]

.277 clears it

[@kencleg7721]

.284 the little 7 won the national s w 32” barrel Great caliber

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

308. 130gr barnes. Anything smaller than elk at 400 or less yrds.

[@warrengreen3217]

150 to 180gr is a better choice 168gr the sweet spot for 308 and 30-06 in a lead bullet not copper

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

@@warrengreen3217 copper bullets typically 20 to 22% lighter. 130 308 150 3006 line up with everything you said.if hand loading hammer bullets seem to be easier to sub moa

[@drocfox9771]

Ron. About the suppressor. Shooting with and without will change your point of impact??

[@jaydunbar7538]

That’s rifle and suppressor dependent, but yes it is common to see a point of impact shift. It is however normally a repeatable point of impact shift so you can easily adjust the optic if it’s required to take it off for some reason, just don’t forget to do it or forget that you already did and make the adjustment again because that will obviously be an issue lol

[@JimmyDickens1]

Jay Dunbar (above) is correct. I just tested this. My suppressor on my .30-06 changed POI by about 2”s and still produced a great group, just two inches off (easily re-zeroed). On my daughter’s .243, the POI shift was 9” low. Again, groupings we’re consistent and the rifle easily re-zeroed.

[@thomaswall4285]

Hello, The new Winchester model 70 featherweight rifles chambered in .308 are twisted at 1=12. Does that raise an eyebrow to you? Thanks, Tom

[@scottstruif3939]

Only if you want to shoot bullets heavier than 220 grains.

[@warrengreen3217]

Will the factory send one in a 1 and 10 twist if you ask them

[@briankopp1369]

You would enjoy Paul Harrell.

[@waylove04]

I just hot 50 and bought a Bergara 7mm ridge. Did I buy too much gun for a first timer?

[@sidekickbob7227]

Well, it depends on your budget. At the age of 50, you can probably afford it, so why not? It's as far as I have heard an excellent gun. -But I hope you also have bought a decent scope, and a heap of ammunition. It's important to get familiar with your rifle, and to know the trajectory of your ammunition. Be self secure on your ability to shoot before you start hunting. A "bad" experience on the first hunting situation, can remove all interest to continue the hunting lifestyle (or put a big dent on your assurance, and then may hold your back from shooting on a "good enough" opertunity in the future).

[@spyfox17]

Hi

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Maxim correlates to machine guns, thus if Maxim invented it, it MUST be bad. Btw, it only takes 90bB to cause damage to human ears. ps: 1moa @ 700yds = 7" variable (ie: 14" off target), add windage, NOT ethical!

[@TwilightKid]

Ron, you spoke of manufacturers that have interchangeable barrels. Have you looked at Desert Tech SRS bolt action rifles?

[@necummins8696]

.30 cal suppressor titanium from OSS suppressor all day long. No gas back in the face

[@markrainbolt4312]

Was wondering what tripod you use when sighting in your rifles? Thank You for the information. Sincerely, Mark Rainbolt

[@davewinter2688]

Regarding Andre the first time hunter. At first I thought he was going to be a US hunter and that you’re staff has really been learning to use click bait. My first thought even before reading the comments and then listening to the show was that the only rifle for the first time hunter is a 22 rim fire in order to develop the necessary basic shooting skills. After I read the comments and watched I’ll agree with your recommendations and many others by commenters. Most of the European countries have vastly different laws, culture and customs from ours. As you noted many have limits on the number of rifles that can be owned so the switch barrel rifle is a very good idea if one is affordable to start. I know they require shooting tests but have never read what they train with. I still think the best rifle for a new hunter, unless less he already has developed target shooting skills with center fire rifles, is a 22 rifle for small game I.e. squirrels, rabbits etc. Even most adults who did not grow up hunting with Dad or Grandpa like most of us , do not have the mental fortitude to immediately begin hunting large game. They will still need a mentor to guide them. Andre will at least have the advantage of a large selection of the factory Norma ammunition for the 6.5x55 and 7x57 which are definitely hotter than any US manufactured ammo. The 175 grain 7x57 has amazing capabilities. He couldn’t go wrong with 308 Winchester either. Happy hunting boys and girls!😊

[@jamesheath1836]

I was 40 for my first elk hunt. Age is just a number. Andre just live it.

[@Andrew-ch1fj]

Thank you for the kind words. How was the elk hunt?

[@louisgiokas2206]

Interesting that you got a question from Germany. My father-in-law's cousin got into hunting in his 50s. He is a member of a guild and had to pass a test on the wildlife of the whole country. As I understand it the guild is responsible for game control of an area and can be liable for excess crop damage. He shoots about 50 deer and 50 hogs a year. One time when he was visiting the US, I showed him my Winchester 94 Trapper in .44 Rem Mag. He said that would be a great hog gun. I remember being in a shop once in Germany, it was not a gun store, but more of a hardware store. The rifle ammo they had the most of was .308 Winchester. I actually got into hunting when I was in my late 30s when we moved to the Midwest where my wife is from. Her mother grew up on a farm in Central Illinois and I got to hunt with her brother.

[@fedup3582]

Rifles with interchangeable barrels. There are advantages to owning such, and I have owned and used multiple TC Encore and Contender rifles and handguns with many barrels and I even had H&R handy rifles and comsidered their interchangeable barrel options, but I eventually found that I preferred complete rifles that I could just grab and go instead of having to disassemble and reasemble the rifle as need be, so I gradually acquired multiple encore and contender frames so that I didn't need to be swapping them out all the time, even if it is relatively simple and quick. And I still had the option of being able to do so. The TC's have seemed to die off and lose their popularity, which is a shame, as they were fine, quality firearms, but few people today have any interest in single shots. I understand that some countries have laws that inhibit gun ownership and multiple interchangeable barrels is a way to sometimes work with yhese laws and still have multiple firearms options, and sometimes when traveling, interchangeable barrels can be handy for simplifying what you are taking along while maintaining versatility. An encore with a 35 whelen barrel, a 270 barrel, a 223 barrel and a shotgun barrel could make an extremely versatile firearm battery to take traveling to someplace like Africa.

[@jaydunbar7538]

How do you think that would be worth taking to Africa? You do know they would charge you for each as though it’s a separate rifle anyway?

[@marcmoore4115]

Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to take that to South Africa. You're limited to 2 rifles and each extra barrel is considered a separate firearm here.

[@fedup3582]

@@jaydunbar7538 well the point was, one receiver with a couple of extra barrels could be contained in a smaller, more compact package and transported to a destination easier than taking multiple complete firearms.

[@markus1245]

What is your Opinion about the 8,5x55 Blaser?

[@greasydot]

Savage uses a barrel nut system, mossberg used it for a while also. Now you can buy what they call a remage barrel which fits remington actions also using the nut system tonset your head space.

[@maynardcarmer3148]

Yep; I replaced the barrel on my .308 because it fouled so badly after only a few shots, using a barrel from Shaw. All it took was a wrench and go/ no-go gauges, and a homemade barrel vise. It now shoots much better than the original, and is much easier to clean.

[@greasydot]

@@maynardcarmer3148 savage actions has been my favorite switch barrel actions. I have one with .223 bolt face, three with the .308 bolt face and one with the magnum bolt face. I bought 5 good scopes, pillar and glass beded the stocks, upgraded the trigger groups and have 18 different barrels. It's so nice to just buy a $300.00 barrel and nut when you want to change calibers. Once you get the head space set I use the green bearing lock-tite on the nut so the head space stays the same. Milled the stocks out so you can take the barrels of without having to remove the action from the stock.

[@maynardcarmer3148]

I go with the Savage because they make an affordable left-handed rifle in more than the most popular calibers. I don't, however, use any Locktite on the barrel nut; I just torque it to the recommended spec.

[@FredofTulsa]

Hey Ron, quick tip on shooting at angles, if you factor out air resistance the projectile will behave as if it is only being shot along the X axis. So if you shoot something that is 50 yards away from you and say at a 60 degree angle, you only need to hold for 50 * cos (60) = 25 yards. This math deviates with long distance as the true total path the bullet is taking is much longer than the cosine technique so air resistance will tax it. So it’s not always about aiming high. It is at long distance.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Mike in SC reply to this. I’m in sc and just went through the same process.

[@jamesking6873]

Ron for president

[@nealhancock8690]

Hey Ron hope all is well. Hopefully this will help with understanding the CORIOLIS effect. It’s actually quite simple really it boils down to the direction of the twist or rifling of the rifle. It doesn’t matter north or south of the equator. It solely depends on the direction of twist of the firearm.

[@general-Lee-700]

My son is 13 years old and he shot his first with my 30-06 and I got him a 308 on his 14th birthday

[@tonydevich7937]

I wish they would get that through there heads...that it protects your hearing!

[@FergusScotchman]

Ron, I was educated in engineering, and you are a technical person. As a bullet leaves the barrel, it is accelerating, and the bullet has a moment of inertia that tends to keep it accelerating for some short period after the force ceases to be applied. Have you ever seen bullets increase velocity shortly after the muzzle, and might this affect ballistics of a particular cartridge and propellant characteristics?

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Any increase in velocity after the measured muzzle velocity (bullet speed immediately upon release from the muzzle) would affect trajectory, but this effect is minimal. I have read some reports that the "out-of-barrel" boost might occur, but for a microsecond, if that, because the escaping gases are free to expand in all directions, the back of the bullet representing but a tiny percentage of available space. Meanwhile, atmospheric drag is immediately countering this boost. Or should I say continuing to resist the bullet, since the air within the bore is resisting the bullet's forward progress its entire travel to the exit. I have never measured this with my primitive chronographs because they must be positioned 10 to 15 feet from the muzzle to prevent them measuring ejecta gas velocity rather than bullet velocity. Slower burning powders do sometimes, perhaps often, reach the exit unburnt before igniting (muzzle flash) and often not igniting at all. You can find particles forward of the muzzle if you place a white sheet there. But the bulk of muzzle flash is merely the result of the hot gases of burned powder glowing. They are so hot that they emit radiation as visible light. Just as you see a molten steel glow red, you see escaping powder gases glow (flash) red, orange, yellow. until they cool.

[@FergusScotchman]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors What a great answer! Thank you!

[@alexmunn5321]

Best caliber for first time hunters ??? Loaded question isn't it? Pardon the pun . This is highly subjectable pending who is behind the trigger. And where and what they are going to hunt. Ron I'm sure you would agree.. I have hunted with many different cal rifles in my teens and I have to say only 3 made me happy. But 1 fit the bill for everything I needed it for . Deer , Black bear and Moose. The 3 were the 30-30 , 303 British (in a very nicely kept enfield) and the 308 win. The winner was tje 308 win . In my opinion the 308 is about perfect . You can use low recoil rounds 125 gr or Spicer up to 165,68 , or 180 gr for more clout once you are used to recoil as you grow up. I never needed or wanted to use anything bigger ten 180 gr. I never found recoil to be unmanagable especially when shooting on game.

[@alexmunn5321]

Sorry not enough room to finish.. I have used a 243 at the range and they are nice to shoot but my choice would still go to the 308 for the versatility.

[@lmbear]

243 Winchester is my vote.

[@Andrew-ch1fj]

Thank you for answering my question! It took me completely by surprise. I ended up buying a Steyr CL II - Mannlicher classic edition in 8x57 IS. And thank you to everyone in the comment. You guys are amazing. I had no idea hunters are such a great community.

[@troy9477]

That sounds like a fantastic rifle. Good luck! I love the 8x57

[@approachingtarget.4503]

You mention walking cliffs with a long barrel. That lead to this question. Iam hesitant about snakes. In WI and while in the military. I wasn't bothered by them. But for the last few years, I've been carrying a .410 revolver just in case. Do you carry a separate side arm for snakes concealed in the cliffs?

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

No. And I've never encountered snakes concealed in the cliffs. I rarely encounter venomous snakes anywhere, exp. while hunting. And none of those ever posed a threat. All have either slithered away or stood their ground while warning me away. None have ever "attacked" me or intentionally moved toward me. I rarely kill snakes, but the few I have were easily dispatched with a rock or stick. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous reptiles in N. A. I've stepped near or over a few while hunting, heard them rattle, but have never had one strike at me unless I started messing with it. They can strike about 3/4 of their length, so remaining 5 to 10 feet away has proven enough. I suggest you read and study the life history of snakes where you hunt. The more you know, the more reasonable will be your respect without fear. Good luck in all your outdoor adventures.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Wear boots, not sneakers!

[@hunter37334]

7mm-08

[@quartzmatter]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Prepare2Survive]

270 winchester is popular in Europe.

[@hunterjohnson5635]

Really? It is popular here and I think it is actually gaining a bit of traction in the last few years. It’s the best all around cartridge in the world IMO.

[@Prepare2Survive]

@@hunterjohnson5635 I'm not in Europe. In in the USA. I just know that 270 win is very popular in Europe. You never mentioned what you mean by " here "

[@majorprowler7483]

Hi Ron! I have 3 kids, 2 boys in there 20's who started with 243 now into 270 and 300 win mag. But my daughter is 12 now and we are in Montana going after elk this year. She has been very successful with her 243 last 2 years. But I'm wondering about elk? Got her a 270 but wondering if I should of went with 308. I don't care for 6.5 or 7mm08. What do you think? Or anyone have any advice.?

[@joshwagar3166]

. 270 should be just fine for elk. Get the 150 grain bullets.

[@jaydunbar7538]

@@joshwagar3166no, a good 130 is all a 270 needs. If it will shoot good out of that rifle a solid copper is a great choice to ensure penetration while also reducing recoil a bit by having a lighter projectile.

[@jimholman5045]

@@jaydunbar7538this is correct. 270 is plenty for Elk with the right bullet. No need to buy her anything else

[@alexmunn5321]

270 is plenty medicine for elk . Use a good constructed bullet . I.e. accubond , nosler partition ., swift A frame , Ttsx , will make it e en more effective. 270 is a fantastic rifle and very underrated. Put the bullet where it is supposed to go and it will do its part .

[@davewinter2688]

@@joshwagar3166270 150 or 160 grain Nosler Partitions IF you can find them. Better yet if you hand load.

[@martinhiner2059]

Ron if you want. To become. The Politician tou are. You supported

[@matortiz2322]

The best beginner or youth hunting gun is a 20 gauge shotgun no matter what they decide to hunt they're covered the only limitation I see is that its not gonna kill elk or moose at distance like a good center fired rifle

[@jaydunbar7538]

I would never hamstring my kids by sending them out with a shotgun for deer, not saying it doesn’t work but a center fire rifle is better in every way so if it’s allowed (which it is where we live) they get rifles. they do also have 20g semi autos, but those are for turkey and waterfowl.

[@matortiz2322]

@@jaydunbar7538 everybody looks at shotguns as guns for feathered things but I would pick a 20 gauge over rimfire anyday even for squirrels and rabbit

[@wilhelmvo6399]

I have a few suppressors. Rimfires should have a dedicated suppressor dirty ammo, a cheap ultrasonic cleaning tank from Harbor freight to clean them works great center fired one don't need cleaning. On a 556 the suppressors reduce sound from around 190db to like 150db.

[@10-4CodyWade]

.243 is a great coyote round. If you are hunting deer the size of coyotes, I suppose it would also be a good deer round 😂

[@_emh]

My neighbor’s father has taken over thirty elk over the years with his .243. Wouldn’t worry about deer with it, just get the shot where it needs to be.

[@10-4CodyWade]

@@_emh Having personally shot deer with a .243 I'll gladly pass on ever doing it again. I appreciate the hearsay though.

[@_emh]

@@10-4CodyWade Quite sure it wasn't the caliber's fault. But to each their own. Cheers.

[@10-4CodyWade]

@@_emh Haha, you are quite sure? Should I have shot the deer somewhere other than the heart? Should I have closed the distance to less than 75 yards? Please enlighten me on how to properly use a 243 for hunting. Or maybe ask your neighbor's dad.

[@_emh]

@@10-4CodyWade I've used .243 on deer myself. High shoulder shots tend to anchor them regardless of caliber; they aren't heavy-boned game like elk or bear. I've also seen plenty of deer run considerable distance after a heart shot with .30-06. Is that too small for deer too? What's the minimum for deer nowadays, .375 H&H? Or, perhaps, taking one anecdote about a heart-shot deer and concluding that .243 is insufficient despite the millions of deer taken with it over the years isn't good science... but I'm not going to tell you what to hunt with. You can use a .404 Jeffery on your next whitetail, it's a free country. Cheers.

[@leskrug9266]

I, my wife, our two boys all started with a 243 Winchester....actually I started with the 30-30.

[@leskrug9266]

Im 58 years old

[@Trudeau-is-Stalin]

If youre buying one rifle and one rifle only, buy a .308 winchester and be done with it. Ammo is everywhere even in a shortage, its accurate, short action compatible allowing for lightweight rifles, wide selection of bullet weights, can drop any animal in north america including a grizzy point blank, recoil is managable, an efficient medium range cartridge, and can preform well for PRS. No other cartridge can do the same.

[@jacobpetersen5662]

100% truth!