[flw]

If not reloading and only buying ammo a few boxes of 50 at a time, what is the most cost effective caliber larger than a 22LR but not larger than a 30-06 ? (Sorry I have no interest in 17HR at this time.)

I'm looking for a fun distance rifle for the range but also if the opportunity came up I might legally tag a deer. Is 223 to short of range and still have enough power?

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by flw

If not reloading and only buying ammo a few boxes of 50 at a time, what is the most cost effective caliber larger than a 22LR but not larger than a 30-06 ? (Sorry I have no interest in 17HR at this time.)

I'm looking for a fun distance rifle for the range but also if the opportunity came up I might legally tag a deer. Is 223 to short of range and still have enough power?

223 is probably one of the more cost effective there is next to 308 or 30-06. the thing is many think that a 223 is a little small for deer and many states have caliber size minimums that need to be adhered to. check your states game regulations and rules on what's legal where you live or where you hunt. some even have rules about the type of ammo you can use. check and make sure to be safe and legal.

[c3shooter]

If you include buying military surplus, then include 8mm Mauser, 7.62x54R, 7.62 NATO and 7.62x39

[brasskicker]

I would say .308 or 30-06. Both are available in bulk although you should never use military surplus ammo for hunting. If I were to recommend one of the two I would say 30-06 while it is slightly more expensive (around 2 dollars more for a box of 20) it makes up for it in versatility. It can be shot in bullets ranging from 125-200 grains if hand loading. It also has more velocity than .308. Hope I helped

[unclebear]

I have to agree you can get a thousand rounds of 7.62X54R for the same price as 300 rounds of soft point 30-06

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by unclebear

I have to agree you can get a thousand rounds of 7.62X54R for the same price as 300 rounds of soft point 30-06

i have to agree, that round and a Mosin-Nagant would be a very affordable rifle for range shooting. and if he got some of the premium ammo for it, he could even deer hunt with it.

good suggestion there Unclebear. i completely forgot about that one.

[HockaLouis]

I wouldn't count on Soviet surplus ammo staying where it is for many years. 8mm BTW is also harder to find and has gone up considerably. .223 or .308 I'd think...

[KEYBEAR]

No one Caliber or Rifle will do it all but the 308 comes close .
Yes the 223 is a little small for dear but will do it .
The 308 or 30-06 will kill anything in the U.S.

[m72law]

Samco Global has 8mm mauser surplus 1000rds for 219.00 just about as cheap as 7.62x54r ammo

[SSCRS]

556 or 762x39 will be your best bet.

Once you start reloading ( and you will eventually, everyone does! ), they are all about the same, just depends on the cost of brass and how much you want to spent on projectiles.