How To Choose The BEST Hunting Caliber

Published on December 1, 2022
Duration: 9:43

This video breaks down hunting caliber selection by action type (short, short magnum, long, long magnum, Lapua bolt face) and their effective ranges. The instructor emphasizes that for most hunters, the specific caliber within a suitable action type matters less than understanding the intended use and range, suggesting that one rifle can often cover multiple hunting scenarios. The key takeaway is to identify your primary hunting needs and then choose a caliber and action that aligns with those requirements.

Quick Summary

Choosing a hunting caliber involves understanding action types and their effective ranges: short actions (500-600m), short action magnums (600-800m), long actions (500-700m), long action magnums (800-1000m), and Lapua bolt faces (1000-1500m). For most hunters, identifying primary use cases and practical ammo availability is key, as one versatile caliber can often suffice.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Choosing a Hunting Caliber
  2. 00:32Hunting Season and Caliber Decisions
  3. 00:56Understanding Firearm Action Types
  4. 01:00Short Actions and Common Calibers
  5. 01:20Short Action Magnums Explained
  6. 01:40Long Actions and Their Calibers
  7. 01:58Long Action Magnum Bolt Faces
  8. 02:19Lapua Bolt Face Calibers
  9. 02:45Debates on Caliber Superiority
  10. 03:50The Reality of Caliber Effectiveness
  11. 03:53Short Action Effective Range (500-600m)
  12. 04:23Short Action Magnum Effective Range (600-800m)
  13. 04:42Long Action Effective Range (500-700m)
  14. 04:52Long Action Magnum Effective Range (800-1000m)
  15. 05:11Lapua Bolt Face Extreme Range (1000-1500m)
  16. 05:16Understanding Exceptions vs. Rules
  17. 05:53Choosing One Versatile Hunting Rifle
  18. 06:10Caliber Choices for Western Hunting
  19. 06:25Extended Range Hunting Considerations
  20. 06:35Identify Your Hunting Needs First
  21. 06:41Matching Caliber to Game and Distance
  22. 07:03Caliber vs. Action Type Importance
  23. 07:16Making Caliber Decisions Practical
  24. 07:34The Value of Inherited Firearms
  25. 07:50Purpose-Driven Caliber Selection
  26. 08:03Summary: Identify Your Use Case
  27. 08:43Discussion: Your Favorite Calibers
  28. 09:34Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effective ranges for different hunting rifle action types?

Short actions are effective up to 500-600 meters. Short action magnums extend this to 600-800 meters. Long actions typically range from 500-700 meters, while long action magnums cover 800-1000 meters. Lapua bolt faces are for extreme ranges, 1000-1500 meters.

How do calibers like the 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor compare for hunting?

For most hunting scenarios within the effective range of a short action (500-600 meters), the 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor perform very similarly. The instructor suggests focusing on the action type's capability rather than minor differences between these specific calibers for general hunting.

What is the most important factor when choosing a hunting caliber?

The most crucial factor is identifying what you intend to use the rifle for – the type of game and the typical engagement distances. The instructor emphasizes that practical availability of the rifle and ammunition often outweighs theoretical ballistic advantages between similar calibers.

Can one rifle caliber be used for multiple types of hunting?

Yes, the instructor suggests that a single caliber, particularly one falling into the middle ranges like the 6.5 PRC, can effectively cover a wide variety of hunting applications, from coyotes to elk, negating the need for multiple specialized rifles for most hunters.

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