what caliber you choose when you are new

[soymilk]

I am getting my PLA soon, and really new to this sport. I am thinking to buy a bolt action rifle for range shooting to start. Wondering which caliber you choose when you were beginners?

thanks in advance.

[raw outdoors]

New shooter and it’s just for the range. 22lr CZ with a clip. Learn to shoot learn the fundamentals get comfortable and accurate. Move onto a 223 same Again learn to shoot it comfortable and accurately in many position and weather. After the 223 if you have the itch to start hunting big game get a 308 based cartridge.
Ex. 243,260,708,308, get comfortable with that rifle then find yourself your firsts deer.

[graybeard]

Originally Posted by soymilk

I am getting my PLA soon, and really new to this sport. I am thinking to buy a bolt action rifle for range shooting to start. Wondering which caliber you choose when you were beginners?

thanks in advance.

For beginning you can't lose on the .22 cal.. There is a ton of ammo available and it is cheap. There are a wide variety of gun manufacturers out there to choose from.

My first rifle was a Cooey single shot with iron sights. There is a lot of older bolt action single shots and repeating ones as well. Personally I would shy from the semi-autos until you refine your shooting skills and handling.

As for selecting a center-fire hunting rifle; try to shoot a number of rifles/calibers first.

You can't beat the big four: 243, 308, 30-06, 270 for a good selection of over the counter ammo, availability and rifle makers.

There are a ton of knowledgeable people here on AO and "search" for your answers, you will read a lot.
Good luck,

[teledogs]

As has already been said the 22LR. It is typically the rifle you will shoot the most and nice and inexpensive to learn on. Work up to other calibers when you are ready like Graybeard said. I have gone through many calibers but will always have a 22LR, last summer ii put close to 10,000 rounds through mine. Fun! Fun! Fun! Good luck & enjoy!!

[soymilk]

Originally Posted by graybeard

For beginning you can't lose on the .22 cal.. There is a ton of ammo available and it is cheap. There are a wide variety of gun manufacturers out there to choose from.

My first rifle was a Cooey single shot with iron sights. There is a lot of older bolt action single shots and repeating ones as well. Personally I would shy from the semi-autos until you refine your shooting skills and handling.

As for selecting a center-fire hunting rifle; try to shoot a number of rifles/calibers first.

You can't beat the big four: 243, 308, 30-06, 270 for a good selection of over the counter ammo, availability and rifle makers.

There are a ton of knowledgeable people here on AO and "search" for your answers, you will read a lot.
Good luck,

Thanks, I am reading these old posts now, really helpful.

[partsman]

It starts and stops with "the" 270


Now having said that I load for 17.calibres, I like 243, 25/06 and my big gun is a 375 H&H

[Bushleague]

I agree with the .22. For a centerfire, IMO the only really good reason not to go with one of the "big three" (.308, .270, 30-06) is if you cant take the recoil (no shame in this, better to admit it than develop a flinch). In that case a 7-08 or 6.5x55 would be a good option.

[qwert]

I also suggest a bolt action 22LR for a first (and possibly even only) rifle.
(Some suggest a 22LR and a 12ga are all you need)

IMHO,
single shot is fine, and a DBM magazine repeater also works,
(but avoid semi-auto and/or tube mags)
MUST be D&T for a top mount Picatinny rail.
(check the EGW website for P-rail availability)
It should also have a full sized stock that fits you well, or can be adjusted.

A high quality, good condition, used target rifle is ideal, (IF receiver top is D&T).

Mount a P-rail, and any inexpensive fixed or variable scope using Weaver tip-off type rings.

Shoot lots of PAPER targets from all positions and ranges.
Discover the abilities and limitations of your scope.
Buy better scope with greater magnification and target turrets and graduated reticle,.
mount scope using Weaver type tip-off rings, but
keep your old scope (with TO rings) as a spare.
Shoot lots of paper targets at longer ranges and higher winds.
When opportunity occurs,
buy a common, inexpensive, used, D&T, CF rifle in a 308Win (or derived cartridge),
mount a 20moa P-rail.
Share your best performing scope(s) with both rifles.
Learn to exchange scopes, adjust & verify in 2 shots.
Learn to properly clean your bores.
Learn to properly hand-load custom ammo.
Buy better scope with greater magnification and target turrets and graduated reticle.
Upgrade your 22LR P-rail to 20moa (or more, depending on scope vertical range of turret adjustment)

Good Luck and welcome to the affliction. YMMV.

[303carbine]

Originally Posted by soymilk

I am getting my PLA soon, and really new to this sport. I am thinking to buy a bolt action rifle for range shooting to start. Wondering which caliber you choose when you were beginners?

thanks in advance.

Buy a quality 30-06 and optics, shoot it a lot, shoot everything with it.

[mackenzie280]

280 Remington all the way, can handle anything in Alberta.
Hand loaders dream!