[Fishman19785014]

I have looked at this forum off and on for about a year now, and value opinions that are expressed here. I'm going to send my frame in for a new barrel, but can't decide which one I want to buy. I want to use it for antelope and mule deer hunting, maybe the occasional coyote. I have a .223 heavy barrel on it now. My question of barrel/caliber choices are: .270 Ultra-comp, .280 Rem, .25-06 Ultra, or .243 Ultra. It is boxed up and ready to send, just need to make the decision. Any recommendations welcome. Thanks

 

[cheatermk3]

Good morning fishman and welcome to the forum.

Of the cartridges you've mentionrd, I would recommend any of the first three, and that you pick the one of those that comes in the barrel configuration that you would like best.

The 280 probably has the widest selection of available bullets, followed by the 25-06, then the .270.

If recoil is an issue, go with the 25-06.

 

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard!! Yup, what he said!!

Tim

 

[Mac11700]

That's a hard choice...I have had all of these except the 280 in a Handi..and they all would work provided you can shoot well enough.The 243 would be ok...but you are limiting your self on range with it as compared to the other cartridges.The 270 Ultr-Comp might not be my first choice if I were shooting prone though...but off of shooting sticks would work very nicely...and since they are no-longer being produced would be a good time to purchase one.You could always sell the barrel to someone here...or do as others have and E-Bay it. If I didn't go with the 270 Ulta-Comp...then I would definatly go with the 25-06..it is a very good cartridge for antelope...it gives you lots of range and there are plenty of great bullets for it to choose from...With the 25-06-270 & the 280...you can shoot much larger game as well..since you already have a fine varmint barrel.....so...I guess if I did have to choose...my choice would be...boy...I'm glad I don't have to choose...I like them all... ...go for the 270 or the 25-06...or...have both barrels fitted ...

Mac

 

[ditchdigger]

My vote goes for the 26" barrel 280,the extra lenght on the barrel gives it a little edge on the 270 and it will do anything the others will do and with a little more power. Of all my barrels it my favorite go to gun,and its one serious hunting gun in my books. Digger

 

[myarmor]

Good to see another new face around-welcome.
In your situation, I say the 280, 270, and 25-06 are all good choices. But since you won't be able to get in on the UltraComps for long...I say go for the 270. A great barrel with very little recoil(though incredibly load ).

 

[stimpylu32]

Fisherman -- welcome aboard --

I like the 270 myself but , the 280 or the 25/06 are both very good choices if you reload

 

[kenbev]

acc barrel

I have all of the mentioned calibers but think if I was going for the range and the knockdown, I would go for the 280 then 270 second choice...

 

[Fishman19785014]

Thanks for the input, and the welcome. I have a guide gun and a .300 Win Mag that are ported, I fully understand the increased muzzle-blast that comes with porting. I noticed a significant decrease in recoil after I had the compensator put on the .300. I reload, and I like the potential that the .280 has as far as bullet selection, like the .270 ultra barrel also, but it is a 22' barrel with 2" of compensator on it. Seems to me that 24" barrels are pretty much standard for .270's in the bolt guns, (I haven't checked though, could be wrong on that one). Any particular quirks these 2 calibers have as far as not shooting well with certain bullet weights? Again, thanks for the input.

 

[Mac11700]

The Ultra-Comp is actually a 23" barrel with a 1" threaded muzzle break attached.Since you have the Guide Gun...then you know this type well already...it basicly is a threaded version of it...and yes..it does indeed work well as far as keeping the muzzle down...and it reduces the felt recoil significantly...just like it does on my 1895GS...unlike the guide gun...you could have a smith change it over to the type that turns on and off...or even mill a blank and bore it out to the correct diameter and have no ports on it...both ways would add some to the overall cost..but worth considering if it's too loud for you...

Bullet selection for the 280 handi...I'll leave to those that shoot and reload for it..but the 270 is my cup-of-tea...and I have good luck shooting the Nosler Partitions and the Ballistic tips and the Silver Ballistic tips...any of them would serve you well for the animals you mentioned...if you have the time...the TSX's of Barnes are supposed to work real well in both calibers too...they are a bit more finaky to find the sweet spot for them...but do an outstanding job...I'm working up loads for them right now...

Mac

 

[Fishman19785014]

Thanks Mac, just came off of the Ruger, Savage, and Rem web sites, 22" is standard for the Ruger and Savage, Rem puts a 24" on their 700 BDL. I think I will go for the .270 Ultra-comp, soon won't be able to get them, and .270 ammo can be purchased almost anywhere. Jack O'conner sure liked the .270. I think it is the barrel for me, I don't notice muzzle-blast when I am shooting at game anyway, just off the bench, will probably quit hunting when it bothers me.

 

[Datil]

Good Choice nmho

Fishman Good choice Welcome to GBO forums, Good luck
Marv.

 

[norseman112]

I would pick the 25-06

Norse

 

[Mac11700]

Heck...since your on your way to being a full blown Handi-Holic...get all three... :-D

Mac

 

[Zeak]

Which One

My vote would be the 25-06 Ultra, one great antelope rifle. Zeak

 

[myarmor]

I seriously doubt you will be disappointed with the 270 UltraComp, good call. I wish they would make more of these. I hate that the ones that really wanted one missed out.
I just about did.

 

[Mac11700]

Just think what these Ultra-Comp's will be worth on E-Bay in a couple of years :lol: :lol: :wink:

Mac

 

[quickdtoo]

A lot, I hope!!!

Tim

 

[Fishman19785014]

Still plenty of 270 Ultracomps left (at least that's what they told me this morning). Boxed my reciever and forearm up and put it in the mail today. Now can't wait to get it back. Have to pick up some dies and components, and crank out a few starter loads. I can't seem to find J-B Bore Paste around here, any other alternatives to polish up a chamber? I know this is beating a dead horse, but any tips on how to do it? Wish I could get all three, the wife would move me out to the garage for 3 weeks if I did that, instead of the customary one week per gun penalty she usually imposes. Again, thanks for the input.

 

[quickdtoo]

Here ya go....

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=26264

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=67464&highlight=jb+bore

Tim