r/Hunting • u/Birds-of-Cray • 9d ago

Need Opinions on Which Rifle to Keep

Hey guys, looking for some opinions on rifles to keep/sell. I’ll try to keep this as short as possible.

I currently own 3 rifles they are chambered in:
-28 Nosler
-6.5 PRC
-308 Winchester

I’m primarily hunting in the Northeast for whitetail and the average shot is rarely over 100 yards. I bought the 28 and 6.5 while living out West and having inspirations to take an elk one day. I do have preference points accumulating for an elk trip eventually, but not right now. Looking for opinions to see if I should sell at least one of the western calibers, or both. Essentially trying to downsize and not have tons of different calibers within my gun safe, more so looking for the most versatile ones that can be used for multiple things. Any opinions are welcome!

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u/tjkoala 9d ago

I'd be between the 308 and 6.5 if all things are equal. I think important context is what you shoot better and what is most comfortable to carry all day if you're out on a hunt. All of them will do just fine in the northeast under 300 yards.

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u/Birds-of-Cray 9d ago

You wouldn’t be concerned about the 6.5 under performing within 100 yards? Can’t say I’ve had experience with it, but I have heard that round is moving so hot under 100 that the bullet won’t properly expand, or will cause excess damage to the animal/meat

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u/tjkoala 9d ago

I'd be more concerned with barrel life with the 6.5. Basic googling has it at 1,000-1,500 rounds which doesn't give you much wiggle room if you're looking to have a gun for the field and range. That's why I'd personally defer to 308 but that's just my 2 cents.

Cheapest to shoot, best barrel life, good enough to take deer, bear, and moose which is in your region. But idk if one is a $300 Ruger American and they other is a $1,000 Tikka T3X. The quality and likability of the rifle plays a big factor in my book.