What's the rational behind Caliber selection?

[alfsauve]

I mean by manufacturers.

Ok, I understand, trying to keep you product line simple, but......maybe it's just me,but  this seems so simple.

Watching a recent TV show on the new Winchester Model 70, US made,.....Cool I thinks.   Maybe I should look at one of those for my next purchase.

Now, for better or worse, I've chosen to stick with the .308 case for the time being, so I'm looking at my choices.  Well, they have several M70s in .308, and a few in .243 and some with 7mm-08.....but I'm thinking why not the whole lineup....same with 30-06.  I mean you got the barrels and you got the reamers  why not, offer the other choices even if it would mean special order?    They offer nothing in .260rem (nor in 7mm-06 for you 30/06 fans).   And why offer some of them only in one model and not in another?    And why the big push on the WSM calibers?   It's no like Winchester Arms and Winchester Ammo are the same company. Are the WSM's that popular with the over-the-counter-buy-it-on-the-spot guys.

[Sorry, just rambling on a Sunday pm.]

[m25operator]

Its all about sales, they are trying to offer what they think people will buy, and buy the most. The new Winchester rifle makers I assume don't have deep pockets, not enough to experiment. Just like Wally world, Kmart, and Sears, you could get a great deal on a rifle from the big 3, in .270, 30/06 and that was it, for centerfire, and they purchased them by the boxcar load.

If they succeed, then we might see other offerings. Also, many manufacturers won't offer a caliber from their competitors, wssm versus remington short ultra mag. Its like saying their own new cartridge isn't good enough. If either caliber succeeds, you will see it offered by everybody down the line.

I personally would like to play with some of the Wssm's, but at .80 to a buck a pop for brass, not now. I would like to see a short 6.5mm that approaches winchester .264 mag power. The bullet is excellent, in BC, SD and accuracy from almost anything. But if it were available, I would still hold off, due to cost.

By the way, I'm a big 7mm08 fan, nearly bought one in the M1A, when springfield offered them, I own 3 bolt actions in that caliber. Would like to try the .260, but again, not now.

[alfsauve]

Thanks, M25,    I guess I was just rambling, looking at the limited offering of Winchester. 

Like you said, the 6.5mm bullet seems to have it all and if I were to select one super long range shooter that would be it.   It's just frustrating the rather scattered offerings by the manufacturers.   

[HEY GUN COMPANIES!]   Take a look at how Tikka's web site sums it all up for you in their "database".....Their chart makes it so easy to see what's offered in which models.  Wow, if I could do that with Winchester, Remington, Savage.

http://www.tikka.fi/pdf/datatable.pdf

[Badgersmilk]

+1 on the .308 selection.  Plenty of power, endless versitility, and it's a short action!

[Hazcat]

+1 on the .308 selection.  Plenty of power, endless versitility, and it's a short action!

Yeah, that extra 1/2 throw is such a pain! 

[Sponsor]

[Badgersmilk]

Short action because:  You dont see many long action semi-auto's for a reason (or lever guns if your into them), most long action bolt guns DO have slopier actions, shorter reciever lends to better ridgity & higher accuracy, brass, and ammo is cheaper, most loads use less powder to achieve equal performance, they typically feed more reliably, Ugh, it goes on and on.  

Of course, if your going on safari in Africa...

[tombogan03884]

 African Safari calls for "NO ACTION"

http://www.cabelas.com/guns-1/11899.shtml

[PegLeg45]

African Safari calls for "NO ACTION"

http://www.cabelas.com/guns-1/11899.shtml

One heck of a discount too....

Krieghoff Big 5 Double Rifle           2 Barrel Set .500/.416 & 9.3 X 74R                  Was $18999.99 Now $18000.00 
Reference No.: 1217955    

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/inventory/owatonna/fine_rifle/1217955_krieg5doub_owa.jsp?hierarchyId=11899&cmCat=netcon&cm_ven=netcon&cm_cat=&cm_pla=&cm_ite=netcon

[fightingquaker13]

Thing is, if you can afford the trip, the guides and the license (PLUS the trophy fee, $500 to hunt elephant, $15 k if you shoot one ) the rifle seems like a bargain.
FQ13

[Badgersmilk]

Last I looked that "Gun stock grade English Walnut" goes for around $200 a board foot.  More for a really good looking piece.  Worth it if you could survive the heartache of getting a scratch in it one day in the field!