Choosing a Hunting Rifle

The best way to choose a rifle is to work backward, first asking what type of game you intend to hunt? The type of game will narrow down the caliber of bullet you should use. Once you know the type of cartridge that will limit the types of rifle you can use, leaving the final points to personal preferences.

For example, a 30-06 rifle - means a rifle that can fire a .30-06 Springfield cartridge - various rifles can fire this cartridge.

It is important to select the correct caliber because you should choose ammunition that will guarantee a humane kill, while damaging as little of the meat as possible. Using a more powerful caliber than required will give a humane kill however more meat will be damaged. Alternatively, to small a caliber will mean the animal will suffer.

Other factors to consider: a comfortable rifle weight, the type of rifle action you prefer, and the materials you prefer.

Choosing Rifle Caliber : what type of game you will hunt

A bullet, is part of the rifle cartridges, a rifle cartridge is a case that contains primer, gunpowder and a bullet at the tip. The primer ignites the gunpowder, which then propels a bullet down the barrel towards your target. The casing of the cartridge remains behind, expelled manually or automatically.

To add to the confusion of choosing the correct rifle, not all cartridges follow a standard naming conventions. Usually, cartridge are named by their bullet caliber (diameter of the bullet). With UK and USA using the English measurement system, while all other countries use metric.

Some cartridge names have a second number, that can refer to the length of the cartridge casing, except black powder cartridges, where the number refers to the size of the powder charge (the charge exerts power on the bullet, telling you how fast and far the bullet will travel).

In addition to caliber, bullets are classified by weight, measured in grains. An ounce is 435.7 grains -a 150-grain bullet weighs .34 ounces or 9.6 grams. A light bullets is more accurate over short distances, however has less impact on distant targets than heavier bullets.

If you will be shooting small game, use smaller caliber bullets, either a .17 or .22 caliber bullet is a good choice. However, you also need to consider how much power is required to propel the bullet the distance you will be hunting. If you will be hunting at closer than 100 yards (91.4 meters), you could select a .22 Long Range cartridge. If shooting greater distances consider a .22 Magnum cartridge.

For hunting larger game, use bigger bullets and cartridges with a greater charge. Medium or large game, consider .24 to .45 caliber, making sure the cartridge is powerful enough to take down the game you're hunting. Remember, more powerful cartridges have more recoil force.

Once you select the cartridge for your type of game, you can choose rifles capable of firing that cartridge, considering the personal preference for the rifle.

Choosing Rifle Action Type

Most common types are either single shots or repeaters. A single shot can be fired once before you have to put a new cartridge into the rifle, while repeating rifle holds several cartridges at once.

Some hunters prefer single shot rifles, as the appear sleeker and more elegant in design and have an element of nostalgia, similar to historical rifles. A single shot rifle puts more pressure on the hunter, as they must take down game in one shot.

Single shot rifles come in different styles and mechanisms, including falling block action, rolling block action, break open, and trapdoor action rifles. Each style, has a different way of loading and unloading. The one you choose comes down to personal preference, generally falling block action rifles are accurate and working well for both left and right handed hunters.

Repeating rifles also have a variety of actions, including bolt action, pump-action, lever-action and automatic rifles. Bolt, pump and lever action rifles require a movement from the hunter to eject the spent cartridge and load the fresh cartridge into the chamber. Automatic rifles have a mechanism that does this without any intervention.

If you are new to hunting, you should stick with a repeating rifle, although single shot rifles can be elegant and accurate, they also require more skill and confidence to handle.

Choosing Rifle Material

Rifles are constructed in a variety of materials. The metal is usually either carbon steel or stainless steel. Carbon steel is less expensive, however is prone to rusting. Stainless steel does not rust as easily as carbon steel, however is more expensive. Care and maintain of your rifle means rust should not be a problem.

Rifle stocks can be made from a variety of materials including wood or fibreglass. Different woods can have a different feel and weight, some like walnut, are more expensive. It is important to choose a stock that feels comfortable.

Choosing Rifle Weight and Length

You should avoid a rifle that feels to heavy or long to handle, hunting requires patience, which would be made harder if your carrying a rifle you are not comfortable with.

Always remember, the most important factor is choosing a rifle that will fire the appropriate caliber cartridge for your hunting game.

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