Best brush gun calibers

There is no good brush caliber- impact with something in the flight path will alter the flight path. A brush gun on the other hand is a different question- that answer is pure ergonomics. Then there is the range to be considered as this will have an effect on choice of cartridge. Cartridge availablity in your area is another consideration. A lever action 30-30 is hands down the most used hunting unit stateside. That does not make it the best choice for any particular location. Out east, upper midwest ( MN, WI, MI), and a good portion of the southern states the 30-30 is quite functional. Lousy choice in the plains states and western tier of states where range to target can be are 2-3 times as far. Lastly type of game also has a play on cartridge/weapon combination choice.
The 30-06/308 can get just about anything done stateside available in various dressings from light weight/ short barrel configurations to more conventional, a very common ammo available everywhere in in these times of shortages. 270 and 7mm are slightly ballistically superior to the 30 calibers - not enough to argue about. Flame on

( oh ya 10 yards in heavy brush -like you can barely if at all see into or though- spray and pray for any cartridge/unit combination.)

 

I think I remember one of the outdoor magazines doing this test a few years ago. I want to say it was 2 rounds that you would not expect it to be.

 

Well, let's go with .223 and since bullet coefficient matters how about 7mm-.08

 

After reviewing the posts, the test was performed as the best brush gun caliber for accuracy shooting through brush, not the actual model of gun in tight quarters. I do have a Savage model 81 in 300 savage that handles very nicely in such situations but fails the test compared to the winning calibers. Again, I don't shoot through brush as I assume most don't but that was the test

 

Ohio log slayer is going down the correct path

 

There are some excellent calibers with better ballistic coefficient, Jetjr is on point that the best calibers were not what would be expected, it is also relative to speed and the test range

 

Hint # 4, one is a varmit round and one is magnum

 

I would guess a .223 and 6 mm mag. as brush guns. but that's just a guess

 

I guess DET cord isn't one of the answers you were looking for? No wait, claymores?

 

6.5x55 in heaviest weight that you can send it between 24-2500. .308 same deal long heavy bullet between 24-2500. Some would argue but even the .270 160 grn at 2500 will deflect less than most. Barrel twist is also a factor. (Oddly enough the slow twist, heavy old big guys like .44's and .348's deflect real easy.) Any of these mentioned are good if brush gets in the way. I've done lot's with everything under the sun from small to huge and light to heavy but its the 2500 fps long bullets with lot's of spin like the (6.5x55) that excel. I guess they settle down real quick are more stable at 2500 than any other velocity. No longer hunt but have taken more moose and deer than any man should be allowed in a lifetime. Found a good 06 hand load as good as anything a man can carry. Still got a Ruger #1 - 06 and a Sako .270 bolt that have not yet sold off. But their days are numbered. I'd rather watch the sunrise out the window with a coffee and Bible and reflect on what's important now that my old body is getting creaky.

 

Just looking at what you drive. Maybe a .458 LOTT. LOL

 

243/ 308

 

Haven't hunted a brush in years but if I was, I would use either my 44 mag or 30-30

 

Hey WildWildWest
been waiting since august. do we get an answer or not?

 

I might've read something about a heavy .223/5.56- 72gr with a 1/7 twist doing OK, and a .458 x 2 American with 350+ spitzer bullets working well. Don't recall actually.
I shot one animal through the brush- once. Shoved my arm through a big Chamise clump and stuck a .41 mag in a hogs ear.
Otherwise, I'll wait 'em out till they leave cover.

 

Had in mind something everyone has access to at local shops. Twist is critical. Husquavarna made tightest twists on standard calibers back in the day but everything has changed except a handful of oldies like 06 and .308. We did tests like the one you mention maybe 25 yrs ago. Used 1 foot big black dot and enough brush you could barely make it out and I was never convinced any 2 shots encountered the same or similar conditions. We're in crazy rough, brushy country and likely clipped off all sorts of twigs without even knowing it when shoot deer especially. Moose are different. Big and black as coal and no bouncing going on so if you were a good stalker and cool - no problem. Ruger #1 in 06 best for moose. takes the cowboy out of the nervous Nellie types.

 

Right on bro! Just cause I'm not sure where I am does not mean I am lost. Before GPS's I used to have the back country mostly to myself. Those dear sweet days are history now. ATV's and GPS's everywhere. It's not hunting anymore - more like chasing and shooting practice at live targets. But that is just a jaded old fool babbling on. Forgive me!

 

Just noticed where you are from. Now not sure who the best man is in your parts - you or Clint Hurdle? LOL

 

I killed a deer once, it was a whole shot strait thru a 4 inch diameter. tree that clued me in on first blood .Deer went 20 yrds. Love that .243. Ruger