doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Chapuis and caliber decision????

I want opinions before I order.
Looking at a Chapuis double rifle,. I would prefer to roder the series 3, the smaller 28 ga frame size. 6lbs or so weight without optic. I could go with the UGEX (20 ga Frame) and that�s a pound heavier.
Rifle to be used primarily for eastern White tails, black bear and the occasional moose.
I will go with a Leupold scope in EAW pivot mounts with illuminated reticle for deep woods and early morning and late day use. 54 year old eyes need a little help.
Add a pound or so for glass and rings.
So, this leaves caliber.
My choices are 6.5x57R, 7x65R, 30-30, 8x57JR, 9.3x74R
If I go to the heaver UGEX, I can add 30-06 and 30R Blazer. Of course 30-06 would give me the most choices in factory ammo.
I have experience with the 9.3x74R. But in a rifle of this weight, a little too much recoil.
I have no experience with the other metrics, only what I have read.
Ammo availability is one factor besides performance.
I plan on using mostly factory ammo. What factory 8x57R and the others is available readily in US? I am not talking 80 bucks a box RWS.

None of this is written in stone right now.

I'd go with the 8x57 for your game targets.

I'd lean 7x65r myself.....but whatever pleases you.

Factory ammo "choices" won't mean anything in a double!
It's regulated to 1 factory load. If you don't reload then thta's what you'll use to best effect.

My UGEX is very light and works quite well with the 9.3X74. If you don't want to pack around that extra pnd get the light one with a smaller round. All mentioned will work good on deer.

Both excellent choices. I'm generaly in favour of 8x57 IRS, but if your hunting includes long shots over cornfield and such, 7x65R might be a better option. That said, my favourite would likely be a cartridge you did not mention: 7x57R.

With kind regards,
Jani

I agree with Jani, but my favorite bullet (H mantle)is hard to find in US. Second choice-8x57IRS.Third-9.3x74R.
Mike

Brian:

I'm sure to be the outlier here, but I'd go with the .30-30. I've looked at it a bunch and am still thinking about pulling the trigger on one. I'm sure that you could kill a moose with a well-constructed 165 grain .30 caliber bullet, even at 2200 fps and you could handload spitzers for the DR.

Besides, I want someone to buy one and report on it so I can make up my mind about buying one.

Rem

Rem,
I had the same idea 30+ years ago. Would still make sense in a very light double.

With kind regards,
Jani

all cals listed are capable for bear and deer,however for moose i my want to consider 8mm/57irs as moose will more likely be in a brushy environment and you would have better choices as to store bought ammo. Pilgrim

A little late, but I just saw this topic. I'm considering a Chapuis combo Rx 3 Progress (?) myself. I read somewhere that the barrels can be regulated by the owner. That to me is grand. That said, I would opt for the .30-30. Can load w/a heavy partition, and would be fine for moose. Actually, don't even need anything fancy bullet-wise. Just a well-constructed bullet.The 30-30 will do the jobe fine. Has for a long time.