Driven hunts are intense and demanding forms of hunting where the right caliber is crucial to ensure a fast and ethical kill. Range, penetration and accuracy play an important role. In this article, we compare six popular driven hunt calibers to find out which are best suited for this form of hunting.
8x57 IS (8mm Mauser)
- Origin: this traditional German caliber was developed in the late 19th century and has a long history in the hunting and military world.
- Features: A large bullet with high energy output and good penetrating power, ideal for larger game.
- Use in driven hunts: due to its high energy and muzzle velocity, it is particularly suitable for short to medium distances in driven hunts.
.308 Winchester
- Origin: A US caliber developed in the 1950s.
- Characteristics: Good ballistic properties, versatile and widely used.
- Use in driven hunts: Excellent for driven hunts, especially for its accuracy and versatility at various distances.
.30-06 Springfield
- Origin: Originally developed for the US military, it quickly became a popular hunting caliber.
- Features: slightly longer than the .308 Winchester, it offers more energy and higher muzzle velocity.
- Use in driven hunts: A proven caliber for driven hunts, suitable for a wide variety of game species and hunting distances.
7x64 (Brenneke)
- Origin: This caliber was developed by Wilhelm Brenneke in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Features: it offers high precision and energy output, which makes it a good choice for hunting medium and large game.
- Use in driven hunts: ideal for hunting in forests and dense areas, as it has a flat trajectory and good penetrating power.
9,2x63
- Origin: Less common than the other calibers mentioned, it nevertheless offers impressive ballistic characteristics.
- Characteristics: A heavy bullet that transfers maximum energy to the target.
- Use in driven hunts: Due to its high energy and penetrating power, it is especially suitable for larger game.
6.5 Creedmoor
- Origin: A modern U.S. caliber developed in the 2000s.
- Features: Known for its accuracy, flat trajectory and low recoil.
- Use in driven hunts: Suitable for medium game, especially at longer ranges where precision is required.
Conclusion
Each of these calibers has its own strengths and weaknesses. Which caliber is best for driven hunts depends on the hunter's individual preferences, the types of game hunted, and the hunting conditions. It is advisable to try and test different calibers to find the most optimal one for one's needs.