Thoughts on the following cartridges? 300PRC, 338WM, 35 Whelen, 416 Rigby, 458 Win

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Northern Shooter

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I'm looking for a new cartridge that will reach out and hit with more authority than my 30-06 for big game hunting. I'm trying to do a cost benefit analysis in regards to ballistics, cost, ammo availability etc.

Which of those above would you recommend? Pros/Cons of each?

Others to consider?
 
I would go 300 PRC. If your looking for reach that is the one. If you reload you can always find 30 CAL bullets with better selection and most of the time at lower cost. Second option would be 338 win mag.
 
I hunt with a .30-06 and just recently bought a .338wm

When I hit the 600 yard gong with my .30-06 it goes "whack"..

When I hit the 600 yard gong with the .338wm it goes "WHACK"

Yup that .338wm has some authority. :)
 
AlbertaJohn said:
I hunt with a .30-06 and just recently bought a .338wm

When I hit the 600 yard gong with my .30-06 it goes "whack"..

When I hit the 600 yard gong with the .338wm it goes "WHACK"

Yup that .338wm has some authority. :)
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Definitely looking for something with more WHACK.

Looking at the ballistics tables, 30.06 is putting out 1,075 ft-lbs at 600 yards where as the .338 WM is producing 2,029 at the same distance.
 
300 PRC, you won't be disappointed, its an awesome cartridge, for hunting Elk,Moose and Bears they now offer the Hornady Outfitter 190gr CX ammo, perfect.

For long range target shooting the 225gr ELDM, if you handload its very easy to load for.
 
338 win 250, same trajectory as a 180 grain 30-06

Under rated chambering on this board but not in reality
 
Consider most game is shot 300 yards and under and if can handle recoil well I would learn on to the 416 rigby (or a Remington). It can be loaded from 300-450g so depending on the trajectory there is bullets that apply. 458 can be down to 250(Barnes) but bullet shape wouldn’t help much in trajectory. I do have all except 300 and usually use 338 or 416 and 3006 depending on time of year
 
Northern Shooter said:
I'm looking for a new cartridge that will reach out and hit with more authority than my 30-06 for big game hunting. I'm trying to do a cost benefit analysis in regards to ballistics, cost, ammo availability etc.

Which of those above would you recommend? Pros/Cons of each?

Others to consider?
Click to expand...

I have owned all of those except the prc. The 338 Win Mag is your best choice for a step up in a hunting rifle. - dan
 
IMO: Out of the five cartridges you stated, I'd go with the .338 Win Mag. For the distance & energy you want. Ease of both cartridge components for reloading and factory ammo. And the fact that it will put down any big game found in N.A. It is an inherently accurate cartridge as well. Nothing wrong with a 300 PRC, just a little more S.D. with the .338 bullet.

A 375 H&H with a 270 grain bullet is a great cartridge as well, but just a little more money all the way round & really no a noticeable difference for the type of hunting you mentioned.
 
remington jim said:
There’s NO LONG range in a 416R or 458 W ! Marginal range too in a 35W - of the other 2 listed the 300 PRC is the Best with the 338w being runner up !
You really need to do a BIT of studying CARTRIDGE ballistics as your pretty much Confused - jmho RJ
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Pretty confused at the best of times haha.

I had a feeling the 40 caliber offerings would focus more on big energy at closer ranges than the 30cal options. I already own 45-70/375H&H for those duties so I guess I should focus on the PRC/338's for carrying that energy out to further distances.
 
It sounds like you already have your bases covered… So just go buy the rifle you want LOL ! I suffer this same problem from time to time as well…
 
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