Choosing a caliber...

J

JIP911

Member
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Location
Alberta
Well its time to build/buy myself a new toy and I could use a little advice on caliber. I have had various hunting rifles over the years, and am starting to take more intrest in the "long range" side of the game.

308 seems to be the standard, and I already own 2 hunting rifles chamber'd in this caliber but would like something different this time around.

I would like to use this rifle for hunting as well as paper punching so power is of equal importance as accuracy...

I know, I know... Im trying to build a tactical hunting rifle... "The best of both worlds"

To word things best, I guess Im looking for a rifle thats powerfull enough for moose, can be loaded for deer, and would make a half decent long range shooter for those days of punching paper.

I have a line on a nightforce 3.5-15x50 nib to mount ontop of whatever I finally decide on...

300wsm 270wsm 7mmwsm???

Thanks for your time
Jip
 
How about 243 no good for moose(got a 308 for that)
But can reachout as a flat shooter;)
 
Well Its tough to go wrong, with a 300 win mag. Rick at ATRS and I spent a lot of time talking about it.

However an in the end, I built my First full custom long range rifle in 7mm Rem mag. I have come to appreciate the high BC of the bullets offered. Further I feel that there is a great amount of Value to be had in the Hornady line of Amax, and SST bullets.

Lets face it, a match grade bullet capable of great accuracy out to 1000 yards, at a price of $0.27 per bullet is hard to beat. If you don't believe me, just ask Mysticplayer what he thinks of these bullets. He is the one that turned me onto them LOL, and am I ever glad. As shooters we are all value conscious, and if the components we use are easier on the pocket book, you will be inclined to shoot more, and that is what long range takes. Practice, Practice, and more Practice.

Just my two thoughts

Regards and all the best

R
 
Last edited:
the 7wsm & 300 wsm will outshine the 270 at extreme range, although not by alot

my vote goes to any high speed 7mm Mag or 300 Mag, with a 160-175 gr. 7mm / 180-200 gr. 30 cal of sleek design designed for hunting (Accubond/Interbond come to mind)
​
 
Go to site roberti11 gave you and look up article on Rick Horst's 7wsm for me this caliber will be one of choice, for long range shooting and accuracy. The 7mmwsm is just flat out amazing cartridge. I have had many guns made up over the years but the 7mmwsm in a REM 700 and Hart barrel 24" made last year,has given stunning results. Take a look at www.lostriverballistics.com there 162gr J40 target bullet has a BC of 778
 
If you are thinking of the 270 definately go with the Weatherby. I am on # 6 now and have another one ordered. The long case neck is a definate asset for the heavier bullets. I'm cronographing 3400 fps with 140 grainers and it shoots FLAAAAAAAAAAAAAT. I have no problems with elk at 400 to 600 yards. They never need a second one. If you need proof, cmon up to our range. It'll shoot 1/2 inch at 200 meters and stay under 2 inches at 300 meters. My $.02. Hope it helps.
 
The .300 Win Mag is definately a frontrunner in the "Do it all" class. Your ammo can range from 110-240 grains making it one of the most versitile and best performing calibres. If you want a harder hitting round you load up a 220 gr Partition if you want something a little flatter and faster you can go with a 150 grain Accubond.

Ivo
 
Thanks everyone for the great intel. That article on the 7mm wsm was a great read, and the results were far better than I expected...

Seems this is going to be a race between the 300 and the 7mm...

Any ideas what it would cost to put a rifle together on par with the 7mm in the article minus the optics?

Thanks again!
Jip
 
JIP911 said:
Thanks everyone for the great intel. That article on the 7mm wsm was a great read, and the results were far better than I expected...

Seems this is going to be a race between the 300 and the 7mm...

Any ideas what it would cost to put a rifle together on par with the 7mm in the article minus the optics?

Thanks again!
Jip
Click to expand...

In the area of 5 to 7 grand depending on all the options. 1 does not need to spend that amount of money to get the job done however.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
Works GREAT!!!! Nothing better for moose at 1200 yards, perhaps other than a 50
Click to expand...

catnthehattI said:
handload for a fella that shoots a 338 lapua, and he has made some very long shots with it on moose.
cat
Click to expand...

ROTFLMAO - Thats why I love this forum. Not only to know it can be done but that is HAS been done. :D

AP
 
I will go with .270WSM, IMO better of .300 and 7mmWSM.
Darn accurate and has enough energy for hunting.

Good luck
 
The 7mm WSM with a 180gr Berger VLD is very impressive! Very high BC. I suspect we will be seeing more of this cartridge and less of the 30cal. One bigh reason the 30 cal is so popular is bullet selection. Lots of them! Just check out the BC of the Berger 180gr VLD...

.284 CAL 180 GRAIN VLD
ID: 7MM-180
Category: Bullets

Very Low Drag
Recommended twist rate is 1/9
Ballistic Coefficient is 0.698
Boat tail

To get this kind of BC you need to shoot a bullet in the + 220 range.

Best thing to do is shop around. Some builders are charging an arm and a leg to put a rifle together. You might want to pull the components together yourself and just have someone do the work.
 
### International said:
Best thing to do is shop around. Some builders are charging an arm and a leg to put a rifle together. You might want to pull the components together yourself and just have someone do the work.
Click to expand...


Agreed, It is best to shop around, some charge more, some charge less, its like selecting a doctor when it comes to haveing a rifle built in my opinion. There are a thousand general practicioners out there, and few specialists, find the specialist that can build and has the experaince to help you reach your goals.There is a big difference between a gun builder and a gun parts assembler. So do as Joe say's do your homework. It is time well spent.;) :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom