Convince Me Which Caliber to go With

[woodlotowner]

If the OP handloads, something in a 270 WSM would certainly fit the bill. Moderate recoil, about 200 fps faster than the 270 Win, and it can be had in a light platform. JMHO as a 270 WSM owner.

 

[DeadShot519]

Fast 30

 

[jmill]

A 7 mm of some variety. Better external ballistics with less recoil than a 30 cal with enough bullet weight and energy for elk sized game. 280 AI, 7 RM, 7 PRC, 7 Backcountry and more options if you reload. Personally, I have a 6.5 PRC that is 7 lbs 3 oz scoped and slinged for a mountain rifle. I would take an elk with it, but consider it a little light for that size of game.

Recoil affects everyone. It is a physical property and everyone shoots better (or at least as accurately with less effort) with a lighter recoiling gun.Follow through matters, especially so you can spot your own impact and get back on target for further shots as needed. Don’t forget that recoil affects your rifle too. More recoil increases the chance that your rifle action shifts slightly in its stock, loosens its action screws etc. Even if it doesn’t make you flinch, it is harder to consistently hit a target with a heavier recoiling rifle. I shoot my 300 PRC very well, but it is 9.5 lbs and I need to pay attention to my technique and natural point of aim. It doesn’t bother me to shoot it (and I don’t flinch) without a brake, but I shoot more accurately with it. Why is that if it’s not recoil? My 6.5 PRC barrel on the same rifle is a pussycat.

A heavy for caliber 7 mm bullet (160 gr +) at 2800+ fps is a great across the course option for NA game.

Thanks, I'm definitely leaning towards something in the 7mm group. I've got some reading to do for sure

 

[DGY]

Thanks, I'm definitely leaning towards something in the 7mm group. I've got some reading to do for sure

I’d go 280AI simple!! I mean all of them will do the trick but the 280AI is easy on barrels, easy on shoulders, millions of 30-06 cases in case you run out of cases oh and regular length action!! To me it is probably the 7mm that make the most sense for your application.

 

[Dogleg]

If the OP handloads, something in a 270 WSM would certainly fit the bill. Moderate recoil, about 200 fps faster than the 270 Win, and it can be had in a light platform. JMHO as a 270 WSM owner.

Yeah; that’ll work. My Kimber Montana pushes 130s along at 3400 fps with 7828. Max load in the Hodgdon site, but the speed from the Nosler data which is 1 1/2 gr lower.
Light, weatherproof and reliable. My kids named it my helium gun because when they asked how it could be so light I told them I pumped the stock full of helium. You can trick a kid.
Oddly, my PGW 7 STW titanium weighs 3/4 pound less. Whats lighter than helium, I need another name?

 

[Dogleg]

Oh, and thanks Davey, I’m getting good mileage on it. Used it for a guiding gun for a couple bear seasons. Nice to use something that doesn’t need babying, and you can forget you’re carrying

 

[s3xspert11]

Anyone Jump in on 7-08 yet?
not as cool or fancy or magnum but sure works well hunting.
probably the most affordable to reload as well If shooting lots.
Depending on bullet/weight and barrel/animal being shot, would probably limit 400-500 max. (just my opinion)
(Im also Handicapped with super short barrels)
factory 150gr Hornady's usually sit around 2500fps on a 16"
Goodluck with the search!

 

[FLHTCUI]

Thanks for the concern regarding my tool….

It was just the tip..wasn't it ?

 

[Denver Steve]

Yeah; that’ll work. My Kimber Montana pushes 130s along at 3400 fps with 7828. Max load in the Hodgdon site, but the speed from the Nosler data which is 1 1/2 gr lower.
Light, weatherproof and reliable. My kids named it my helium gun because when they asked how it could be so light I told them I pumped the stock full of helium. You can trick a kid.
Oddly, my PGW 7 STW titanium weighs 3/4 pound less. Whats lighter than helium, I need another name?

270 WSM is an impressive round, any a very emphatic killing cartridge. I load the 130's at 3300fps, and 180 grain Woodleighs at 2840fps, in a 1-10" twist 20" browning micro Midas rifle my old lady hunts with.

That 180 is absolutely insane at anything it touches. And it's supersonic to something like 1300 yards. I just got a new phone and don't have my ballistic app yet...unreal for a protected point bullet.

Mild recoil in that rifle, quite a bit of muzzle rise, but very good at mitigating recoil with such a light rifle. Old lady has no problem shooting it, and she is tiny. Prefers it more than any of my 308's. Hand loading is almost essential for the cartridge, not very many factory loadings.

 

[Denver Steve]

IMR7828, still the old long cut stuff for the 130's. And use Retumbo for the 180's.

 

[woodlotowner]

IMR7828, still the old long cut stuff for the 130's. And use Retumbo for the 180's.

H-4831.

 

[Dogleg]

IMR7828, still the old long cut stuff for the 130's. And use Retumbo for the 180's

Whats your twist rate?

 

[Ghillbert]

Yeah; that’ll work. My Kimber Montana pushes 130s along at 3400 fps with 7828. Max load in the Hodgdon site, but the speed from the Nosler data which is 1 1/2 gr lower.
Light, weatherproof and reliable. My kids named it my helium gun because when they asked how it could be so light I told them I pumped the stock full of helium. You can trick a kid.
Oddly, my PGW 7 STW titanium weighs 3/4 pound less. Whats lighter than helium, I need another name?

Hydrogen is lighter than helium as you got me curious i looked it up and got the googlebot to generate a couple names for you as a starting point, killing some time on my lunch break and I like naming some of my guns not all, anyway not much coming to me at the moment for names in me own brain but good luck finding something your kids will like!

 

[Ghillbert]

As to the op nothing much to add but +1 for some variety of 7mm/280ai etc

 

[Dogleg]

With a little hydrogen inspired rocket effect I might be able to get 3600 fps.

Pushing on the butt stock and/or pulling the trigger harder hasn’t netted any consistent gains.