Opinions on Best Long Range Rifle for Deer, Moose and Elk

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huntingsask

huntingsask

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Hi,

I am a new here, but I have been viewing this forum for awhile, lots of good information!

I am in the process of buying my first rifle for long range shooting and was wondering what some of you think. Thanks!
 
Welcome aboard. You should look over the site more and post this question in the hunting section where you will get better help from the right people. Your question is very vague and will get varying opinions. What is your budget first of all? And how far is "long range" to you?
 
Thank you for the welcome.

I am looking for a new rifle that I can use on all types of hunts in north America, primary focus being Moose and Elk and I hope to go to Africa with it one day (bucket list). I have talked to a few shops and the responses have been similar, being 300 WM, 300 RUM or 338 and 7mm or 7mm SPS.

I have only hunted with my a 30-06, but would like to purchase a rifle that is effective long range, light as possible with an excellent recoil pad since I do not like muzzle breaks. My budget maximum would be $3,500.00, not including scope. Thanks!

Long range to me would be 1000 yards.
 
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Just my opinion but 1000 yards is way outside of sensible shooting range on big game. Under field conditions 500 yards is a long shot no matter what rifle you are using. Others may have a different opinion.
 
Think about bullets first, in what diameter....Bullets matter more than headstamps.

Find an appropriate bullet for what you want to do, then pick a cartridge to power it...THEN look at a rifle to house it in.
 
At this point and from I have learned from different gun stores is that a 300 RUM may be the best choice for me.

The longest shot I have taken to date with my 30-06 is around 450 yards. Typically most of my kills are under 200 yards, but I am thinking of going on hunts for Elk where longer can be necessary, so I do not want to be under-rifled and I am looking for a flatter shooting rifle with enough energy to get the job done.

I have watched videos of people doing it, so I know it is possible.
 
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First hunting rifle or first long range rifle?

Already some good suggestions for both, if you just want a good hunting rifle with long range capability, any of the standard magnums will do, a 30-06 will even shoot game reliably under the right conditions in the right hands out to 500.

I consider long range beyond 500 and will not even attempt shots at game with my current skill set and equipment. But I sure think about how to reliably go beyond 500!

If you already have a good hunting rifle and want a long range specific one: Savage and Sako have sporters in 338LM to name a couple.
 
For hunting long, long range I would look hard at 308 Norma magnum.
Why Norma....? any harder kicking cartridge will diminish potencial for better accuracy.
On top of it 308 NM has longer neck than 300Win Mag (with bullets intruding into powder space), kicks less than 300Wby Mag (needs special long action, read; expensive one) and is more accurate than both of them.
Use CRF action and med heavy 24-26" long quality barrel and you can shoot as far (with plenty energy for all NA game) as you can reliably hit 8" steel plate every time with good quality hunting bullet.
1000 yds is way to far to shoot at game but once you are proficient with the rifle 500-600 is within the reach IMHO.
 
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First long range rifle. I have been hunting all my life, and I am a pretty good shot, but I have never had a rifle that was designed to shoot at longer distances. I am looking at a Huskemaw 5-20x50 to go with it.

I like the look of the Weatherby, thanks Kelly.
 
First hunting rifle or first long range rifle?
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If you don't put your time in at shooting long ranges under varying conditions with the chosen rifle, don't do this. At longer ranges (>600 yards) the drop of the bullet, the wind conditions, the bullet placement, and the ability of the bullet to expand in game become very important considerations. You owe it to the game and the hunting fraternity to be able to perform a good kill.

You should also consider using a muzzle brake. Recoil management is a key factor in accurate shooting. Best of luck on this adventure.
 
huntingsask said:
First long range rifle. I have been hunting all my life, and I am a pretty good shot, but I have never had a rifle that was designed to shoot at longer distances. I am looking at a Huskemaw 5-20x50 to go with it.

I like the look of the Weatherby, thanks Kelly.
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Why spend all your money on a nice rifle and put a crap scope on it?
 
I would not go off half cocked taking shots that I did not believe I can effectively take. I just want a rifle that can preform at long range. Like I mentioned I have been hunting and shooting all of my life, so I am a pretty good shot. This next rifle I purchase will be my last rifle I buy and I want to make the right choice, and not regret my decision afterwards!.

I am not a gun collector, I am a hunter and I will put the time in at long range shooting until I am satisfied that I will be very effective.
 
"Why spend all your money on a nice rifle and put a crap scope on it?"

Suggestions for a great long scope would be good as well, have shot my friends rifle at 500 yards with his Huskemaw, worked for me, everytime.
 
Budget oriented but decent - Zeiss , Sightron, Leupold, Bushnell, Vortex, etc......... $1000.00 Would gt you in the game.

More $$$ - Leupold , S & B , Nightforce , U.S. Optics, Zeis(Heindsolt) etc..... the sky is the limit.

Reticle choice is pretty important, fine enough not to obscure targets, compensating reticles, etc.....

Lots to think about.Remember good glass trumps high magnification with poor glass.

huntingsask said:
"Why spend all your money on a nice rifle and put a crap scope on it?"

Suggestions for a great long scope would be good as well, have shot my friends rifle at 500 yards with his Huskemaw, worked for me, everytime.
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