Best cartrige for long range target and also for Elk hunting.

[kgarrett]

I found this interesting…..and very misleading!


I opened the attachment, and found their write-up and data laughable!

Nowhere is the firearm weight mentioned……as this is a key component in felt recoil computation. The included article also stated that recoil at or above 30 ft/ lbs as "massive" recoil……again laughable. My wife's "non braked" hunting rifle is at 39 ft/lbs. felt recoil which she shoots pretty darn good…….and she ain't a linebacker in the NFL!


Perhaps for some of today's shooters…..30 ft/lbs may be considered "massive". Perhaps this "new breed" of shooters would be more at home on a golf course! memtb

Ha ha - yes, he uses 'average rifle weight' for rifles available in that cartridge as well as 'average bullet weight' in his calculations but unfortunately doesn't show the weight of rifle used in the calculations. More unfortunate still, chuckhawks doesn't include 7 PRC or 280 AI in their recoil table so this was the only source I found.

However, some merit to his approach and since perceived recoil is quite subjective and affected by rifle fit, shooter etc still useful information for comparative purposes.

As far as recoil being massive, I have recently purchased a 375 H&H and am tempted to add a 416 or 458. However, I have been a dedicated shooter for years and have been working my way up like many of you. I do not think we are the average or novice shooter his comments are geared to…

 

[kgarrett]

Well everyone, I took everyone's opinions into consideration, other than figuring out why belts are/are not an issues lol.
I took a toll of all your suggestions for the more likely cartridges that I would consider l cone up with the 280AI at #1 by 1 more vote, 300 prc and WM tied for 2nd, 7 PRC and RM tied for 4th at only 2 votes from #1, and the 6.8 western at 6th by 2 less votes for 4th place. All very close.

I feel like a should consider the 6.8 western a "7mm" (I know it's not). But with all considered, I think I'm gonna rule out the .30 Cals for reasons of less recoil. Recoil doesn't scare me, but if I wanna make follow up shots then while not go lighter.

Also like I mentioned, I'm pretty set on my gun choice with the bergara. The action is very smooth, they seem to have great quality guns, as do many other manufacturers. But this one feels good in my hands. And with that being said I gotta look at what calibers bergara offers in said gun. Which leaves me with (based on the votes) 7RM, 7PRC.

Vortex nation podcast has a nice comparison of the 2 in a video and the 7RM actually wins based on their criteria. But looking at future reloading, it sounds like the "beltless" casing is easier to work with, can handle pressured of magnum performance. So sounds like the 7prc is my winner.

Can anyone tell me why or if a 280 AI would be a better option and why. And if so what factory rifle would you recommend looking into. With a price range of <$1200.
Thanks again everyone for all your input. It's been very helpful as I was originally thinking 300 prc. (Could still decide that route though
haha)

Actually looked at the Bergara Wilderness Sierra - looks like a great rifle and quite a bit different than the Weatherby I suggested. A rifle I'm aware of at a similar price point/feature set you may want to consider is the Browning X-bolt 2 Speed Long Range. Neither are available in the 280 AI which is more common in lighter weight hunting rifles.

Looking forward to hearing what you choose and how you like it!

 

[memtb]

kgarrett, I can attempt to get past "his" observations……but, it's pretty difficult.

Using my wife as an example again…..the vast majority of her rifle shooting experience was with a Model 77 Ruger in 270 Win. Which was really very little….a few shots before hunting season, and a few shots during hunting season.


Admittedly her new (in 1995) 338 WM ( weight 8# 15 ounces scoped, loaded, with sling) was cut to better fit her and a Pachmyar Decellerator installed, she adapted very quickly……and once again - no brake! Many "one shot" kills out to 400 yards, on game from Antelope to Elk and moose! Perhaps she's the exception rather than the rule! memtb

 

[yobuck]

As a long range benchrest competitor, this is the ticket. To my knowledge, the 300WSM using the Berger 210 VLD has set the benchrest world records for both score and group size at 1000yds. This combo would be more than enough to take Elk. Maybe the only other option on the board for what I have decided is the most efficient magnum would be the 7mm SAUM using 168-180grn bullet. Good luck.

Yes, the 300 WSM has held the heavy gun 10 shot group record for longer than a decade.
However, the owner of that record who is a long range hunter, dosent use that cartridge for long range hunting.