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

[BooBear2U]

I shoot a couple of different cartridges and use them exactly the same as what you describe -

7mm STW

300 Weatherby Magnum

338 Ultra Mag

I target shooting with all three cartridges out to 1,200 yards, and I have killed bull elk with all 3 cartridges out to that same distance.

My normal elk hunting rig is a T/C Super 14" Contender in 308X444 Improved with most all shots being kept under 300 yards.

 

[MagnumManiac]

A couple things with belted cases. They headspace on the belt vs. cartridge shoulder and the belt to case joint is a stress riser, so in general…beltless cases will last longer. I have quite a few rifles chambered in belted cartridges, but overall I think there is greater accuracy and longevity potential with a beltless case.

This is the most misinformed statement I have ever heard on here.
There is absolutely ZERO foundation to your statement regarding "case joint" being a "stress riser". The belt is ABOVE and a part of the solid web of the case, there is no "joint" to fail.
Secondly, accuracy DOES NOT come from case design, only HYPE says this unfounded BS.
Thirdly, head separations is NOT caused by belts, belted cases separate ONLY because people push the shoulder back too far during sizing. Head separations are caused by ONE THING, EXCESSIVE HEADSPACE. PERIOD.

Cheers.

 

[David_h]

I knew to the forum. I was wondering what you alls opinion was on what would be the best cartridge to get for 90% of the time shooting long range target and 10% of the time elk hunting. Initially I was debating on 4 options, 7 prc, 7 rem mag, 300 win mag, and 300 prc. I decided against the prc's due to short barrel life. Here lately I been pretty confident about going 300 win mag, especially with future reloading. Is there something better I'm missing or is this a solid decision.

I think 300PRC would be a great choice assuming a good muzzle brake and also that the target sessions are not too many shots each outing. If lots of target shots are taken I'd drop down to a 6.5 flavor.