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

[msu313]

I'm looking into a 7 sherman short (7ss) for the elk part. I realize that doesn't fit for your range option but looking at thoughts from others. I'm not sure that I will even ever get to go on an elk hunk but it's a life goal and I'm gonna have a rig ready to go. (Actually I'm building a lightweight short barreled 308 because I want to and will have a 7ss barrel spun up as well to switch out)

 

[VTbluegrass]

Since you have picked a rifle the Bergara Wilderness Sierra and the available chamberings I would just get a 300win mag.
More ammo options at all price ranges. For long range factory ammo that is lights out accurate the loaded ammo from Berger is stupid good. Also you get Lapua brass with it so you are making a pile I really nice brass for when you decide to reload.

 

[southpa]

I new 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.

Welcome! When I see "elk," the 30 cal comes to mind. We have killed a pile of elk with heavy 7s and for the 10% of the time, I think it would be fine for you for. But since it's an elk rifle I might lean towards the 30. Them animals can soak up some damage. PRCs do nothing for me over the winnie or RM but in all honesty, I think you'll be happy with either cartridge for a factory rifle.

 

[Rick Richard]

300 WSM for 30 cal and 7SAUM in 7 (does require handloading)

 

[Will.284]

I have a Winchester xpr in 6.8 western and absolutely love it, my wife likes it so much she adopted it and sometimes lets me shoot it!! It's been a hammer on everything we've shot with it. I like it so much I'm gonna re barrel one of my short actions once I wear out the present barrel. Finding ammo is not hard around central Mt but I do have 700 factory rounds and 300 new brass for it

 

[Teri Anne]

I new 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.

It seems that everyone prefers the newer cartridges for long range as well as large game hunting. Everyone in their quest for new seems to forget the old standbys. Look at the 338 Win Mag. It easily shoots tight sub MOA groups, is capable of ranges way beyond 1000 yards, is more than capable of taking the largest game to include the big bears and African game. Factory ammo is available from 180 to 300 gr as well as bullets for hand loading. I have no stats on barrel life, but much of that depends upon who manufactured the barrel, out of what materials as well as the powder used when loading the ammo.

 

[wildcatrunner]

Lots of good input in here for you to chew on. Seeing your choice of rifle I would agree with a couple others and say +1 for the 300 Win mag. Ammo options out your ears.

Don't worry about barrel life if you are planning to shoot target with it. That becomes a disposable wear item and is part of the bill. If you are concerned about the cost, pick up a a 308 Winchester for your long range shooting. It's proven for many years to do well in the long range matches. Save your elk rifle for its intended purpose, hunting.

 

[Beluebow]

300WSM all day long and twice on Sunday!

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Welcome to LRH.

Out of the cartridges mentioned the
300WM or 300PRC.

 

[VICOMB]

Another vote for 280ai. It's just a hard round to beat for the sweet spot it hits for versatility. I'm also not really into tons of recoil if it's gonna be a 90% range time rifle. Agree with others on barrel life - if you can afford to shoot one out you can afford a new one and you'll probably know a lot more about what you want by then.

Agree!

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

....338 Edge, bad medicine, reach out and touch em'

 

[Willys]

What Feenix said, the 215 is the smallest bullet I trust out to 1000 yards. 300 PRC or 300 wm.

 

[pavementends]

I new 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.

Similar bore size, powder charge, pressure, and rate of fire how does the barrel know the difference in order to give a shorter barrel life with the PRC?

 

[point_blank65]

Welcome! You will find there are many good answers so keep that in mind. Lot of guys with great info on here. So I think before answering we need to know how far you want to shoot elk at. I have had both 7 PRC and 300 PRC. Both are long range hammers in my experience. In factory chambers, the PRC's will edge out the win mag/Rem Mag. Barrel life will be similar for all. I'm not sure I would consider any of them a barrel burner. Probably be 1200-1500 shots per barrel. I was in the same boat as you with trying to find a dual use gun. In my opinion, if you plan on shooting a lot long range, all of them will be expensive and abusive. Most hunting rifles are below 12lbs if not 10lbs and with that being said 12lbs or less can be more of a challenge to shoot LR accurately. I'm not saying impossible but it will be more of a challenge. Also not sure how many shots you are sending but either of those can be challenging to find readily available components as well as use a lot of funding to keep feeding quality components such as H1000. If you are planning on shooting 90/10 like you said assuming you are keeping your elk killing under 600 yards, I would lean 6.5 PRC. It uses 10-20gr less powder, quality brass is about .45 cheaper, and a lot more manageable recoil. Like I said, I have my 7 and my 300 but knowing what I on ow now they wouldn't be a first choice for me for a lot of shooting. Just my 2 cents.

Elk would definitely be 600 and under, probably more around 450 and under. As far as the 6.5mm l, I currently own a .25-06 so I kinda wanna look at more the 7mm/ 30 cal direction. I do also plan on getting a chassis to rock while target shooting.

I appreciate everyone's input. Everything is helpful.