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

[AussieWriter]

I'd say barrel life difference between win mag and prc will be negligible. It would be more dependent on rate of fire then cartridge between the two. I'm not a fan of 7 prc myself but 300 prc is a great cartridge and loses the belt, plus more accurate factory ammo if that's what you shoot. For reloading their really a wash if you've got a custom chamber.

The oft criticised belt is just a modern fad. It causes no detriment. Never has.

 

[AussieWriter]

I would definitely go 30 caliber. I do both long range target shooting and elk hunting. The 300 win mag is hard to beat. Twisted for the 200s or 210sor 215 and you can't go wrong. Ease of reloading components are available accuracy hard hitting not familiar with the 30 PRC but I'm sure it's very similar as they're ballistics are close. Quality factory rifle or full custom you can't beat the 300 win mag

Except a .30/06 with a boring 10" twist and decades old CnC bullets will take elk cleanly just like it has for 119 years.

Have what you like, but justification is........

 

[SteveBurton]

Since you said you will be shooting 90% target, limiting your elk ranges to 600 yards and aren't reloading yet, I'll throw in another vote for the 6.5 PRC. I don't know where you heard that the PRCs have short barrel life but that is a lie. Don't let that affect your decision. If you go with the smaller 6.5 caliber, you will find yourself shooting more at the range because you aren't getting beat up by the larger cartridges. Sure, lots of experienced shooters can handle it but you are just getting into it. Creating bad habits from heavy recoiling rounds is not good. There are lots of options for 6.5 PRC factory ammo from match to hunting.
The 6.5 PRC is a very capable round. I've taking Coues deer out to 636 yards with factory 143 ammo and shot my bull last year at 630 yards with 156 handloads.

 

[kdenn58]

Of your 4 choices, 300PRC.

 

[Clem Bronkoski]

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.

I was in the same boat as you a couple of weeks ago. I was torn between the 7PRC and 300WM. I went with the 300WM because I already had a 6.5CM. I wanted a bigger bore so I opted for the 300. Time will tell if I made the right choice.

 

[Texis]

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.

 

[point_blank65]

What is the definition of "long range target" for you

Out to 1000 maybe 1200

 

[Texis]

You said "target" shooting. How far? Also how far do you expect to pull the trigger on an elk?
300 PRC is a great round, but I wouldn't care to take the recoil, barrel life or shell out the ammo cost if I were only shooting targets to 1000yds. With the right load a 708 or even a 308 can do that in a pinch . BTW you will be a better shooter with lower recoiling rifles.
If you want to take up ELR.. yes, go with something that is 1 mile capable. If your elk limit is 600-700 yds, which is a VERY long shoot on game, 280AI is a good option. If you don't mind a specialty cartridge the 7 SAUM is awesome as well.
IMHO you're better off with 2 rifles. One that is an elk slaying machine and one that you can shoot all day at the range without breaking the bank or wearing you out.
Good luck, yours is a common quest

 

[bultinkle]

Out to 1000 maybe 1200

More than that, style of shooting, how often, goals etc.

I can shoot my 223 out to 1k, I can also shoot my woods whitetail hunting rifle to 1k.

 

[Jakeweb09]

The oft criticised belt is just a modern fad. It causes no detriment. Never has.

I said the belt is gone, not that it's a detriment.

 

[med358-boise]

One thing to consider is do you want to call your own shots? If yes, the larger cartridges and heavier calibers become harder and harder to overcome recoil with gun weight even when suppressed.

If 90% is target and steel use, it's a real consideration.

 

[doug2080]

30 nosler sounds like it would fit what your looking to do perfectly.

 

[memtb]

My answer is somewhat dependent upon how many rounds may be fired for target/fun in one sitting…..and somewhat along the lines mentioned by med358-boise, what % is for hunting.

If it will see little use for hunting, a fairly heavy rifle/scope system (under 13 pounds) threaded for can or brake.


If a fairly high % of it's use will be for hunting and not a large quantity of shots fired in one sitting for target or play….. sub 10 pounds all up, threaded for can/brake. The can/brake would/should be removed when hunting!

In either case…….a high(ish) velocity 30 caliber and up for the cartridge! memtb

 

[orifdoc]

With a suppressor, .300 Win Mag. Without, 280AI (or 7mm something).