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

[cohunt]

Cheytac?

 

[point_blank65]

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)

 

[fseaman.js]

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.

Yeah, nah.

Big load of ...

 

[trout004]

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)

Good luck to you. The good thing is that regardless of your decision, they'll all poke holes through the lungs from long distance with some good load workup and practice.

I have had a 280 AI, and I don't know, no offense to anyone who has had good luck with the cartridge, but it just felt a boutique cartridge. Maybe it's because mine was a Christensen???

 

[fseaman.js]

Where/how do you think those cases will fail and why?

Do the same thing with belted and non-belted cases.

The neck or shoulder due to thinning. Turns out "migration" is a real thing.

Ultimate Reloader Gavin has done a couple torture tests. Not a Win Mag or 7 Rem Mag but still more telling than any other test.

The only way to prove your assertion is for someone to do the actual work. Otherwise, you are flapping you're yapper. Get on with it and document it to the standard of Ultimate Reloader and publish. Maybe you even get a YouTube channel out of the deal.

BTW: You may need only 1 case, 1 box of 100 bullets and 1 1/2 lb of powder. You can use more if you like but follow Gavin's protocol and see how the first round comes out.

I'd do it but where I live we are still below freezing and that would alter the experiment. 50-70 degrees much better.

 

[Lee Goodwin]

300 win mag is a good choice. Big case, lots of bullet choices. Old school. Short neck doesn't bother me.
7mm might be better accuracy for BC and heavy bullets vs punishment of heavy bullet loads in the 300.
338 for that big elk, only you didn't list it.
The furtherest I ever shoot is 600.
Welcome to LRH.