Biggest Bore...Heaviest Hitter...Long Range

[mdhunts]

Hello:
I'm looking for opinions on what caliber you would recommend for ranges out to 650 yards or so, using 180 grain bullets, or similar. It would be strictly for hunting, in a bolt action, and be delivered via a 20-22" barrel...without a muzzle break. The lighter the better , and no, recoil is not an issue. i'm looking for a heavy hitter in the .30 caliber class.
The .338 was the first thing that came to mind though I am hopeful for feedback. I love short barreled big bore rifles, and with a thumbhole stock I feel at one wit my gun,
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

You did not provide the type of animal you planned to hunt. Elk, as example, needs 2000#of energy to make 2 holes. All the calibers called out are great, but the most powerful .30 caliber is Weatherby .30-378, hands down. The energy at distance outstanding. IT DOES REQUIRE A LONGER BARREL THAN THE SHORT BARREL REQUESTED. A muzzle brake is also recommended or a sore shoulder will result.

 

[Gcan]

Hello:
I'm looking for opinions on what caliber you would recommend for ranges out to 650 yards or so, using 180 grain bullets, or similar. It would be strictly for hunting, in a bolt action, and be delivered via a 20-22" barrel...without a muzzle break. The lighter the better , and no, recoil is not an issue. i'm looking for a heavy hitter in the .30 caliber class.
The .338 was the first thing that came to mind though I am hopeful for feedback. I love short barreled big bore rifles, and with a thumbhole stock I feel at one wit my gun,
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

I have to cast my lot with the 300WSM CROWD. I am a 300/338 RUM and 300PRC nut but without a break and at 20-24" you are asking for pain and bad form. I'd seriously consider a 300WSM and maybe a proof carbon barrel. Id thread the muzzle 3/4-24. Put a cap on it if you don't want a break. I'm on my second right shoulder rotator surgery and at some point testosterone gives way to practicality. Besides, a shortish barrel is fine for the 300WSM. We actually build 300PRCs on 22" barrels that are designed to be shot with a can. This is the TEAM set up. There are countless options for you. Personally, I like to keep things simple with known (non exotic) calibers. I build a lot of 308 Wins for exactly this purpose. 260 Rem, 6.5 SAUM, 300 SAUM in 24" are also great options.
I guess it really depends on what you intend to shoot at 650. If its deer or the like a 308 win is hard to beat & ammo/components will always be around.
Just finished the FDE 308 with 19" Blake 6-groove Palma chamber, M2 (ish) taper. MDT TAC21 chassis. Built to shoot 168 SMKs. Will shoot first time this week.
The AR308 pistol has a 13" Shillen 1:10 match barrel we chambered and contoured. So far it shoots Fed match ammo at 1/2 moa.
The odd looking black bolt pistol is a 12-1/2" 308win on a XLR chassis w/a Blake barrel blank. 1:10. Shoots 1/2 moa. It was built to have an OMEGA can screw on and just stick out the guard. The can on it in the picture is a TB I think.
We break all our guns in. Unless the customer wants custom load development, everything is built to shoot one or two factory products. (Fed/Hornady match most often)

Short barrel builds seem to be gaining popularity.

good luck and remember, guns are like beer, one is seldom enough.

 

[Les in Wyoming]

Hello:
I'm looking for opinions on what caliber you would recommend for ranges out to 650 yards or so, using 180 grain bullets, or similar. It would be strictly for hunting, in a bolt action, and be delivered via a 20-22" barrel...without a muzzle break. The lighter the better , and no, recoil is not an issue. i'm looking for a heavy hitter in the .30 caliber class.
The .338 was the first thing that came to mind though I am hopeful for feedback. I love short barreled big bore rifles, and with a thumbhole stock I feel at one wit my gun,
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Sounds like 300 win mag is what youbare looking for by your description.

 

[7MM Mike]

If you reload (I have not read the entire thread), consider a .338 WSM. An easy wildcat. I built a Kimber Montana short action 8400 (3" internal mag length) with a 24" barrel. Shoots 230Eldx's at 2800, right around 4000ft*lbs muzzle energy. Thumps game nicely. I don't think you'd give up much by going 20 or 22". The 338 SAUM is another nice option if you have a shorter action.

 

[30378wbymag]

30378wbymag,

I assume you reload? If so do you need some brass or dies? I have about 60 pieces of once fired brass. (25 nosler, +\- 10 Hornady, and +/- 20- 30wby), I also have about a half a box of factory hornady and a 3/4 box factory wby loaded ammo and a set of RCBS reloading dies, I need to get rid of, if you are interested?

Paladin,
Thanks much for the offer, I'm good to go for my big 30. What I REALLY need is some 6.5 PRC brass, just ordered a Christensen Arms ELR and have found bullets, and dies but no brass anywhere yet... Would be much appreciative if you know of anyone...

Stay safe

 

[Paladin300]

Paladin,
Thanks much for the offer, I'm good to go for my big 30. What I REALLY need is some 6.5 PRC brass, just ordered a Christensen Arms ELR and have found bullets, and dies but no brass anywhere yet... Would be much appreciative if you know of anyone...

Stay safe

I don't right now but if I hear of any I will let you know. If you know of anyone needing the 30378 brass let me know. I just sold mine decided to go another route.

 

[wv270wsm]

Seems several people are in favor of the 300 wsm . But if I was wanting to go a short action with the biggest thump I'd go with the 325 wsm . Bigger bullet more thump. I read someplace on here one day " there is no replacement for displacement "

 

[Jim’s Hunt]

Seems several people are in favor of the 300 wsm . But if I was wanting to go a short action with the biggest thump I'd go with the 325 wsm . Bigger bullet more thump. I read someplace on here one day " there is no replacement for displacement "

That's for drag race engines

 

[Jim’s Hunt]

I have to cast my lot with the 300WSM CROWD. I am a 300/338 RUM and 300PRC nut but without a break and at 20-24" you are asking for pain and bad form. I'd seriously consider a 300WSM and maybe a proof carbon barrel. Id thread the muzzle 3/4-24. Put a cap on it if you don't want a break. I'm on my second right shoulder rotator surgery and at some point testosterone gives way to practicality. Besides, a shortish barrel is fine for the 300WSM. We actually build 300PRCs on 22" barrels that are designed to be shot with a can. This is the TEAM set up. There are countless options for you. Personally, I like to keep things simple with known (non exotic) calibers. I build a lot of 308 Wins for exactly this purpose. 260 Rem, 6.5 SAUM, 300 SAUM in 24" are also great options.
I guess it really depends on what you intend to shoot at 650. If its deer or the like a 308 win is hard to beat & ammo/components will always be around.
Just finished the FDE 308 with 19" Blake 6-groove Palma chamber, M2 (ish) taper. MDT TAC21 chassis. Built to shoot 168 SMKs. Will shoot first time this week.
The AR308 pistol has a 13" Shillen 1:10 match barrel we chambered and contoured. So far it shoots Fed match ammo at 1/2 moa.
The odd looking black bolt pistol is a 12-1/2" 308win on a XLR chassis w/a Blake barrel blank. 1:10. Shoots 1/2 moa. It was built to have an OMEGA can screw on and just stick out the guard. The can on it in the picture is a TB I think.
We break all our guns in. Unless the customer wants custom load development, everything is built to shoot one or two factory products. (Fed/Hornady match most often)

Short barrel builds seem to be gaining popularity.

good luck and remember, guns are like beer, one is seldom enough.

Someone said there's now replacement for displacement. So how about a 475 Cheytek lots of displacement

That's for drag race engines

Seems several people are in favor of the 300 wsm . But if I was wanting to go a short action with the biggest thump I'd go with the 325 wsm . Bigger bullet more thump. I read someplace on here one day " there is no replacement for displacement "

 

[wv270wsm]

That's for drag race engines

Exactly

 

[30378wbymag]

I don't right now but if I hear of any I will let you know. If you know of anyone needing the 30378 brass let me know. I just sold mine decided to go another route.

Thanks buddy...

 

[VLD Pilot]

That's for drag race engines

Depends on the race

 

[Jim’s Hunt]

Depends on the race

Pro stock. AA fuel, promod

 

[Jim’s Hunt]

Depends on the race

So do you like the 270 wsm cartridge