Do it all short action with .532 bolt face?

[wilkup]

I'm building a rifle in the short action configuration with the magnum bolt face. That's not debateable at this point.

My question regards which case to use and which caliber I should chamber my new hunting rifle in. I want to be able to take anything easily in North America. I've thought about the 6.5 SAUM, but more recently am curious about the 300 WSM. This will be primarily a hunting rifle that will pull double duty as a paper/steel killer.

I'm not looking for anything I have to fireform/wildcat (I realize the 4S is a wildcat, but I can purchase ready to fire brass that requires no forming)

I will be loading whatever I end up building to 2.90" COAL.

Looking forward to the feedback =)

 

[MudRunner2005]

7mm SS (Sherman Shortmag)

 

[HARPERC]

6.5 because I prefer heavier .30 caliber bullets better served with bigger cases.

 

[wilkup]

7mm SS (Sherman Shortmag)

Had one Gonna try something new this time around...

 

[7mmShooter]

6.5 PRC, will nip at the heels of the GAP 4S with cheaper brass cost (under $1 a piece according to George)

 

[Jud96]

My vote goes to the 6.5 PRC or a 6.5 SS

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

My vote goes to the 6.5 PRC or a 6.5 SS

What he said.

 

[wilkup]

That 6.5 PRC has grabbed my interest, especially with the low cost of brass. I'm curious how many firings the Hornady case will stand up to before going to brass Heaven I've been watching the FB group the past couple days to see the developments.

The other option I'm considering is a 300 WSM with the 180gr Elite Hunters. Bergers load data shows them moving along pretty quick and deadly on anything I plan to hunt out past my 750 yard comfort zone.

 

[Jud96]

That 6.5 PRC has grabbed my interest, especially with the low cost of brass. I'm curious how many firings the Hornady case will stand up to before going to brass Heaven I've been watching the FB group the past couple days to see the developments.

The other option I'm considering is a 300 WSM with the 180gr Elite Hunters. Bergers load data shows them moving along pretty quick and deadly on anything I plan to hunt out past my 750 yard comfort zone.

George Gardner has reported 10-12 full power loads with the PRC brass without problems.

 

[Jerry M]

6.5 Remington Magnum is what I did on a 40X magnum bolt face. Plus Black Hills Shooting Supply had brass a few week ago.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[Dukguy]

6.5 ss

 

[wilkup]

6.5 ss

I've run a couple of Rich's rounds over the past few years, but I want something that takes less work. I know he offers semi-formed brass, I've bought a lot of it in the past. I'm just looking for something I can buy cases for that are ready to fire when delivered. No fireforming, neck turning, trimming, etc to obtain the finished product.

 

[el matador]

I'd much rather have a .30 cal for hunting elk. The 300 WSM shoots the 180s very well for a short action. Even 200 grain bullets get moving pretty well from a 24" barrel. Recoil is a consideration with heavier bullets however. Don't overlook the 200 grain ELD-X for this cartridge - it has a fairly short ogive that works great for short actions.

 

[lilharcher]

Just asked myself this same question a few weeks ago and settled on 7 SAUM.....will be shooting 168 or 180s at Elk and 160s at deer. A do all rifle and comprise between 6.5 SAUM and 300 WSM.