Help me pick cartridge

[Gobears16]

So my uncle wants me to help him build him a hunting rifle for western big game. The budget is pretty much unlimited. He wants to buy once cry once. I've got lots of ideas but would like to hear what you guys would do. This rifle would be used mostly 70% mule deer 30% elk. We live in California so we have to shot mono's in state but would like to throw heavy BC bullets out of state. Our range goes out to 1 mile and we'll shoot a lot of steel prior to our hunts. Reloading is probably not a real option because he'd rather buy a couple cases of ammo when he finds what the rifle likes best.

I'm leaning towards 6.5 PRC, 7mag, 300PRC. What would you guys suggest and what components for the build? Essentially build your dream rifle for western big game 700 yards and under.

 

[MagnumManiac]

If it were me with an unlimited budget, I would buy a McWhorter custom in 28 Nosler, 30 Nosler or 300PRC.
Glass would be Nightforce, Swarovski or Zeiss. You could throw in March scopes too.

For the game you're targeting, I, personally use a 264WM, 300WM or 7STW. For Elk I generally prefer my 338, but any of the above get it done.

Cheers.

 

[aushunter1]

Imo choose something you will get some decent barrel life out of.

One thing I read on here about the Nosler cartridge & similar rifle is you barrel life is in the hundreds of shots.

 

[Tiny Tim]

If factory ammo is of primary concern, I'd probably opt for the 7RM. It might be plain Jane vanilla, but lots of factory ammo and well established and available. With a fast twist barrel assembled by the smith of your choice, I don't think you could go wrong. Hammers or other mono for CA and a wide variety of choices for everywhere else.

 

[Will16]

7saum

 

[nksmfamjp]

To throw mono's fast enough, I would look at 30 Sherman Mag, 300 Norma, 6.5 Sherman, etc

 

[lancetkenyon]

Depends on how much he plans to shoot it.

For hunting elk to 700 yards, you don't need a super magnum. I would vote for a medium capacity 7mm OR .308". .280AI, 7SAUM, 7WSM, 7RM, .300WM, .300PRC, .300SAUM, .300WSM.

For a 7, run a 1:8" to 1:9" and shoot a 165-184 bullet around 2850-3000+. Or a mono to 3200.

For a .308, run a 1:9" to 1:10" 180-215 a 2750-3000+. Or a mono to 3200+.

 

[gearguywb]

One of the first questions would be: Do you want factory ammo or are you going to reload?

 

[Tiny Tim]

1st post states reloading not really an option.

 

[Quintus]

Second the McWhorter option probably in 270Wby or 7mm Rem or the 300Wby. They will make ammo for the rifle and provide an endless supply if that is what you prefer.

 

[P7M13]

You've established that he has money.
What's his age, conditioning, ability to handle recoil, and shooting skill set like?
I presume, he's also looking at moose, sheep, bear and goat?
Is he working on selecting a guide?

Because of mono requirements, I'd be sure to go these twists or faster: 1:8 in 6.5, 1:9 in 7, 1:9.5 in 300

 

[Sako284]

I was in this situation a few years back. Built a 1:8.5 7mm WSM on a sako action and couldn't be happier. 180 ELDm 3020 FPS with rl23 11 fps extreme spread.

 

[sea2summit]

Without reloading I'm not much help, not sure what calibers have the best selection of CA compliant ammo. Otherwise I'd probably go 7mm or 300 PRC trying to get to 700 yards on an elk.

 

[Montana73]

You can almost pick any caliber you want today and get factory ammunition. Copper Creek, Choice Ammunition, Hendershots and Superior Ammunition have "factory load" that are hand loaded by them or if you go to Superior Ammunition in SC you can ask them to build you what you want for a price. I personally don't like to shoot .30 calibers at deer so I'd opt for a .284 bullet gun. I like my 7STW for both.