Lets talk best LR cartridge vs accuracy!

[Nighthawk]

Its all price of performance and what your willing to put into something. Just about anything applies to that. A RUM should work fine, but if you want the best and highest performing get ready to put some time into it.

 

[NorthernSniper]

NH,I'm not so sure whether or not the cartridge case size and design can really make a difference accuracy wise or not? As far as the marketing info goes the newer short fat cartridges are supposed to produce the tighter groups over the old tried and true cases? I suspect some case designs may produce tight groups over a little wider variation in powder charges. This comes to mind in the case of wide temperature variations which apparently have the same affect as increasing or decreasing your powder charge according to the rise and fall of the ambient temperature. The other thing I am fishing for is other peoples experiences with consistant accuracy that they feel is atributed to case design rather than other factors. I know some members here have gone with the 30-338 Lapua mag and I would like to hear how well these baby's shoot groups.

 

[ewallace]

How far are you intending on hunting with this rifle and what game are you hunting
Crow Mag

 

[DMCI]

[ 06-17-2004: Message edited by: DMCI ]

 

[DMCI]

There is nothing wrong with the .30 caliber magnums and they actually provide an excellent selection.

However, you might consider the WSM and SAUM as well as the seudomags like the .30-.284 and similar cases.

Here is a picture with my particular favorite, the 7mm WSM.

D.

 

[NorthernSniper]

After this comming hunting season is over I am looking at building a 30 cal LR hunting rig from scratch. Think I'll go with the PGW action although I cringe just thinking about the price of it (2500.00 CDN) Ouch! Cartridge selection is the question and a mind boggling one the more you think about it. What do you guy's think? I'm thinking 300WM - 300RUM area performance wise but would I really gain anything by going wild cat? I am intrigued lately by the latest 30-338 Lapua wildcat the brass sounds just plain awesome but the question is would you gain anything at all accuracy wise or would this just be an expensive 300RUM. Any thoughts or comments much appreciated!

[ 06-17-2004: Message edited by: NorthernSniper ]

 

[NorthernSniper]

I am planning on taking Elk out to a max of about 600yds under ideal conditions with a 30 cal. in the 200-210gr area. I guess the info I'm after would be which cartridge case has the most advantageous internal balistics? I have a 300WSM but I suspect I would see better long range performance from the 300WM - 27" barrel with slower powders like RL25.

 

[Dave King]

IMHO, 600 yards on an elk is easily within the realm of the 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag and probably easily done with a 308 Win.

You don't mention environmentals (temp or elevation values), they could have a bit of effect on the answers. A 308 Win with 175's at 600 yards at 13,000ft ASL and 50f is probably equal to a 300 Win Mag with 190's at 600ft ASL and 20f.

 

[NorthernSniper]

Dave,the elevation would be 3-4000ft and temp 32-55 F . I am working with 200gr Accubonds in a 300WM and 168gr TSX 300WM Sako Hunter 75 for this season. I'm thinking 200gr Accubond for the 350yd+ shooting for less wind drift and higher retained energy on contact! Barnes 168 TSX for shorter range and smaller game like timber wolves. I am doing my load development at sea level before heading north in september how do you expect the change in elevation will affect my loads? I have read many of your posts Dave you are extremely knowledgeable do you think any particular cartridge has any advantage accuracy wise, short fat vs long slender? I'm not real crazy about the 300WM being belted either but then again maybe I could get used to it, stepping up to a 30 cal with a flatter trajectory would be stepping up heavier recoil.

 

[ewallace]

Since you have a 300 WSM I would go with a 30-338 Lapua IMP. I shoot with Tom Sarver who has shot more than one 4 inch 5 shot grroup at 1000 yards in IBS BR matches with a 30 Yogi (30-338 lapua IMP) Dave Tooley in NC dose this case. I shoot a 338 Yogi in HG 1000 yard and 1 Mile matches and have shot this combo into 8 inches 10 shots at 1000 Yards. I am having a 338 Lapua IMP built on a 8.5 BAT action for long range Elk huning. Rifle will be less than #17 and portable hoping to take a elk at long range less than 2000 Yards with this combo.
Crow Mag

 

[Agunner012]

Sounds interesting Crow mag. Who is building it?

Andrew

 

[Dave King]

NorthernSniper

Careful with what you say, it'll make my header bigger than it already is.

I guess what I'm saying is that for the 600 yard distance you're anticipating nearly any good 30 caliber accurate cartridge/chambering will do. The difference between a 308 Win, 300 Win mag, 30-338 Lapua will of course be drift, drop and energy but all are capable of being accurate enough at that distance to kill elk with a good clean hit. There is something to be said for having plenty of buffer/margin and the little ol' 308 Win would probably be right on the lower edge of adequate while the 30-338 Lapua would certainly have plenty of leg left after such a short run.

The BC for the 200 Accubond appears to be .588, respectable.... now to discover if it's accurate.

 

[Len Backus]

So, Dave King, what on earth qualifies you to talk about shooting elk at long range at high altitude with a 30 caliber?

[ 06-19-2004: Message edited by: Len Backus ]

 

[ewallace]

Dwight Scott is building my new rifle

Crow Mag