New rifle caliber

[OldElkHunter1961]

I highly recommend this "advice" be completely ignored as all experienced hunters on this form will know. Beware, there are scores of world wide, expert hunters with decades of experience sitting in their parents basement wearing Spiderman Jammies pumping out this type of tripe by the outhouse load!

 

[Elkmann]

Can't beat the 300WinMag or 7mmRemMag. They have the history behind them as reliable Mule deer and Elk getters.

 

[WKWRIGHT]

I live on the east coast but plan on headed out west (Colorado) to some land my uncle just bought and some outfitters land that I'm good friends with. I need a rifle that is pretty versatile. One that I can shoot muleys, elk, sheep, antelope but at the same time wouldn't be too much overkill for white tail over here in SC. I'm a big 30 cal fan, my shots would be limited to around 800ish yards but I plan on working on my skills so that I can be lethal at 1000, any thoughts?

With the choices you mentioned I would choose the 300 WM, if the category were wide open I would suggest that the 7mm REM Mag is probably more versatile than most, it does heavy to light and all in between, and it's actually pretty pleasant to shoot.

 

[littlebighorn]

I am very partial to the 300WSM. Mostly because I own one and it was my "go to" rifle for over a decade. It never failed me.
I live in the West and it has taken 3 sheep, elk, mulies, antelope and even jackrabits. It is light (under 8 lbs) and very packable. If you go that light I would definitely get a brake to make it easier to shoot.
In my opinion, even thinking about shooting game at 1000 yds is unethical, unless you shoot at that distance at least monthly and you are very proficient. That may be sacrilegious on this forum, but I shoot that often and my limit is 6-700yds on game.

 

[JAYgs8163]

300 Win, 300WSM or 7mag would be my choice if you don't reload due the sheer volume of factory ammo available. If you reload you've got a few other good ones to throw in there. 7WSM is one of my favorites and Hornady is making some quality brass for it now. Good luck with whatever you choose and enjoy your uncles parcel of western land.

 

[hesse]

You have to decide if you want a short or a long action. To start with them you can decide on the carriage you want . Also ammo and brass and component availability if you are reloading would possibly help narrow down what you're going to go with

 

[JAYgs8163]

I am very partial to the 300WSM. Mostly because I own one and it was my "go to" rifle for over a decade. It never failed me.
I live in the West and it has taken 3 sheep, elk, mulies, antelope and even jackrabits. It is light (under 8 lbs) and very packable. If you go that light I would definitely get a brake to make it easier to shoot.
In my opinion, even thinking about shooting game at 1000 yds is unethical, unless you shoot at that distance at least monthly and you are very proficient. That may be sacrilegious on this forum, but I shoot that often and my limit is 6-700yds on game.

Being this a Long Range Hunting forum you may want to read the rules about posting about this particular opinion of yours. Especially since it's rule #1.

"This is a privately owned site developed to foster discussions about Long Range Hunting between like minded hunters.
1. We do not discuss ethics. To do so will result in the post or posts being edited or deleted."

RULES

www.longrangehunting.com

 

[Mike D Texas]

300 Win Mag will be the most versatile and by far have the most factory ammo choices if that is a concern.

Are you looking at a factory rifle or custom? Custom rifle opens up a lot of possibilities with the 300 Win Mag to make it even better.

 

[Flyfisher5612]

I live on the east coast but plan on headed out west (Colorado) to some land my uncle just bought and some outfitters land that I'm good friends with. I need a rifle that is pretty versatile. One that I can shoot muleys, elk, sheep, antelope but at the same time wouldn't be too much overkill for white tail over here in SC. I'm a big 30 cal fan, my shots would be limited to around 800ish yards but I plan on working on my skills so that I can be lethal at 1000, any thoughts?

Why not go old school and go with 300 HH. ALL the performance without the sharp recoil

 

[Lenny Foffa]

One rifle !!!! Really,Just one rifle ???? Well I also suggest 300. Win mag !! You can make some 130 to 150 Grn loads for medium sized animals like antelope and white tails !! 180 Grn partitions or other premium big game bullet s, for Elk! I'm sure you are a good shot ,so the perfect shot placement suggestions is not necessary!! A very nice all around caliber !!! You may find yourself changing scopes from Time to time , to accommodate the different game being hunted at different. Ranges ! A bit much for whitetails, but with an explosive bullet like a. Ballistic Tip , ,it will be very effective!! IMHO!! Good luck buddy

 

[Jason lozier]

300 RUM, good muzzle break

 

[mcerick]

I live on the east coast but plan on headed out west (Colorado) to some land my uncle just bought and some outfitters land that I'm good friends with. I need a rifle that is pretty versatile. One that I can shoot muleys, elk, sheep, antelope but at the same time wouldn't be too much overkill for white tail over here in SC. I'm a big 30 cal fan, my shots would be limited to around 800ish yards but I plan on working on my skills so that I can be lethal at 1000, any thoughts?

6.5 PRC, I just returned from South Africa and harvested 5 plains game with 156 grain Berger EOL hunters from 70 to just over 350 yards. 350 yard shot was a big Zebra , 280 yard shot a big Eland. I also hate muzzle breaks and the 6.5 doesn't need one!

 

[sbruni]

these days you almost have to buy the ammo and/or components first and let what you can get dictate the rifle… I have everything suggested except the 300wby… can't go wrong with any of them

 

[Magnus777]

Good Googly-Moogly! Not surprised to see so many recommendations for 30-cal. magnums, and the like. Am quite surprised that not one recommendation was offered for the 270 Winchester! Given the modest parameters, the 270 will do everything required, in a light or standard weight package, without a brake, and without breaking the bank. Plus, a good selection of ammo can be found on the shelf of most any retailer, for a modest price. Some thought can be given as to bullet weight, so as to tailor a load for a given species...on the heavier end preferred for Elk. Or, had antelope not been entered into the equation, I might offer a straight .30-06, as has already been suggested. Either one would be a successful, go-anywhere, do-anything choice.