Still trying to learn

[lancetkenyon]

I do not want a 6.5 caliber for this application. If I was building a rifle for medium size game Deer, sheep, goats, antelope I would most deffinantly build a 6.5.
Brathany, I love an old 300 win mag. Those 215's out of the winny are leathal! Just looking for something different than the norm. Maybe a 300 mega?
I will only shoot reloads. Barrel life i want is a minimum 1500+ rounds. I will only use the most consistent compnents; Lapua, ADG, Peterson brass.

Darrin

The 1500+ is going to be the issue.
You will need a smaller case to give you smaller charge weights and less velocity to achieve that.
That doesn't mean less lethality at 500.
A 180-215 pushed at 2700-2850 should get that barrel life and still be a 500 yard elk round.
I would look at the 300 Max, 300SAUM, 300Mega, or 300WSM and run a 200.20x or 215 Berger Hyb. Don't worry about max velocity, keep it in the speeds I mentioned and go shoot. Look at H1000 for cooler/cleaner burning powder to help throat life.

 

[Rflshootr]

Something to read that may or may not help.

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If you are only going to shoot it at 2800fps, buy a new rifle in 30-06. Same performance.....and you'll get your barrel life.....plus waaaay more.

 

[dhbikerczar]

I think you are looking at this correctly. Sticking with 300 cal for elk is what i believe in myself. I have run a handful of 300's. My "I will always have" is 30-06. Good versatility and ammo was still on the shelf 3 years ago. With that, I think 400 yards would be my limit and it's not as easy to build for. My next favorite is the 300 PRC. It's not crazy hot like a RUM or Norma Mag, but totally viable for everything in north America. I like the long throat so you can use hefty monos if you would like to, or even long heavy high BC cup n core etc. I dislike belted cases and the short throat rule out the win mag for me. Also, 300 PRC is very well supported these days. I think the PRC does have a slight edge over the SAUM with its popularity and a bit more velocity without going nuts and burning barrels like firewood.

 

[BrentM]

I'd follow Lance's advice but go 6.5 or 7 (heh heh). Not saying you don't, but a lot of people really have no clue how terminal performance works and go with the mindset that bigger is better. It has merit for sure, but only to a degree. Terminal performance/ballistics is so so much more than absurd arguments about bigger diameter bullets. Having said that I think you may want to hone in the ultimate goal of the rifle and go from there. For example, round count, its not much of a goal overall for a hunter. Build the rifle that brings you the confidence and comfort you desire and use it for hunting. Build another rifle for training and practice and fun factor. Many of us shoot all year and shooting those cannons is costly. Just a .02 cents worth of opinion from a mental midget on the subject. Good luck

 

[VinceMule]

Darrin, the 28 Nosler is a very, very good cartridge for your needs, and you are already set up for It!

What load were you using that shot your barrel out so fast?

 

[HRM Johnny]

Just curious. You said you did not want anything less than 30 caliber. Have you considered something larger than 30 caliber? Just curious.