What cartridge?

[cgcook777]

With your criteria I would think the 7 SAUM would be a nice fit.

175 - 195 grain bullets.

I totally agree with you. My 7 SAUM is a killing machine and incredible accuracy. I own 6.5, 308, 30-06, 300 WSM, and 300 Win, which are great rifles, but the 7 SAUM is a great all around caliber.

 

[jrkotz]

I would put all the quarry you mentioned in one category, and elk in another. I like a 30 caliber Magnum for elk. Everything else you could hunt with anything between 6.5/277/7mm. The 7 SAUM is a dandy cartridge that is really getting a second wave of support since it's inception. I personally like the 300 WSM for elk, 180 TSX does the trick handily.

Good luck! (I say get two new rifles )

 

[John Polk]

I'm torn between what cartridge to chamber a custom rifle in. This will be a hunting rifle and primarily for Whitetails, Black Bear, Mule Deer and Antelope, with the intent of doing a few Elk hunts. This must be able to accurately shoot past 1000 yards though. I realize there are a lot of cartridges that fit this bill and can effectively take down any of the above animals. However, I'd rather not shoot a 300 wm or other hammer if I don't need to. I'd also rather restrict my distance on Elk to 700-800 yards as well as I do t plant on doing a whole lot of Elk hunting. Accuracy (easier to tune and load), barrel life, etc. are of high importance here. Unfortunately I do not have much experience with most long range calibers/cartridges and mostly shoot .30-06, .308, .270. I have a 6.5 Creedmoor which I shoot to 1000 yards but would not shoot any of the above other than possible Antelope at that range (would have to research that even). So I am looking for recommendations from you guys. I have considered 300 PRC, 28 Nosler, 7mm WSM, etc.. I think the .277-.284 caliber cartridges probably fit the bill but don't hear too much about the .277's anymore. And the 28 Nosler sounds like it has horrible barrel life.

.277 Wby mag or 7mm Why mag

 

[Raudy707]

Another vote for the 270 WSM. I put a 1:8 twist on my Tikka when I rebarreled it and WOW is all I can say! With the 165's and 170's it has turned into a beast. I have a 280 AI, 300 WM and 6.5 PRC. The 300 sits in the safe, I gave the 6.5 to my son and I hunt everything with the 270 WSM or 280 AI. Such sweet shooters! I've shot both these rifles out to 1300 yds and they both perform very well. They are virtually twins. The 270 wsm is my back country mountain rifle and weighs 7.7 lbs fully locked and loaded. My 280 AI weighs 9.9 lbs and stays closer to the truck. These rifles do anything I ask of them from coyotes to elk. I don't shoot big game animals past 600 yds. Just my own self imposed maximum. Too many variables for me to gamble on an animals life, but the rifles aren't the unknowns. The rifles and the cartridges are always on point!

 

[FEENIX]

This... but the .280ai is the sexiest of the three.

I too like them sexy. I originally plan on building .280 AI but went with .270 AI instead.

L: .270 AI loaded with 175 Matrix VLD, current accuracy load 2993 FPS (reach near 3100 FPS but group opened up, H4831SC)

R: .30 Gibbs with 190 Berger VLD (load development in progress ...)

 

[Swiftkill]

300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem mag. If you are reloading you can do anything. a WSM makes for a potentially lighter rifle.

 

[Rooks]

7mag, duh...

 

[Coldfinger]

I too like them sexy. I originally plan on building .280 AI but went with .270 AI instead.

View attachment 195016

L: .270 AI loaded with 175 Matrix VLD, current accuracy load 2993 FPS (reach near 3100 FPS but group opened up, H4831SC)

R: .30 Gibbs with 190 Berger VLD (load development in progress ...)

Them 2 should pose for a calendar!!!

 

[Bull_Mtn]

My limit for elk is 1500 ft lbs. .300 WM or .300WSM with 200 gr bullets will surpass that at 800 yds. I shoot a .300 WSM, Gentry brake and Limb Saver recoil pad. Very pleasant to shoot, but LOUD. 7MM RM, 175 gr, 1500 fp, 750 yds. For elk, bigger is better.

 

[Eric Alexander]

I'm torn between what cartridge to chamber a custom rifle in. This will be a hunting rifle and primarily for Whitetails, Black Bear, Mule Deer and Antelope, with the intent of doing a few Elk hunts. This must be able to accurately shoot past 1000 yards though. I realize there are a lot of cartridges that fit this bill and can effectively take down any of the above animals. However, I'd rather not shoot a 300 wm or other hammer if I don't need to. I'd also rather restrict my distance on Elk to 700-800 yards as well as I do t plant on doing a whole lot of Elk hunting. Accuracy (easier to tune and load), barrel life, etc. are of high importance here. Unfortunately I do not have much experience with most long range calibers/cartridges and mostly shoot .30-06, .308, .270. I have a 6.5 Creedmoor which I shoot to 1000 yards but would not shoot any of the above other than possible Antelope at that range (would have to research that even). So I am looking for recommendations from you guys. I have considered 300 PRC, 28 Nosler, 7mm WSM, etc.. I think the .277-.284 caliber cartridges probably fit the bill but don't hear too much about the .277's anymore. And the 28 Nosler sounds like it has horrible barrel life.

what weight bullet do you favor?

 

[Matchbook454]

Maybe 27 Nosler.?

Too new and not enough info on it yet. Looks promising though.

 

[Mackinaw BOB]

I agree with this statement but to each there own. Only you can decide what you want

 

[StraightShooter77]

I'm torn between what cartridge to chamber a custom rifle in. This will be a hunting rifle and primarily for Whitetails, Black Bear, Mule Deer and Antelope, with the intent of doing a few Elk hunts. This must be able to accurately shoot past 1000 yards though. I realize there are a lot of cartridges that fit this bill and can effectively take down any of the above animals. However, I'd rather not shoot a 300 wm or other hammer if I don't need to. I'd also rather restrict my distance on Elk to 700-800 yards as well as I do t plant on doing a whole lot of Elk hunting. Accuracy (easier to tune and load), barrel life, etc. are of high importance here. Unfortunately I do not have much experience with most long range calibers/cartridges and mostly shoot .30-06, .308, .270. I have a 6.5 Creedmoor which I shoot to 1000 yards but would not shoot any of the above other than possible Antelope at that range (would have to research that even). So I am looking for recommendations from you guys. I have considered 300 PRC, 28 Nosler, 7mm WSM, etc.. I think the .277-.284 caliber cartridges probably fit the bill but don't hear too much about the .277's anymore. And the 28 Nosler sounds like it has horrible barrel life.

At the max distances you are are trying to hunt, I think the 6.5 PRC would work quite well. I has milder recoil that some of other cases/calibers you were pondering. Barrel life is decent and you get quite a bit of choice in bullet weights too. A lot of hunters liking the 156 Bergers.

For a bit more sizzle but still less recoil than .28 Nosler or .300 PRC, another 6.5 choice you might consider is the 6.5 SS (Sherman Short) pushing 150grain Sierras over 3100 fps...

Some food for thought.

Shoot Straight!

StraightShooter77
www.StraightJacketArmory.com
(307) 707-3181 Ext 1

 

[Matchbook454]

At the max distances you are are trying to hunt, I think the 6.5 PRC would work quite well. I has milder recoil that some of other cases/calibers you were pondering. Barrel life is decent and you get quite a bit of choice in bullet weights too. A lot of hunters liking the 156 Bergers.

For a bit more sizzle but still less recoil than .28 Nosler or .300 PRC, another 6.5 choice you might consider is the 6.5 SS (Sherman Short) pushing 150grain Sierras over 3100 fps...

Some food for thought.

Shoot Straight!

StraightShooter77
www.StraightJacketArmory.com
(307) 707-3181 Ext 1

Do you think the 6.5 PRC is an effective round for elk out to 800 yards give or take?