What is the best caliber for long range hunting?

[jrock]

I went and chose a 7mm rem as I wanted to limit recoil and shoot the most ballistically efficient 180 grain bullet. Don't think I'll be shooting 1000+ though.

 

[angus-5024]

Do you know what bullet your guide was using? Approximate Muzzle Velocity and elevation? I'm curious about what the energy and velocity of that bullet was on target.

 

[davkrat]

I went and chose a 7mm rem as I wanted to limit recoil and shoot the most ballistically efficient 180 grain bullet. Don't think I'll be shooting 1000+ though.

7mm Rem Mag would be my choice. Tolerable recoil and fantastic ballistics out of a case that is easy to load for.

 

[Edd]

I am fairly new to long range hunting (1000+ yards) for big game. I am now looking at getting a custom long range rifle built but wanted some feed back and ballistic information on what caliber would be the best. I really am hoping to understand what caliber and why.

Some have suggested the 338 lapua while some say you need a chariot to hunt with it.

Others suggest the 6.5x284...

While no data has been given to back up the suggestions I have received..


Thanks for all of the help!

I joined this site about three years ago for the sole purpose of researching cartridges for long range hunting. I could spend the next few hours writing about what I've learned. Since I don't want to do that, I'll give you the bottom line.

If you want a serious long range rifle, build a 338 Lapua or larger. Anything smaller and you are just pretending.

 

[kpehrson]

Do you know what bullet your guide was using? Approximate Muzzle Velocity and elevation? I'm curious about what the energy and velocity of that bullet was on target.

All I know is it was a berger bullet. Elevation was around 4000 feet. I'm sorry I don't know all that information and can't provide all the information.