I am looking to build a sniper rifle in a caliber that will have the maximum downrange velocity that I can afford to shoot. I want to have a rifle that I can shoot up to 1000 yds and that takes practice. And practice id exactly what I intend to do. My first thoughts are a 300 win mag, 300 wsm, or 300 RUM. If anybody has any thoughts or ideas on this project or caliber recommendations I sure would appreciate it. Also this rifle may be used for big game..... ie bears and elk. Thanx
- Thread starter webb.alex55
- Start date
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
If you do not already have a short action .308, this is where you should start.
With the current political climate, I would plan on spending more than you thought, and waiting for parts longer than expected.
good luck.
If you do not already have a short action .308, this is where you should start.
With the current political climate, I would plan on spending more than you thought, and waiting for parts longer than expected.
good luck.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
Welcome!
First things first I'm guessing you want a marksman or long range rifle.. not a sniper rifle. Only qualified snipers use sniper rifles.
Second, what is your shooting background and do you own any other rifles in any other calibers? This will help with recommendations.
Third, you stated you want to shoot 100-1000yds and do some North American game hunting. What distance do you expect to shoot the most? Shooting 1000yds every few years compared to weekly is a big difference. Also, a heavy marksman rifle isn't ideal to carry for hunting, nor is a light weight magnum hunting gun great for target sessions.
A little more info will give you better responses.
Welcome!
First things first I'm guessing you want a marksman or long range rifle.. not a sniper rifle. Only qualified snipers use sniper rifles.
Second, what is your shooting background and do you own any other rifles in any other calibers? This will help with recommendations.
Third, you stated you want to shoot 100-1000yds and do some North American game hunting. What distance do you expect to shoot the most? Shooting 1000yds every few years compared to weekly is a big difference. Also, a heavy marksman rifle isn't ideal to carry for hunting, nor is a light weight magnum hunting gun great for target sessions.
A little more info will give you better responses.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need a 50 Cal. </div></div>
here we go!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need a 50 Cal. </div></div>
here we go!!
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
One thread down from the top, in this section is a thread called "Caliber choices - comparisons and applications".
Read it.
After you read through it, perhaps a couple times, come back to us with <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">specific</span></span> questions including:
Your budget
Your experience
Your intentions
Your desires
Your wants
Your needs
One thread down from the top, in this section is a thread called "Caliber choices - comparisons and applications".
Read it.
After you read through it, perhaps a couple times, come back to us with <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">specific</span></span> questions including:
Your budget
Your experience
Your intentions
Your desires
Your wants
Your needs
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
I guess your right. I want a long range precision rifle not a sniper rifle. I just wanted to build it in a "tactical" platform As far as hunting with it the weight won't matter because I'll be shooting from a four wheeler most of the time. I wouldn't attempt a shot at an animal at more than 600 yds. The 1000 yard capabilities are just for ringing steel and punching paper.......and just to say I can. As far as budget I'd like to keep it in the $1500 range ( without scope). I Already own a 300 WSM AND two 30-06s set up for deer hunting. Just wanted something with a little more smack when the bullet hits the target. I also reload so that probably needs to be taken into account. I'll read that other post too. Tanks for the heads up.
I guess your right. I want a long range precision rifle not a sniper rifle. I just wanted to build it in a "tactical" platform As far as hunting with it the weight won't matter because I'll be shooting from a four wheeler most of the time. I wouldn't attempt a shot at an animal at more than 600 yds. The 1000 yard capabilities are just for ringing steel and punching paper.......and just to say I can. As far as budget I'd like to keep it in the $1500 range ( without scope). I Already own a 300 WSM AND two 30-06s set up for deer hunting. Just wanted something with a little more smack when the bullet hits the target. I also reload so that probably needs to be taken into account. I'll read that other post too. Tanks for the heads up.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
Get a 7mm SAUM on a long action or a 7mm rem mag they will out perform your 30 cals out to a mile with 175-180 gr projectiles.
A factory rem sendero or Rem Police in 7mm Rem mag would fit your budget get a muzzle break fitted and re crown the barrel if you want get the stock bedded and you have a mile capable tactical looking rifle.
Otherwise a custom build will likely out of your budget.
Get a 7mm SAUM on a long action or a 7mm rem mag they will out perform your 30 cals out to a mile with 175-180 gr projectiles.
A factory rem sendero or Rem Police in 7mm Rem mag would fit your budget get a muzzle break fitted and re crown the barrel if you want get the stock bedded and you have a mile capable tactical looking rifle.
Otherwise a custom build will likely out of your budget.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
After reading the caliber choices thread I think I'm gonna go with 30-06. Just looked like it fit my needs( wants) the best. Thanks for the info. All were helpful. Now just gotta pick out a gun. Could this build be done on a Ruger 77 MarkII? I've already got one but I haven't seen them used for long range shooting much. Would it just be easier to buy a Savage 110 or Remington700?
After reading the caliber choices thread I think I'm gonna go with 30-06. Just looked like it fit my needs( wants) the best. Thanks for the info. All were helpful. Now just gotta pick out a gun. Could this build be done on a Ruger 77 MarkII? I've already got one but I haven't seen them used for long range shooting much. Would it just be easier to buy a Savage 110 or Remington700?
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
Savage or 700.
You may want to go with the 700 since thats what the military's sniper rifle is, savage doesnt make a sniper rifle.
Savage or 700.
You may want to go with the 700 since thats what the military's sniper rifle is, savage doesnt make a sniper rifle.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
Seriously though,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vXLRYf9EV2Y
Anything else is for pussies.
Seriously though,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vXLRYf9EV2Y
Anything else is for pussies.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
You are all over the place. 30-06 will not give you more energy down range than a 300wsm. But it is very common, and a 1000 yards capable caliber.
You are all over the place. 30-06 will not give you more energy down range than a 300wsm. But it is very common, and a 1000 yards capable caliber.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: moco shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I Already own a 300 WSM AND two 30-06s set up for deer hunting. Just wanted something with a little more smack when the bullet hits the target. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: moco shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After reading the caliber choices thread I think I'm gonna go with 30-06. </div></div>
Does not compute...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: moco shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I Already own a 300 WSM AND two 30-06s set up for deer hunting. Just wanted something with a little more smack when the bullet hits the target. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: moco shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After reading the caliber choices thread I think I'm gonna go with 30-06. </div></div>
Does not compute...
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
sounds like you want an excuse for another rifle...just go with a .338 lapua and be done with it.
sounds like you want an excuse for another rifle...just go with a .338 lapua and be done with it.
Re: What caliber for maximum downrange velocity?
Move down to the ballistics section of the forum and read every thread in the first 10 pages.. All you have mentioned (as well as the others) will do 1000yds easy. So it seems your big concern weold be game at 600yds with energy. Again, I think any of the ones mentioned are more than enough with a properly placed shot.
If you just want a new caliber, that is cool. If you want to do more LR precision, look at the 6.5 family of cartridges. Great from 100yds to 1500yds and light on the shoulder. The .260 has similar ballistics as the 300WM/WSM out to 1k. But since you already have a 300WSM, get a Savage and then you can reload for two rifles. Just build you LRP 300WSM with a longer/heavier barrel and more ergo stock. That being said the 30/06 is no slouch either.. see what MontanaMarine has done with his.. over a mile I believe (at altitude though).
Actually here is what I would do.. get a Savage LA in 30/06, the get the 300WSM bolt head, nut wrench and a target style barrel in 300WSM. Now you can shoot both calibers with the a quick 10min barrel and bolt head swap. The LA will be nice for the WSM so you can seat your bullets out long. Just my suggestion. Heck, order a .260 barrel too, you have the bolt face already (30/06).
Good luck.
Move down to the ballistics section of the forum and read every thread in the first 10 pages.. All you have mentioned (as well as the others) will do 1000yds easy. So it seems your big concern weold be game at 600yds with energy. Again, I think any of the ones mentioned are more than enough with a properly placed shot.
If you just want a new caliber, that is cool. If you want to do more LR precision, look at the 6.5 family of cartridges. Great from 100yds to 1500yds and light on the shoulder. The .260 has similar ballistics as the 300WM/WSM out to 1k. But since you already have a 300WSM, get a Savage and then you can reload for two rifles. Just build you LRP 300WSM with a longer/heavier barrel and more ergo stock. That being said the 30/06 is no slouch either.. see what MontanaMarine has done with his.. over a mile I believe (at altitude though).
Actually here is what I would do.. get a Savage LA in 30/06, the get the 300WSM bolt head, nut wrench and a target style barrel in 300WSM. Now you can shoot both calibers with the a quick 10min barrel and bolt head swap. The LA will be nice for the WSM so you can seat your bullets out long. Just my suggestion. Heck, order a .260 barrel too, you have the bolt face already (30/06).
Good luck.
