3 Caliber Range Coverage Advice

[dbransco]

I also posted a similar question in the DTA thread, but though I would broaden the experience base here. I am getting a DTA SRS and have been putting a lot of though into which 3 calibers would give the "best" coverage of effective range, say from 100 yds to 1 mile plus. I have been thinking as of lately of going with a shorty 308 (16") for closer ranges, 260 REM for mid-range, and 7WSM for mid to long ranges. My only question, in trying to spend money wisely is, are the 260 REM (6.5mm) and 7mm calibers overly redundant? I don't know much about the 7WSM, only what I have researched lately after serveral here have suggested it. Are there better options? I have also though about going 308, 260 REM, and 338 LM, but I want to make sure its not just because I really want a 338LM.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[turbo54]

308 for sure. Hammer rounds through and not give a shit. 308 only matches, training classes, etc etc.

260/6.5CM/708 makes a nice and competitive match chambering but overlaps 308 a lot. If you'll be shooting a lot of matches, definitely choose a short action non magnum.

A magnum 7 will reach a mile nicely but 30s and 338s hit harder out there, showing splash and rocking steel better.

A 338LM or Norma will handle your 1200-1800 yard shots nicely.

Personally, I'd want 5 barrels: 223AI, 308, 7mm08, 7-300WSM and 338 Norma

If I had to choose three: 308, 7mm08, 338 Norma

 

[Hawk45]

I've not looked in detail at the DTA SRS system but know it is a switch system, and not a cheap one, so I'd say stop worrying about price related to caliber, especially if you are looking into the 338LM. If the question is just on what will cover pretty much everything from 100 - 1 mile, you can do with 2 calibers, .260 and .338LM. Just doing two will save you a hunk of change right there.

 

[Ledzep]

+1 on what Hawk45 said.

Personally, out to 300-400 I run a 6.5 Grendel AR. 200-1200 a .260, and that's it for now. I'd like to build a precision .50 at some point for 1000-2500, but I've got my hands full learning sub-1k

 

[dbransco]

Thanks for the advice guys. It does make sense that the 308 and 260 are pretty redundant. Up until this point all I have been running is a 260.

 

[bas402]

Go .260 and 7WSM, Then give some thought on how many times you will be shooting 1800+... then you might want to go with the 338LM. I have (2) 260, 6.5Creedmoor,308, 7WSM and a 338LM and I'll tell you the 6.5mm's and the 7WSM get the most work and they are a blast to shoot to boot!
Sully

 

[VKC]

I agree that 308 & 6.5cm are redundant, but I have both for ammo availability and using the 308 as a short barrel with suppressor and subsonic rounds. 338 Lapua would be nice but gets expensive. 300 Norma Mag would be another consideration.