i currently have a 308 as my first long range rifle. i was wanting to get some opinions on what caliber would be good to take 1000 yard or further shots at big game. i reload myself and costs of ammo isnt a concern.
best caliber for target and hunting
- Thread starter jimbob_walker
- Start date
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
Any of the 7MMs. WSM SAUM or 7-300. Otherwise I would have said .260rem. If it wasn't for "big game."
I'd take a 300 Norma mag over a .338 lapua anyday.
Any of the 7MMs. WSM SAUM or 7-300. Otherwise I would have said .260rem. If it wasn't for "big game."
I'd take a 300 Norma mag over a .338 lapua anyday.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
300 Win Mag. Lots of knock down power but not soooo much kick that you won't want to shoot it.
SScott
300 Win Mag. Lots of knock down power but not soooo much kick that you won't want to shoot it.
SScott
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
tango. i was joking. .338, in my opinion, is waaaayyy too much for hunting... unless you're hunting a damn elephant from 1000 yards away...
on a .338 serious note though...
father shoots a .338 federal. it's a .308 necked out to .338. it's actually a great round ( don't know about ballistics at over 1k though)
edit: .338 >lapua< in my opinion, is wayyy too much.
tango. i was joking. .338, in my opinion, is waaaayyy too much for hunting... unless you're hunting a damn elephant from 1000 yards away...
on a .338 serious note though...
father shoots a .338 federal. it's a .308 necked out to .338. it's actually a great round ( don't know about ballistics at over 1k though)
edit: .338 >lapua< in my opinion, is wayyy too much.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
i saw an elk taken at about 1000 yards with a 6.5x284 on "Best of the West" tv show. They used 140 VLDs.
i saw an elk taken at about 1000 yards with a 6.5x284 on "Best of the West" tv show. They used 140 VLDs.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UTCmoc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what are you considering "big game", sir? </div></div>
Good question. This will help others give better advice for the OP.
Utc... .338 lapua has the knock down power put I'd say it easier to build a straighter shooting and more pleasant shooting 300 Norma mag that has nearly the knock down power and still shoots flatter. But nothing wrong with the .338 if I were handed one I would be happy I had it. But paying for one to be built... Now thats a different story.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UTCmoc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what are you considering "big game", sir? </div></div>
Good question. This will help others give better advice for the OP.
Utc... .338 lapua has the knock down power put I'd say it easier to build a straighter shooting and more pleasant shooting 300 Norma mag that has nearly the knock down power and still shoots flatter. But nothing wrong with the .338 if I were handed one I would be happy I had it. But paying for one to be built... Now thats a different story.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
A .300WM is well suited for just about any game in North America. If your quarry is tipping scales north of 600lbs then you might consider something in the .338-.375 size chamberings, ie hunting Grizzly bears, Moose or Caribou.
A .300WM is well suited for just about any game in North America. If your quarry is tipping scales north of 600lbs then you might consider something in the .338-.375 size chamberings, ie hunting Grizzly bears, Moose or Caribou.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
biggest game i would ever want to hunt is a moose. i am planning a mule deer hunt but i figured i would go big enough for a moose if the day comes. i am wanting accurate over knock down power but enough to take it down. i believe more in shot placement than depending on knock down power.
biggest game i would ever want to hunt is a moose. i am planning a mule deer hunt but i figured i would go big enough for a moose if the day comes. i am wanting accurate over knock down power but enough to take it down. i believe more in shot placement than depending on knock down power.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
When choosing a long range hunting rifle, make sure it has enough power at a given distance to make a humane kill. Just because the bullet gets there doesn`t mean it will reliably open up a HUNTING BULLET. A 308 will never be a 1000 yd big game caliber. Choose a caliber big enough that you can shoot accurately. Then get you some quality optics, good reloads, and shoot alot. HAPPY HUNTING
When choosing a long range hunting rifle, make sure it has enough power at a given distance to make a humane kill. Just because the bullet gets there doesn`t mean it will reliably open up a HUNTING BULLET. A 308 will never be a 1000 yd big game caliber. Choose a caliber big enough that you can shoot accurately. Then get you some quality optics, good reloads, and shoot alot. HAPPY HUNTING
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
I'm building a 7mm SAUM currently. For a fun shooting, lighter recoiling, long range hunting rifle I think it or the 7mm WSM are the best way to go...great bullets, short action, etc.
I'm building a 7mm SAUM currently. For a fun shooting, lighter recoiling, long range hunting rifle I think it or the 7mm WSM are the best way to go...great bullets, short action, etc.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: excaliber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When choosing a long range hunting rifle, make sure it has enough power at a given distance to make a humane kill. Just because the bullet gets there doesn`t mean it will reliably open up a HUNTING BULLET. A 308 will never be a 1000 yd big game caliber. Choose a caliber big enough that you can shoot accurately. Then get you some quality optics, good reloads, and shoot alot. HAPPY HUNTING </div></div>
i agree with you 100%. i guess i was trying to say i didnt want a something that was going to turn the animal to hamburger.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: excaliber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When choosing a long range hunting rifle, make sure it has enough power at a given distance to make a humane kill. Just because the bullet gets there doesn`t mean it will reliably open up a HUNTING BULLET. A 308 will never be a 1000 yd big game caliber. Choose a caliber big enough that you can shoot accurately. Then get you some quality optics, good reloads, and shoot alot. HAPPY HUNTING </div></div>
i agree with you 100%. i guess i was trying to say i didnt want a something that was going to turn the animal to hamburger.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
My vote is for a 300 win mag if you are hunting out west.
Here in Ga. I use a 308 and have no problem with the deer and hogs
Both are fun to shoot....
One of the things I always consider for a hunting rifle is how easy can I buy ammo. Meaning if I need some rounds can I drive in to a town somewhere and pick them up in a small town. I know there are some great long dis. shooters on here that have far more time behind a rifle with paper and steel then I do, but as far as hunting I tend to lean towards a round that if I had to could find in a store somewhere.
Just my thoughts....
Good luck this season. Our gun season in GA is still a few months away.
My vote is for a 300 win mag if you are hunting out west.
Here in Ga. I use a 308 and have no problem with the deer and hogs
Both are fun to shoot....One of the things I always consider for a hunting rifle is how easy can I buy ammo. Meaning if I need some rounds can I drive in to a town somewhere and pick them up in a small town. I know there are some great long dis. shooters on here that have far more time behind a rifle with paper and steel then I do, but as far as hunting I tend to lean towards a round that if I had to could find in a store somewhere.
Just my thoughts....
Good luck this season. Our gun season in GA is still a few months away.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
I am in the middle of picking everything out for my first build which will be used on Big Game (main target is Moose, Black bear. Odd years are Elk, caribou) and i have decided on a 300. win mag for my caliber. Plenty of punch for 1000 yards. If grizzly was part of the picture i woulds step up to a 338. but its going be a 300. win mag.
I would strongly suggest looking into something like a 7mm rem mag firing 168 grain vld or even 180 VLD at close too 2900-3150 FPS will be a perfect 1000 yard killer. If mule deer is your main target then something like the 7mm is perfect, but also hold enough power to take a moose when you choose to.
I am in the middle of picking everything out for my first build which will be used on Big Game (main target is Moose, Black bear. Odd years are Elk, caribou) and i have decided on a 300. win mag for my caliber. Plenty of punch for 1000 yards. If grizzly was part of the picture i woulds step up to a 338. but its going be a 300. win mag.
I would strongly suggest looking into something like a 7mm rem mag firing 168 grain vld or even 180 VLD at close too 2900-3150 FPS will be a perfect 1000 yard killer. If mule deer is your main target then something like the 7mm is perfect, but also hold enough power to take a moose when you choose to.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
A 7mm rem mag pushing a 180 berger has pretty decent energy to 1000. Not that I would ever advocate shooting anything other than a target or rock at that distance.
A 7mm rem mag pushing a 180 berger has pretty decent energy to 1000. Not that I would ever advocate shooting anything other than a target or rock at that distance.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
appreciate the info tango. never had much experience with either of the rounds. i just know a .338lm is a big ass bullet that will put significant hole in a moose.
appreciate the info tango. never had much experience with either of the rounds. i just know a .338lm is a big ass bullet that will put significant hole in a moose.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
speaking of 7mm wsm, a buddy of mine shoots one and it is one hell of a weapon.
speaking of 7mm wsm, a buddy of mine shoots one and it is one hell of a weapon.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
I have this conversation a lot. Not that I'm a huge expert but I do shoot more than most as well as teach. It really depends on what you are shooting at and for. If you want to shoot 100 yards and bore yourself buy a 22 and shoot all day. If you are going to shoot 1-300 w/ a store bought rifle and ammo and want the tiniest moa than stick with a consistant shooter like a 260/270/308. If you plan on making your own ammo and are looking for precision you can go one of two ways. 338L and 50bmg are real nice if you don't mind $5 a round and a sore shoulder, but make no mistake they will put you out 1000 yards. I shoot a custom Armalite AR30 in 300wm. No kick, reloading is decently priced and I can ding the 1k all day long. If you want more accuracy at 500-100 go with a 6 or 6.5 variant. Having the biggest rifle at the range only proves that you can carry it, not that you can use it. YOU are the only accuracy you need. Not the rifle, not the round. I've seen a 22/250 ding the 1k repeatedly. Buy a proven round and get good at it.
I have this conversation a lot. Not that I'm a huge expert but I do shoot more than most as well as teach. It really depends on what you are shooting at and for. If you want to shoot 100 yards and bore yourself buy a 22 and shoot all day. If you are going to shoot 1-300 w/ a store bought rifle and ammo and want the tiniest moa than stick with a consistant shooter like a 260/270/308. If you plan on making your own ammo and are looking for precision you can go one of two ways. 338L and 50bmg are real nice if you don't mind $5 a round and a sore shoulder, but make no mistake they will put you out 1000 yards. I shoot a custom Armalite AR30 in 300wm. No kick, reloading is decently priced and I can ding the 1k all day long. If you want more accuracy at 500-100 go with a 6 or 6.5 variant. Having the biggest rifle at the range only proves that you can carry it, not that you can use it. YOU are the only accuracy you need. Not the rifle, not the round. I've seen a 22/250 ding the 1k repeatedly. Buy a proven round and get good at it.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
Don`t believe everything you see on TV. (Best of the west) Shooting elk at 1000yds with 6.5-284 is is like hunting grizzly bear with 223.
Don`t believe everything you see on TV. (Best of the west) Shooting elk at 1000yds with 6.5-284 is is like hunting grizzly bear with 223.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
Agreed Excaliber,
Just because its been done on TV, doesn't mean that is <span style="font-style: italic">should</span> be done.
To the OP, moose hunting is almost never a long range affair. Your .308, with good bullets and placement, would work, although it wouldn't hurt to have a bit more bullet weight. Mule deer hunting, on the other hand, can involve long distance shooting. I would think you should prepare for shots in the 500 yards.....600 max. That is a LOOOONG poke for a target with horns and hair.
Sounds like you <span style="font-style: italic">want</span> a new rifle.....and there is nothing wrong with that
If the goal is to have a hunting rifle, that will double as a rifle to add some yardage to you target capabilty, a big 7mm or .300 mag of some description would achieve that for you.
YMMV, of course.
Agreed Excaliber,
Just because its been done on TV, doesn't mean that is <span style="font-style: italic">should</span> be done.
To the OP, moose hunting is almost never a long range affair. Your .308, with good bullets and placement, would work, although it wouldn't hurt to have a bit more bullet weight. Mule deer hunting, on the other hand, can involve long distance shooting. I would think you should prepare for shots in the 500 yards.....600 max. That is a LOOOONG poke for a target with horns and hair.
Sounds like you <span style="font-style: italic">want</span> a new rifle.....and there is nothing wrong with that
If the goal is to have a hunting rifle, that will double as a rifle to add some yardage to you target capabilty, a big 7mm or .300 mag of some description would achieve that for you.
YMMV, of course.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
What are your thoughts on a 6.5 creedmore for mule deer?
What are your thoughts on a 6.5 creedmore for mule deer?
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
If I got invited on a mule deer hunt tomorrow, I would take my Sako 85 in .260. Since the .260 and the 6.5 creedmore are basically ballistically the same, I think it would be fine. My hunting load for my .260 is a 130gr Nosler Accubond at around 2850fps. Nothing that I've shot with it has gone far, and the bullet has always exited with good expansion. Can't ask for more than that.
If I got invited on a mule deer hunt tomorrow, I would take my Sako 85 in .260. Since the .260 and the 6.5 creedmore are basically ballistically the same, I think it would be fine. My hunting load for my .260 is a 130gr Nosler Accubond at around 2850fps. Nothing that I've shot with it has gone far, and the bullet has always exited with good expansion. Can't ask for more than that.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
I agree with Sunnyside, the 300 WM will get the job done all the way around.
I agree with Sunnyside, the 300 WM will get the job done all the way around.
Re: best caliber for target and hunting
My 7-08 can deliver 1000ft/lbs at 800 with a 162g bullet. And I target shoot with her all the way to 1 mile. Cost of reloading is very low and it's based off a 308 cartridge so all you'd need to do is swap barrels, get dies and you're ready to go.
Good luck,
Merritt
My 7-08 can deliver 1000ft/lbs at 800 with a 162g bullet. And I target shoot with her all the way to 1 mile. Cost of reloading is very low and it's based off a 308 cartridge so all you'd need to do is swap barrels, get dies and you're ready to go.
Good luck,
Merritt
