Caliber for next build

[alan98]

I got my 308 built and am very pleased with it. I have a 223 RRA varmint that shoots well, but now I'm getting ready to order a GAP 338 Lapua to stretch way out. I've been thinking though and I could use another caliber between the 308 and 338. Something with better bc than the 308 for shooting around 1000. Any opinions? 260?? Not even sure if I'll do it, but what would you buy if you had to bridge the gap between 308 and 338 Lapua? Decent barrel life would be a plus.

Thanks

Alan

 

[bohem]

Re: Caliber for next build

Just to play devil's advocate, do you have a place to shoot 1500y with that 338LM? Before you spend that kind of money buying a rifle and not have anywhere to really shoot it.

Secondly, on calibers:

6.5x55 Swede, 260 Rem, 280 Rem, 284 Win, 7mm-08 (although the 260 looks the same on paper, it's just downrange energy improved from the increased bullet weight).

All of those will fill the gap you have. Have you considered a "plain jane" 30-06 with some heavy bullets in it? A well built 30-06 that's loaded to the gills will run 1500+y without too much trouble.

 

[alan98]

Re: Caliber for next build

Thanks for the reply. Yep, I have a place to shoot out to a mile 5 mins. from my house. A guy has a farm and he has steel out to 950 right now. We can go on back to around a mile, but have nothing to get out that far yet lol. I really like the 308 for learning, esp. wind calls, but will need something to fill the gap. I'll have to do more research but recall the 260 being popular for this as well as a few others you have mentioned.

Alan

 

[bohem]

Re: Caliber for next build

Yes, the 260 would be an excellent caliber and it's going to be a fair bit better than a 308 for trajectory/wind.

Do you have a long or short action rifle in mind? You can kill 2 birds with 1 stone using a 7mm short mag of some flavor and run 162's out to 1500y and the 180s to a mile+

The 338 LM gains bullet mass over the 7 short mags, but the ballistic qualities are very close, if not better on the 7 WSM, 7/300 WSM, 7 SAUM using 180gr bullets and a long action for long seating. Cost of ownership is much lower.

 

[alan98]

Re: Caliber for next build

I'm open to either long or short action. I have heard that the 7wsm and 338 are close. Hmmmm...that is an idea just to skip the intermediate caliber/338 and just do a 7wsm. Decisions, decisions lol. What would you do?

Alan

 

[bohem]

Re: Caliber for next build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alan98</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm open to either long or short action. I have heard that the 7wsm and 338 are close. Hmmmm...that is an idea just to skip the intermediate caliber/338 and just do a 7wsm. Decisions, decisions lol. What would you do?

Alan </div></div>

7/300 WSM (aka 7mm BAT) on a 28" 1:8.5 barrel throated for shooting 162's at the lands, this gives room to chase the lands with the 180's as the barrel burns.

 

[steve123]

Re: Caliber for next build

All around I'd go 7mm. Cheaper to shoot and less recoil.

Although the new Berger 300G VLD's would give the 338L a advantage in the wind with more energy on target.

Steve

 

[scotharr]

Re: Caliber for next build

The various 6.5 rounds are all the rage these days. You have so many choices and that's where I would look: 6.5 Creedmoor, 260REM, 6.5x47 Lapua. Personally, I shoot 243WIN and it is fabulous but eats barrels a little faster.

 

[Wrighty]

Re: Caliber for next build

260 Rem, 6.5 CM, and 6.5x47 would all fit the bill. here is a great discussion and comparison of all three.

http://demigodllc.com/articles/6.5-shootout-260-6.5x47-6.5-creedmoor/

 

[wadebrown]

Re: Caliber for next build

I would go with a 6.5, but I am kind of a 6.5 whore. I have most of the 6.5 chamberings and wildcats, I really like the 6.5 x 55 AI, but the 6.5 x 55 loaded to modern pressures is a great round to 1,00 and a little beyond.