Need advice on calibers

[claygunnell]

Sold my bike so time to dump some money into an investment... By investment I mean rifle. I was looking into a 338 win mag, 300 win mag, or 7rem mag. I don't know much about the ultra mags. I would like to use this rifle to shoot elk, deer, and slap some steel around at 800-1000'yards or so. This is my first bigger caliber rifle. My father in law has some brass, dies, and bullets he will give me if I end up getting a 7 mag. I just don't know what I want to be honest. Completely new to this.

Thanks in advance for your help. It's much appreciated.

 

[VKC]

If the max range you will be shooting is 1000 yds for steel, then I would go with a 7mm mag for less recoil than a 300wm and 338lm. The 7mms will throw higher BC bullets at higher velocity than a 300wm. Unless you have deep pockets, I don't think a 338lm is worth it within 1600 yds. Just my opinion.

 

[long range newbie]

you can shoot heavies faster out of a 300wm with better bc but at the cost of more barrel length and weight. but more bc. berger 180gr hybrid match target .674, 230gr match hybrid target .743. It will have a lot of recoil though, so brake is a must.

 

[Derrick300]

I'm also a big fan of the 300. Will easily do what your looking for and is usually very easy to find on the shelf at most sporting stores.
In my opinion recoil isn't that bad unless your building a super ultra lite rifle, a brake does make a long day of shooting a little easier though.

 

[Graham]

Need advice on calibers

You don't need a magnum for what you say you want to do. if you get one you won't use it enough, and if you use it enough you will put serious money into keeping it running.

Forget what the gun magazines say about everyone needing the latest whiz-bang arctic dangerous game double-gun cartridge, get a useful caliber and learn how to use it well.

Better yet, take the money and instead of buying something new spend it on training and ammunition for your light rifle. That way you will end-up having less, but you will possess more knowledge and better skills.

 

[Pinecone]

Sounds like a match made for .30-06

Maybe even .308 if you limit the range you shoot the elk at.

 

[claygunnell]

I forgot to mention that I reload, so ammunition cost is decreased slightly. I also eventually would like to shoot 1500 yards. That will be something to work up to though. I like the 7 mag but worry about the energy of the bullet at an elk at 600 yards. For some off you shooting the 300 win mag why did you choose that caliber

 

[claygunnell]

VKC
Are you meaning 338 lapua mag? I don't want to shoot that. I was thinking 338 win mag.

 

[coldboremiracle]

You don't need a magnum for what you say you want to do. if you get one you won't use it enough, and if you use it enough you will put serious money into keeping it running.

Forget what the gun magazines say about everyone needing the latest whiz-bang arctic dangerous game double-gun cartridge, get a useful caliber and learn how to use it well.

Better yet, take the money and instead of buying something new spend it on training and ammunition for your light rifle. That way you will end-up having less, but you will possess more knowledge and better skills.

^This, for what you describe, a 7-08 would fit the bill nicely. A 7 mag will probably burn out right after you get good and used to it, a smaller round will suit you for your hunting needs as well as training and skill building. And then someday if you want to go to 15ooydsyou can step up to something bigger, or maybe get there with what you got, if your training pays off.