Next 30 cal rifle build caliber help!

[dmossu]

Hi All, looking for some advise on what my next rifle caliber should be. The gun will be used primarily for elk/mule deer hunting in Colorado, Wyoming, etc.

I currently have a .300WM with a 1-10 twist that only gets about 2,750-2,800 fps with Berger 215's and I feel that I could do better. I have about 300 Berger 230's that I plan to run through this new build (or the 215's, we'll see).

I'm strongly considering a .300PRC (1-9 twist) or a 30 Nosler. The real question is, would the PRC be that big of an upgrade to the 300WM? If not, would the 30Nosler or 300NM be?

I have read a bunch of good things on the Nosler, but how is the barrel life for everyone?

 

[Bacarrat]

With the Norma you would have to get a Lapua bolt, PRC would work with the standard magnum bolt.

 

[dmossu]

With the Norma you would have to get a Lapua bolt, PRC would work with the standard magnum bolt.

Correct

 

[Bandit320]

I shoot 225 ELDMs out of my 26” WM at 2900 fps, but I single load and they’re loaded long, about 3.650”. Those are to long for my magazine. The PRC will probably do a little better and will feed these longer rounds from the magazine.

If you are set up to reload for your WM and your magazine will allow longer cartridge lengths I would stick with it.