Long range big game caliber

[bretterath]

I do a lot of mule deer ,whitetail, antelope and elk hunting and I'm trying to find the best caliber that will work for me, I do a lot of long range hunting. Right now I have a custom 300 rum that is a hammer, very accurate but to heavy for me to be carrying up big ravines,butes and mountains, it has a break on it and on my new build I'm going with out a break and I'm trying to get some advice on another caliber that would suit me for those big game animals and any advice on what parts I could order that would put me into a lighter rifle. Right now my rum weighs 12.7 lbs thanks for any advice

[silvercreekguide]

How far are you wanting to shoot?

[calib]

sounds like you have a round decided on, maybe you just need to have a gun built for you that is lighter.

[Elksmackdown]

sounds like you are going from one side of the coin to the other, maybe get a nice backpack and your hike will be more enoyable.
a lighter gun without a break? should shorten up you range a bit i would think.

[azsugarbear]

How much lighter in weight do you want to be? From what you are describing, maybe the tried and true Rem 7mm Mag is the way to go. Great choice of bullets and ammo, delivers a punch, and most can shoot it w/o a break.

[bretterath]

I plan on shooting 500+ yards if needed with it. My plan is a 7and a half pound gun, I'm considering a 7 wsm what are your thoughts on that.

[COBrad]

7 WSM 7 Rem mag, no difference. The short action will gain a few ounces. I went 270 WSM in a rifle that weighs 8 lbs with a Nightforce 2.5-10. Better bullet selection with 7mm, but enough really good bullets available for the 270 to hunt anything. I wanted adequate ability to shoot elk at 700 yards or so, and minimize recoil so I wouldn't need a brake. I have been nothing but happy with this rifle. It has also proven accurate enough to take numerous marmots at ranges out to 600 yards.
Doing a light rifle without a brake I would not go bigger than 7mm, but I don't like heavy recoil in a light rifle.