I'm indecisive. Help me choose a caliber.

[Trickymissfit]

Just for a generic rifle to shoot 750 yards out of the box, your asking a lot. Yes some will, but most won't. A custom built barrel in .280 Remington should be just fine (as would a .270 Winchester). I think I'd look seriously at the .300WSM or the .338 RCM
gary

[tfccox]

I like the savage 270 wsm my self. useing the silver tip ballistc very good long range .

[junkpile]

Michael, you have just reminded me how much I don't know. I may go back to looking at the 308. I was just thinking today about what I would do with my current deer rifle, and I've also got a 9.3x62 that has seen no use since I left Alaska. Might be able to trade some of these out and be able to actually use everything I own.

Trickymissfit, I don't think I'm after a generic rifle. I wanted to use the Savage action due to the fact that I can change calibers as I desire, and as funds show themselves. I was actually toying with the idea of getting a long action, even though I might be running something like a 243, or 308 or 7-08, just so I could switch over to something else if I wanted to. I'm planning for a heavy barrel, but have no intention of making this thing look pretty. I'm just not into pretty guns for some reason. To me, they are still just tools. Anyway, I was going to build an action support that extends back to the grip, and then runs forward beneath the barrel, but with plenty of space. I will be able to swap the barrel out without removing the "stock" provided I don't need to lock the action into a vise, which I know is a distinct possibility... And I'm rambling.

Michael, what are your thoughts on moose and brown bear with the 308?

[Michael Eichele]

Moose? Cake. Killed 3 big bulls no sweat.

Brown bears? I wouldn't be afraid so long as it was not face to face. Unfortunately, many bears are killed up close.

[Buano]

My "short list" for 1,000 yard deer rifles would start with the .300 RUM, Win & Weatherby. For a lighter round, the .270 WSM is fast enough to be forgiving. Then I would get realistic & say for retained energy at 900-1,000 yards you should be considering a .338, rum or Lapua, or the .338/.378 Weatherby.

I recently picked up a used Weatherby Accumark in 338/378 and was pleasantly surprised to find the recoil negligible with the standard muzzle brake, that the rifle isn't too heavy to cary on most hunts, and that mandatory ear protection was the only negative for a true long-range outfit. If you don't like recoil, you would love this rifle. The felt recoil is similar to a mid-weight 20 gauge shotgun with a light target load.

The most uncomfortable recoil rifle I own is a .270 WSM, so don't assume the light rounds always feel better to shoot. That .270 WSM is hard to shoot, and harder to shoot well.

[varmintH8R]

I know this was already brought up, but I am in agreeement that 300WSM might be worth a look. I shoot and reload for one, and have found it to be pretty forgiving with different bullet weights for different applications. I've never hunted with it over 400 yds (I know, sacrilidge) but the ballistics are on par with a 300Mag and it keeps you in a short-action.

[Royal Knight]

My 2 cents would be and its a wildcat. 260 ackley improved.