Lets talk best LR cartridge vs accuracy!

[Dave King]

IMHO, 600 yards on an elk is easily within the realm of the 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag and probably easily done with a 308 Win.

You don't mention environmentals (temp or elevation values), they could have a bit of effect on the answers. A 308 Win with 175's at 600 yards at 13,000ft ASL and 50f is probably equal to a 300 Win Mag with 190's at 600ft ASL and 20f.

[NorthernSniper]

Dave,the elevation would be 3-4000ft and temp 32-55 F . I am working with 200gr Accubonds in a 300WM and 168gr TSX 300WM Sako Hunter 75 for this season. I'm thinking 200gr Accubond for the 350yd+ shooting for less wind drift and higher retained energy on contact! Barnes 168 TSX for shorter range and smaller game like timber wolves. I am doing my load development at sea level before heading north in september how do you expect the change in elevation will affect my loads? I have read many of your posts Dave you are extremely knowledgeable do you think any particular cartridge has any advantage accuracy wise, short fat vs long slender? I'm not real crazy about the 300WM being belted either but then again maybe I could get used to it, stepping up to a 30 cal with a flatter trajectory would be stepping up heavier recoil. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ewallace]

Since you have a 300 WSM I would go with a 30-338 Lapua IMP. I shoot with Tom Sarver who has shot more than one 4 inch 5 shot grroup at 1000 yards in IBS BR matches with a 30 Yogi (30-338 lapua IMP) Dave Tooley in NC dose this case. I shoot a 338 Yogi in HG 1000 yard and 1 Mile matches and have shot this combo into 8 inches 10 shots at 1000 Yards. I am having a 338 Lapua IMP built on a 8.5 BAT action for long range Elk huning. Rifle will be less than #17 and portable hoping to take a elk at long range less than 2000 Yards with this combo.
Crow Mag

[Agunner012]

Sounds interesting Crow mag. Who is building it?

Andrew

[Dave King]

NorthernSniper

Careful with what you say, it'll make my header bigger than it already is. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I guess what I'm saying is that for the 600 yard distance you're anticipating nearly any good 30 caliber accurate cartridge/chambering will do. The difference between a 308 Win, 300 Win mag, 30-338 Lapua will of course be drift, drop and energy but all are capable of being accurate enough at that distance to kill elk with a good clean hit. There is something to be said for having plenty of buffer/margin and the little ol' 308 Win would probably be right on the lower edge of adequate while the 30-338 Lapua would certainly have plenty of leg left after such a short run.

The BC for the 200 Accubond appears to be .588, respectable.... now to discover if it's accurate.

[Len Backus]

So, Dave King, what on earth qualifies you to talk about shooting elk at long range at high altitude with a 30 caliber? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 06-19-2004: Message edited by: Len Backus ]

[ewallace]

Dwight Scott is building my new rifle [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Crow Mag