Been shootin' long for a couple years now. Up to this point I've been pretty conservative with my rifles. 243, 270, &300win mag. The rifles are factory rigs with aftermarket stocks, bedded actions and tuned triggers. All done by me.
I'll start with caliber selection. I've run a couple searches, and spent some time browsing old threads and archives. I need an overview of what some of the different calibers can do. Some of the calibers that've caught my intererest are: 270am, 7mmam, 7stw,7rum also the 338's edge, thunder, ultra...
I'd appreciate info on these calibers. Links, load data... I'd also like an overview of what it takes to load some of these wildcats.
I'm looking for the next step in long range performance.
Of the ones you listed I'd go with the 7mm AM. I shoot a very nice 270 AM (I already had an action that would work) but I think the 284 cal is just enough larger to make a difference in bullet performance not to mention the use of Lapua brass.
Having said that I think I'm headed for a 338 something for the larger of the big game @ LR.
GG,
Hunting! Needs to be elk capable. And comfortable to carry. My 300win is a Rem Sendero in Joel Russos "new" A5 type stock, and a DE brake, with a leupy 6.5-20. I haven't weighed it, but this is right on the edge of more weight than I want to pack. I want a versatile package, not a rifle I need a backpack to carry. I just find the rifle on my shoulder when it should be in my hands.
I'm thinking I could get more performance in this weight class. Carbon wrapped barrel, synthetic stock, more efficient cartridge, higher bc bullets, better accuracy...
There's a pic of Kirbys 7am on here somewhere. Olive colored manners tactical thumbhole stock, matte black barrel. Your thunder is a fine lookin' rig too.
Roy,
Thanks for the input. How's the 270 treating you? Shooting the wildcats? The 7's have got my attention too. And, I don't own a .284 of any kind yet. Then again, the stories these fellas put up about the .338's...
I've searched around for info on Kirbys stuff. I know it's on here. Do you know where I can find good info. I emailed Kirby. I'm sure I'll hear from him. But, in the mean time...
When I was researching my first custom rifle I was looking for something very much like you descibed. I had used a 300 weatherby mag vanguard factory rifle out to ranges around 500 yards and wanted the next step.
Considering I would be using it to take down 600 lb deer, all the elk rifles were considered with 500-1000 yards being its main field of fire considered. I ended up settling on the 338 edge by Defensive edge setup in a fairly light packable package sub 12 lbs. Enough weight to be shootable, but light enough to pack in just about anywhere. I felt it would be a good balance to be an excellent sit and snipe rifle. Like most it will shoot a proven 300 smk load and the rifle can dial to 2000 yards with the 22 x NXS NIGHTFORCE scope. Planning on also using the lighter 250 rbbt wildcat when they hit the market.
The thing that I liked was the calibre had proven itself and I spoke to lots of satisfied owners. It also ended up coming in well within my budget, when some other couldn't.
You have plenty to choose from, this is just how I selected one ?
Good luck
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