Help choosing caliber

[CPerkins]

Thanks for all of the advise. I do see that some have been asking for some more info to help me more so lets see if I can add alittle more detail. I currently have 2 rifles (custom 7 mag. and a 300 win mag. that has alot of work done:floated barrel, pillar bedded, trigger job ~ 2.5 LBS, and had the barrel recrowned) Both will shoot less than a half inch group at 100 yards. I don't look to have the opprotunity anytime soon to hunt anything but whitetail, but I want to have something that I could use on elk if I get a chance. I definitly want something that will be 1000+ yard gun and I don't think that you can have too much overkill. I am undecided about a muzzlebreak. I love handloading and from what I have read on this site, I don't think that I would have any problem with shooting a SMK at game animals. I would like to be able to buy brass for the rifle without getting into necking it down or fireforming. I have fireformed before with a 25-06 ackley improved, but didn't care much for it. I have no experiece necking down brass and dont even know what would be involved. I think it would be easier to just buy it.
Again thanks for the help

[BountyHunter]

You have just defined the 338 Lapua IMO. No necking down/up fireforming and you can buy a Lawton 8500 action that is 1.650 in Diameter with .750 bolt that can shoot the 338 Lapua. Cost is $795 and it is ready to put a barrel on and takes rem trigger.

Forester Bonanza BR dies for under $100, brass will cost $1.25 each but 100 pieces will wear out 3 barrels.

Several new 338 bullets coming out. I saw the new 300 gr Hornadys shot at the Nationals and with an Armalite AR-30 they shot a 10 shot group under 9" at 1000.

BH

[D.P.]

Since you have a 7mm and 300 sounds like you need a Lapua and some 300 grain SMK's

[J E Custom]

CODY

The 338 RUM will best the 340 and can be bough over
the counter for less than the 340 ammo.

And would be a nice addition to your collection.

J E CUSTOM

[CPerkins]

[ QUOTE ]
CODY

The 338 RUM will best the 340 and can be bough over
the counter for less than the 340 ammo.

And would be a nice addition to your collection.

J E CUSTOM

[/ QUOTE ]

I like what I hear on the 338 RUM, but what kind of velocity van I expect with handloads. I know that factory loads are not the best indicators, but from looking at those the 340 looks to be much faster. The only bullet that I can find loaded in both is the 210 gr. nosler partition. The 338 RUM is a federal loading listed at 3025 fps at the muzzle. The 340 is a Weatherby load listed at 3211 fps. I know that it is hard to compare the loads of two manufactures even with the same bullet, but 200 fps is quite a difference.
Thanks

[J E Custom]

CODY

WEATHERBY gets its velocity with lots of freebore.
factory loads cannot be shot in a rifle with standard
freebore (excessive pressure will occur)

Usable powder capacity for the 340 is around 90 grs

The 338 RUM is 103grs not a lot of difference but with
standard freebore.

If you used WEATHERBYs freebore it would certainly beat
the 340 in velocity.

Dont get me wrong I think the 340 is a tremendous cartrige
But at twice the price for weatherby ammo and rifle the
338 RUM is the best deal all around.

Just an opinion but everone has one.

J E CUSTOM