best long range caliber

[nate-lab]

What do you think is the best long range caliber for hunting and shooting?



thank
nate

 

[Michael Eichele]

It depends on your definition of long range AND the size of the targets being hunted.

Are we talking prarie dogs at a mile, a moose at a mile or a deer at 800 yards?

 

[JARHEAD1371]

After more research than I care to admit to, I chose the 7mm SAUM for my build. I will be pushing the 180 gr Berger VLD, out of a 28" barrel, around 2950 fps. I believe this is a wicked combo for the deer, elk, and antelope here in western SD and eastern WY. gun)

 

[bwaites]

After more research than I care to admit to, I chose the 7mm SAUM for my build. I will be pushing the 180 gr Berger VLD, out of a 28" barrel, around 2950 fps. I believe this is a wicked combo for the deer, elk, and antelope here in western SD and eastern WY. gun)

Great choice! I chose the 7mm WSM, and it was essentially a dead heat between the two until I found a great deal on the WSM.

But the original poster left way too man unanswered questions before we can give him a good answer.

Bill

 

[davewilson]

because i have shot "one" groundhog at long range, and i know it also works great on elk, i'm gonna say 338!

 

[338 bruce]

.375 long fast bullet

 

[johnnyk]

Not sure there is a "best" caliber. There are so many cartridges out there right now that fill this bill for so many hunters/shooters. It would be easier if your definition of hunting and shooting were more specific (.i.e., hunting deer at 600yds & <, or elk hunting, varminting, informal target shooting, F-class, etc.). One size may fit all, but few stick with just one, especially me.
I have shot the 7mmRemMag for about 15yrs and it does what I have asked of it. I have also shot the .300WinMag off and on for about the same timeframe and it also delivers, with a bit more authority. I shoot them both regularly to 600yds and they're both still full of steam at that range and rairin' to go.
So many to choose from and so little time. Good luck. JohnnyK.

 

[nate-lab]

Target will be deer to elk size
Range would like at least a 1000 yards will settle for less

 

[LouBoyd]

What's best For me there are three criteria.
1. It's a rifle.

2. I consider the distance it shoots (for the type of rifle) to be long range. See other threads in this forum which ask "What's long range?".

3. For a rifle to be "Best" i must enjoy shooting it more than similar rifles. I would not enjoy shooting just one kind of rifle, so I choose to have several "best" catagories.

So my best long range rifles are:

50-70 34" Remington Rolling block - range well over 1000 yards though not supersonic most of the way. My best 100+ year old antique long range rifle.

DPSM LR-260 - supersonic to about 1400 yards. - My best long range AR "Black Rifle".

30-378 Sako TRG-S 28" barrel supersoinc to 1800+ yards. My best factory stock long range rifle.

Rem 700 with 29.5" Hart Barrel in 7mm STW. Supersonic to 2000 yards shooting 180 Bergers. My best long range rifle I can carry and shoot from a bipod.

50 BMG McBros w/ 40" K&P bore rider barrel. Supersonic to 2400 yards with 750 grain Barnes solids. It weighs 60 lbs. Not sure if it's a best rifle or best artillary piece.

I odn't have a practical use for any of them, but what does that have to do with "best".

No dobut others will have entirely different opinions what best means and what rifles meet their criteria.

 

[Michael Eichele]

Target will be deer to elk size
Range would like at least a 1000 yards will settle for less

There are so many good choices right now for that criteria.

My favorates for the task you are calling for are: (not in order)

300 RUM

338 RUM

338 Lapua Mag

For a wild cat:

338-300 RUM AKA: 338 EDGE

7mm AM.

 

[jwp475]

because i have shot "one" groundhog at long range, and i know it also works great on elk, i'm gonna say 338!

I have to agree with Dave. The 300 Grain SMK has an advertised BC of .768 that bucks the wind extremely well and hits like a freight train when it arrives.

It hammers game such as Elk and Deer

 

[fire fox]

I agree johny k I have shot the 7mm Mag for many years at long range for bench and hunting and it has never let me down. Even on elk at 1000 yards.