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The Basics, Starting Out
Different calibers and loads for a beginner long ranger
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<blockquote data-quote="grit" data-source="post: 215968" data-attributes="member: 4112"><p>BC,</p><p> Welcome! The long range game is a lot of fun and a very enjoyable journey. </p><p></p><p>First, the thirty thirty. This is really not a "long range" round. Lever action rifles aren't generally accurate enough. You can't load long range, high BC bullets in tubular magazines. The 30-30 case doesn't hold much powder, and just isn't very potent. In this class, a 308 would be an exponentially better choice.</p><p></p><p>As far as recoil, the 308 and 30-30 would be similar. Several factors affect recoil. My 30-30 has a steel butt plate, and can be unpleasant to shoot. A 308 in a bolt action with a better pad would be more comfortable to shoot even though the 308 produces more energy.</p><p></p><p>For easy to obtain, easy on the shoulder long range rounds I would look at the following.</p><p></p><p>First, the 308 winchester based rounds.</p><p>The 243 is very light recoiling, 1000 yard capable, and good for deer to about 500 yards.</p><p>The 260 is an exceptional long range round offering more performance than the 243. This would perhaps be my first choice for you. It is, unfortunately, a bit harder to find.</p><p>The 7-08 is the next step. The 7 has the advantage of a wide array of high bc bullets and is plenty capable for elk, while the 260 may be marginal. Another fine choice.</p><p>These rounds are all based on the 308 case, shooting different caliber bullets. As for the 308 itself, it is a solid performer. A bit mild for a 30 caliber in my opinion, but a great place to start. These are all mild recoiling, inexpensive, and very capable long range rounds. They will all get to 1k on paper, targets, or varmints, and 500 and a bit beyond on game.</p><p></p><p>The next step up would be the 30-06 based rounds. The 25-06 offers flat trajectory and mild recoil. The 270 is a long time favourite, moderate recoiling round. And the 30-06 has been used to kill everything on the planet....twice, at ranges near and far.</p><p></p><p>The next step would be the short mags. These offer a bit more recoil than standard offerings, but a lot of performance. The 270, 7mm, and 300 short mag are all very solid performers. This is the first case size I feal the 30 starts to shine. Recoil of these may be a bit much for a beginner. I would use a brake for this class of round. </p><p></p><p>There are a host of harder to get calibers that fit the bill also. The 284, and 6.5-284 both offer mild recoil and flat trajectory.</p><p></p><p>I could go on for a loooong time. I would suggest a reloading book. You can browse and compare calibers endlessly. In summary, my first reccomendation for mild recoil, easy to get, economical, and long range capable would be the 260 or the 7-08. The 7-08 is a bit more versatile.</p><p></p><p>I didn't suggest loads for any of the rounds. Basically what you want is a high bc, heavy for caliber bullet. Look at Nosler Accubonds and Berger. You need to make sure the bullets will stabilize at the twist and velocity you'll be shooting. The 1 in 10 twist you mentioned is not an across the board solution. You need to look at each caliber / cartridge / bullet combo individually.</p><p></p><p>Some of your other questions. 223: You can get to 1k with it, but not in a factory rifle. Fun to shoot but more of a 500 yard cartridge, with a lot of drift and drop. 308: The 308 will get to 1k, but is running on empty. The 30-06 will get to 1k with much more authority than the 308. In iether case class(308 or 30-06), you're better off to go with a smaller caliber bullet. This means you get a higher bc bullet going faster. This equalls better long range performance. So, the 260 and 7-08 outperform the 308 at long range.</p><p></p><p>I'm starting to ramble. So, enough for now. Good luck. Welcome. Enjoy the journey.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="grit, post: 215968, member: 4112"] BC, Welcome! The long range game is a lot of fun and a very enjoyable journey. First, the thirty thirty. This is really not a "long range" round. Lever action rifles aren't generally accurate enough. You can't load long range, high BC bullets in tubular magazines. The 30-30 case doesn't hold much powder, and just isn't very potent. In this class, a 308 would be an exponentially better choice. As far as recoil, the 308 and 30-30 would be similar. Several factors affect recoil. My 30-30 has a steel butt plate, and can be unpleasant to shoot. A 308 in a bolt action with a better pad would be more comfortable to shoot even though the 308 produces more energy. For easy to obtain, easy on the shoulder long range rounds I would look at the following. First, the 308 winchester based rounds. The 243 is very light recoiling, 1000 yard capable, and good for deer to about 500 yards. The 260 is an exceptional long range round offering more performance than the 243. This would perhaps be my first choice for you. It is, unfortunately, a bit harder to find. The 7-08 is the next step. The 7 has the advantage of a wide array of high bc bullets and is plenty capable for elk, while the 260 may be marginal. Another fine choice. These rounds are all based on the 308 case, shooting different caliber bullets. As for the 308 itself, it is a solid performer. A bit mild for a 30 caliber in my opinion, but a great place to start. These are all mild recoiling, inexpensive, and very capable long range rounds. They will all get to 1k on paper, targets, or varmints, and 500 and a bit beyond on game. The next step up would be the 30-06 based rounds. The 25-06 offers flat trajectory and mild recoil. The 270 is a long time favourite, moderate recoiling round. And the 30-06 has been used to kill everything on the planet....twice, at ranges near and far. The next step would be the short mags. These offer a bit more recoil than standard offerings, but a lot of performance. The 270, 7mm, and 300 short mag are all very solid performers. This is the first case size I feal the 30 starts to shine. Recoil of these may be a bit much for a beginner. I would use a brake for this class of round. There are a host of harder to get calibers that fit the bill also. The 284, and 6.5-284 both offer mild recoil and flat trajectory. I could go on for a loooong time. I would suggest a reloading book. You can browse and compare calibers endlessly. In summary, my first reccomendation for mild recoil, easy to get, economical, and long range capable would be the 260 or the 7-08. The 7-08 is a bit more versatile. I didn't suggest loads for any of the rounds. Basically what you want is a high bc, heavy for caliber bullet. Look at Nosler Accubonds and Berger. You need to make sure the bullets will stabilize at the twist and velocity you'll be shooting. The 1 in 10 twist you mentioned is not an across the board solution. You need to look at each caliber / cartridge / bullet combo individually. Some of your other questions. 223: You can get to 1k with it, but not in a factory rifle. Fun to shoot but more of a 500 yard cartridge, with a lot of drift and drop. 308: The 308 will get to 1k, but is running on empty. The 30-06 will get to 1k with much more authority than the 308. In iether case class(308 or 30-06), you're better off to go with a smaller caliber bullet. This means you get a higher bc bullet going faster. This equalls better long range performance. So, the 260 and 7-08 outperform the 308 at long range. I'm starting to ramble. So, enough for now. Good luck. Welcome. Enjoy the journey. [/QUOTE]
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Different calibers and loads for a beginner long ranger
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