backyardsniper
Well-Known Member
Here is the deal. I just made a trade with a fella on here. Bigbada, who by the way is excellent to deal with if you ever get a chance to do business with him. Out if this deal I got a unfired rem 700 SPS in 7mmRUM which already has the bolt fluted and a tac knob installed. As you can probably guess this rifle is the beginning of my first custom rifle. I bought a custom rifle from a guy and now I'm hooked on them. Anyway I have a good Idea of where I want to go with this rifle. It is going to be a long range hunting rifle that will probably spend more time at the range than hunting but I do intend to hunt with it. I know I want a Manners T5 I'm pretty sure. I know I want to keep the weight down to a reasonable amount. 12lb or less hopefully. My big question is what caliber. What I'm really looking for here is just some opinions and pro's and cons on your favorite caliber. I currently have a TRG42 in 338. I am leaning hard toward a 300ultra since they have the new 230gr bullets out in 30 cal now. However i kinda like the big 7mag stuff. I thought about an Edge but 338 bullets are pricey. I can sling cheap .30cal and 7mm stuff at the steel. I Like 6.5 stuff but I don't know if there are any big 6.5s and i don't want to get into too much wildcat stuff, forming brass and such. Then there is always the inevitable question of barrel life. What about a short barreled 300 short mag has anyone messed with one of these. Or a short 300 ultra mag. would that be a complete waste. I know you would lose some velocity but how much. Anyway feel free to chime in with your opinions on your favorite long range hunting calibers and why. Thanks Guys