What cal should i build?

That question is like opening pandora's Box.......everyone is going to suggestion virtually every cartridge that can reach out 1000 yards in a L/A configuration. There are also 250 similar posts with an easy search. With that said, it's your first post, so all good.
For sure! Do a search before a post?
 
I am in no hurry to build the gun. So with that out of the way.
I have a LA rem700 Bare action.
I was thinking .280ai or some thing along the 7mm line.
It is a 06 bolt face with the factory trigger still on it.
I want o reach out to 1000yds for steel but only 500max if I get the chance to hunt with it.
Black bear, deer, elk, steel are my intended uses.
What call any why you'll you go with it?
Go easy on me it's my first post. Thanks Jake.
Lots of people talk about small calibers for long range hunting, I think its inadequate, you must have a 300 win mag or RUM minimum that can shoot a 210 grain projectile.
Your main issues are wind deflection and ethical hunting. You must get a killing shot at 300yds plus. 210 grn projectile would do it, specially for Black bear . If you don't hit a bear properly, you may get into trouble.Cheers
 
Bad hits on bears make a bad day no doubt. Been there done that. Happens to deer and that causes long tracking and late nights. Lost a great 4x4 white tail to a pack of coyotes bc of a bad hit. Stopped tracking on the third set of batteries for my head lamp. That was with a 7mmRM at 310yds. I miss called the wind and rain. The dang thing didn't bleed much but ran a county or two.
Point is I want a cal I shoot enough (I didn't previously. ) to be a better shot and have better tools in the tool box. Without burning more then is really needed. As well as it has the ballistic capacity at 500yds.
I know my limitations. It might even end up being shorter then 500yds. Switching to a bow taught me a ton about limitations.
Hell I tried a muzzle loader one year. I was way more confident with archery gear at 80yds on elk then I ever was with a boom stick. Because I shot every day for over a year from 5 yds to 103 yards. Just because I could hit 10 for 10 at 103 yards on a 8" spot at home, ( Nice day) doesn't give me the right to do it at a real elk. That I limited to 65 yards. Here in western Washington and most of eastern Washington is more then enough for 80-90% of any shots available.
 
The 280 AI is my next build on a rem 700 that I trued the bolt and action. Will be shooting 160's so went with a 9 twist mcgowen. Bought a 7mag Montana 1999 that won't shoot better than 3/4", but still breaking in the barrel, about 35 shots. But I know the 280 AI will be more accurate with me building it. Think it's a great caliber. The right bullet you will not have a problem killing elk or bear. Recommend Accubond or a Barnes though. But like somebody else mentioned, considered the 30-06 AI. Close to the 300 Win with less powder and allot of bullet choices. Good luck and have fun!
 
I am in no hurry to build the gun. So with that out of the way.
I have a LA rem700 Bare action.
I was thinking .280ai or some thing along the 7mm line.
It is a 06 bolt face with the factory trigger still on it.
I want o reach out to 1000yds for steel but only 500max if I get the chance to hunt with it.
Black bear, deer, elk, steel are my intended uses.
What call any why you'll you go with it?
Go easy on me it's my first post. Thanks Jake.
280 Ackley is my choice...building one for almost the same specifications right now. Another 6 weeks and i might have my barrel and receiver.
 
The 30-06 in my opinion is the way to go. Whatever the 308 shoots the 30-06 does it faster. As far as recoil goes, if you reload you can load it light or hot. You can use 110gr or 125gr for deer at 3000 fps with 125 or 110 it will drop any white tail or muley without you flinching just as much. Drop elk with 165 or 180 grain even 150 gr. There is so much you can do with this caliber as it shoots all caliber for the 308 too.
 
Lots of people talk about small calibers for long range hunting, I think its inadequate, you must have a 300 win mag or RUM minimum that can shoot a 210 grain projectile.
Your main issues are wind deflection and ethical hunting. You must get a killing shot at 300yds plus. 210 grn projectile would do it, specially for Black bear . If you don't hit a bear properly, you may get into trouble.Cheers
+1 great advice i will go with the 280 Ackley
 
280AI definitely. Why not a 30 cal? We'll, as mentioned before in this thread the 7mm has better BC's and sectional density, better at handling wind drift and a good amount of heavy for caliber bullets for bears and elk.

7mm is the perfect caliber, right between the 6.5's and the 30 Carl's. In the 280 AI ypull get a good 1,000 yd rifle.
 
I am in no hurry to build the gun. So with that out of the way.
I have a LA rem700 Bare action.
I was thinking .280ai or some thing along the 7mm line.
It is a 06 bolt face with the factory trigger still on it.
I want o reach out to 1000yds for steel but only 500max if I get the chance to hunt with it.
Black bear, deer, elk, steel are my intended uses.
What call any why you'll you go with it?
Go easy on me it's my first post. Thanks Jake.
7mm LRM...180 hybrids at 3076
 
Another late vote for the. 280AI. I run a 175 Berger Elite Hunter @ 2975 in mine. Plenty for 500 yard elk.
I also have a 160 TMK load @ 2991fps for long range coyotes. Those bullets are NOT fur friendly.
 
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