One rifle to do it all?

Timnterra

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I'm having another kid this year and I've sold a bunch of my rifles which has got me thinking of continuing to sell others to simplify my life. I like the idea of having one rifle to do everything. I think it will be a switch barrel rig, but maybe not. If you could build the ultimate do everything long range hunting rifle what caliber and components would you choose? I don't plan to ever hunt brown bear or African dangerous game so I don't think I'll ever need anything larger than .30 caliber. I do enjoy shooting steel at long distances and hunting everything from prairie dogs to hopefully mooose some day. What would you choose?
 
Maybe mention a budget and weight of the rifle you'd like. Also does your budget include the glass for the rifle. It would help narrow your responses.
 
I have a few .30 cals and bigger but the .300 WM remains my go to chambering for antelope to elk size game up to 1K yards. Have a 26" or longer with 1:9" or faster and load it with 215/230 Berger and you're golden. Or 26" or longer with 1:8" or faster and load Hammer Bullets 227 grainers.

For non-belted, the .30 Nosler might be another consideration.
 
I have a few .30 cals and bigger but the .300 WM remains my go to chambering for antelope to elk size game up to 1K yards. Have a 26" or longer with 1:9" or faster and load it with 215/230 Berger and you're golden. Or 26" or longer with 1:8" or faster and load Hammer Bullets 227 grainers.

For non-belted, the .30 Nosler might be another consideration.

Please tell me you shoot prairie dogs with a 300 win! That would be epic! 110 grain v max out of a 300 win would be a sight to see. The OP lists prairie dog to moose.
 
Maybe mention a budget and weight of the rifle you'd like. Also does your budget include the glass for the rifle. It would help narrow your responses.

I don't have a budget, if I sell the rest of my rifles the sky is the limit. It will be a "do everything" rifle so it needs to be no more than 14lbs dressed to hunt; less would be better, but I don't need an ultralight setup. However, I have never had a carbon wrapped barrel but i am seriously looking at Proof research which would cut down on weight a little. I have glass, I'm really just asking what caliber would you choose to do everything.
 
Please tell me you shoot prairie dogs with a 300 win! That would be epic! 110 grain v max out of a 300 win would be a sight to see. The OP lists prairie dog to moose.

I've shot prairie dogs with a 338 lapua. It's fun Though Not as spectacular as a 6mm Remington with a 60gr bullet.
 
I have a few .30 cals and bigger but the .300 WM remains my go to chambering for antelope to elk size game up to 1K yards. Have a 26" or longer with 1:9" or faster and load it with 215/230 Berger and you're golden. Or 26" or longer with 1:8" or faster and load Hammer Bullets 227 grainers.

For non-belted, the .30 Nosler might be another consideration.

I can never quite get away from the 300 Win mag... it is very well rounded.
I built a 30 Nosler a couple years back and it was a real shooter, but the performance was no better than my 300 Win mag. And the brass is ridiculous! It's more expensive than lapua 338 Brass.
 
I don't have a budget, if I sell the rest of my rifles the sky is the limit. It will be a "do everything" rifle so it needs to be no more than 14lbs dressed to hunt; less would be better, but I don't need an ultralight setup. However, I have never had a carbon wrapped barrel but i am seriously looking at Proof research which would cut down on weight a little. I have glass, I'm really just asking what caliber would you choose to do everything.

Okay, I thought you wanted all the details. As for a do it all cartridge. I think I would choose one of the 6.5 or 7mm offerings. I personally own a couple 6.5s and enjoy both. I have a Creedmoor and a 6.5x284. I wouldn't mind shooting either at prairie dogs all the way up to elk. I also love my 280 Ackley as it works across all game without being super overkill like my 28 Nosler would be for prairie dogs. I think there will be many opinions you'll receive but if I trying to make just one cartridge work across the board I would go 280 Ackley. Good luck and a prairie dog with a 338 Lapua...you're truly a gangsta. Lol
 
Prairie dogs to moose would be best with two rifles.
I would recommend a 6mm with a fast twist barrel. shooting high bc 115 grain bullets would be great for long range varmints and steel.
For everything else a hot rod 7mm is perfect, high bc 180 or 195 grain bullets are incredible at long range.
I would look into a 28 nosler, 7wsm, or 280ai.
I like your logic, just having one or two rifles will give you the opportunity to dial them in and get really proficient.
 
I can never quite get away from the 300 Win mag... it is very well rounded.
I built a 30 Nosler a couple years back and it was a real shooter, but the performance was no better than my 300 Win mag. And the brass is ridiculous! It's more expensive than lapua 338 Brass.

Yep, I know exactly what you mean. 110 VMax at 3800 FPS on prairie dogs/gophers might be interesting. Might have to try that on one of my .300 WM before re-barreling.:D
 
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Okay, I thought you wanted all the details. As for a do it all cartridge. I think I would choose one of the 6.5 or 7mm offerings. I personally own a couple 6.5s and enjoy both. I have a Creedmoor and a 6.5x284. I wouldn't mind shooting either at prairie dogs all the way up to elk. I also love my 280 Ackley as it works across all game without being super overkill like my 28 Nosler would be for prairie dogs. I think there will be many opinions you'll receive but if I trying to make just one cartridge work across the board I would go 280 Ackley. Good luck and a prairie dog with a 338 Lapua...you're truly a gangsta. Lol
hah you posted while I was writing, pretty much negates what I just said. Great advice man
 
Yep, I know exactly what you mean. 110 VMax at 3800 FPS on prairie dogs/gophers might be interesting. Might have to try that on one of my .300 WM before re-barreling.:D

OOPS, sorry for the duplicate post.
 
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