What Caliber for 600yd Whitetail? (New rifle Build)

[tbird86]

*ff

Where is that source of info ,I sure hope that is a rumor.

From the horse's mouth -- https://www.lapua.com/message-regarding-lapua-case-availability/

 

[30378wbymag]

From the horse's mouth -- https://www.lapua.com/message-regarding-lapua-case-availability/

Prolly using all that smaller stuff to produce more .338 Lapua sniper ammo for Ukraine!!!

 

[Mcranch]

He got us! Easy trap getting us to talk about guns n stuff1

But being old and retired, I like to read the comments. Since I have time now to kick back and listen. I asked why but as I read on I was already covered earlier by # 80 concerning the I don't like Bartlein remark was there a reply, I must have missed that.

 

[Mike Matteson]

Well if that what it's about. It's going for a good cause!

 

[dustinfew]

I'm looking to build a 600yd hunting rifle. I'll be starting with at Rem 700 LA left hand, trued. I'm planning on a 24" bartlein barrel. I'm not scared of wildcats or Ackley Improved either. I reload so, I'll be developing the loads. The current rifle is a 270win, but I'm thinking there is more bang for the buck in LR performance and aftermarket support. Most of my hunting is within 350yds or so, but I'm wanting a reliable option out to 600yds. This will double as range gun for some fun and probably run 2-300rds per year on the high side.

I'm leaning towards a 260rem or 7mm 08 in the LA. These guys not restricted to mag length can be pretty impressive.

I currently load for:
308, 7mm Rem mag, 7mm 08, 270 win, 223
And I have a 6.5 Creedmore on order for my son. We'll be loading for it as well.

Must haves:
-Long Range Support in brass and projectiles, at least in the manufacturing side. I'm not expecting everything to be in stock. (I'm not against fire forming good brass)
-Decent barrel life ~1800-2000rnd minimum
-Enough kinetic energy for deer at 600yds

Would like to haves:
-cross over powders or projectiles to current reloading stock
-Factory ammo options are nice, but not required.
-Something that is powder efficient
-No one ever complains about low recoil...

Feel free to add details of barrel length, twist, reamers, and load data.

Thanks very much for the info!

A lot of people may disagree with me here, but I have a FN SPR 308. with a Crimson Trace optic on it and I've reliably laid whitetail down in south east Oklahoma with it out to 750 yards. Using Hornady 168gr ELDMatch ammo.

 

[Lenny Foffa]

I happen to really like my Weatherby Mark V 26 inch BBL, chambered in 270 Weatherby Mag. I am shooting the 150 Grn. Nosler Accu Bond LR Bullets started at 3000 fps. With a G-1 BC of 593, it could possibly be a good option for you to consider. Sufficient energy at 600 for Whitetails. 300 yard target , 1 inch orange square, factory rifle from 1979 10 twist. Its a pretty good hunting rig. Cases last many loadings . Recoil is very manageable, even with no Muzzle break.

 

[Buttermilk]

Well after sifting through all these responses I haven't seen any other posts about the tried and true 30-06. It's old fashioned now and no one seems to talk about it much anymore but it really is a fine all around cartridge. In truth your 308 or 7-08 is all you need for 600yd whitetail hunting but since you are looking for something with crossover components to shoot out of a long action the 30-06 is your sensible choice. Your average hunting distance doesn't need a magnum cartridge or magnum recoil. You can use the same bullets from the 308 and the same powders from your 270 or creedmoor all you need is a box of Lapua brass and you now have a supercharged long action 308.

Then you missed my post…

 

[30378wbymag]

I happen to really like my Weatherby Mark V 26 inch BBL, chambered in 270 Weatherby Mag. I am shooting the 150 Grn. Nosler Accu Bond LR Bullets started at 3000 fps. With a G-1 BC of 593, it could possibly be a good option for you to consider. Sufficient energy at 600 for Whitetails. 300 yard target , 1 inch orange square, factory rifle from 1979 10 twist. Its a pretty good hunting rig. Cases last many loadings . Recoil is very manageable, even with no Muzzle break.

Beautiful Bee Lenny!!!

 

[hankle]

A lot of people may disagree with me here, but I have a FN SPR 308. with a Crimson Trace optic on it and I've reliably laid whitetail down in south east Oklahoma with it out to 750 yards. Using Hornady 168gr ELDMatch ammo.

Beautiful country out there! I got this guy just North East the Lawton this year

 

[dustinfew]

Beautiful country out there! I got this guy just North East the Lawton this year

Not a bad deer at all man. I will say it's a unique part of the country. Laid this one down about 40 miles north of Mcalester.

 

[VinceMule]

Lapua has put out a memo stating that a large number of their offerings in Brass are canceled immediately, and there will be a very limited number of offerings to continue. Check Lapua's web site for the correct information.

Lapua is gearing up for war production, and many nations are providing ammo to Ukraine.

 

[Timnterra]

Then you missed my post…

I guess I wasn't reading as close as I thought

 

[terry 338rum]

you could try a 300wm with a break. this will meet all your requirements with many more options.

 

[VinceMule]

The PRC case may need different feed rail configurations vs the 6.5x284.

The 260 AI is like a 6ppc when it comes to shooting small groups and easy to tune with a lot of powders with 140's at 2900 being the norm. The 260 AI is a wet dream come true.

The 6.5/06 and AI versions are often overlooked because they are not the latest and greatest new guys on the block. 140's at 3150 in the AI version with a 26" barrel is the real world!

This year, dies and brass are going to be major issues, not to mention, barrel blanks. While you are planning, check the availability of brass, dies, and barrel blanks you may be interested in. My neighbor did not check supplies a few years ago, and when he received his new Brux 6.5x47 Lapua, there was zero brass in the country at the time. I formed brass for him out of the new Remington 22/250 brass with the barrel shooting fantastic.

No one ever mentions the old 280 on a bolt action. I have had 4 of them over the years and with IMR 7828/Fed 210's the 160-162 is in small groups at 2900-2950 depending on the barrel length. The above combo takes little load development. I shot the 160 Partition, Sierra btsp, 162 SST with the 7828/Fed 210 in 9-9 1/4 twists. I shot Winchester and Remington brass, nothing fancy. RWS had 280 brass available for a while, but I saw no need for it. 280 load data is DUMBED down due to pumps and semi-autos on the market, consult the Nosler Manual #4 for bolt gun loads.

For some mind-blowing numbers on a trajectory chart, check out a 280, 8T, 180g ELDM at 2700 fps on a 26" barrel. Add 100-150 fps plus for the AI, perhaps a tad more if you are using Lapua '06 brass where you will never lose any primer pockets. The above is an extremely hard-hitting combo at 600. We have 8 lb swinging steel plates on a rack, various cartridges are very impressive in how much they make the plates swing.

The important thing to remember, Impact Velocity at the desired distance. If I had to be a one rifle man for deer and hogs, near and far, I could live with the 280 shooting 180 ELDm's at 2700, with sub 1/2" groups at 100 yards a given, using only a smidge of powder.