Magnum vs Ultra Magnum

[alloutsmith3]

I'm putting a plan together so I can start to build a long range hunting/shooting rifle. Not that I'll ever take a shot this far but I would like the rifle and load to be able to take elk sized game at 1200-1300 yards. I want the caliber to be something that is available in factory ammo so I've narrowed down my choices to 300 or 338 win mag and 300 or 338 ultra mag. Would the regular magnums be capable of this or would the ultra magnums be needed.

 

[freebird63]

There are others on here that more then I, but if you check out what the best of the west guys are doing with just a regular old 7MM, thats pretty impressive and they are also doing to long shots with the 6.5X264, both of those you can get HSM ammo loaded with berger bullets. Another caliber you should also look at is the 7MM STW, not many guns are still getting 2550fps at 500 yards with a 140gr bullet.
I have a sendero 300RUM and I am really considering when the barrel is gone to get a 28-30 inch barrel and have it rechambered to a 7MM STW.
I think if you were to get a 338 edge from Shawn Carlock at Defensive edge that they sell loaded ammo too??? somebody correct me if I am wrong. Or look at the 338 Lapua Mag.
You have to remember if your in the middle of no where and run out of ammo that most of these little mom and pop sporting/general stores are only going to have probably 243, 270, 7MM, 30/30, 30/06, 308 and 300 win mag.
Have you thought much about reloading??? I personally think that when a person starts hunting/shooting that they tend to learn a little more about what they are doing if they reload, its kinda like having a computer, if you learn to build your own computer then your going to understand a little more about how the computer works. There is a lot of good advice from alot of good people here on the board.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Chuck

 

[Trickymissfit]

I think I'd have to take a serious look at the .300 WSM or a generic .338 mag. But as many around already know; my first choice would be a .338-06AI. Not as hot as the others, but way more than good enough
gary

 

[bigngreen]

I think I'd have to take a serious look at the .300 WSM or a generic .338 mag. But as many around already know; my first choice would be a .338-06AI. Not as hot as the others, but way more than good enough
gary

What load would you use to shoot an elk at 1300 yrds with a 338-06AI? Most loads that I'm familiar with in a 338 win are going transonic at that range or sooner and not even close to elk medicine!!

Of the list the only one I would do is a 338 RUM, the 300 RUM has the snort but the barrel life is just to short for me. The 300 win would be my first choice if the ranges were in the 1000 yrd range. I don't know what possible combo in a 338 win could make it viable at that range!

 

[angus-5024]

+1 on what biggreen says, I would go .338 RUM hands down for that kinda range. Under 1k the 300 Win is perfect.

As for the 7mm and 6.5's on the best of the west, well I think that video editing has alot to do with them making 1000 yards shots on a big bull with one shot using a 6.5. it can be done i guess, I just wouldnt do it, or hunt with anyone who would. The 7STW maybe...

 

[ScottB]

Wow....when did the 300WM become just a 1k rifle? Didn't know it was necessary to add the word "Ultra" to it to get it beyond that magical 1k mark??
Hmmmm, interesting......
Wonder what happens if you were to add the word "Ultra Wizz Bangin" to it? You could probably shoot to the equator from either pole.



Seriously,
There is nothing a standard magnum isn't good for. The 300WM with the proper projectiles with reach the distances you need it to, with the amount of energy required. Brass for reloading will always be available at a much cheaper price, and the 30-caliber has the BC over the bigger diameter projectile of the same weight...and you can actually afford them on larger quantities(which means more practicing)
I have shot my 300WM{Savage action PacNor 29" 9.5"twist 3-groove} to 1,450. It still has the energy to knock down IPSC large 'poppers' set heavy.


Scott

 

[alloutsmith3]

Thanks for the responses so far guys. I don't currently reload but do plan on starting in the near future. Is there a different caliber you guys would choose to do the job? I'd prefer it to be something I could buy ammo off the shelf or ammo that is more readily availble if possible. Thanks

 

[375fan]

I'd prefer it to be something I could buy ammo off the shelf or ammo that is more readily availble if possible. Thanks

If that is your main parameter , then like ScottB said, I'd say go with the 300wm.
Jeff

 

[cross]

If that is your main parameter , then like ScottB said, I'd say go with the 300wm.
Jeff

Allout,

1300 yards for elk is one hell of a long ways. Yes, an Ultra (300 or 338) is almost the only factory round that is going to be able to take elk at 1300 yards. Lapua of course would work but 1300 is serious business. You're going to experience serious velocity issues at this range unless your bullets are something along VLDs and you put alot of coal behind it. You're also going to need a muzzle break. 1300 yard shots aren't 800 yard shots. They require much more skill and practice. You'll probably not want to withstand the amount of punishment that your 'Monster Biggie' is going to apply to you every time to pull the trigger unless you have a break. The wind is going to be a nightmare for anything but a fantastic BC bullet in places where you can shoot at elk at 1,300 yards.

God's speed.

 

[alloutsmith3]

Allout,

1300 yards for elk is one hell of a long ways. Yes, an Ultra (300 or 338) is almost the only factory round that is going to be able to take elk at 1300 yards. Lapua of course would work but 1300 is serious business. You're going to experience serious velocity issues at this range unless your bullets are something along VLDs and you put alot of coal behind it. You're also going to need a muzzle break. 1300 yard shots aren't 800 yard shots. They require much more skill and practice. You'll probably not want to withstand the amount of punishment that your 'Monster Biggie' is going to apply to you every time to pull the trigger unless you have a break. The wind is going to be a nightmare for anything but a fantastic BC bullet in places where you can shoot at elk at 1,300 yards.

God's speed.

Yeah, I know what your saying. I have a habit of over-compensating for what I actually need. After thinking about it more all I really need is something that can take elk sized game inside of 800 yds but have the ability to punch paper at 1000+ yds. So I think I'm going to look at the 300 win mag and 300 wsm alittle closer.

 

[trueblue]

Being concerned about buying factory ammo for a rifle to shoot 1300yards is irrevelant !
You will need to reload your own ammo for accuracy at these distances, so build the caliber you want.
I have yet to know someone that left there ammo at home when going on a hunt. And even if you could buy factory ammo in a pinch, you are not going to know how it shoots in your rifle .
For the distances that you are talking about, I would go with a 338 in a RUM,EDGE,Lapua, or Norma.

 

[bigngreen]

Yeah, I know what your saying. I have a habit of over-compensating for what I actually need. After thinking about it more all I really need is something that can take elk sized game inside of 800 yds but have the ability to punch paper at 1000+ yds. So I think I'm going to look at the 300 win mag and 300 wsm alittle closer.

That will work out better for ya!! You can shoot the heck out of those chamberings and learn to re-load, it will be a much more pleasant and cheaper route in the long run, then stepping out past that with a more capable cartridge will be an easy step as compared with fighting factory ammo in large cals while trying to sort it all out.