28 or 30 cal for build

Hello folks,

I love this website wealth of knowledge here. I have finally decided to build a rifle got smith lined up and decided on most components. It will be primarily for whitetail but planning on mule deer and elk in next few years. I will have shots in Tennessee ranging from 50-600 yards primarily with most shots 350 and under. In the past I have shot 7RM, but currently shoot 6.5 PRC with 143 ELDX. Before I was shooting a built 300 WBY with 210 VLD. I like terminal peformsnce off the 300 WBY better than the 6.5 PRC have not tried 156 and with component shortage have shot the factory 143. I have had things with all my rifles I did not like so why I am building.

I want to "gun up" and initially was leaning towards 28 nosler shooting berger 180 or 195. I know barely life is not good and also feel like I can't go wrong with 30 caliber shooting 215 berger reloads.

Build will be

Manners EH/1A or LRH
Defiance Action
Arcs Rail for tripod with ball head
26 inch proof barrel with suppressor
Timney trigger
ZEISS V6 5-30 already have or possibly NX8 2.5-20

Main thing I'm struggling with is 28 or 30 cal. If 30, 300 win, 30 nosler.

I am not worried about meat damage. When I shoot something I want as much damage, little to no tracking. Of course need to avoid shoulder, proper placement.

I know 28 or 30 cal is big for whitetail but I do not mind recoil and want hammer deer rifle good for western hunts (elk and mule deer) as well.

Let your advice opinions role on. I am ready to start build and start stacking components as I can.

Thanks
That used to be a huge worry for me and I cautioned people about it as well.

When I started flying for trips I just cut two extra pockets out in the foam inside my rifle cases so I could fit a couple of caseguards in each.

If I lose my ammo, my rifle is with it so I don't much worry about it anymore.
 
Hello folks,

I love this website wealth of knowledge here. I have finally decided to build a rifle got smith lined up and decided on most components. It will be primarily for whitetail but planning on mule deer and elk in next few years. I will have shots in Tennessee ranging from 50-600 yards primarily with most shots 350 and under. In the past I have shot 7RM, but currently shoot 6.5 PRC with 143 ELDX. Before I was shooting a built 300 WBY with 210 VLD. I like terminal peformsnce off the 300 WBY better than the 6.5 PRC have not tried 156 and with component shortage have shot the factory 143. I have had things with all my rifles I did not like so why I am building.

I want to "gun up" and initially was leaning towards 28 nosler shooting berger 180 or 195. I know barely life is not good and also feel like I can't go wrong with 30 caliber shooting 215 berger reloads.

Build will be

Manners EH/1A or LRH
Defiance Action
Arcs Rail for tripod with ball head
26 inch proof barrel with suppressor
Timney trigger
ZEISS V6 5-30 already have or possibly NX8 2.5-20

Main thing I'm struggling with is 28 or 30 cal. If 30, 300 win, 30 nosler.

I am not worried about meat damage. When I shoot something I want as much damage, little to no tracking. Of course need to avoid shoulder, proper placement.

I know 28 or 30 cal is big for whitetail but I do not mind recoil and want hammer deer rifle good for western hunts (elk and mule deer) as well.

Let your advice opinions role on. I am ready to start build and start stacking components as
 
Well if you want hard hitting and flat shooting there is only one choice.
300RUM
Load it down to 180 push it over 3300fps
Load 200gr push them at over 3150
Or 215 at 3100+
Or you can still push 230 around 2900 to 3000.

Downside... well I don't see one... but I guess powder, maybe somebody's pride when it out shoots the prc. Not really sure... But what I do know is it flat stomps a mud hole in anything you hit with it! It's not for everyone but what do I know I own 3 of them.
 
Well if you want hard hitting and flat shooting there is only one choice.
300RUM
Load it down to 180 push it over 3300fps
Load 200gr push them at over 3150
Or 215 at 3100+
Or you can still push 230 around 2900 to 3000.

Downside... well I don't see one... but I guess powder, maybe somebody's pride when it out shoots the prc. Not really sure... But what I do know is it flat stomps a mud hole in anything you hit with it! It's not for everyone but what do I know I own 3 of them.
Aside from the higher costs for brass, powder, primers and much greater muzzle blast and recoil there's not much difference between the two other than about 250fps or so with comparable bullets.

Am I going to dump my Rum's in favor of the PRC? Not a chance.

There is however nothing no the continent you can't kill just as dead with the PRC or WM.
 
Aside from the higher costs for brass, powder, primers and much greater muzzle blast and recoil there's not much difference between the two other than about 250fps or so with comparable bullets.

Am I going to dump my Rum's in favor of the PRC? Not a chance.

There is however nothing no the continent you can't kill just as dead with the PRC or WM.
I agree with dead is dead, and yes it is more costly to reload. But you don't buy a a dodge dart and expect it to run like a corvette.
 
Pretty much agree with wolf in that deer aren't part of this topic as both are way more than capable.
One thing i strongly disagree is his use of the phrase " 30 CAL IS FAR MORE VERSATILE " NONSENSE. THERE would not be a situation where one ( atleast me) where i said to myself man i wish i had that 30 cal. From deer to Brownies either are fantasticly capable.

But like you said you have the fascination for the 30 nos. Go for that. You have to build exactly what makes you excited. Or you will quickly find yourself disappointed.
Best of luck

The versatility aspect is with bullets. You can run about 90-250 grain bullets in the 30 cal...not so in the 28/7 mm. In my book that covers more bases. Not a slam on 7mm, just a comparison.
 
Hello folks,

I love this website wealth of knowledge here. I have finally decided to build a rifle got smith lined up and decided on most components. It will be primarily for whitetail but planning on mule deer and elk in next few years. I will have shots in Tennessee ranging from 50-600 yards primarily with most shots 350 and under. In the past I have shot 7RM, but currently shoot 6.5 PRC with 143 ELDX. Before I was shooting a built 300 WBY with 210 VLD. I like terminal peformsnce off the 300 WBY better than the 6.5 PRC have not tried 156 and with component shortage have shot the factory 143. I have had things with all my rifles I did not like so why I am building.

I want to "gun up" and initially was leaning towards 28 nosler shooting berger 180 or 195. I know barely life is not good and also feel like I can't go wrong with 30 caliber shooting 215 berger reloads.

Build will be

Manners EH/1A or LRH
Defiance Action
Arcs Rail for tripod with ball head
26 inch proof barrel with suppressor
Timney trigger
ZEISS V6 5-30 already have or possibly NX8 2.5-20

Main thing I'm struggling with is 28 or 30 cal. If 30, 300 win, 30 nosler.

I am not worried about meat damage. When I shoot something I want as much damage, little to no tracking. Of course need to avoid shoulder, proper placement.

I know 28 or 30 cal is big for whitetail but I do not mind recoil and want hammer deer rifle good for western hunts (elk and mule deer) as well.

Let your advice opinions role on. I am ready to start build and start stacking components as I can.

Thanks
My thought is if it is a dedicated hunting rifle. Why worry about the barrel life of a barrel? Especially if you want the better performance of the faster rounds. Look at it like a set of tires on your pickup. When they start to wear out, you go get a new set. Just my thoughts on a faster cartridge.
 
Hello folks,

I love this website wealth of knowledge here. I have finally decided to build a rifle got smith lined up and decided on most components. It will be primarily for whitetail but planning on mule deer and elk in next few years. I will have shots in Tennessee ranging from 50-600 yards primarily with most shots 350 and under. In the past I have shot 7RM, but currently shoot 6.5 PRC with 143 ELDX. Before I was shooting a built 300 WBY with 210 VLD. I like terminal peformsnce off the 300 WBY better than the 6.5 PRC have not tried 156 and with component shortage have shot the factory 143. I have had things with all my rifles I did not like so why I am building.

I want to "gun up" and initially was leaning towards 28 nosler shooting berger 180 or 195. I know barely life is not good and also feel like I can't go wrong with 30 caliber shooting 215 berger reloads.

Build will be

Manners EH/1A or LRH
Defiance Action
Arcs Rail for tripod with ball head
26 inch proof barrel with suppressor
Timney trigger
ZEISS V6 5-30 already have or possibly NX8 2.5-20

Main thing I'm struggling with is 28 or 30 cal. If 30, 300 win, 30 nosler.

I am not worried about meat damage. When I shoot something I want as much damage, little to no tracking. Of course need to avoid shoulder, proper placement.

I know 28 or 30 cal is big for whitetail but I do not mind recoil and want hammer deer rifle good for western hunts (elk and mule deer) as well.

Let your advice opinions role on. I am ready to start build and start stacking components as I can.

Thanks
35 Whelen
 
The versatility aspect is with bullets. You can run about 90-250 grain bullets in the 30 cal...not so in the 28/7 mm. In my book that covers more bases. Not a slam on 7mm, just a comparison.
I guess if you are talking weight range yes 30 would win. But usability naa. Dead is dead and thats pretty much what i was thinking or taking into account. But both are great
 
I had a 300 win mag Sako Finnlight and wanted a left handed rifle again so went for a custom chambered in 30 Nosler. It's a great cartridge but you wont go wrong with either a RUM, PRC or Win Mag too. Mine runs about 150fps faster than the win mag with 215s, but performance with the 230s is absolutely stunning.

This is my build:
Manners EH1 (lefty)
Defiance Ruckus Ultralight
Bartlein 26"
Terminator T3 Brake
Zeiss V8 2.8-20x56

1641019149074.png
 
You should talk to me sometime about the 6.5LRM or 6.5-375Ruger. It has really changed my perspective.

3400fps, clover leaf groups and it barely tickles your shoulder when you pull the trigger.

This from a guy who's primary rifles for 30 years were 7mm RM's and STW's.
3400 fps with what grain bullet? I have some 375 Ruger brass lying around….maybe I need a new project lol.
 
3400 fps with what grain bullet? I have some 375 Ruger brass lying around….maybe I need a new project lol.
140gr Accubond LR's and Peregrine 136gr VLR's. This was across a good chrony.

If I were doing another one and I may sooner rather than later instead of necking down the 7LRM case I'd use the .375 case with the shorter neck and and greater powder capacity.

RL33 behind it all.
 
BTW, ever hear of a the Hemi Dart?
Or 440, they will smoke a Vette.
The OP said he had a 300wby. Not much Up-Gunning from that!
Can't you guys stop suggesting cartridges that have to burn over 80 grains of powder to kill game? The 06 can do it with 60 grains from Alaska down👍
 
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