Biggest Bore...Heaviest Hitter...Long Range
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There is a lot of difference between "Dangerous Game" laws in Africa and hunting goats and deer-like animals in the Caucus region.
Clearly, there are a lot of options to consider in caliber choice here. Do you need an Uber-Magnum, not really. Personally, I tend to think of mid-range magnums.
A 358 Norma Magnum (yes 338WM necked up) would be a good place to start. If you look at EU and specifically Scandanavian hunters, the 358 Norma Magnum and similar cartridges have a long history of good performance in similar conditions (or a bit closer) on aminals as big or bigger than you are looking at.
Personally, I don't want a huge flash of unburned powder and the muzzle blast for no gain or very little gain you get with the modern "wonder" magnums burning large amounts of powder for more recoil and very little velocity gain in a shorter barrel.
Clearly, there are a lot of options to consider in caliber choice here. Do you need an Uber-Magnum, not really. Personally, I tend to think of mid-range magnums.
A 358 Norma Magnum (yes 338WM necked up) would be a good place to start. If you look at EU and specifically Scandanavian hunters, the 358 Norma Magnum and similar cartridges have a long history of good performance in similar conditions (or a bit closer) on aminals as big or bigger than you are looking at.
Personally, I don't want a huge flash of unburned powder and the muzzle blast for no gain or very little gain you get with the modern "wonder" magnums burning large amounts of powder for more recoil and very little velocity gain in a shorter barrel.
snox801
Well-Known Member
That the best part about a Sherman .338 or 30
I can shoot standard PRC ammo just fine.
But I suppose I'd would find those in the same spot as primers right now.
I can shoot standard PRC ammo just fine.
But I suppose I'd would find those in the same spot as primers right now.
I'm running a 20" 300WM throwing 208amax at 2700. I used to push 190smk about 2850. I'd imagin you could sling the 180 pretty fast, fast enough anyways. If you need load data I can share some. Good luck.
PAGSDIII701
Well-Known Member
#3 for 338 Sherman, and #2 for 30 Sherman
If you're dead set on that short barrel you'll need a short cartridge case. Efficiency will suck and muzzle blast will be awful in that length if you use a relatively large case. Consider a longer barrel and you options for cartridge selection will grow. Additionally, distances less than 650 yds can be achieved easily with many cartridges. If 180gr class projectiles are your intent, the two cartridges that I have enough experience with to weigh in on are 30-06, and 300wm. You would be far better suited with the 06' in a 22" barrel which is common in factory rifles. Longer barrels give greater performance, but 22" is appropriate. I have killed enough deer at the ranges noted with a highly accurate 30-06 and 180 class bullets to be comfortable placing the combo on the "heavy hitter," list.(heavy enough) I run a variety of 185 gr bullets out of a 24" barrel a bit above 2800fps and the results leave nothing to be desired by me, with regard to accuracy and terminal performance.
340Wby-4-everything
Well-Known Member
300 Winmag or 300 Wby mag, 338 Federal, 338 Win, 340 Wby I didn't see where you mentioned it, whether you will reload or not, but the 338 Fed and the vast majority of these other rounds mentioned, you will never find factory ammo for. For commercial and or mom and pop availability, pretty much across the globe - 300 Win mag
mindcrime
Well-Known Member
@AKGuide , you mentioned a 20 inch barrel. With that in mind, the bigger the BORE, the more efficient burn with much less muzzle blast with that short barrel. I'm leaning towards the 338/358 Norma Mags (the newer Belt-less versions). I humbly think either would be ideal for you.
Check out B&M Rifles if you are looking for something "different." Their rifle packages are awesome, and the 9.3 B&M would have you legal ANYWHERE.
Check out B&M Rifles if you are looking for something "different." Their rifle packages are awesome, and the 9.3 B&M would have you legal ANYWHERE.
Tikkamike
Well-Known Member
Double Z is right. If you want the baddest heaviest hitting carry gun 375RUM is where you need to be
kkrezz in az
Member
I Would not want a 30 caliber with a 20 or 22 inch barrel
AKGuide1
Member
Thanks for the feedback. Can I ask who you hunted with, and who you'll be hunting with in the future ? Feel free to pm me .
Awesome ibex. Thanks for sharing it.
I just want to say THANKS to everyone who has responded thus far. The feedback is extremely helpful. I may have included some contradictory information in my original post...please feel free to point out where I might be straying as positive feedback is how we expand our knowledge base.
I'm one of those guys who got hooked on short barreled big bores after buying my first .416 Ruger Alaska Guide Gun. This is my favorite rifle. I don't mind a 100 FPS +_ loss with a 20-22" barrel. 20" is ideal. I plan to bring one of my .416's down to 16.5" for brown bear work in the alders.
Again, I appreciate every response this received and will be making a decision soon to start yet another project with a gun too big and one too many.
