Calibre Selection

[JPHunter]

I realise I've already asked a similar question on another thread but another forum member has me thinking about this. If I want to be able to shoot to 1000m comfortably what calibres do people recommend? I was thinking 338 Lapua but I'm open to any suggestions. The catch is that it has to still be able to hit hard enough to kill say an elk at that range cleanly. I hunt sambar and they are very stocky and tough animals where a fully grown stag can average up to 770lbs and have been known to get over 1000lbs and they can soak up the punishment.
So what calibres other than this do people recommend for this hunting at this range for these species?

Cheers,

JP

 

[MMERSS]

338 Lapua but I'm open to any suggestions.
JP

^^^^This but improved if you can.

 

[JPHunter]

^^^^This but improved if you can.

that's definitely my preferred option and what I'll likely do, but what about some of the more common calibres like 7mmRM, 338WM or even the humble old 300WM (though I already have one). I definitely wanna stay away from the barrel burning RUM's though.

 

[MMERSS]

that's definitely my preferred option and what I'll likely do, but what about some of the more common calibres like 7mmRM, 338WM or even the humble old 300WM (though I already have one). I definitely wanna stay away from the barrel burning RUM's though.

With large animals at long range in my experience there is no equal to the 300gr 338. I have a 7RM and absolutely love it. Same with a 6.5 x 284, 7 RUM and 300 RUM. I have spotted with my 300 RUM this year on several animals harvested with an average range over 800 yards. Last year the same with the 338LM and 300gr Berger. I will be going back to a 338 next year. Take this for what you want, everyone has their "favorites" and experiences. A 30 will work and has worked well for many. Same for the 7.

What ever decision you make, enjoy!!!!

Good shooting and good hunting!!

 

[JPHunter]

I just heard back from my mate thats the gunsmith I'll use if I decide down the custom path and he recommends a 338 Norma Mag. what are peoples thoughts on this? He's a good mate and I know he'd only look out for me I just know nothing about em.

Also here is his break down of costs for a custom build, does it seem reasonable? To me it looks fine.

Remington 700 action $1050..............true it up $220..........sako extractor if you went norma mag (bigger then standard magnum bolt face an the edge is a standard magnum face) $120 for the sako extractor
barrel chambered an fitted $800
flute barrel $280
flute bolt $100
stock $750 (carbon fibre one)
muzzle brake fitted $300
Bedding action into stock $250

$3870 for the lot even with a big scope would be around the 4-4.3kg mark.

 

[Deleted member 46119]

That's a pretty expensive build, even in Auzzie dollars with US sourced parts.

A 6.5 or 7 in a WSM will get you all the roo you can find, anything on NZ you can find. Less meat damage and just as dead.

Unless you are going to Africa or part of your desire is a big big bang, then go 338.

338NM is not that popular in the US, much more Lapua or RUM based.

 

[MMERSS]

There are several posts on the 338 Norma. All are positive. This would make another great choice IMO.

 

[JPHunter]

That's a pretty expensive build, even in Auzzie dollars with US sourced parts.

A 6.5 or 7 in a WSM will get you all the roo you can find, anything on NZ you can find. Less meat damage and just as dead.

Unless you are going to Africa or part of your desire is a big big bang, then go 338.

338NM is not that popular in the US, much more Lapua or RUM based.

That's actually in New Zealand dollars which normally you can take a few hundred off though at the moment the Aussie dollar is really down so it's not far off. I would happily skip on the fluting to save myself $380 straight up.

Haha Australia isn't as glamorous as the movies make it sound. Every single native species in Australia is protected. Roo's are high on that list and can only be shot under permit if they're damaging crops. Fortunately I'm a farm boy so I have no shortage of access to them but we generally just use the .223 for them.
In Aus our main two game animals on the east coast are Red deer and the larger Sambar deer. They can both take the punishment, especially sambar so having that extra punch is good.

My mate suggested the Norma Mag over the Lapua pretty much based on the fact that brass is half the price I think.

MMERSS - Thanks mate, I'll look a little more into it. We also have buffalo and banteng which I'd love to hunt one day and they're tough. Having said that I know the 7mmRM will still kill cleanly so I am considering it.

Appreciating the help fellas

jp

 

[mrultramag]

A 338 Rum would not be a barrel burner of the same order as the 7 or 300 rum. The bore is bigger and the case slightly less capacity. It offers performance right next to the 338 Lapua. So I would think that capacity and barrel life would be similar between the two.

 

[Deleted member 46119]

Not so bad of NZ dollars.

IMHO Intended quarry does justify a 338.

A 338NM vs. 338LM is an easy choice if components are more available for the NM.

RUM based would still be my choice because it saves the bolt work.

Don't get talked into something you don't want, it's your custom rifle.

 

[Deleted member 48126]

If you have the funds 338 Lapua would be the round. The ammo will be expensive though. I am about to do a build on a rem 700 in 7mm rem mag. So, I am partial to that round at the moment. You can't go wrong with the 7RM, 300WM, or 338WM. Also, the RUM fam is excellent as well. Lastly, you always have the 7mm STW to consider.