Rifle and caliber choices

[Mayhem338]

Well after 6+ months of therapy looks like my neck is as healed as it's going to get. I had a fusion back in Jan so real big recoil is no longer an option. I have a 50 (that I truly loved to shoot) and it is just way to much for me now. While the 50 isn't really for hunting it sure gave me a limit. Was wondering what you guys shoot that is still long range, but wont beat a guy up to bad. I figure whatever I end up with will need a brake for sure. Most of my hunting is in the 500-1200 range. Deer and elk as well as a few yotes when they cross my path. Thanks for any and all advice guys.

 

[barnesuser28]

Do you reload? If so I think a braked 338 Win shooting the 225 grain CE bullet would be a perfect platform. Decently low recoil and great ballistics out to 1200 yards. I personally don't have experience with this caliber and bullet. Maybe LTLR will chime in and give you some advise as he hunts the same ranges as you do and the 225 CE is one of his favorite bullets from what I have read.

 

[Mayhem338]

Ya I had to get into reloading as a 50 will plain bankrupt you otherwise. I am just starting the research process thanks to my neck. A 338 win is a great round and will make my list. Have had no experience with the CE bullets but am looking to change that. I have shot hard kicking guns my entire life and loved every single minute. Thanks for the ideas by the way.

 

[barnesuser28]

Thats what i figured. Could go bankrupt even if one does reload!!

CE bullets arent cheep but when you reload for a 50 it shouldnt seem to bad.

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=MTH_D67

 

[Mayhem338]

Man you ain't kidding!! My dad and I have shared a McMillan Tac50 for several years so we split the cost )

 

[barnesuser28]

That's a good idea splitting the costs! My dads friend has a 50 and he uses it on prairie dogs!

bigngreen on this site is sending me some 252 grain CE bullets for me to test low end expansion in wet newspapers. It will be about 2 weeks before I do the testing.

 

[D.ID]

I love the 338 win..............but......... not for elk at 1200 yards........ If your going that far on elk the rum or edge would retain much better authority without beating you up.

 

[Mayhem338]

D.ID ya for elk I want the rum-edge and up. About 6 years ago my dad hit one with his 270 at 625 yards. We spent the better part of 10 hours tracking and pulling that SOB out of thick brush. I want bang flop!!!

 

[barnesuser28]

I love the 338 win..............but......... not for elk at 1200 yards........ If your going that far on elk the rum or edge would retain much better authority without beating you up.

Ya I agree if he can handle the recoil. Shooting my dads savage 338 Lapua is a pleasure to shoot. I wasn't sure what condition his neck was in or how much recoil he could take. That's why I recommended the 338 Win. If going custom either Shawn Carlocks LRKM in 338 Edge +P or Kirby Allen's 338 Allen Xpress would be one of my top choices (AX over Edge because of brass quality).

 

[Mayhem338]

My neck is going to be my limit now. I shot my dad's 300 win and it was just fine, but it does have a good radial brake. I'm curious how the bigger 338's will do recoil wise. Kirby's 300 and 338 AX are wonderful creations and I am looking hard at them. I am also considering the bigger 338 AM if the recoil can be kept down via weight and Kirby's PK brake. Also need to sell my almost new Windrunner 50 to fund my choice.

 

[angus-5024]

Mahem338,
Are you looking to go the custom route or factory? Unfortunatley there arent that many factory rifles chambered in .338 rum/lapua. pretty much savage (which are OK, but cant let the .338 bullet shine) or fined a used Senduro or MLR.

It sounds like you've had a pretty serious neck problem, so that means that you go smaller bullet, heavier gun and a brake. How do you feel about huffin a 15-20 pounder through the bush? If you dont mind the wieght it opens up a ton of high performance rounds. If not the 6.5-7mm family can produce alot of performance from a small gun.

 

[D.ID]

ahhhhhh...................Bang, Flop......... One of the best things in life.

 

[D.ID]

My 338 edge with scope,bipod and sling weighs 13.5 lbs and sports Ross Schuler's amazing $40 brake. After shooting it all afternoon and then switching to my 308.....My 308 kicks like a mule.

 

[Mayhem338]

Angus I would go the custom route for sure. After having a couple customs I just cant go back!! My dad and I share custody of a Tac-50 and I had a 338-378 that was also a McMillan.

I had 2 blown disks so I have a nice plate with a bit of cadaver bone and a set of 6 screws. I have more movement than most so can still go prone with ease. Weight has never really been a problem for me being built like a pack mule. Most of my guns have been in the 16-18 lb range and I am real comfortable there. Besides after carrying a 33 lb 50 everything is light!!!! I made the mistake of humping that thing one year just cause my dad bet me I couldn't.