Long Range Elk Caliber?

[Bob33]

Gun, ammunition, optics, shooter. All necessary for long range accuracy. Caliber isn't #1.

[YukonHunter]

Get a R.U.M

[demontang]

I got a 338 win. For this and run a 225grn accubonds. It feels to kick less then the 300 win I had and is more then enough for a elk at 400yrds+

[RightPlace-RightTime]

Fyi everyone
Call or email vortex about military discount.  Active or vet.

[Stein]

.30-378 is what I would probably choose.  Be prepared to write some hefty checks on the rifle, scope, rangefinder, ammo and range time.  338 is the other logical choice.  Since you don't reload, don't be surprised if it costs you $4-5 every time you pull the trigger.

"Longe range" is pretty vague, there is a substantial difference if you want to shoot 500 yards or 1,000 yards.

[Branden]

I have used a 30-378 weatherby for elk for a few years now. It's a hammer on everything I've shot with it. Every shot on elk has been a pass through except one and that was over 1000 yards. The bullet was lodged in the offside hide. First bear I shot with it was straight on at 300 yards. Complete pass through.

The 300 rum and 30-378 are almost identical ballistics wise. I would get either of them in whatever rifle you like best.

[yorketransport]

What about the 338/378 Weatherby? There's some great factory ammo options and it's everything the 338 Lapua or RUM wish they could be and more. The 338 RUM is a good option if you don't need the extra expense of the 338/378.

If I were looking for a gun specifically for mid to long range elk hunting, I'd start at the 338 bore as a minimum.

[BrandonWatts]

What about 28 nosler? Paired with the 195 Berger's at 3050fps I don't know how you could go wrong. This will be my next caliber.

[Branden]

What about the 338/378 Weatherby? There's some great factory ammo options and it's everything the 338 Lapua or RUM wish they could be and more. The 338 RUM is a good option if you don't need the extra expense of the 338/378.

If I were looking for a gun specifically for mid to long range elk hunting, I'd start at the 338 bore as a minimum.

I think that's  a great option also. I just have never used one or know what kind of factory ammo is available so couldn't recommend it.

[dscubame]

.30-378 is what I would probably choose.  Be prepared to write some hefty checks on the rifle, scope, rangefinder, ammo and range time.  338 is the other logical choice.  Since you don't reload, don't be surprised if it costs you $4-5 every time you pull the trigger.

"Longe range" is pretty vague, there is a substantial difference if you want to shoot 500 yards or 1,000 yards.

 

[Zardoz]

Just take all of the guess work out of it and go 50 cal. 

[rbros]

Depending on what your range is going to be will determine the caliber.  1k and under any of the magnum 7's or 300's will do the job with heavy for caliber vlds. Past 1k the 338's and 300gr bullets begin to take over.  There are some new 30 cal bullets coming out that will make the LARGE 30 cals a viable option as well.  Set the gun up for the job and don't skimp.  My LR elk rifle is a 338 lapua imp and has taken critters out to 1882 yds with extreme efficiency.  A 300 Berger at 3150 is a wonderful tool at distance.

[spoonman]

Zero at 200 this is the difference between 300rum and 300 win.

300 rum in 180gr will be 14-16" of drop at 400 yards depending onot ammo. 50" at 600 yards.

300 win mag in 180gr  will be 18-20" of drop at 400 yards. 65" at 600 yards.

So it really depends on how far your actually going to shoot and learning the adjustment of your optics for your bullet path.

[jasnt]

.300 WM with 190gr long range accubonds

This would be good medicine for the ranges being discussed.

I'll add, you don't need to spend the money on NF or Huskemaw to shoot a mile. 

i second that.  I used to pound steel all day with a rem 770 and a center point scope at 400 yards when I first started shooting long range.  Shot a 2" group @ 500 yards with that setup.....once

[Come Get Some]

There  is a great deal on a 30-378 in the classifieds. Great rifle. The RUM has a short barrel life. The 30-378 has almost no recoil. Mine drives nails at 1000+ yds. I shoot a 200 gr accubond. It stays together and does not cause the damage of a Berger. Great buy on a GREAT rifle.