For longrange, what standard cartridge in a factory rifle?

[MHWASH]

No wildcats, no aftermarket rifles or barrels, whats your pick for cartridge? Spike elk would be the largest animal out to 600 yards.

I just bought a 300 WM, that will be my "big" gun. Once the 300 is up and running, I'll be trading my 7RM for something "smaller", I'm thinking 270, 7-08, 6.5CM.

[JDHasty]

The 243 or 6mm Rem will just about duplicate the trajectory of your 300.  I shoot 300 Wby, 243, 22-250 & 17 Rem and out to their respective range they are almost the same trajectory.  Makes things a bit easier that way. 

[syoungs]

I love my 6.5 Creed, and my buddies 7mm-08, either of them would be my choice.
.from my research into it, it seems you could do 600 on a spike with a creedmoor and a good shot. No first hand experience with that though, yet.

[jrebel]

6.5 creedmoor given your parameters.  I love my savage stealth in 6.5....it will flat out shoot.  Easily half MOA.  It is heavy though. 

jrebel

[bearpaw]

I think either a 270 or 25/06 would be one of the best choices.

[kselkhunter]

I'd vote 270. 

Although if I'm being honest and I had a 7mmRM or 300WM I'd just use that.  My LR setup is 7mmRM.  So I'm biased. 

[JDHasty]

Go with something that also gets you into legitimate varmint territory and that means about 6mm is the max if ricochets are a concern, which they will be if you like shooting rockchucks.  . 

[Timberstalker]

1st Choice: 6.5CM
2nd Choice: 25-06
3rd Choice: .308

[Bob33]

I can't think of too many cartridges better for your intended use than a 300 Win Mag...which you have.

[predatorpro]

7mm rem mag!

[MHWASH]

I can't think of too many cartridges better for your intended use than a 300 Win Mag...which you have.

Yes, but my 300's barrel will be close to 28" with a break with a high power scope. I'm looking for more of a general purpose rig.

[carpsniperg2]

Since you have a magnum go with the 6.5CM or 7mm-08. Both will do the trick 500 yards on the game you listed is doable with good bullet selection.

[b23]

I can't think of too many cartridges better for your intended use than a 300 Win Mag...which you have.

Yes, but my 300's barrel will be close to 28" with a break with a high power scope. I'm looking for more of a general purpose rig.

Never can have to many 30 cals so what about a 300WSM.  Otherwise, my vote would be 260Rem or 6.5CM

[Miles]

6.5 x 55 swede

No problems on deer to moose sized game.  I took a 820 lb moose with mine last year.  He took a couple steps and dropped.   Low felt recoil and very nice to shoot.


http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,212290.msg2872811.html#msg2872811

[JDHasty]

I can't think of too many cartridges better for your intended use than a 300 Win Mag...which you have.

 

For those who shoot them well 300 Win or 300 Wby has pretty much been the gold standard for a long range medium game rifle all my life.  There are few others that offer the degree of flexibility the big thirties offer.