Best long range caliber for all hunting (over 300 yds)

[RustyNail]

looking to buy a long range caliber gun. however I dont know what caliber. I have been really interested in .338 Winchester mag.

[Stein]

30-06 wasn't on the list, so I went with 338.

[jrebel]

When I got into shooting long range, I went with the 300 win mag.  I chose to go witha 26" barrel and a twist rate that would stabilize 200 grain bullets.  I couldn't be happier with my decision.   I personally defined long range as 400-800 yards as most of my chamberings were good to 400 prior to my semi custom build.  There are a ton of calibers capable of long range shooting now days....you just have to decide what your ultimate objective is....punching paper or killing big game.  I have found that by practicing to 700+ the 300-400 yard shots have become very easy compared to the past.  I may also add....once you learn to shoot 400 and further, all your kill shots will be withing bow range.  LOLOLOL 

My next gun will likely be the 28 nosler for similar shooting / hunting distances. 

Good luck on your decision and happy shooting.   

[h20hunter]

Rbros basecamp pkg in 7mm rem mag.

[D-Rock425]

I'm not voting but will follow along here.  Your options are almost limitless.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Do you reload?  That would affect what I'd choose.   All in the poll can do 500 yds with no problem.

[birddogdad]

all are good shooters, Weatherby may or may not shoot consistent..i have a crown that drives tacks but my mkV is so-so. the 28 nos is a barrel burner but a hot gun... 300 yds is not all "that far" or "long range" but energy of impact down range will set limits for hunting applications (IMO). Not interested in ethics discussion but at 1K your choices in list start to shift.

again the answer for me is "yes" to the list, what ever suits you best

[starbailey]

I chose the 28 nosler only because that's the chambering in my newly ordered rifle and I am a 7mm fan. For years I've done most of my hunting with a rem 700 in 7mmSAUM but have also used a 300Ultra, 338 win mag and 270win. all will do what your asking but I think the 270 is on the light side for elk.
 I wanted gun/caliber combination that could kill game(up to elk size) confidently up to 600 yards and hope a heavy 7mm Berger will be just the ticket.

[kselkhunter]

Depends on definition of long range.  Up to 300 yards there isn't a significant difference in the listed calibers...dead is dead.  I'd argue the difference between 300-400yards still isn't a large difference either.   Once you get to 400, then 600, then 800+ yards that is when calibers/cartridges start separating themselves. 


Your poll mentions elk. If we're talking 600+ yards at an elk, I'd suggest a 300mag/338mag class of cartridges.  If you think you'll be shooting at game <500 yards 99% of the time then one of the 7mm magnum cartridge options is sufficient.  But that's my personal preference based on how much energy and bullet weight I like to have on impact with an elk.   Not saying I'm right, just personal preference.   

[Alchase]

300 yards does not push the limit in any of those calibers.

[Magnum_Willys]

Factory or Custom ?   If factory look at the 300 PRC ?

Long range elk I would drop the 30-06 and .300 Weatherby ( capable but freebore / bottleneck cases why bother ).  If going 7mm may as well go 28 Nosler.   If going .300 win why not 300 wsm ?   338 wm is capable and my short range gun of choice (400 and under)

[ghosthunter]

My  next will be 7mm 08.

Lots of 300 wins for sale. Lots of guys buy them but can’t tolerate the punishment at the range for long.
Get the gun you can shoot into your 80s.

[jasnt]

I voted 300wm.  Lots of match ammo available and great hunting ammo.  338wm is not a great choice for long range imo though it can be done.  My definition of long range is where wind starts to matter with miss or hit.

[walleye1]

BEST no such thing. On your list I would go 7mm or 300.

[buckfvr]

7mm hands down