What caliber?

[mallard79]

Well lets see if I can answer a few of the questions thrown out there...I do reload, there is a very good chance I will end up in Alaska with this gun, long range to me is anything past 400 yards, I know the .308 is a great caliber because I have one, I like a light rifle but my 308 is rino lined and weighs a ton so weight isn't really an issue. My 308 does not shoot anything over 160 grains to my liking hence wanting to step up to something that will shoot a heavier bullet. I have been leaning towards either the 300wm or 338wm. Most people I have talked to say to avoid the ultra mag. Thanks for all of your advice and opinions.

[carpsniperg2]

Both would be fine choices. I have both and have shot bears with both. I prefer my 300 because of the fit of the rifle. I think most understand you wanting bigger then your 308 for what you are wanting to do with it. I shoot 180's in my 300 and 225's in my 338.

[manfromspam]

i also shoot 180 out of my 300 win mag . you will be very happy with a 300 .

[carpsniperg2]

Mallard79 have you shot much for mags? If not you might want to shoot both the 338 and 300 and see what you like and shoot well. If you post your location a member or to might let you shoot them and get a feel for them. I am in the very bottom middle of wa. I have both and you would be welcome to shoot them if you are in my area.

[addicted]

I think those are two good choices.

both will kill game way out there and are suitable for big bears in AK. 

Since you reload you may like the 338EDGE as an option as well.

how about a 338-06.  1300ftlbs and 1700 fps at 700 yards should do the trick. lol.


you could also look into the .325WSM

[high country]

If you are looking to go light, the 338 is going to bring a fair amount of recoil. I have many rifles and have had some very light very potent chamberings...the river boat paddle 338winnie was one that was a joy to carry and a pain to shoot. With a decent pad it makes a solid well priced choice. You will see many in Alaska. There are many 300 wsm offerings and most are quite solid. I think a Kimber Montana is as light as the layman can afford and tikka has a cheap offering that almost always seems to shoot well. I have not heard of many wsm that don't shoot well.

The 300 will not increase recoil too much in like rifles, the 338 is going to for sure. You are looking at 72ish grains of powder to burn, so it will let you know.

Long story short, both solid choices, less weight available to the wsm, more horsepower in the winnie.

[CAMPMEAT]

If those big guns kick too much, put a muzzlebrake on it, or buy one with one. Then it'll be LOUD. Sacrifice, something I guess.

[demontang]

The 338 wm with a limbsaver isn't to bad to shoot.

[SkookumJeff]

Go with a classic.  .35 Whelen.

Skook

[mallard79]

Been watchin a couple pawn/gun shops locally the last few days. Nothing special poppin up yet. Anyboby shot the Savage modell 111 like the one mentioned already? How is the trigger since it doesnt have the adjustable accutrigger.$400 seems like a pretty good deal even if the scope is cheap. Is that trigger adjustable at all? I also saw that they have the remmington 770 combo for under $300. I bought my son a 770 in .243 and after working on the trigger it flat shoots great! Action is sloppy but what can you ecpect for under $300? How is the action on the savage? Might go look at them both tomorrow since they are 3 blocks from where i work. Who knows.....one may follow me home 

[high country]

a savage will shoot better than most other factory guns regardless of price most days of the week. the floating head and good barrel are a wonderful match. they are ugly, chunky and 100x the gun the 770 is. there are loads of parts, they can be transformed into any caliber you want in minutes and thy are cheap for what you get.
 
as above, the 35 whelen is a great gun. I am looking for a nice cdl in 35w.

[MADMAX]

I sure like the .257 Weatherby mag now.
May never use my 7mm rem mag again.

[Curly]

If you're going to use the rifle in Alaska, I would look toward the 338-06, 338 WM, or 35 Whelen.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=246285974

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=246431909

Here is a nice 338-06 Improved for sale: Link

Here is a nice Weatherby Ultra Lightweight, but you probably would wish the guy left the scope off.......Link

Out of those 3 cartridges though, I think I'd lean toward the 338WM since you mentioned long range.

[CAMPMEAT]

I sure like the .257 Weatherby mag now.
May never use my 7mm rem mag again.

I just bought a 257 Mag Vanguard for wolf hunting. Your thoughts please. It's not put together, scope and Dednutz mount yet. Killed anything with it ?

[high country]

100gr tsx and 72grs of rl22.....done.