Post by: MHWASH on July 26, 2017, 08:09:04 PM
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.
Post by: JDHasty on July 26, 2017, 08:13:02 PM
Post by: syoungs on July 26, 2017, 08:13:42 PM
.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.
Post by: jrebel on July 26, 2017, 08:18:33 PM
jrebel
Post by: bearpaw on July 26, 2017, 08:22:17 PM
Post by: kselkhunter on July 26, 2017, 08:28:45 PM
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.
Post by: JDHasty on July 26, 2017, 08:35:11 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on July 26, 2017, 09:06:01 PM
2nd Choice: 25-06
3rd Choice: .308
Post by: Bob33 on July 26, 2017, 09:17:17 PM
Post by: predatorpro on July 26, 2017, 09:32:38 PM
Post by: MHWASH on July 26, 2017, 09:55:22 PM
I can't think of too many cartridges better for your intended use than a 300 Win Mag...which you have. :dunno:
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.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 26, 2017, 10:06:59 PM
Post by: b23 on July 26, 2017, 11:34:52 PM
I can't think of too many cartridges better for your intended use than a 300 Win Mag...which you have. :dunno:
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
Post by: Miles on July 27, 2017, 04:10:56 AM
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
Post by: JDHasty on July 27, 2017, 05:48:56 AM
I can't think of too many cartridges better for your intended use than a 300 Win Mag...which you have. :dunno:
:yeah:
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.
Post by: quadrafire on July 27, 2017, 07:48:29 AM
Post by: Curly on July 27, 2017, 07:56:26 AM
7mm rem mag!
:yeah:
Post by: CaNINE on July 27, 2017, 09:14:41 AM
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.
I agree with Carp
Post by: Curly on July 27, 2017, 09:37:02 AM
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.
I change my mind from the 7 Rem mag now that I read your post closer.
I now change my mind to the 280 Ackley Improved. I don't think of the 280AI as a wildcat anymore. You can buy factory ammo for the 280AI, so is it really a wildcat? I say no.
You can get close to 7RM performance with less recoil. What's not to like? :tup:
Post by: theleo on July 27, 2017, 09:38:21 AM
Post by: theleo on July 27, 2017, 09:42:31 AM
It's still a handloaders round. It was SAAMI spec'd by Nosler, so it's definitely not a wildcat anymore but factory selection on ammo stinks. That being said it's a great round if you reload and is my go to for hunting open country.
I now change my mind to the 280 Ackley Improved. I don't think of the 280AI as a wildcat anymore. You can buy factory ammo for the 280AI, so is it really a wildcat? I say no.
You can get close to 7RM performance with less recoil. What's not to like? :tup:
Post by: elkaholic123 on July 27, 2017, 10:21:36 AM
Personally I'd go with a standard weight 270 WSM.:tup:
Post by: bobcat on July 27, 2017, 10:31:23 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on July 27, 2017, 10:46:26 AM
Post by: Bob33 on July 27, 2017, 10:53:55 AM
Post by: bearpaw on July 27, 2017, 12:21:29 PM
To each his own, but if you want enough energy to cleanly kill elk at 600 yards I think some of the cartridges being recommended are on the marginal side.
:yeah: I missed killing elk at 600 yards, with that consideration I think he is asking for a lot. The standard calibers can kill at that range but I think 400 yards is a far more reasonable expectation from standard calibers. I also hope he does a lot of long range shooting, from my experience most hunters are not very accurate past 200 or 300 yards.
Post by: MHWASH on July 27, 2017, 01:00:56 PM
To each his own, but if you want enough energy to cleanly kill elk at 600 yards I think some of the cartridges being recommended are on the marginal side.
:yeah: I missed killing elk at 600 yards, with that consideration I think he is asking for a lot. The standard calibers can kill at that range but I think 400 yards is a far more reasonable expectation from standard calibers. I also hope he does a lot of long range shooting, from my experience most hunters are not very accurate past 200 or 300 yards.
I do practice regularly, I know what I'm capable of, that's why I said 600 limit. I'm all set to load 270, 7-08, and 308. So most likely stick with one of those three, but if the right 6.5CM came along I'd scoop it up.
Post by: bobcat on July 27, 2017, 01:14:42 PM
Post by: bryg_12 on July 27, 2017, 01:24:52 PM
Post by: JDHasty on July 27, 2017, 01:25:10 PM
My 270 Win loaded with 140 grain Berger VLD's and using Reloder 26 gets 3100 fps with a 22 inch barrel. At 600 yards it's down to about 2100 fps but I certainly don't think it would bounce off an elk at that lower speed. That's about the same velocity a 30/30 with a 150 grain bullet would have at around 75 yards. I bet a lot of elk have been killed with a 30/30 at that distance.
It may not bounce off an elk, but it is also not necessarily going to have a high likelihood of killing it either. The bullet you mention has a reputation for not expanding at those velocities in that range.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,215432.0.html
Post by: kselkhunter on July 27, 2017, 01:38:07 PM
My 270 Win loaded with 140 grain Berger VLD's and using Reloder 26 gets 3100 fps with a 22 inch barrel. At 600 yards it's down to about 2100 fps but I certainly don't think it would bounce off an elk at that lower speed. That's about the same velocity a 30/30 with a 150 grain bullet would have at around 75 yards. I bet a lot of elk have been killed with a 30/30 at that distance.
In my youth, every elk my family members took was with a 30-30, less than 100 yards.
Post by: bobcat on July 27, 2017, 01:41:54 PM
My 270 Win loaded with 140 grain Berger VLD's and using Reloder 26 gets 3100 fps with a 22 inch barrel. At 600 yards it's down to about 2100 fps but I certainly don't think it would bounce off an elk at that lower speed. That's about the same velocity a 30/30 with a 150 grain bullet would have at around 75 yards. I bet a lot of elk have been killed with a 30/30 at that distance.
It may not bounce off an elk, but it is also not necessarily going to have a high likelihood of killing it either. The bullet you mention has a reputation for not expanding at those velocities in that range.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,215432.0.html
Then use a different bullet. How about a 150 grain Ballistic Tip or a 150 grain Long Range Accubond? Or the new 145 grain Hornady ELD-X.
Post by: Bushcraft on July 27, 2017, 02:01:32 PM
To each his own, but if you want enough energy to cleanly kill elk at 600 yards I think some of the cartridges being recommended are on the marginal side.
What Bob said. :tup:
Not to disparage anyone's abilities, but I'd only add that the vast majority of hunters simply don't have any business attempting a shot at game at 600 yards. From personal experience instructing a class on the topic, I'd suggest that most people should simply try and close the distance to at least 300 yards...tops.
Post by: Timberstalker on July 27, 2017, 02:05:34 PM
To each his own, but if you want enough energy to cleanly kill elk at 600 yards I think some of the cartridges being recommended are on the marginal side.
What Bob said. :tup:
Not to disparage anyone's abilities, but I'd only add that the vast majority of hunters simply don't have any business attempting a shot at game at 600 yards. From personal experience instructing a class on the topic, I'd suggest that most people should simply try and close the distance to at least 300 yards...tops.
I must've missed where the OP asked for advise on the mechanics of shooting long range. I thought he just asked for caliber recommendations.
Post by: bobcat on July 27, 2017, 02:06:50 PM
Post by: Miles on July 27, 2017, 02:07:58 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on July 27, 2017, 02:17:12 PM
Are we talking archery or rifle?
I haven't figured that out yet. Still researching how to shoot long range. This googler (cryder 2014) is amazing.
Post by: yorketransport on July 29, 2017, 07:57:42 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 29, 2017, 08:10:41 AM
To each his own, but if you want enough energy to cleanly kill elk at 600 yards I think some of the cartridges being recommended are on the marginal side.:yeah: At 600 I would be shooting your 28" 300wm. Perfect for that. I wouldnt feel good with the others past 400. Need light and out to 600+ I would go with a 300 wsm.
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on July 29, 2017, 08:49:19 AM
Post by: fowl smacker on July 29, 2017, 08:59:35 AM
Post by: Curly on July 29, 2017, 09:23:39 AM
Post by: Bob33 on July 29, 2017, 01:11:28 PM
Post by: MADMAX on July 29, 2017, 02:23:39 PM
.300-RUM
Post by: yorketransport on July 29, 2017, 04:12:38 PM
I don't see where he said factory rounds were a requirement. He said he's set to load for 270, 308, and 7-08.
You're right. I always figure that if somebody is avoiding wildcats that they're worried about the availability of factory ammo. I don't think I'd change my suggestion either way though of the options listed. I think the 270 win is pretty boring but it does have an awfully good track record.
Post by: MHWASH on July 29, 2017, 04:47:52 PM
I know my 300 is best suited for the task, but when hunting along side others, I don't like the idea of shooting a rifle with a break with someone who is not prepared, or willing to wear ear plugs. Especially my kids.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 29, 2017, 08:50:57 PM
Post by: Curly on July 29, 2017, 09:57:13 PM
Another one that might be worth considering..... 6.5x284 Norma.
Can be had in Savage Weather Warrior. (http://www.discountfirearms.com/product.savage-116fcss-ba-rifle-65x284-norma-24-ss-syn)
Post by: MHWASH on July 31, 2017, 03:39:32 PM
Have you tried your 300 without the brake? The brake is nice for range work and over 600 spotting your shots, but for under 600 screw on the thread protector? If its a 9# rifle the kick isn't bad unless you are running wood stock with minimal butt pad. I've hunted with .300 and 338's for 35 years and never felt a need for a brake with them except for extended range work and load development. If you are carrying a 7# rifle including scope then yea the kick won't be friendly.
I've shot enough 180gr factory rounds out of it to sight it in, so not really a good test. The thread protector is a good sugestion, but I'd just as soon set it up and leave it alone. The rifle is 7lbs naked, with scope and bi-pod it'll probably be closer to 9#.
I'm of the notion to just keep the 7 mag, and not bother with a standard cartridge.
Post by: bearpaw on July 31, 2017, 11:32:40 PM
Have you tried your 300 without the brake? The brake is nice for range work and over 600 spotting your shots, but for under 600 screw on the thread protector? If its a 9# rifle the kick isn't bad unless you are running wood stock with minimal butt pad. I've hunted with .300 and 338's for 35 years and never felt a need for a brake with them except for extended range work and load development. If you are carrying a 7# rifle including scope then yea the kick won't be friendly.
I've shot enough 180gr factory rounds out of it to sight it in, so not really a good test. The thread protector is a good sugestion, but I'd just as soon set it up and leave it alone. The rifle is 7lbs naked, with scope and bi-pod it'll probably be closer to 9#.
I'm of the notion to just keep the 7 mag, and not bother with a standard cartridge.
:tup: smart thinking
Post by: birddogdad on August 11, 2017, 11:22:53 AM
Post by: yakimanoob on August 15, 2017, 12:10:29 PM
I must've missed where the OP asked for advise on the mechanics of shooting long range. I thought he just asked for caliber recommendations.:yeah:
We get it folks, your ideas are important. But maybe just answer the question? If you want to argue that 6.5crm is insufficient at 600yds that's one thing. Assuming the OP can't shoot at his specified range is something else.
FWIW, mhwash, it sounds like you're looking for a very similar tool to what I wanted, and after playing with all the options I chose a 7mm-08. A big part for me was that Pvri Partizan makes some cheapo ammo for me to practice with, as I'm pretty new to shooting and don't reload. But I liked the balance the 7mm-08 gives between bullet weight and ballistics. If I could buy cheap 6.5crm ammo off the shelf, I may have gone with that.
And just to put everyone at ease: given that I'm inexperienced I've set a limit for myself around 350yds. But as I practice, that will creep up to about 600yds before I start thinking about a more heavy-handed LR caliber.