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This has been a topic on here in the past...wanted to get some up to date thoughts. If you were going to build a custom rifle for long range shooting (>500 yards) for deer and maybe larger game like elk or sheep, what cartridge would you go with and why? I have seen answers all over the map from 7 stw to 7 wsm to 300 RUM to 30-378 to .338 Lupua or Edge.

From a total package standpoint (costs of reloading, availability of brass, barrel life, etc.) what is the best round?

Thanks

Sidenote: I will say that right now I am intrigued by both the 7wsm and the 300 RUM.

The Remington 300 Ultra Mag is one of the most underappreciated load out there. It blows away the regular 300winMag or WSM. It's numbers are staggering. It's even comparable to the Weatherby 30-378. Cost to reload is still comparable to a regular 300 win mag since the only difference is a larger case, and therefore more powder. Downside is it is known for it's migraine inducing recoil. But in a custom gun, with a muzzle break, it would not be unmanagable. It would be in my top 3 long range rifle choices with a 338Lapua, and a good ole .308 (that's leaving out something rediculous like a 50 cal, which you are obviously not looking for elk).

If you are looking at a 7mm, don't forget about the 7mm Remington Ultra Mag. Only production 7mm faster is the Lazzeroni Firebird. But with the Lazzeroni, you will undoubtedly run much higher dollars from the brass, to the making of the rifle. Not to mention the issue if you are in a pinch to find ammo if you lost your reloads/custom ammo.

Beware of the Short mags if you are looking at shooting it often. They are know for shorter barrel life. If it's just for hunting, then it's not a big deal. But if you are shooting hundreds of rounds through it, I'd consider something different.

.30-.378 or 7mmWSM

.338 lapua....if your gonna go, go all out

SHANE704 wrote:.338 lapua....if your gonna go, go all out

Very expensive to reload. One of the most expensive casings out there.

I have a 300 RUM. Mine doesn't have all the recoil that everyone talks about. I have a good Limbsaver buttpad and I honestly never notice a difference between it and my 7 mag.

Deltaquack wrote:Very expensive to reload. One of the most expensive casings out there.

Very true. I remember seeing a box of brass for the 338lapua thinking that it was the price for loaded rounds. The brass is almost 3x as expensive as it would be for a 300 Ultra.

If I was having a custom bolt gun built itd def b a,7mm bullet. The 7mm will have less drag and higher ballistic coefficient than a 30 cal bullet. . . 7 rum would b in my top 3. I personally would stay away from .338 lapua. Although its impressive its ridiculously expensive to shoot. I just had a rock river long range ar built and I got .308. Even tho I like 7mm rounds when the sugar turns to $#!+....notice I said when not if....the .308 round will be easy to find not to mention itll kill anything in north america. You should buy the best scope u can afford then build a gun under it

Btw if it kicks bad ull never shoot it accurately

I have to agree with lipsplitter. It would definately be a 7mm bullet. One of the most popular and accurate things going on right now in the custom market is taking either the .270 or the .300wsm and either necking up or down to get the wildcat version of the 7mmwsm. Very accurate! Already set several new 1000 yd benchmarks. go with a good medium barrel in either 24 or 26" and use the berger bullet. It will bring down anything in No. America without tearing your shoulder offSweet shootin round. If you are gonna be handloading anyway brass is not a problem. use any .270 or .300 brass and just neck one way or the other and trim accordingly.

.30-06 , The original sniper rifle from WWI thru the Vietnam War. Only reason it’s not in use now is due to law enforcement “over penetration”. With the right round it will take down anything on the North American Continent. It’s been around forever so the data you can get will choke a mule. Cheap to reload, recoil is significantly less than that of the previously mentioned anti-tank weapons. Call me a traditionalist but just because it’s not the flavor of the day, it’s still a great round.

BR549 wrote:I have to agree with lipsplitter. It would definately be a 7mm bullet. One of the most popular and accurate things going on right now in the custom market is taking either the .270 or the .300wsm and either necking up or down to get the wildcat version of the 7mmwsm. Very accurate! Already set several new 1000 yd benchmarks. go with a good medium barrel in either 24 or 26" and use the berger bullet. It will bring down anything in No. America without tearing your shoulder offSweet shootin round. If you are gonna be handloading anyway brass is not a problem. use any .270 or .300 brass and just neck one way or the other and trim accordingly.

That is interesting. I wonder about the 7mm-300 Win Mag round. I have heard good things about it as well. Easy to find brass, 3100+ muzzle velocity with 180 Berger VLDs, carries velocity down range well.

Let me be clear, I do not possess a 1000 yard skill set...not even 1/3 of that right now. I would love to develope that skill set at some point. So, I am looking to build a gun that would allow me to work up to that point. A doe killed at greater than 600 yards doesn't look pretty on the wall, but it would be a trophy deer in my book under any circumstance.

I wouldn't be to concerned over brass or brass cost in reloading. Odds are you won't be reloading your rounds at max pressure to where you only might get 2-3 rounds per brass. Then, I don't see the round itself being shot that much to begin with as it's a hunting rifle. Your not going to go to a range and just start pulling off rounds. You will be making hunts where some you may not shoot at all. Then when you do go, you may shoot once or twice if you miss on the first round.


When jdbuckshot gets back from CO, he can shed some light on long distance rounds.

Another request for free advice...what company makes a better barrel...Shilen or Krieger? I realize that it is probably Ford vs. Chevy, but I am curious based on experience of you fellas. Thanks

30-378 I love it

.280ai.........liking it so far....of course 300 yds is as far as I have shot.