Big game rifle options?

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HoLeChit

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Sorry guys, been crazy busy with getting cabinets/countertops installed in the house among everything else. Whatever I can do to stay busy, quitting smoking is rough; but we all knew that.

I’m not 100% set on 30cal, it just seems to be the economical choice considering it’s proven track record and my current available stock. I felt that 300wm would be a better choice over 338 lapua due to cost (by a large factor) and weight. If I’m dragging a magnum out for game I’m likely shooting elk, mulies, moose, or sheep. Definitely not the types of hunts where I will want a 15-20lb rifle on my back. Also, especially in comparison to the 375 H&H, 45/70 or 50/90 the 300WM is a much flatter shooter with a much milder recoil. I do want to ensure I’m bringing enough rifle, with a little extra ballistic insurance to make up for any sloppiness on my part. I always hear about people who talk about killing elephants with 22CBs and all that fairytale crap, I don’t care about that. I wanna bring enough gun to take down my big stuff, and if I could have something to take down a pig at 700 yards that would be pretty fun too.

I’m definitely open to lower priced stuff, $2700 isn’t as much of a budget as it is a spending limit. If I could get the rifle and optic for $2700 I would be stoked.
 

magna19

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An accurate bolt action in 7 rem mag or 30-06 with the proper bullet is more than capable for all of North America big game. Shooting ability, shot placement, bullet type is the most important factor. Too many hunters get caught up in a magic cartridge with a fancy name. Along with and a rifle setup marketed for long range shooting/hunting. If your putting thought in big game over 400 yds then your really wanting to just say you shot one at ??? yds. A bad shot placement equals chasing wounded animals. One of the first things i learned hunting years ago you must be able to hit the vitals. I wonder how many of these long range hunting videos have wounded animals never recovered.
 

cowadle

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Sorry guys, been crazy busy with getting cabinets/countertops installed in the house among everything else. Whatever I can do to stay busy, quitting smoking is rough; but we all knew that.

I’m not 100% set on 30cal, it just seems to be the economical choice considering it’s proven track record and my current available stock. I felt that 300wm would be a better choice over 338 lapua due to cost (by a large factor) and weight. If I’m dragging a magnum out for game I’m likely shooting elk, mulies, moose, or sheep. Definitely not the types of hunts where I will want a 15-20lb rifle on my back. Also, especially in comparison to the 375 H&H, 45/70 or 50/90 the 300WM is a much flatter shooter with a much milder recoil. I do want to ensure I’m bringing enough rifle, with a little extra ballistic insurance to make up for any sloppiness on my part. I always hear about people who talk about killing elephants with 22CBs and all that fairytale crap, I don’t care about that. I wanna bring enough gun to take down my big stuff, and if I could have something to take down a pig at 700 yards that would be pretty fun too.

I’m definitely open to lower priced stuff, $2700 isn’t as much of a budget as it is a spending limit. If I could get the rifle and optic for $2700 I would be stoked.
you just described the 300 win mag.
 

Jack Shootza 50

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So I’m pretty close to having my rifle collection completed. After purchasing a big game rifle I’ll have all the essentials, anything purchased after this one will just be “collecting”. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

So I already have a few 308s and they work well, however, in the interest of hunting larger stuff in the future such as moose and elk, I feel that a step into the magnum realm would be a good idea. Since I already reload for two 30 cal cartridges, I feel that going with 300 Win Mag would be a logical choice, and with its timeless appeal and ability to drop anything on this continent, I think it’s about perfect.

thoughts on the caliber choice?

suggestions on the rifle? I was looking at maybe a weatherby mark 5. I figure if I can have something that’s under 8lbs before optics, threaded barrel, and weather resistant I’ll be good. I do really like wood stocks, but have a hard time getting away from synthetic just for weight and durability’s sake. I would like to keep the budget under $2700 for the rifle
 
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swampratt

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Now lets look at some newer rounds.
How about a 28 Nosler.
Seen a video of a guy shoot a 6.5 Creedmoor 603 yards into a Bull elk.
Dead on 1 shot. took 17 seconds to fall over dead... but still dead.

Again work on shot placement.
Elk I have heard can soak up some lead.
 

Grendelshooter

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If you want something different that'll take down anything, then 375 H&H would be good. As long as you want to reload for it. Good for up to "medium sized elephants" it's been a choice for African big game for many many years. Not enough love for it in this area, but I have two and they are both fun.
My man!
I want an Afrika rifle. I will NEVER go to afrika, there is nothing there I want to see, but I want something in 375 H&H or 458 Lott. Something that would have been carried by Hemingway on safari.
Id probably never shoot it, but I’d love to have one lol.
 

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