Build a long range hunting rifle

[Cass Via Jr]

If you were to build a long range hunting rifle for elk and mule deer what caliber would it be in and what scope would you put on it?


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[wildwilderness]

So many options. Will come down to personal choice. Since you put elk in there I would recommend bigger than smaller. Something in the .300 Win Mag category (not necessarily that one since its an outdated design) or larger would be good for the 1000 yard elk kill. I wouldn't go smaller than a 7mm, even though the 6.5 craze is going on. Elk are tough animals. Maybe go for a 338 Edge...


I had a couple long range rifles- a semi custom 700 in 300 wsm with a zeiss 6-24, and a new Mesa Precision Arms Ti with christensen barrel and manners stock in 7 saum with a swaro x5 3.5-18. For the really long shots I prefer more magnification.

 

[DangerRanger]

Building another right now

300 win

Probably an LRHS

 

[Huntindog45]

It would start with a 3 and end with a magnum... a few choices there but those would be my parameters


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[ID_Matt]

300 win mag is outdated????

That would be my first choice.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Thanks to the admins for moving this to the right forum.

I would go 300 magnum (Win, WSM, or Wby) and top it with a Nightforce SHV F1.

 

[CorbLand]

Depends on what you classify as long range. If your thinking 1000 yard gun its hard to beat any of the 30 cal magnums.

 

[SniperHunter]

I love my 300wm, but reloading belted mags takes a couple extra steps and precautions. If I wasn't already tooled up for the 300wm, including lots of brass. I would have made a switch to a non-belted fast 30 like the 300 norma mag when my last barrel was shot out. When this barrel is gone and the rest of my brass is worn out, I will probably make the switch.

 

[wildwilderness]

300 win mag is outdated????

That would be my first choice.

“Outdated design” -it works great (just like my old flip phone ) just not as efficient, short neck and pointless belt. So if I was going to build something why not maximize all that if there is something better? 300 Norma, 300 rum, 30 Nosler, 300 wsm, 300 prc

 

[longbarrel]

I have hunted a lot in NV where my typical shot was 400 yd (so I zeroed at 400 and held 12" low at 200). I have been happy with a Win 70 in .270, NULA .284, and .338 with 29" barrel. I have been pretty happy with hunting weight bullets at 2900 fps in a rifle giving sub-moa accuracy.

 

[canuckhunter]

300 win mag, as has been a common theme here. Along with Swarovski z5. Great combo for both Alberta prairies and the Rocky Mountains!!

 

[deerkiller]

for me "long range" is capped at 600 yds, IMO THAT'S a poke in the hunting fields - you could do ALOT worse than a well built 338 Win Mag shooting 225's, if you hit in the correct spot one shot immediate kills is almost assured BUT it's not for every shooter - just go with a .30 and practice a bunch in FIELD positions

 

[Hmr]

I couldn’t be happier with my custom 300 RUM. Sending 210 VLD’s at 3100 fps and 1/2 minute groups out to 1k. I have it topped off with a NF NXS 5.5-22 moar-t.
The brake I have was a custom design by my smith, makes the RUM kick like a 243.
I think it’s nice having the extra hitting power especially for elk sized game. The only con I have with this whole setup is the availability and price of premium brass.

 

[Liv2HntBigBullz]

Lots of questions need answered first:

1. What are you considering long range?
2. Do you want to reload or are you honestly going to shoot factory ammo?
3. Do you want something new/craze or are you happy with timeless and proven?
4 Will you spend the time at the range shooting alot if it is heavy recoil?

Don't think you can go wrong with a 300wm, 270, 338. If you are going timeless and proven, buy a higher end factory gun and dump your cash into optics. Lots of these sub moa factory guns are as good as your custom options and fall a bit cheaper overall.

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[WesternHntr]

If you were to build a long range hunting rifle for elk and mule deer what caliber would it be in and what scope would you put on it?


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If you plan on limiting shots on elk to 800 yards I'd go 7 saum with 180's or 195's.
Beyond that check out the 300 PRC, I'd strongly suggest picking up a Christensen arms Ridgeline in 300 PRC. It's set up to shoot LR bullets from the factory, you won't be able to build a custom for the price of the Ridgeline.

For glass check out the Leupold MK5 HD or night force NX8.
I run a mk5 3.6-18 and it's an awesome compact LR hunting scope that tracks true

 

[cheytac]

300 Norma or 338 Lapua
That being said the largest that you can shoot accurately

 

[prwillard2]

I had a 28 Nosler built by Ryan Pierce. Straight hammers with 195 Berger EOL's at 3150 FPS.

Kelbly's tactical action
Manners EH-1
26" proof sendero
Bix'n Andy

Running a S&B 3-27 hi power on it, but may go to a Mk5 5-25 to save about 8 ounces.

 

[Vandy321]

If a 300wm pushing 215s 3000fps is outdated...I'll take outdated...availability of quality factory ammo is a plus in a pinch or if you dont reload.

 

[Broz]

300 win mag. "Often imitated never duplicated" when all things are considered. Build it and load it just like you would any case and ignore the belt. With properly set dies it means nothing. There are tons of components and great choices in factory ammo. With a 215 Berger it is a killing machine and can run 3K and maybe a bit more with N-570.

For an optic I would look at the Nightforce NXS 5.5~22 or the new NX8 4~32

 

[excaliber]

Another vote for the 300 Win Mag. IMHO, It's the best Elk Caliber ever designed. Mine shoots 200 Gr ELD-X's very well.