The perfect cartridge.

[jj2096]

Clickbait title. I know this has likely been discussed before to some extent, but I'm looking for a new rifle set up. I want it to be primarily an elk gun, but something I can take for whitetail as well (I'm fine with it being on the big end for deer). 7mm prc? 308? 300win prc? Any reason not to go with the prc options other than ammo availability?

 

[Macintosh]

Lots of people will define “the perfect cartridge” as the one which creates the wound you want (penetration depth and channel size) at the maximum range you need, with the minimum recoil. If that definition will work for you, then in order to answer the question you need to
provide your maximum needed range and what you are looking for with regard to wound channel, and any particulars such as barrel length, required nontox projectile, wind performance, etc.that would affect the answer.

 

[Deere_Man]

Get a plain old Tikka T3X Stainless in 270 Winchester and mount a Trijicon Huron 3-9X40mm on it. Done.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

6mm CM, 6.5CM, 6.5PRC, 270. Pic one.

Don’t need any bigger.

 

[wesfromky]

Read the .223, 6mm/243, .25, and 6.5 threads. And the switch to smallest caliber threads. And the match bullet threads.

TL;DR - define how far you are going to realistically shoot at critters, then pick the one with the least recoil that maintains 1800ish fps at that range. Use tmk/edlm/edlx/etc. And is legal where you want to hunt. And that you can afford / want to shoot a couple thousands rounds out of a year. And buy a silencer and drop tested scope.

 

[Comerade]

The perfect round is one that you can easily find factory ammunition for.
Secondly, if you handload, one that components are readily available
Third, cartridge cases are reloadable more than 2 or 3 times.
The .270 wcf and 30/06 have not been improved upon, imo

 

[flyfisher117]

My perfect cartridge is the 6.5 CM, it is currently my jack of all trades go to.

It’s a short action.
It gives me a nice balance between barrel life and ballistics.
It’s lethal well past my ethical range.
I can hunt with it this weekend and take it it to a comp next weekend.
The recoil is manageable for spotting shots.
It offers a nice range of bullets, 90gr class for varmints and 140gr class for deer/elk.
Factory ammo is now available nearly anywhere.