Which Cartridge / Caliber with limited availability of components or ammo for LR??

[Where's Bruce?]

Shooting further won't be near as fun as learning to stalk close enough to smell em. What you need to develop is skill. JMO

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Shooting further won't be near as fun as learning to stalk close enough to smell em. What you need to develop is skill. JMO

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Maybe you shouldn't respond to posts on the Long Range Forum then..
I've killed bulls with my bow at 3 yards and with a precision rifle beyond 1/2 mile, I guarantee I'm not the only lr hunter on here who knows how to stalk

 

[Where's Bruce?]

If Wacko wants to continue to use his .308 and a 6.5 creed he's gonna need to close the distance or buy the 300WM cuz at 700 yards the other two rounds lack the kinda KE you want when shooting big game animals. It's good to have the stalking skills you have combined with a rifle and ammo that's up to the task. I own all three of those calibers and the WM is a much flatter shooter.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

If Wacko wants to continue to use his .308 and a 6.5 creed he's gonna need to close the distance or buy the 300WM cuz at 700 yards the other two rounds lack the kinda KE you want when shooting big game animals. It's good to have the stalking skills you have combined with a rifle and ammo that's up to the task. I own all three of those calibers and the WM is a much flatter shooter.

Now this I agree with

 

[mississippilpj]

The .243 will reach out to 700 yards and beyond. I handload for my Ruger and hit steel at 800 yards

 

[z987k]

If Wacko wants to continue to use his .308 and a 6.5 creed he's gonna need to close the distance or buy the 300WM cuz at 700 yards the other two rounds lack the kinda KE you want when shooting big game animals. It's good to have the stalking skills you have combined with a rifle and ammo that's up to the task. I own all three of those calibers and the WM is a much flatter shooter.

I agree with all that, but do ask, does it really matter how flat something shoots? Rangefinders seem to be rather standard equipment. I don't know anyone that sights for MBPR on a gun with a variable optic anymore.

 

[djauofd]

Flat shooting is great ! However knowing muzzle velocity of the load at temperature and the calculated drop is all one needs for doping the scope or managing holdovers. The real trick is reading the wind, and being able to compensate based upon changing topography to the target. No scope can do that for you and it starts to become three greatest variable at extended ranges.

A 308 win slinging a 180 gr Berger Elite hunter at 2,650 out of a 20” barrel can maintain velocity of 1,800 fps out to 600 yds and 1,300 ft lbs at sea level. Increase elevation to say 8,000 ft and that 1,800 fps minimum moves out to 775 yds.

So can you use 308 win out to 700 yds yes but it depends on environmental conditions. Bottom line is the flatter shooting the bullet is, the higher the BC the higher the hits ratio will be at any elevation. To eliminate variables completely you can always go to a plasma weapon system. Line if sight is good.


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[Wacko]

Interesting feed back here. Obviously I try to get close - actually as close as possible. However, hunting public land with heavy pressure, sometimes the opportunity you get is the only one you are going to get. Pressure has picked up quite a bit in the last few years!

Like I have stated I can shoot on my own property, I live and practice at the same elevation and conditions I hunt in. I did not attempt a shot either year because I know the bullet I was using would not have the velocity needed for performance at those ranges.

The 6.5 creed with a 147 eld-m at 2550fps at 8000' is still going over 1900fps at 700....it's close to my 2000fps wanted.....a 6mm creed launching a 108 eld-m at just 2900fps at 8000' is going over 2000fps at 700....

I am fully aware of what it will take to make first round hits - even if I don't have to make the long range shot. I plan on making the effort to be ready for 2022 at 700....If I could get whatever components or ammo I wanted - whenever I wanted - I could use almost anything. However, it hasn't been working that way. Have been looking for something that I CAN find that would work at those ranges....it's out there....I will find what I am comfortable with....

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[35WhelenAI]

I agree with all that, but do ask, does it really matter how flat something shoots? Rangefinders seem to be rather standard equipment. I don't know anyone that sights for MBPR on a gun with a variable optic anymore.

Lol, there are many hunters that do MPBR. Where did you get your information?

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Given your situation, a 700WM is the ideal rifle. Has sufficient KE to kill beyond 1000 yards and you have many bullet options. It'll kill any animal in No. America. If shooting at long distance I urge you to hunt with a buddy who can help you locate the impact point to start your stalk. The downside to LR shooting (at game) solo is it is much more difficult to find the spot your shot hit. One guy standing where you took the shot with a rangefinder (to guide you) can make finding the impact point easier and that's vital on those late-afternoon/pre-dusk shots. Good luck.

 

[z987k]

Lol, there are many hunters that do MPBR. Where did you get your information?

A) the thread is about long range. MBBR isn't really relevant to LR.
B) I know no one at all that sets their big game rifles up for MPBR that also owns a range finder.

 

[35WhelenAI]

You and me both, I don't know anybody who doesn't own a rangefinder. You mentioned a variable optic, to me a variable optic is a scope with a variable magnification range. A scope that uses ballistic compensation, whether turrets or reticle, is different. Must've misunderstood you.

In any case, for some the assumed use for rangefinders is to determine the clicks on turrets or where to hold with a BDC reticle.

I do know plenty of people who use the rangefinder and don't use a reticle or turrets on a regular basis. Most don't have them on their scopes.

Set up for MPBR and use the rangefinder to know the distance to objects in the field of fire being watched. Aim and shoot. Time is not needed to dial up on a 300-350 yard shot. If the shot comes outside of that, use the rangefinder, and know holdovers.

A 300 Winchester Magnum shooting a decently aerodynamic 180 grain bullet with an 8 inch MPBR of around 340 yards, has 24 inches of drop at 500 yds using that sight-in. A cow elk from the hairline on the back to the belly below the leg is about 24-27 inches, a bull a bit more. I would say to gauge hold over to drop the bullet at 500 yards into the vitals is not as difficult as maybe it's made out to be. I have never taken an animal that far however I have practiced and practiced and feel confident if the opportunity does present itself. It takes a bullet a bit over a half second to cover 500 yards. A lot can happen with even an undisturbed animal in a half second from when the trigger breaks. So with that said, we must be absolutely accepting of good or not so good outcome any of us get regardless of the method.

 

[ramsdude47]

Getting back to ammo availability, and thinking long term (ignore current shortages), I’m curious to hear opinions on: 240 WBY vs 6.5 PRC vs 270 WSM?

Mainly because I already have rifles (but no ammo) for the 1st 2 and might try to win a 270 WSM auction.

 

[Seeknelk]

Interesting feed back here. Obviously I try to get close - actually as close as possible. However, hunting public land with heavy pressure, sometimes the opportunity you get is the only one you are going to get. Pressure has picked up quite a bit in the last few years!

Like I have stated I can shoot on my own property, I live and practice at the same elevation and conditions I hunt in. I did not attempt a shot either year because I know the bullet I was using would not have the velocity needed for performance at those ranges.

The 6.5 creed with a 147 eld-m at 2550fps at 8000' is still going over 1900fps at 700....it's close to my 2000fps wanted.....a 6mm creed launching a 108 eld-m at just 2900fps at 8000' is going over 2000fps at 700....

I am fully aware of what it will take to make first round hits - even if I don't have to make the long range shot. I plan on making the effort to be ready for 2022 at 700....If I could get whatever components or ammo I wanted - whenever I wanted - I could use almost anything. However, it hasn't been working that way. Have been looking for something that I CAN find that would work at those ranges....it's out there....I will find what I am comfortable with....

Thanks for all the replies

I have a 300 prc and had a 300 wm. It's true they are very popular. However , that can backfire ,going with the popular thing right now. 300 prc brass from adg and Lapua disappear almost immediately as do 215 bergers etc. But you can actually get 30 nosler adg brass right now. And whatever you go with , get the brass and bullets sourced NOW! Unknown Munitions has brass and can make you custom loads although I'm sure it's spendy. 30 nosler factory loads seem Jo hum being such a short coal saami spec. Go with a .200ish throat if you do a 30 nosler. It can be cut into any standard chamber if you got a factory rifle.

 

[Sled]

Getting back to ammo availability, and thinking long term (ignore current shortages), I’m curious to hear opinions on: 240 WBY vs 6.5 PRC vs 270 WSM?

Mainly because I already have rifles (but no ammo) for the 1st 2 and might try to win a 270 WSM auction.

240wby is scarce when no shortages are happening. 6.5 prc will continue to get support and be plentiful again at some point. 270wsm is a favorite of mine but is better for the handloader.

 

[Pokoki]

2 years in a row now I've had "shooter" bulls between 575 and 700 yards. I tried to close the distance both times, but both (obviously) gave me the slip. I did have time to do THLR's long range proficiency test + extra time. Probably 2 minutes each time to set up and fire. If I was "capable" of making the shot.

I had a .308 once and a 6.5 creed this year. (both Tikka, SWFA, Sportsmatch) Not saying they "wouldn't" work, just not under the circumstances (for me). I set a minimum of 2000 fps or better for impact velocity. I was able to locate some 140 federal fusions for my creed this year....velocity and BC are not going to make it at those ranges for me with that combo. Tikka slow barrel too...400 yards - sure.

In todays world having to rely on specific components or 1 factory load is pretty much impossible (cause I haven't been hoarding..) - especially figuring in practice ammo.

So I've been thinking about a new rifle....

What caliber would you be confident in with a "reasonable" factory load or reasonable handload out to those distances? It could change throughout the year as you use it up and replace it. I have been leaning towards the 300 win mag......or maybe a 7mm mag.....my thinking is something that gets velocity easily from displacement will make it easier to get 2000 fps+ with multiple combos at those ranges....

Any thoughts appreciated!

300 PRC?

 

[Wacko]

Thanks for all the feedback!

By all the answers it is obvious there are many answers. I think some of it is location dependent on what you see in stores. Looks like the main issue is powder for reloading. I may need to look at what will be more available as time goes on.

Looking at everything a 6.5 PRC gets pretty interesting. It seems to be getting a pretty big push from manufacturers. Ballistically it is phenomenal - off the shelf. It should have pretty low recoil for the performance. It also comes in a Tikka off the shelf!

I saw this video too.....

I wonder if the PRC would fit and work in the Bravo chassis I have??

 

[HaydenLane]

Thanks for all the feedback!

By all the answers it is obvious there are many answers. I think some of it is location dependent on what you see in stores. Looks like the main issue is powder for reloading. I may need to look at what will be more available as time goes on.

Looking at everything a 6.5 PRC gets pretty interesting. It seems to be getting a pretty big push from manufacturers. Ballistically it is phenomenal - off the shelf. It should have pretty low recoil for the performance. It also comes in a Tikka off the shelf!

I saw this video too.....

I wonder if the PRC would fit and work in the Bravo chassis I have??

For the most part, it should. AFAIK, Tikka 6.5 PRCs come with a saami length mag and SA bolt stop, and a Tikka Bravo will work with any cartridge using a SA bolt stop. Many factory 700 clone 6.5 PRCs use a true short action as well (my Bergara, for example), so it would drop right into a 700 SA Bravo.

EDIT: 6.5 PRC will not fit in a SA aics mag with restrictor plate. I believe it’s a tight fit without the plate, which should work for a Tikka. I haven’t tried/measured anything, so take this for the little it is worth.