Quote:
Originally Posted by rrplasencia
long distance hunting/shooting. elk, mule deer, big horn sheep. probably not big enough caliber for bear or moose but shot placement could compensate for that.
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You're asking the classic sitting around the camp fire, "what rifle do I need to kill everything in N. America question?".
ALL modern 6.5mm/7mm/.30 cal cartridges will shoot accurately at those distances.
I DON'T ADVISE you shoot game at these distances unless you really know what you're doing. You're going to waste a ton of money on guided trips with no luck. Most guides will not let you shoot at game at those distances unless they really know that you're capable of doing so. If you wound the animal and loose it, it's as good as if you bagged it as far as payment is concerned. (hunting advise portion of post over)
I suggest you get a 30 caliber rifle in a <24" barrel (NO muzzle break) and try to keep the weight to under 9 lbs with a high quality 1x-4x or 3x-9x scope (NO massive 50+mm front bell or 9x+ zoom). I routinely shoot 600 yds at 6" gongs with 4x scope. Please don't mess up a beautiful sleek light rifle with a honking massive scope on it.
The reason for a 30 cal is that there are a large amount of bullet weights to choose from and elk will more reliable go down and stay down, at those distances, with 30 cal (imho). I also give you options for African plains game, black bear and moose.
I'd take (in order)
1. 300 WSM - because of overall versatility and short action (rifle weight)
2. 30.06 - this really is a great round and ammo is everywhere and cheap
3. .308 - see 300 WSM and have less recoil
4. 280 Rem - my favorite light 7mm
5. 270 Win - this has to be on the list, but it's not 'really' and elk cartridge. (although it will do it)
6. 7mm Mauser - deer/sheep/goat...DEAD and has very light recoil + can be put into a light rifle.
7. 7-08 - see 7 mm Mauser but not a 'sexy'
All of the above will kill elk (the largest of what you listed) and for that matter would kill a moose with a well placed shot and good bullet. If you're really not going to go elk hunting and this is just the "hunting dream rifle" (nothing wrong with that) then I'd go lighter with less recoil and get a light 7mm Mauser/280/7-08.
As far as "what rifle?". I'd get a stainless steel, composite 'what ever' you're able to cheek up and have a good locked in feel in the off hand and for-end rested standing rest positions. All the major manufactures standard-to-top end rifles will have smooth actions and quality builds. SAKO and Tikka are great. Browning is overprices (imho). Win Model 70 and Rem 700 are standards. Savage makes a nice price point product. Weatherby Vanguard is nice as well. Really it's a matter of what 'feels' right for you.
Good luck, this is a rabbit hole and you're about to go down it.
