Favorite Long Range Rifle

[Winchester]

I hand load. When I started using it the ammo makers didnt manufacture that round it was a wildcat and needed to be hand loaded. I would fireform std 280 brass in the chamber and load from the various manuals such as Nosler and possibly Speer at the time. Store bought ammo for the AI seems to be big bucks these days ?

That's what I figured. Thanks for the update!

 

[missjordan]

Last spring we purchased a Christensen Arms BA Tactical 338 Lapua and it?s been a fantastic long range gun both for shooting and hunting. Shot both my elk and deer this season with this gun. Carries easy at 11.5lbs, recoil is extremely manageable but makes up for it in noise and percussion

 

[Winchester]

Thanks! That's a sweet looking rifle!!
What scope do you have on it & how far would you be comfortable shooting at game with it?

 

[HuskyMusky]

I'm torn between the 270, 280rem, 280ai myself... my thinking is what can the 280ai do that the 280rem or 270win can't? sure it does everything better in every way but to what % ??

there are factory loads, and assuming those shoot well then who cares, but if they don't and you don't handload... then... custom ammo? actually not that expensive in many cases. but I'm sure 280rem is more common and immensely more common the 270win.

I'd strongly look at the 7mm rem mag, 338win.mag. and 340 Wby, the 338's need less barrel length than the 7mm and 300's which is a nice option/factor IMO, 22/24" instead of 26"...

 

[Winchester]

Thanks! You raise an interesting question regarding the 280 AI ... Is it's slight increase in performance over something like a .270win worth the added difficulty of finding ammo if you don't hand load. Good question ... and I am considering that.

Reference a .338win mag, I had one in Alaska back in the '80s and the recoil was significant. Not sure that's worth it either, but I suppose their are better ways to reduce the recoil today with muzzle brakes, etc.

 

[Millsworks]

The .280 AI is quite a bit more of a performer than the .270.
It is very close to 7mm mag in energy.
That being said, I wouldn't choose the AI caliber over a standard Magnum. Ammo is more easily found and is more cost effective to purchase or reload.
Magnums certainly aren't necessary to take game ,but they shoot flatter and hit harder at longer distance targets.
If you want a longer distance rifle for large game a mag is the smart choice.
But if shooting less than 400yrds at more often medium size game like deer, with the occasional larger animal like elk. Then the medium cartridges like the 30-06 or .270 are perfect.

 

[Winchester]

Great input on the .280 AI, thx.
I do have a 30-06 I've been using for years and I agree, it's plenty for most game out to 400 yards or so.
I'm just researching what might be more effective for longer range ... although I don't know if I'll ever actually do it.

 

[RMM]

Just getting started with 28 nosler, Accuracy is impressive
1/4 inch or less at 100 yards. Haven't been able to go any further yet

 

[JimP]

Great input on the .280 AI, thx.
I do have a 30-06 I've been using for years and I agree, it's plenty for most game out to 400 yards or so.
I'm just researching what might be more effective for longer range ... although I don't know if I'll ever actually do it.

You just need to rechamber that old 06 to the 30-06 Improved or Ackley. Then you can get another 200 fps out of it.

 

[Millsworks]

I think if I were you I would keep the good old 30-06 and also purchase a 7mm mag or my favorite the .300 win mag, for serious long distance capabilities.

 

[dustin ray]

Iv been having fun with my long range 45cal muzzleloader from prairie dogs coyotes deer or just target shooting this gun is a lot of fun to shoot iv hit paper at 600yrds coyotes at 375yrds and deer at 450yrds

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Depends on what I am hunting.

For deer/antelope I use a M77 Ruger in 25-06 that I bought in 1976. On top is a 4x 14 Leupold vxIII with a Leupold ballistic turret. I shoot my own reloads with 117 BT Sierra bullets. MV is 3150 and I have shot it at 500 yards with sub moa groups. Longest shot was 407 on antelope.

My elk rifle is a custom commercial mauser actioned .300wby, topped with the same scope as the Ruger. Also has Leupold ballistic turret. Also shoots sub moa groups with 180 gr Nosler partitions out to 500 yds. Longest shot was 350 yds on elk.

My limit is about 500 yards, too many variables, at least for me, beyond that range.

 

[Winchester]

Just getting started with 28 nosler, Accuracy is impressive
1/4 inch or less at 100 yards. Haven't been able to go any further yet

Very nice! How's the recoil?

 

[Winchester]

You just need to rechamber that old 06 to the 30-06 Improved or Ackley. Then you can get another 200 fps out of it.

Thanks Jim, good idea but that's my Dad's old Pre-64 Model 70. I'm not gonna tinker with it, I like it being just the way it was when he used it. That's one reason I'm considering something new. Having another gun can't be bad right?

 

[Winchester]

I think if I were you I would keep the good old 30-06 and also purchase a 7mm mag or my favorite the .300 win mag, for serious long distance capabilities.

Yeah, I like the way you think. Now the question is which new caliber? I do like the 7mm mag or .300 win mag ... I'm also considering the .280 AI or 28 Nosler.

 

[Winchester]

Depends on what I am hunting.

For deer/antelope I use a M77 Ruger in 25-06 that I bought in 1976. On top is a 4x 14 Leupold vxIII with a Leupold ballistic turret. I shoot my own reloads with 117 BT Sierra bullets. MV is 3150 and I have shot it at 500 yards with sub moa groups. Longest shot was 407 on antelope.

My elk rifle is a custom commercial mauser actioned .300wby, topped with the same scope as the Ruger. Also has Leupold ballistic turret. Also shoots sub moa groups with 180 gr Nosler partitions out to 500 yds. Longest shot was 350 yds on elk.

My limit is about 500 yards, too many variables, at least for me, beyond that range.

Thanks CC, I appreciate your input. Is there any specific reason you chose the .300wby over others?

 

[RMM]

Not bad. Rifle weighs about 10lbs, plus a good brake

 

[Winchester]

Not bad. Rifle weighs about 10lbs, plus a good brake

Sounds good, thx !

 

[HuskyMusky]

PS.

I know hornady now offers their eldx line....high weight for caliber bullets, low drag, and of course, companies latest and greatest are always going to be available for the most popular cartridges first, 270win, 30.06, 7mm rem mag, 300 win mag,

I think if you want magnum with the least kick, maybe the 7mm rem mag. maybe 300wsm especially with 150 bullets...
instead of the 300 win mag, 338 win mag, 340wby.

factory non magnums, 270 win, 280rem, 30.06

best non-mag, 280 ackley, of course once you know your pet load, you or some custom ammo place could load you up plenty for a lifetime.

keep us posted!

 

[DH56]

Model 700, 7mm STW Sendero, Stainless Steel Fluted Barrel, topped off with a Leupold 4.5x14 50mm, shooting 160 grain Winchester Ballistic Silver tips.

High velocity shooter.