I would first define “Long Range”! You’ve already dropped elk from the menu, which allowed you to drop down a bit in caliber.
However, if you are not recoil sensitive, you can still have a 1000 yard rifle of substantial cartridge capabilities, while keeping the package light enough to be a “practical” for hunting.....while putting elk back on the menu! PS, I define “hunting” as actually carrying the firearm on your person “over hill and dale”..... “NOT” lmiting one’s self to driving to an overlook to “snipe” game at long distances!
Increasing rifle caliber, bullet weights, and velocities does not reduce it’s capabilities to take smaller big game! I don’t think that I’ve ever heard someone say they had too much rifle performance. They may have chosen the wrong bullet for the increased velocity, causing excessive meat loss.....which is a “bullet thing” not a “caliber/velocity thing”! In a practical, reasonable carry weight firearm......there is no such thing as “overkill”!
The .338’s ( .338 RUM, 338 Lapua, & 338-375 Weatherby ) are cartridges that can be part of a “reasonably” weighted platform, have a large number of great long range type bullets, and have plenty of horsepower for long range elk hunting!
Obviously, these are my opinions, and should be valued as such!
memtb
