One More Rifle

Pparrish · 05-16-2006, 11:26 PM

Okay, this question has probably been asked a hundred times already but here it is again.
What caliber(s) will take down everything I could hunt in North America out to say 400yds?

Background: I have a Marlin 30-30 that I use forwhitetail 150 yds or less. But I'm looking for something to make some longer shots if needed and I want that rifle to take care of (most) everything.
Suggestions?

biscuit jake · 05-17-2006, 05:25 AM

Well, hunting big game at 400 is controversial but I will stick with the question. The 338 Win Mag (and its variants) has bullets with pretty good weight and ballistic coeffecients. They retain a ton of energy a long ways out.... if you have a good barrel. (Don't put on a stubby) The bullets also have a larger frontal area. If you try this on game that hunts back, please hunt with a partner and I will feel better.

hardcorehunter · 05-17-2006, 05:40 AM

I don't have a 30.06 but it is probably the most versatile round for a one gun do it all. 400 yds takes a lot of practice to do that all the time. I'm with Biscuit. I would get closer for a biggame shot. Varmints and predators sure why not try out to 400 or more.

Pparrish · 05-17-2006, 03:36 PM

I'm not saying that I'm gonna go out and look for a 400 yd shot, but if I'm ever in a situation that it's all I have, I would like a rifle that would do the job when asked.
I've only shot one deer that was beyond 50yds, so I believe that I do get in close enough, thanks for the concern though.

What's the recommended energy at point of impact to take down elk/moose/bear?

redgreen · 05-17-2006, 03:55 PM

The norm recommendedfor moose, elk and bear is 1800 footpounds at impact. 400 yard shots aren't something to be taken lightly. An animal feels pain the same as we do, and I've seen too many people take potshots at game when they couldn't hit the inside of a barn. Practice makes perfect. A 338 will definately fill the bill for this purpose, but if you don't like recoil, I'd look at a 300 mag or something in the same class.

gandilamont · 05-17-2006, 04:18 PM

338 REMINGTON ULTRA MAG

Rammer · 05-17-2006, 10:24 PM

7mm Rem Mag

handloader1 · 05-17-2006, 10:32 PM

.340 Wby. Mag. Good luck.

gunnut2000 · 05-17-2006, 11:22 PM

I would have to vote for the 338WinMag as well. If you weren't hunting anything bigger than elk I might vote for a 7mmRemMag but you did say everything in North America. Good luck with your pick. Jovan

ELKampMaster · 05-18-2006, 06:09 AM

Quote:

What caliber(s) will take down everything I could hunt in North America out to say 400yds?

By including (perhaps inadvertant) the Great Bears in your question, you will likely get cartridge recommendations that either:
** overlook your including these heavy duty animals (at the range you indicate), or
** are going to suggest "more cartridge" than what you really need for what you are likely to hunt.

I'm guessing thatsomething in the range of a 7mmRemMag, 30-06, or300WinMag would do nicely for you. If you get around to the $15-25K Great Bear hunt then obtaining a different riflle for the job should be of little significance.

If you meant it just the way you said it, then 340 Weatherby Mag, 338RUM, 338 Lapua, 338-378 Weatherby, 378 Weatherby, 416 Rigby, or 416 Weatherby Mag. This latter group is a significant step up from the ole thuty-thuty and certainly are not gallery guns, so consider trying them out with someoneknowledgable and that you can trustbefore you pursue one of those.

In any case, your guide will not likely let you shoot at a Brown or Polar Bear at 400 yards (or even 300 yards).