One More Rifle
 

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?

RE: One More Rifle
 

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.

RE: One More Rifle
 

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.

RE: One More Rifle
 

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?

RE: One More Rifle
 

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.

RE: One More Rifle
 

338 REMINGTON ULTRA MAG

RE: One More Rifle
 

7mm Rem Mag

RE: One More Rifle
 

.340 Wby. Mag. Good luck.

RE: One More Rifle
 

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

RE: One More Rifle
 

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).

RE: One More Rifle
 

300 Win Mag if you are comfortable with the recoil. Not much more than the 30-06 which would also fill your needs but the 300 Win speaks a little louder with the heavy bullets. With a good 200 grain bullet, the 300 will do most of what the 338 will do. IMO.

RE: One More Rifle
 

If it's that dang much to go on a bear hunt then I'll probably never get a chance to hunt bear, so I will take them out of the situation for now and if a bear hunt does arise, I will get a new rifle if need be.;)

The "400yd" part was just to let ya'll know that I want something that will shoot distance if need be. I've never made a 400yd shot while hunting big game and never plan to, but.....................what if I get a chance to hunt 'lopes, or mulies in West TX/NM or ??????????????
(beginning to think I should've never mentioned the dreaded "400yd".:D)

RE: One More Rifle
 

I am not one to stifle curiosity. Nothing wrong with long range shooting. The application can get challenging. Wind gets to be a problem, maybe more so than the inherent accuracy of the rifle or doing the math on the bullet drop. I wouldn't mind hearing from some Montana and Idaho shooters where you see the game at artillery range. Who knows where you will be hunting in 25 years? Maybe big bears will be a possibility. I would want a heavier bullet with a good caliber. Know your rifle and get it zeroed for the range you plan to hunt. IMO a 100 yard zero is not good for a 500 yard shot. What about a 2,000 pound bison? Don't want a spitball for that one! They are thick skinned, too. Nothing wrong with a big rifle. Enjoy. Now, there is another forum on long range shooting out there. These guys spend the big bucks for the long reach. You might want to check it out. Heh heh. When I worry about things that eat horses I carry a 45 70. But I have no plan to hunt bear for sport. I eat what I shoot. Ptui.