SG,
the 338s are an option- the caliber isn't out of my view. I guess I'm moreso interested right now in the case type it's built off of and why I should choose one over the other. When it comes to wildcats, I would want something that's easy to get or make brass for without breaking the bank. I can live with buying custom dies that will last.

I tried to play RR's game, but didn't have the dedication or range to make it happen. MD is not too long range friendly.

I look forward to RR's handywork during end of Nov. Always a crowd pleaser.

If you glass carefully enough at the real estate between you and the deer a mile away, you might find others that are a little closer. :D

RR, what can you tell me about the significance of subsonic flight of a projectile?

Yeah. All I know is that there is some aerodynamically funky stuff that happens when the bullet passes through the "transsonic" region (mach 0.8 to 1.2) that serious messed up the flight of rifle bullets. Apparently, the same bullet would be perfectly stable and accurate both above mach 1.2 and if fired below about mach 0.8, but the transition somehow wrecks any accuracy, but I've never found an understandable explanation of why.

Mike

Hmm, interesting....maybe something to do with the shockwave against air and center-of-gravity has something to do with it :D

Anyone know who this new troll "Relentless Pursuit" is?

I think I might be leaning toward a 7mm cartridge. They seem to be better off (for caliber) than the 30s, and still don't lack tough bullets for larger game. Plus, I can double-up components from my 7mmRM. Yet, this purchase would be long down the road, as I want the best quality I can get for a reasonable price.

Well, the Allen Mag has my attention right now.

Weight and handling...not a terrible consideration of mine. I have lighter setups when needed. The rifle, like all of my others, would not be shot without a bipod. I learned early on never to go into the field without a rest. Anyways, a long action and long barrel aren't a fear of mine. Maybe I'm weird, but I am willing to carry the weight for forgiveness of drop, and hey, a big gun is cool :D :D. I'm sure I'm not the first one to tote such a setup ;) Knowing range is NOT yet an option for hunting. A range finder will hopefully be in my bag of tricks soon. For now, estimation has had to settle (unless at targets, when I took the time), but then again I've not taken shots at game so far I did not know the drop would be within the vitals. For this reason--a flatter shooter will help make up for SOME error in estimation. Extended range shooting is not planned upon until I get a range finder, but I still want a larger magnum anyways.