Savage .28 Nosler?

so many options though....
.300 PRC
.300 Wby
.300 Win.Mag.
.300 WSM

The one that says ".338" lol.

:popcorn:

-Jake

How far is "long range" for you? Up to 400 yards? Past 400 yards?

or what about 300 rem ultra mag?
or .338 ultra mag for that matter, but do well on elk and afar!

If I read the OP topic correctly, you're looking for long range elk options in a rifle. Since you're in Wyoming, that might mean up to 400 or even 600 yards. Not a problem with most 300 WM's. I would say buy a reasonable rifle you like and spend around half or more of your budget on a good scope. If you're able to shop some gun stores, you might even find a deal on a used rifle and scope.

Thanks Cal. You nailed it. It's an elk rifle, and I want to shoot up to 600 yards or so. I have looked at used, but nothing yet.

Honestly, I am still a bit undecided about whether or not to buy one, or just invest largely into a scope dedicated to my 30-.06.

We have quite a few members who use a 30-06, many of them for elk hunting. I use a 338 but it's a similar concept. Something big with ballistics that can still reach out and touch a bull.

you can also get an accuracy job done to your current rifle, to help that shoot better, as again when you get past 500 yards small details matter and that includes MOA accuracy
when I first started out shooting 1,000 yard matches I started with a 30-06, was all I had and was young and not much of a budget!
one thing I know for a fact, is NOT all loads that shoot well at 100-200 yards group well at farther distances, so, again, before making any long range shots on live game
please make sure you have the skills and the accuracy at the ranges you will shoot at,
lots of marketing tries to make things look easy and anyone can do it, but there is more to it again, than just buying gear!
and NO bash here, just being honest with suggestions here!

I promise to only take ethical shots, and to practice a lot.

What was your priority in setting up your 30-.06 long distance set up? The drop of the round is very significant. If I can accomplish the shot and keep my gun, I will probably do it.

A 30-06 is enough rifle and a drop compensation scope would take care of the distance issue. You can buy an excellent scope for a fair bit under your total budget. Right now I am a big fan of the VX-5. It is rugged, bright, and priced right.