Help me pick a cartridge

Looking into building a rifle and wanted some suggestions on what to go with. I will be using it for whitetail and range plinking out to 1K yards. Listed below is what I already have, I would like to keep from doubling up or getting into hard to find components. I do reload so ammo isn't an issue so long as I can find the brass.

.243
.260
6.5 creed
.280 ackley
.308
7-300WM

Well heck. All the cartridges you have will already do what you mentioned.

So to pick something new I gotta go with a 1:9" twist 7mm-08 with 162 A-maxes (when you can get them again) or 168 Berger VLDs.

Damn I would just buy components and go shoot. I agree with Fireman JG...got most of it covered. If you got to get something, 338 ultra, lapua, or edge...

I'd just shoot what you got, and get some trigger time behind them...

That is a pretty good list already I would go with something big for shooting a long ways like the 338 edge or the like.

Walter

He said 1k, but a big boomer like a 338 LM is on my "want" list. But I won't shoot it inside 1k very often. That's a waste of components for me. And west Texas is the only place I could stretch its legs. Still want one though.

P & Y,

you already have one 6mm, and two 6.5's. Could get another 6mm, like a 6mm Creedmoor, or 6 x 47.

6.5-06

I haven't looked at the .338 at all, maybe it's time that I do. I have always preferred to shoot mild rounds as far as recoil is concerned. I really want something that is fun to sit behind at the range. I need to look at the 6x47 too, not familiar with it.

1) grab the 7-300WM

2) Acquire 180 VLD's

3) Push said 180 VLD's to ~3050-3100 fps

That vs a .300 WM running the 230 hybrid at ~2900 at 1K (units: fps, ftlbs, in, in, sec):

7-300
Velocity: 1813
Energy: 1314
Elevation: -228.85
Windage: 26.56
Time: 1.26

300
Velocity: 1785
Energy: 1628
Elevation: -252.84
Windage: 25.33
Time: 1.32

I actually had two loads worked up for it. The first was the 168gr VLD and the other was the 180gr Hybrid.

The benefit of the 180 VLD is that is the best BC I'm aware of on a Hunting bullet (EDIT -- not counting calibers over .30) -- JG has had a TON of success with them for that purpose -- and there would be no need to ever change zero when you change purposes.

How fast are you running the 180 Hybrid? What didn't you like about it?

If you want fun---none of the 338 are fun...my ulltra and Lapua are all biz...they are loud and eat powder by the pound. They are heavy duty ground pounding killing machines.

Your 243,creedmoor, or 280 ack will be a lot more fun, kick less, and be a lot easier on your pocket book...

Ed

I'm not working the loads up myself. The gunsmith that built the rifle is working up both loads right now. The rifle is throated to run the 180 VLDs but since I am a novice reloader the hybrids seemed like a better fit. From what I understand the hybrids are not near as sensitive to seating depth. I was under the impression the hybrid had a higher BC than the VLD though. Now you have me wondering....

Nope the hybrid wins. The 195 berger has been working on is said to have a bc in the .79 area.

22-243, 22Creedmoor or 224TTH. Get a 1:7 or 1:8 twist barrel and have fun. Any of those can take care of deer out to 500 without a problem with the right bullet and are still supersonic past 1K.

I haven't ruled out the 22 creed! Been thinking about this one for a few weeks

The hybrid DOES have a higher BC, and I didn't say anything to the contrary "The benefit of the 180 VLD is that is the best BC I'm aware of on a Hunting bullet". The Hybrid is a target bullet, the VLD is a hunting bullet.

^^Right^^

I gotcha, I am planning to use the hybrid as a dual purpose bullet. I've talked to a couple guys using the hybrids exclusively as a hunting bullet with excellent results.

I see -- please post velocity results once you have the load worked up. I've seen people running the 7-300 180VLD in the 3050-3100 range, but I haven't seen anything on the hybrid. Really interested in seeing if you can get close to that

The hybrids work well for me on game. Have taken three animals with them and they have not gone more than 30 ft with one drt.

Walter

Thats what I like to hear! I am looking forward to seeing what they will do.

BSide, I spoke with the rifle builder and while he has not yet completed my rifle, he has built multiple 7-300s and personally uses one with the 180 hybrids as his elk and mule deer rifle. He expects the velocity to be mid 3100s. The highest he has seen one make with the 180 hybrids was 3175. This is using a 26" Bartlein 9" twist. If it will make 3050 I will be happy.

What did you use to calculate the data posted above? I'd like to see the difference in the hybrid and VLD in like bullet weights.

Choose the bullet from the drop down and fill out the velocity, etc:

http://www.bergerbullets.com/ballistics/

I think the choice is very clear....you need a .22LR in a stiller action put to bed in a manners with a jewel trigger......push them 45gr at like 1200.....that's FEET PER SECOND! I hear they are hell on rabbits and squirrels inside of 63yrds.

I could do that if you would get it bedded in and floated just right. Then it would be lights out like that .243 you accurized!!

Hey hey.....that thing is deadly.......WHEN it actually fires when I pull the trigger, AND when it doesn't shoot a stinger at random. Other than that it's like a 2, or 3 at most, MOA gun!

I'll give you that, it does have a bum trigger.