So how would you go about choosing a caliber for a new build.

I'm looking for something to shoot out to 1000yrds. But mainly around 600. Aoudad, elk, deer, pigs.

My FIL and I have made a couple of wildcats. 375 Ruger necked down to 270, and a 300 win necked to 264. I don't think he took into consideration the twist of the barrel. And i think they are both 9 twist.

So my question, would you pick a bullet you want and build around that or a caliber and go with that first.

I pick the bullet first, then the caliber. Almost any hunting round can shoot out to 600 yards. The question you need to answer is how much energy do you want on target at a certain distance, how much drop and wind drift, and how much recoil is tolerable. The bigger the bullet, the more the energy, and more recoil. Everything is a trade off in shooting and calibers.

It's a personal preference on selecting the cartridge, like a standard caliber or a wildcat you spoke of. I don't like case prep, so I stick with your common calibers with minimal case prep.

I chose a caliber first. I studied recoil tables, ballistic tables, read reviews, everything. I went with the flattest shooting caliber, with plenty of energy for the intended game at intended distances, that I felt had a reasonable amount of recoil. Then, I studied the bullets. I went with a bullet that was middle of the road, not light nor heavy for that caliber. I chose the bullet that had the highest ballistic coefficient available along with a solid reputation for expansion and retention, as well as over all performance on big game. Then I had the rifle built for that caliber and that bullet. I was more than pleased with the results. I have the perfect rifle for my needs.

Stay in the 6.5mm to 7mm range and you can't go wrong.

I look at the game you want to kill and the energy required at the distance you want to shoot. Then I look at BC and Speed. Looking for a good bullet/ caliber combo that will shoot a BC of .5 or better and 3000 FPS if at all possible. Then for me personally I want to choose something that I can not only handload for but find good quality ammo off the shelf. Like the 6.5 Creedmoor or the 7 mag or the 270 WSM. Even thought the 7mm08 a lot of people in Texas like as apposed to a lot of other states. I do not personally own one because in theory its a great option but the factory ammo is not great. So personally I shoot a 6.5 Creedmoor, a 7 mag or a 300 Win. If I want to get really crazy I will build something like a 22-243.

How much energy do you need? That'll determine caliber.

After that, I'd get as much BC I could, and still be above 2700 fps. That will determine bullet, as well as twist rate.

6.5mm and 7mm offer lots of options. 30 cal does too, but I wouldn't consider less than Win Mag for a 30. I went with 180 gr 7mm which caused 1:8.5 twist and 7mm Rem Mag chamber. It pushes that inch and a half bullet at 2935 fps. Everything worked out like I wanted it to.

I can get 2900 with the 162 out of my 7mm-08AI, but I have to ration the bullets since Hornady has put production on hold for a year.

Wheew!

That's mighty salty for a short action!

It is constantly 50fps faster across the board than it should be. The smith that built it said it is part barrel and that it's a 1:10 twist. Not sure I agree on the last part but a good portion of the BR community agree a slower twist equals less resistance thus showing slightly faster speeds.

That's been my opinion as well, of the last couple of years. I advocate enough twist to stabilize, but not extra for that reason. But, hey I'm still a student of this whole thing, and forever will be.

I look at the purpose of the rifle and choose a cartridge, not necessarily a caliber/bore size. One comes with the other, so almost same-same. It's funny that you mentioned the 375 Ruger wildcat. I've been threatening to build a 6.5/375 Ruger for several years... even have the reamer in my reloading bench drawer... just haven't picked up a barrel, or any of the other goodies for it yet. Plus, it's going to require some massive work around sizing down the brass, neck turning, and so forth. Wildcats can be fun, but they can also be a giant PITA. I built a 6XC in the meantime, so that I can still have fun.

Anyway, I look at what I want to do with the package, decide on a cartridge, then a bullet, then comes the reamer, etc.

It makes sense in a logical kind of way but I don't think you could ever really prove it since no 2 barrels are alike. I'm constantly learning as well, I figure a man can never have enough knowledge.

As usual, we're reading from the same sheet of music.

Yea, not a big surprise there.

^ I do tend to agree with this. What barrel length is the 7-08?

22" from the face of the lug to the crown.

If it were me and reaching out at long distances is a major
requirement, I'd go down this list (based on my own experiences
with these calibers )

1. .338 Lapua Magnum (50 BMG is better but cost more )
2. 7mm Remington Magnum
3. .308 / 30-06

need to have heavy barrel, floated , bedded on good Kevlar/
fiberglass stock, custom trigger

crown, fluted, squared action, barrel treatment etc ...
are secondary options

I would throw the 270 WSM and the 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 win in that list and remove the 30.06 and the 308 unless the 308 is a faster twist.

I'd remove the 50 since the 338 LM will out perform it except for energy delivery.

Take 308 and 30-06 completely out of the list and replace with 260 or 6.5 Creed, or 7-08 for short action, and 280 A.I. for long action, unless you've got magnum bolt face, then 7 Rem Mag with 1:8.5 twist, and 300 Win Mag with 1:10 or 1:11 twist.

I love my 280AI (Nosler)
I have some of the new Nosler Long Range Accubonds in to work up loads for..

The 150g has a BC of .611
The 168 has a BC of .652

I should be able to get 3-3100 FPS out of the 150s and that is what I am starting my load development for.

I loved the 140ABs at 3150 and was getting 2.5" groups at 500.
Not bad for a lightweight rifle

You make me wish my dad would let me play with his 280...

Pick a caliber and go that route with the bullet you want to use in mind. Or as I do sometimes get a good deal on a McM stock and build something around that. It drives my FIL nuts when I plan an entire build around a stock/barrel/action I got on sale or as a good deal!

The 280AI is picking up steam and is a real good round IMO. My wife and FIL gave me a barrel and stock for a Christmas present so I figured I might as well go off the wall. After shooting it I had another one built in a LR configuration and sold my 300WM LR rifles shortly after (McM Tac-300, Kimber Advanced Tactical 300, GA Precision 300WM). Just about any caliber will get you to 1k I have done it with a 223 a few times. Its about being set up right and having the right gear to do it.



BTW here is my next project, it was on the McM Specials page. I don't know what caliber she will be but its going to be a Winchester Long Action using a CDI bottom metal.



This one started as a Win 70 sport classic I got a good deal on. Added a benchmark barrel, boyds stock, and had Garland at Triple G work his magic.