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saands · October 3, 2011, 05:41 PM

Before you pick your caliber, look at (study) what projectiles are available. I started off shooting in that 800-1000yd range with a .30 cal (both 308Win and 300WM) and quickly got frustrated by the scarcity of high BC bullets on the market. I made myself a 7mm-08 AckImp and had WAY more effective range (and fun) with that than I did with the 300WM. Plus it uses HALF of the powder that a WinMag does! I usually build on Mauser 98 actions, so when I wanted to step up another notch, I built a 330 Dakota because it was the biggest 338 that I could find to put on a Mauser. With it's 27" bbl. we hold our own with the bigger 338's but I do know that I could have done more if I had been willing to go all-in with the 338 LM or one of the Rem Ultra Mags in 338. Anyway, I do all my own machining so convenience, familiarity, and cost came into play.

Good luck,

Saands

October 3, 2011, 05:41 PM	#2
saands Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1999 Posts: 1,573	Before you pick your caliber, look at (study) what projectiles are available. I started off shooting in that 800-1000yd range with a .30 cal (both 308Win and 300WM) and quickly got frustrated by the scarcity of high BC bullets on the market. I made myself a 7mm-08 AckImp and had WAY more effective range (and fun) with that than I did with the 300WM. Plus it uses HALF of the powder that a WinMag does! I usually build on Mauser 98 actions, so when I wanted to step up another notch, I built a 330 Dakota because it was the biggest 338 that I could find to put on a Mauser. With it's 27" bbl. we hold our own with the bigger 338's but I do know that I could have done more if I had been willing to go all-in with the 338 LM or one of the Rem Ultra Mags in 338. Anyway, I do all my own machining so convenience, familiarity, and cost came into play. Good luck, Saands