Long Action Caliber???

2

25MAN

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 25, 2010
533
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New Jersey
#1
I am going to re-barrel a long action build I have and would like some good long action caliber choices. I reload so wildcats welcome.

It can't be a 7SAUM or 300 Winmag as I have that covered.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

 
#4
Re: Long Action Caliber???

Another vote to go 338LM - lots of choices in reloading components if you are reloading (not saying you can actually GET any these days but....)so you can dial in a few different loads for your particular build.
 
#5
Re: Long Action Caliber???

You didn't mention your primary intentions, and I know these are completely different from one another, but I like the following. 30-06, 7 MM Mag, and finally 338 LM if you have the room to shoot it. The 338 LM is expensive to shoot, and the recoil sucks, even with a good brake.
 
#9
Re: Long Action Caliber???

Skip the 338LM
338NM better option

thou a straight 284 would hard to beat, sheahane version gets 150fps more

Now if you want a crotch rocket
7-338NM
 
#10
Re: Long Action Caliber???

I would have to go with the .338 Lapua. If I do not build another short action this year, which I probably will in .22-250 to hunt with it will be a .338 Lapua. Thats my basis for the recomendation. The cost of feeding those things is steep thats why I have held out this long.
 
#17
Re: Long Action Caliber???

Thanks for all the ideas....I am seriously considering a 6.5 x 284 or 338NM now.

I will have to research the 6.5 x 55 as I do not no much about that round.
 
#18
Re: Long Action Caliber???

Consider the .280 Rem. With newer, better 7mm LR bullets available, H-4359 and H-4831SC are very acceptable propellants.

You can reach to roughly 1000yd with 150gr bullets, with recoil in the same range as a Garand with military ball loads.

Most factory barrels are 1:9" twist and can stabilize bullet weights of up to around 168gr. 1:8" might be needed for heavier bullets than that.

With shorter barrels, expect a significantly louder muzzle blast.

BTW, the Hornady 139gr SST Superformance load is an awesome, flat shooting offering.

I think that in the right barrel (longer, with a 1:8"twist), the .280 can be an outstanding LR performer.

Greg
 
#21
Re: Long Action Caliber???

Another vote for the 6.5-284

As for the 6.5x55 I've got one of those as well. as a factory loading it runs a little shy of a .260 however in a strong modern action it will outperform the 260, and starts crowding in on the 6.5-284. it also doesn't have the potential for feeding issues that may be present with the 6.5-284.
 
#22
Re: Long Action Caliber???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rottenron</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going with the 338 Norma seat the bullet were you want it.25Man rebarreling the 300 Rum </div></div>

No the RUM is staying as is :)
 
#25
Re: Long Action Caliber???

30-06 for barrel life and the same or similar projectiles as the 300WM. 284 or 280 and you will have the same projectiles as you are currently using for your 7SAUM and will be a long range beast.

338LM if you want to get into the ultra long range game. If you don't have the space to go extra long range, then don't go with this. It is expensive to shoot in comparison to the aforementioned cartridges, all it nets you is additional range. I have read about guys "showing off" their 338LM's at 100 - 300 yards who will never go past 1,000. If this is your situation, avoid it.
 
#29
Re: Long Action Caliber???

If its a magnum boltface:

If you want smaller- 264 mag, 257 or 270 weatherby,
If you want bigger- 338RUM. Its is for the "frugal" 338 shooter.
smile.gif
338 edge.

If its an -06 boltface:

If you want smaller- 270 with a fast twist, 6.5x284, 6-06
If you want bigger- get a magnum boltface
smile.gif
 
#31
Re: Long Action Caliber???

Most gun smiths will not cut the bolt face for a lapua on a remy, so you will have to buy a bolt if you go this way. I have a improved lapua and its great but if its not for the cool factor I say 338 rum, no seating issues and works on a remy mag bolt and brass is cheaper and easier to get.
 
#34
Re: Long Action Caliber???

6.5x55GW improved. Kelbly's developed the round and it has done really well at 1000 yard benchrest matches. I have one and it seems like the eqivalent of 6.5x47, in terms of accuracy and how east it is to find a load, only in a long action and traveling about 150FPS faster. During load development everything I tried was under .5 moa and most had less than 20FPS ES.
 
#35
Re: Long Action Caliber???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pwc001</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 30caluser</div><div class="ubbcode-body">280ai </div></div>

^^^^This</div></div>

I'm ordering one of these in a few weeks. I this this round is great
 
#36
Re: Long Action Caliber???

280AI ballistics are hard to beat and you have the option of good cheap brass or lapua brass. the 338EDGE is also outstanding. either will take you to a mile with no problem it just depends on how much energy you want when you get there.

chuck
 
#37
Re: Long Action Caliber???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 30caluser</div><div class="ubbcode-body">280ai</div></div>

+1
 
#39
Re: Long Action Caliber???

Check into 7wsm, 280ai & 284win. Mark Gordon has built some solid 284's and I know that Alton Britt has built a mean 280ai for a buddy of mine. Defiance has an XM Action that is perfect for short mags, 284, 6.5x284, etc. If DBM isn't a huge concern, definitely check into it.
 
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