Cartridge selection help needed

[gemmellsc]

I'm looking to push a Berger 168gr VLD at around 3000 fps out of a 26' barrel. I will be using this for a beanfield hunting gun and some long distance plinking out to 900-1000.,Smaller bodied South-Eastern deer, wild hogs, and coyote). I don't want to go much longer than 26' due to the fact that I will be carrying it into the field. Is there a particular cartridge you would stear me towards?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[Preacher]

7MM SAUM comes to mind, my stock 26' factory rifle will do 3200 with a 140 grain Accubond, and my Ackley runs em about 100 fps faster than that, so you should be able to get close to 3000 fps with the 168's.....

 

[glo]

Gemmellsc,
You didn’t specify what caliber. But I assume if it’s a 168gr bullet you are referring to 30 cal.

If you are buying a new rifle .30-06’ case capacity or above is what you need. The .30 WSM is very popular at this time. If you want time tested accuracy, then buy a .300 Winchester Mag. If you are going to build or rebarrle a rifle, I would do a wildcat. I think .30-06’ Ackley improved, .30 Gibbs or .300 Hawk would be great chooses. These three cartridges would give you a very comfortable 3000fps muzzle velocity from a 26” barrel. Also all three are capable of ¼ MOA accuracy from a good quality barrel and the above stated Berger VLD’s.

PS .30-284 Winchester is also a great wildcat.

I did just check Berger and I see they do offer a 7mm 168gr bullet. In that case you need a 7mm Remington Mag case capacity or above. Again from a factory rifle the cartridge that has time tested accuracy is the 7mm Remington Mag. I have read the Secret Service uses this cartridge as its tactical round.

 

[gemmellsc]

Thanks for the input so far. Sorry for leaving it out earlier, but it is for a 7mm. Will a .284 fit the bill in a 26' barrel?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[jpattersonnh]

I also thought .30 cal. For what you want the bullet is all wrong. A well built 120..140gr 7mm bullet will do the job. 3000..3200fps depending on powder.
I'm pushing 120..130gr Partitions at 3200fps in a 7mm Rem Mag.

 

[gemmellsc]

I've only loaded non-belted cartridges before, and didn't know what kind of accuracy I could expect from a 7mag. I originally was looking at the 6.5-284 w/ berger 140vlds, but didn't know how they would do in a 26' barrel. The other side of that one is the barrel wouldn't last very long.

What kind of accuracy can one expect from a well built 7mag?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[jpattersonnh]

I shoot an ultra light barrel. I think your barrel length is long for a hunter. W/ a Weaver V10 I would not hesitate on a 600 yard shot w/ Elk. I shoot a Savage 110, an old one. I use 160gr Flat base solids at range. 140's solids for pigs. The rest of the mess tossed in for everything else. I will say a 120 ballistic tip on a Woodchuck at 200 yards is real impressive. Chunks everywhere!! 6.5-.284 is real over rated. I use 6.5x55 for most 300 yard hunts.