Caliber choice above .308?

[MachIVshooter]

Shooting it from the bench to sight it in is a task that is not looked foreward to!!

Get a Caldwell lead sled. Your shoulder and retinas will thank you.

I use mine for sighting my 8mm mag and .375 Ultra, both of which are rather brutal from the bench.

 

[TGReaper]

I am a really big fan of the .375 H&H,if I were to only have one rifle it would be my Mod.70 .375 H&H.
Having said that it is not perfect, the rifles chambered for the round tend to get a bit heavy after a day roaming through the hills.
In addition to this weight thing the only way to fully appreciate the cartridge is to reload for it, I do not really see this as a big problem as reloading is a neat hobby in its own.
TGR

 

[303tom]

The 9.3×62 Mauser great round............

 

[788Ham]

That Ruger .375 wouldn't be too outlandish at all, do you reload? If so, there are a plethora of bullets out there to be had in the .200 gr. range. Also mentioned is the .35 Whelen, another superb round, especially if you're planning bigger game to knock down.

 

[valnar]

I just discovered the .358 Winchester now too. How did I miss that one?! Considering I have a .308 it might be the ticket. It's rare though, so I'd probably have to reload for it, but at least I'd be keeping it in the .308 family. I don't own a .30-06 (for Whelen).

I like the idea of having a rifle that can take anything in North America, even if I don't intend on doing so.

 

[T.R.]

35 Whelen is a good choice.

TR

 

[wombat13]

I think the OP needs to think a little more about what he really wants or we have misunderstood what he meant in his post.

The .338WM isn't much of a step up from .308 but the .35 Whelen or .358win is? The .338WM will take anything in NA within 400yds. The .35 whelen, not so much. The .358win, certainly not.

Now, if you are just looking for a cool cartridge that is larger diameter than .308, then a BLR in .358win might be just what you are looking for. You would have to reload, but you have the .308 brass.

 

[quartermaster]

How about the 300 Win Mag. It's very hard hitting and there is a large selection of heads available. Most that I have had experience with have been very accurate also.

Another good option would be the 300wsm or if you are looking for something larger, maybe the 325wsm. All ammo or components with the exception of the 325 should be readily available almost anywhere you may go

 

[2ndtimer]

I just bought my son a Ruger M77 Hawkeye All Weather in .338 Federal. It shoots MOA with Federal Fusion 200 gr SP's running at about 2630 fps 10 feet from the muzzle. Recoil is similar to a 30-06 with 180 gr bullets. Out to 300 yards or so, it should be quite effective on game from moose on down. We plan to work up some loads with 180 gr Nosler Accubonds to see if we can get 2700 fps + with decent accuracy. I was pleasantly surprised with its accuracy with factory ammo. I understand it is very easy to neck up .308 Win brass, so it should remain viable even if at some point Federal stops making the ammo for it.

 

[Geno]

Either a .338 Win Mag or a .375 H&H Mag. Do not under-estimate the fast punch that the .338 delivers. Be sure it is equipped with a Decelerator recoil pad. The .375 is more of a hard push.

Have you seen Winchester new Alaskan?

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001C&mid=535134

Or the Safari:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001C&mid=535116

Geno