Which company and caliber rifle is best for shooting big game at long range espically in the mountains?

Question

I already own a .223, but i was thinking of buying another rifle which would use a much heavier cartridge and move 500+ meters, because i am planning to go hunting Marcopolo Sheep in the Central Asian mountains!

Answer 1

Anything from a .308 Winchester (also known as the 7x51 NATO) to a .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (or .300 Weatherby Mag--the new Remington seems a bit faster).

Practically? Well, a .30-06 Springfield to a .7mm Remington Magnum.

I would use a Ruger #1 with a 26" barrel in .7mm Remington Magnum or the same in .30-06 Springfield. You should also use a good rifle scope in at least 6 fixed power or 3x9 variable power. If you are hunting big-boned game (like bear), you might consider one of the excellent .300 Magnums provided you are not 'recoil shy.' You might explore the new family of 'short magnums,' or 'ultra short magnum.' Talk to your sport goods dealer about these. I haven't tried the new ones, but I've used the 'original short-magnums' (the old 6.5 Remington Magnum and .350 Remington Magnum) with good results, albeit, not in the Mountains for extreme distance shooting.

H

Answer 2

It really depends on what you are shooting and the terrain you will actually be hunting in. I agree a .300 mag is a great all around big game gun. For plains hunting where you may face 250+ yard shots, I have a Remington Model 700 BDL 7mm STW. It has an extremely flat shot, and maintains a good amount of energy. Just think of a 7 mag on steroids. I have never missed and I have hunted deer at 250+. If you intend on hunting larger game though such as brown bear, moose or elk I suggest at least a .300 win. mag. or .338 or higher, unless you are 100% confident in your shot placement and shooting ability in general.

As far as a company, go to a gun dealer and handle and hoist different guns, they are all different. A Browning A-Bolt is a wonderful gun that has the 60 degree bolt action, which makes chambering very quick and easy.

Go to a local gun dealer or book store and ask about the ballistics on different guns in different situations and settle with something that will work all around.

Most importantly PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

Good Luck!

Answer 3

There are many variables to consider. The short answer is "the largest caliber that you can shoot comfortably and accurately" I shoot a Remington 700BDL Stainless in 300 Win Mag. I was able to take down a bull moose at 500 yards with one well placed shot. The key is knowledge of your ballistics and proper range estimation. In the mountains animals often look much farther away than they are. A good range finder is a must. Also you need to understand how your bullet is affected shooting down hill as opposed to shooting straight across a valley. Remember it's always better to try and close the distance than risk a bad shot.

Answer 4

Depends on what you mean by long range. I own a .300 Weatherby Magnum that is flat for long range and has great power. I would put it against any round on the market. The problem is that only a few mfrs. chamber their rifle for .300 WBY.

Given a budget, I would choose a .308, .30-06, or .300 Winchester Magnum for anything up to elk. If you will be hiking, look at Browning's Micro Hunter line. They are compact and light, perfect for long hikes, and chambered for many cartridges.

I would like to add that you shouldn't assume that people who work at Sportsman's Warehouse or Bass Pro are experts.

Answer 5

.300 mag is an excellent round and most makers chamber for it. i am bothered by your asking such a question since any hunter that might be experenced enough to hunt at long range should already know the answer. long range shooting in the mountains is perhaps the most challenging sport shooting and is not something to be undertaken lightly. if you do not have the knowledge, conditioning, and skills what rifle and round you choose is unimportant because you will fail anyway and most likely just wound your target instead of getting a clean kill.

Answer 6

depends. how long is long range? theres a LOT of big game rifles out there, but
the best ppl to talk to are not the self proclaimed experts on here but go somewhere like sportsmans warehouse and talk to the people at the gun counter there. they not only know what they're talking about but can give you prices and you can see and hold the gun.

Answer 7

I have to agree with Glen t why are you asking this question? you need experience first

Answer 8

Recommend .303 cal. ex Australian and British army as they carry a long way and would bring down any thing. Please don't shoot any protected animals!

Answer 9

50cal Barret LOL