re: Long range rifle question.

If you want toshoot long range & be able to hunt with it --> 300 win mag

I live out West and just went through this endeavor.

I was seduced by wildcat rounds and sort magnums....but I listened to the best shooter and hunter I've ever met. He narriwed me down to 300 win mag and 7 mag.

I ended up building a 300 win mag on a savage action with bartlien barrel, timney trigger, accuracy international mag & release and custom ambidextrous stock.

I am very pleased with the performance to 800 yards. Have not tested further.

If I was truly wanting to shoot am animal at 500yds I would go with the 300 win mag

have you got 5k to put into the gun, scope, reloading set up, instruction? have you got the 1000 yd range to practice on, the at least $3k more per year to spend on ammo, gas, range fees, etc? Do you realize that unless the animal is bedded-down, shooting beyond 400 yds on a deer, or 500 yds on an elk, marks you as a real jerk? The reason this is tru is that the bullet is in the air long enough for the animal to take a step, and then you've gut-shot it.

The OP didn't even say how far he thinks 'long range' is...simmer down skippy

You have to prioritize what you want and don't want...knockdown vs. shoulder beating.

Personally, I would hate to shoot the Mags on a range constantly. Thus I would learn to reload and shoot a 280 AI. Basically a 7mag with less recoil and same knock down.

I own a McMillan 30-378. It's still got crazy energy at 1000 yards. But if I were hunting inside 600 yards, I would pick the 300 Win Mag. Just a lot more available off the shelf ammo.
I don't reload, but have Superior Ammunition custom load all of my rounds.