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I’m thinking of selling a few of my rifles, and putting together one good custom rifle for most of my hunting(not that there’s anything wrong with what I currently have). Contemplating a Borden, just because I’ve always wanted a rifle with my name on it. However, I’m struggling with what to get it chambered in. I hunt elk and mule deer out west almost every year, and hunt deer and bear in PA. Shots out to 800 yards are possible, but would rarely be taken. 500 and under is the norm. If you had to settle on one cartridge for those animals and distances, what would it be? I hand load, so am open to anything. Short action, long action, magnums, etc. What say you?

Last edited by borden811; 02/23/21.

Oh, and believe it or not, deer bite. Fairly hard.
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I'd look at a 7 Rem Mag myself, twisted correctly and topped with a great piece of glass that weighs 8lbs loaded and ready to hunt!


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280 of some variant or 30/06 , maybe a 300 WM


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For 500 and under, most cartridges would work. For the short-action standards, the 7mm-08 with a decent bullet would work. It kills beyond what you’d think. I’ve seen some pretty competent shooters do just fine with it and not have to deal with lots of recoil.

I have used the 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag and they work great. I tend to prefer heavier for caliber bullets. 160+ gr in 7mm and 180+ gr in the 300.

Bullet choice and rifle/optic setup would concern me more than raw power. Bullet drop is the easiest variable to account for.

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“Contemplating a Borden, just because I’ve always wanted a rifle with my name on it.”

Do it! That’s as good a reason as I’ve heard in a while - plus Jim is good people.

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Originally Posted by beretzs
I'd look at a 7 Rem Mag myself, twisted correctly and topped with a great piece of glass that weighs 8lbs loaded and ready to hunt!


7 mag will get it done but I prefer my 300 win mag or 338 win mag. For elk I just like a big bullet I’d possible.


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Originally Posted by beretzs
I'd look at a 7 Rem Mag myself, twisted correctly and topped with a great piece of glass that weighs 8lbs loaded and ready to hunt!


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Originally Posted by asheepdog
Originally Posted by beretzs
I'd look at a 7 Rem Mag myself, twisted correctly and topped with a great piece of glass that weighs 8lbs loaded and ready to hunt!


7 mag will get it done but I prefer my 300 win mag or 338 win mag. For elk I just like a big bullet I’d possible.


Ain’t nothing wrong with either of those either. I just know he asked for using it back East for deer and black bear.


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.308norma mag


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280 AI or a 7RM would be great choices. Heck, a 30-06 makes a great all-rounder as well.

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Originally Posted by asheepdog
For elk I just like a big bullet I’d possible.



texans.........

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6.5 PRC. If this is a rifle you would need to load for prior to next season, brass and bullet availability may be a concern for whatever chambering you choose.

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As the saying goes: "what you've got is usually a lot less important than what you can do with it."

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280.

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I’m leaning hard towards a 280 AI. Any reason not to?


Oh, and believe it or not, deer bite. Fairly hard.
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No


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Originally Posted by borden811
I’m leaning hard towards a 280 AI. Any reason not to?



Nope, none that I could think of.


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Of those mentioned, there is no wrong answer, particularly the 280AI. I personally would lean towards something that has quality factory loads if you ever find yourself too busy to handload (yea, I know nothing is really available today). Because 30-06 is so under loaded by the factory’s, I’d lean away from it even though I love it. Personally, I’d go with one of the 300 mags. FWIW, I’ve always found Weatherby ammo to meet or exceed advertised velocities. If you go that route, make sure your throat has sufficient freebore. Finally, I’ve become a real fan of the WSM cartridges. My favorite of the bunch is the 270 flavor. Personally, I’d feel comfortable with 150s at 3100+ to 500yds on elk, but not further.

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7 mag 300 mag 280 AI

any of them. Get the best glass you can afford.


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Got a couple nightforce, a Leupold vx5, a swaro and a Kahles laying around, so glass isn’t an issue. Just looking for my best bet for an all around performer, in a lightweight accurate platform.


Oh, and believe it or not, deer bite. Fairly hard.
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