What do you think? .408, .50BMG, ??? What manufacturers?

-Cruizer

.30-.338 Weatherby; .338 Lapua; 7MM STW are some others ...

Try a 6.5-06, or 6.5-.284. Ballistic coefficients are very high on the Berger 140 VLDs. Less recoil, less wind drift, and accurate. Depends on what you plan to shoot with it: ft. lbs. may not be high enough. I have a 6.5-.284 and it will spit out the 140 Bergers at 2950FPS. Seriously good caliber. 6.5-06 is a ballistic twin and easier to form brass. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **** Stars

260 Remington

Mike

50BMG or 338 Lapua.  In that order. Watch-Six

would 30-06 do in a pinch?

Forget the "06, 260, 408, .50, and especially the 7 STW. If you want great accuracy out to 1000 yards, get a 6.5-284!!!

Thats what I'm building: M70 action, Krieger 30" medium Palma barrel, Jewell trigger, Ian Robertson or McMillan stock.....

cruizer,
How far are you trying to reach out and what size of target are you going after.

The 50BMG and 30-378 have a lot of power, but leave a lot to be desired at long ranges in regards to accuracy.

The problem that you will have is inconsistency, due to powder burn.  Granted that they burn a lot of gunpowder, but due to the case design, they have a some what uncontrolled burn.

A great example is the 30-06 to the 308.  The 308 offers a better burn consistency. If you look at what bench shooter are running(short range) you will see a lot have gone to 6PPC, or a round based on the design.  A short, fat case offers the advantage of a more consistent powder burn.

What if boils down to is the bullet must have enough power to be useful at the target, and be able to hit the target. Nether the 50BMG or 30-378 will offer you sub MOA. And, both are more than a handful when your trying to tack drive at 600yds plus.

You've done some prelim work or you wouldn't know about the ,408.

1)  The Chey-Tac .408 - step into the future.

2)  The Sako TRG-41 (not the '42) ( with factory brake) in .338 Laupa.  A proven system.

To state the obvious, you're going to need some prime-time optics for either rifle.
For the .408, the new US Optics scope is supposed to be ready by month's end - you'll need this scope to get out beyond 2400 yards with accuracy.

Quoted: Forget the "06, 260, 408, .50, and especially the 7 STW. If you want great accuracy out to 1000 yards, get a 6.5-284!!! Thats what I'm building: M70 action, Krieger 30" medium Palma barrel, Jewell trigger, Ian Robertson or McMillan stock.....

R. Wreck, a mighty interesting rifle you're building an I hope you'll be back with pictures.

However with the calibers mentioned in the "cruizer's" initial post I think way out can easily exceed 2000 yards and with with MOA accuracy.

What about the 300 win mag?

Quoted: The 50BMG and 30-378 have a lot of power, but leave a lot to be desired at long ranges in regards to accuracy. Nether the 50BMG or 30-378 will offer you sub MOA. And, both are more than a handful when your trying to tack drive at 600yds plus.

Not true Dano,

Earl Chronister held the 1000yd world record 10 shot group for many years with a 30-378 (around 5",) back when it was still a wildcat. I believe the 308 Baer currently holds the record (under 4"). The 1000yd magnum bench guns Bruce builds will routinely shoot sub .200 Moa. Short and fat they aint.

Heres a link on the 50 BMG with Dan Lilja doing some 1000+ yd chuck hunting with the big fifty.

www.riflebarrels.com/50chuck.htm

Food for thought.....