I don’t have a “long range” rifle set up. I shoot my deer rifle to 350 yards pretty good, but I’m thinking of putting together one for 500+. What caliber for big game and what new scope? It’ll prob be a browning rifle (stock) and a moderate priced scope. I have Leupold scopes but I am open to a newer model scope if it has a lifetime warranty. I know some of you guys like vortex and meopta. I want to build one that I can take elk hunting one day and maybe shoot a deer or two. 7mag, 300?? What caliber would be “elk capable”?

Cause you put elk in the mix look at the .338/.340 wby. I'd look into a nightforce scope.

Take a look at the Bergara B-14 HMR. I’d go with a .300 Win Mag and top it with a Nightforce SHV.

Personally, I would do a Montana Rifle Co or a Kimber in 7 mag or .280 Ackley, topped with either a Leupold VX5HD or a Swarovski Z5

Accuracy is paramount when shooting long range. If you want to shoot at 500+ yards, sub MOA accuracy will be needed and a scope which tracks reliably. You also need a bullet which will perform at lower impact velocities.

Since you mentioned Elk, I would want a min 308 caliber, and you need horsepower to push bigger bullets hard. A Weatherby Mark V Accumark chambered in 300 Weatherby would be my choice. Top it off with a Nightforce NXS or Swarovski X5.

How much are you wanting to spend?

Factory gun and a mid priced scope
500.00 rifle max prob used and under 1000.00 on scope .

You mentioned Browning, so a Browning hell's canyon in 300 win mag would be good. Or I am partial to bergara right now, so either a b14 Hunter or a b14 ridge in 300 win mag would do it. Top it with a Vortex razor, or Leupold vx5, or on the little cheaper side a vortex viper pst. If I planned on seriously shooting at animals over 500 yards I would seriously want some good glass like the Razor or vx5 or Nightforce.

Just saw this. With this price point I would think about the Ruger American stainless in 300 win mag, topped with vortex viper Pst, Leupold vx3 lrp or vx5, or a Burris xtr or veracity.

Factory gun I have had really good luck with any Weatherby , 7mm mag would be good. Even the vanguard. As far as scopes, see if you can find a good used Kahles or
Schmidt and Bender. These are just an opinion, but have worked great for me.

This has a Weatherby Vanguard Accuguard written all over it. You are going to have to spend a hair more than $500 on the rifle though you will be into it for around $7-800. I've seen them on Gunbroker within that price range.

The budget on the scope is about right. I've probably put a Leupold VX-5HD on it, get your CDS turrets setup.... and let it eat.

That would a a very nice long range capable setup. Just realize a long range setup and a lightweight setup don't jive. Those two things don't go together but if you are out west riding around in the truck this setup would be fine. I you are doing much walking you might want a backpack capable of carrying the rifle on the pack.

FWIW, you could just get a cheap used savage 110 or axis, screw a truly good barrel on it, bed a stock, and KNOW what you had....for $500-ish. Freeing up $ for optics and AMMO. LR guns are butt ugly by nature, so the savage is no handicap there.

All calibers listed are good considerations. I would throw 300WSM in there as well. Zeiss conquest V4 is another scope in your price range.

I would consider a muzzle break or can on a magnum caliber. That isn't going to be popular here but I wouldn't shoot my 500 yard magnums without.

I agree with Goatkiller too. I've carried a 11.5 lb rifle/scope combo in the mountains. I now carry a 6.5 lb combo. I wouldn't carry that heavy combo again. You wouldn't think that much weight would make a difference but I'm telling you, its a huge difference.

Browning rifles will have the option of 26 & 28 nosler. My dad bought a 26 abolt for less than $500 online a year or so ago. I can't help on the scope at that range. I'm beginning to think I would be better off spending money on Lasik instead of new/better glass

Ruger American or ruger go wild in 300wm
A Timney trigger swap
Leupold vx5

This set up will be as good as it gets in your price range.

Even with lasik surgery you will benefit from better glass.

Got a buddy with a new vortex he’s gonna let me check out, he said it was 4-16x50 HSLR with target turret for around 600.00, but I’ll check out others for sure. He hasn’t even mounted his yet. I’m just really partial to the old Abolt II’s, but I have handled the hells canyon xbolt several times. Gary’s in Columbus has several models of Bergara rifles too. I think they were basically 900.00, and the hells canyon was 1000.00. I have a Ruger American 300 blackout for my daughter, and they’re ok. It just doesn’t seem to be half the rifle of my Abolts. So many choices. I like 7mm, and have owned a couple when I was younger but I’m thinking 300 win mag or 300 short mag would be best. Maybe? No experience at all with a 26 or 28 nos, I’ll check them out. I’m just gonna stick with factory, and normal deer rifle hunting weight. I have a built rifle with a heavy Douglas barrel that I can’t stand to carry in the woods in 7-08. It’ll be this summer, but I kinda want to start deciding on caliber first off!
Love to stay in the 1500.00 range which nowadays ain’t a lot of money I know. Most deer rifle set ups cost that much. Thanks!

Id go 7mm mag or 300 win mag.

That would be a goodun

What about a 300 prc?