Shade, There has been experiments done along this line and some shooters prefer something different as a matter of choice. It is contrary to logical thought to expect improvement in a cartridge just by changing caliber. The 8mm Rem Mag was developed in 1978 and required a long action. Shooters were being exposed to very accurate short cartridges along about that time and it didn't catch on. Americans have always hung on to 30 cals, whereas Europeans preferred 8mm's. There isn't any magic in either and switching from one to the other hasn't been revolutionary. Any change seems to be a matter of personal preference. Availability of accurate bullets seems to guide the competition/wildcat/long range shooter more than anything else. Twelve hundred yards isn't impressive among 30 cal cartridges like the 300 Wby, 300 Win Mag, 30-378, and other proprietary cartridges. Wildcat cartridges are being developed everyday but only rarely does one set us back on our rumps like the 6mm PPC. We have found out that back porch bullet developers very rarely come up with a superior cartridge but occasionally they do. More velocity takes the back seat to better bullets and barrels, and better wind readers all the time. Necking cases down from 8mm to 30 cal. is fun, but hasn't rung any chimes on the 1000 range yet. Now the 6mm wildcats are making us take notice and also a few 22 cals. Check what is being shot, not what is being discussed for empirical knowledge about cartridge development in the long range shooting game.
[This message has been edited by Doc Lisenby (edited 11-29-98).]
