Wow, this topic is generating a lot of interesting and some passionate discussion. While the discussion title is long range hunting cartridges, it really seems like what is being discussed is the rifle/cartridge combination, not just the cartridge.

If the discussion is really just about cartridges or that component that affects long rnge hunting success, then my opinion (worth about $0.08) is that much of the discussion should be about the barrel twist rate, barrel quality, bedded action, stock design, sights, bullets, powder, shooter, and to a lesser degree, about the cartridge and rifle weight (unless the rifle has to be carried long distances over difficult terrain).

Some magazine and internet discussion of various cartridges is media hype. New cartridges chambered in new rifles means more sales for both firearm and ammunition makers. It just isn’t that profitable to hype a cartridge that has been around forever and for which there are many rifles on the used gun market.

The higher efficiency of short fat cases has been debunked as primarily marketing hype. Velocity is controlled by the amount and burn rate of the propellent. Accuracy is controlled by the rifle build quality, cartridge consistency, sight, and shooter.

A problem with vintage cartridges like the 6.5x55, 7x57, 8x57, and others is that they were chambered in old rifles that have questionable strength. Hence, in the US, these cartridges are loaded to a low working pressure. If these cartridges were chambered in a modern rifle with a fast twist rate and loaded to 60 to 65 ksi, they would perform as well as most new whizzbang cartridges.

I would expect that a company like Gunwerks could build a rifle in 256 Newton or even 6.5x55 that could be loaded to 65 ksi and that rifle would be a fine 1200 yd rifle.

I remember reading Taylor’s comments that the 9.5MS wasn’t a good cartridge because the bullets (as then loaded) were too soft. Had the manufacturer changed the bullet construction, Taylor likely would have rated the 9.5 MS much better.

All that being said, I enjoy reading about new cartridges and rifles, some of which utilize heavier, more streamlined bullets for great results.