When you’re taking long shots on big game, not all cartridges are built to deliver the energy needed for clean, ethical kills. Magnum rounds shine here, providing the velocity, trajectory, and terminal performance required to maintain serious knockdown power past 400 yards. These cartridges are trusted by experienced hunters who need reliability when distance and shot placement matter most. If you spend time glassing big country and taking longer shots, these magnum rounds have the reach and authority to get the job done.
.300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Win Mag has built its reputation on long-range capability and dependable terminal energy. At 400 yards, it still carries more than enough power for elk, moose, and other heavy-bodied game. Its flat trajectory makes shot placement easier, even in unpredictable conditions.
You’ll find a wide range of bullet weights and load options, which makes this cartridge incredibly versatile. It’s also widely available and supported by nearly every rifle manufacturer, making it a go-to choice for hunters who want reliable performance at extended distances.
7mm Remington Magnum
The 7mm Rem Mag balances speed, energy, and manageable recoil, making it one of the most popular magnum rounds for hunters taking longer shots. Known for its excellent ballistic coefficient, it holds velocity and energy exceptionally well past 400 yards.
This round works especially well for mule deer, elk, and even pronghorn when you need flatter trajectories at extended ranges. It’s also easier on the shoulder than some larger magnums, giving you the confidence to practice more and shoot straighter when the moment counts.
.300 PRC
The .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge was designed from the ground up for extreme-range precision and consistent energy retention. At 400 yards, it delivers excellent knockdown power, maintaining accuracy even in challenging wind conditions.
Compared to older magnums, the .300 PRC offers better case design and more efficient ballistics, helping it shoot flatter with less drop. Hunters who target elk, moose, and bear in open country are quickly adopting this cartridge because of its proven performance when range and impact energy both matter.
.338 Winchester Magnum
When you need power and penetration for big-bodied game, the .338 Win Mag is a trusted option. This cartridge carries massive energy out to 400 yards, making it a top pick for elk, moose, and even bear hunters working rough backcountry terrain.
Despite its heavier recoil, it offers excellent bullet selection and deep penetration, especially with bonded and controlled-expansion loads. If you’re hunting thick-skinned animals or working steep ridges where recovery can be tough, this magnum earns its place in the rifle rack.
.28 Nosler
The .28 Nosler offers blistering speed, high retained energy, and an extremely flat trajectory, making it one of the most capable long-range magnums on the market. Even at 400 yards, it carries enough force for clean, efficient kills on elk-sized game and beyond.
Its aerodynamic bullet designs and optimized case geometry give it superb wind resistance and energy retention. For hunters who regularly glass open country and make precision shots across canyons or plains, the .28 Nosler provides an unmatched balance of reach and authority.
.300 Weatherby Magnum
The .300 Weatherby Mag has been a favorite among long-range hunters for decades thanks to its high velocity and flat-shooting profile. At 400 yards, it retains serious knockdown power, making it ideal for elk, mule deer, and other larger game.
This cartridge thrives in open country where long shots are the rule rather than the exception. Weatherby rifles are purpose-built to maximize its performance, but several other manufacturers now chamber for it, giving you more rifle options without compromising ballistic capability.
.338 Lapua Magnum
While it’s often associated with extreme-range shooting, the .338 Lapua Mag is also a powerful hunting cartridge when you need heavy-hitting energy at 400 yards. Originally developed for precision sniping, it offers exceptional accuracy and deep penetration on big-bodied animals.
This round is overkill for smaller game but shines when you’re targeting moose, elk, or bear in open country. It demands a heavier rifle setup, but if you’re serious about consistent, ethical kills at distance, the .338 Lapua delivers unmatched confidence and stopping power.
.270 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM)
The .270 WSM combines the flat-shooting characteristics of the classic .270 Win with the added speed and energy of a short magnum design. At 400 yards, it maintains excellent velocity and delivers more than enough punch for deer, elk, and pronghorn.
Its efficient case geometry provides higher pressures without added recoil, making it a comfortable cartridge for extended practice sessions. If you want magnum-level performance without stepping up to heavier recoil and larger calibers, the .270 WSM is a balanced and versatile choice.
7mm PRC
The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge is one of the newest additions to the long-range hunting scene, designed to maximize accuracy and ballistic efficiency. At 400 yards, it keeps energy levels high and trajectories flat, offering superior consistency in windy or variable conditions.
It has quickly earned a following among western hunters chasing mule deer and elk across open ridges. Its optimized case and bullet design give you the ability to make confident shots at extended ranges without fighting heavy recoil or unpredictable drops.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
