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Author Topic: Best for Elk.  (Read 1338 times)

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Offline kinslayer1965

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Best for Elk.
« on: March 09, 2009, 06:28:25 PM »
I am trying to put together an elk hunt for this fall and want to use a single shot NEF if I can find the right one and get it shooting to my satisfaction. My question is what caliber should I go with?

I have a real hankerin for a 25-06 Ultra but even with some of the Barnes TSXs I am a little worried about it being on the light side. A 30-06 would be an obvious choice as would the .270 but I want to go with something different.

I already have a .243 with a bull barrel and a .308. Both are great rifles and accurate (.243 exceptionally so) enough for the job. The .243 is definately out as it is not an elk round in my opinion. The .308 would work.....but again I want something different.

If anybody has any suggestions I would love to hear them no matter how wild the rational behind it. Just keep it to rounds available for the NEF as I have no interest in going to the dark side.

I love going to the range with some of my friends with their TC Contenders. Nothing like the expression on their faces when they walk out to the targets and see how their expensive rifles stack up to my little NEF. ;D ;D ;D

Thanks.
CR 
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2009, 06:38:15 PM »
If you want/need to have something different just pick some strange Handi chambering and use it.  Most anything legal will kill an elk.  If you want to do it right go with a 30-06.  Larry
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Offline SM Bob

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2009, 06:49:38 PM »
+1 For the old 30-06! They are hard to beat! ;)
I know what you are saying about opening some of those Remchesterby owners eyes
to how accurate the Handis can be. With some of them their jaws just about hit the dirt
when they see your target and you get to talking with them and tell them you are shooting
a $225 H&R single shot.  :o Man,that look on some of their faces sure is priceless! ;D
                 
                                                  Robert
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Offline LaOtto222

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2009, 09:04:01 PM »
A 45-70 or 444 Marlin would be good for up to 200 yards. If you are going to get shots over 200 yards a 30-06 or if you can get a 35 Whelen would be the way to go in a Handi rifle. All four can shoot well, just be careful of the 35 Whelen; some have been known to have primer dents with no fire. Good Luck and Good Shooting
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Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2009, 02:42:34 AM »
Get a .280 ,nice Elk gun. 8)
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Offline Singleshotsam

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2009, 03:14:23 AM »
Yeah, I agree w/ a .280 :D
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Offline mixer

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2009, 03:29:12 AM »
Another vote for the 280,it's a great calibur out here in Elk country
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Offline pricecw

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #7 on: March 10, 2009, 05:46:28 AM »
I think the 280 would be good, 270 would work, your 308 would also work well, my kid is in hunter's ed right now, and the instructor loves his 25-06 for elk, if that is what you want, and you know the rifle inside and out, go with it.  I like my 30-06, and we had 2 handis in the woods this year (put both my niece and nephew on them).  Matter of fact, once I switched from my 338 to 30-06 (scope issues on the .338), I think everyone in our elk camp had the 30-06.  I haven't used the 280, or 25-06, so can't speak for them directly, but I know they get used with good results.

Lot's of choices, all will work.

BTW -- I had both my encore and H&R at the range this weekend :)  Picked up the encore pro hunter with 3 barrels for a song, was looking for a .223, and it had a never fired barrel in this setup.   The H&R was my 357 reamed to Max, shooting looking for pressure signs on a series of reloads.  Both are good platforms for a single shot, can't say one is better than the other (ignoring the cost factor).  That said, I think the H&R is one of the best firearms going right now.

--Carl
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Offline canon6

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #8 on: March 10, 2009, 11:40:41 AM »
Do not overlook the 7mm08.Great round , great selection of factory ammo and will kill any elk, dead as a post.     Doug
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #9 on: March 10, 2009, 12:15:01 PM »
I've killed a lot of elk with a 308W, but the same goes for the 30-06, I think if ya want something different the 280 fills the bill, with the standard 26" barrel, 7mm Mag shooters got nothing on ya, and it's still shorter than most bolt guns!!  ;D

Tim
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Offline kawie

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #10 on: March 10, 2009, 12:59:46 PM »
if you want something different get a 30/30 an ream it to 30/40 krag. ;D ;D
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Offline kinslayer1965

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #11 on: March 10, 2009, 01:29:15 PM »
Thanks for all the responses. There seems to be a lot of votes for the .280. I did some checking and the variety of avalable bullets from Barnes, Speer and Nosler just name a few make a very compelling case for the .280. With the 26" barrel it definately sounds like the right choice.

Now I am torn as to how to proceed. Should I order a new rifle or send my .243 or .308 frame in and have a .280 barrel fitted to it? I am a bit concerned because of the time frame. I have read some post that scared me a little. I am trying for a late October or early November hunt so maybe I should stick with the new rifle.

If anybody has any pet loads for the .280 they would be appreciated as well.

Thanks again!
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #12 on: March 10, 2009, 01:36:03 PM »
As long as they have the barrel in stock, it shouldn't be a problem getting an accessory barrel, you can always cancel it if they happen to run out in the mean time and/or order a different barrel they do have in stock,  for in stock barrels turn around time has been 4-6 weeks in the last couple months, see the Ilion sticky. You have another option, buy a used barrel in the H&R classifieds and fit it yourself.  ;)

Tim
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #13 on: March 10, 2009, 04:24:58 PM »
Buy the whole rifle and send one of the other frames off for something like 357 mag or 44 mag or 45 colt or, well you get the drift. ;)  DP
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline FW Conch

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2009, 10:50:03 AM »
I agree with dpe.  Get the 280 complete rifle, because it  sounds like your other Handis are good shooters & it is best to go with deaignated frames !  JMHO   Good Luck  Good Shooting   :)   Jim
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #15 on: March 11, 2009, 11:24:51 AM »
I say spend the money you would for the new rifle on 308Win ammo and use it.
Possibly go with the federal premiums loaded with the barns X bullet.
Being all copper the bullet does not follow the same suit as do traditional designs and the 150 grain bullet is as long as a 180.  You will get better long range preformance as well as damage to the animal and not have to figure out you need to hold just over the animals back with the 308 and just under that at 400 yards with the 280.
Yes this is comming from the guy who looked at his two 308's and bought a 338 Win Mag for elk.
I would also say 308 as it can be found every where and most places you have a wide variety of ammo choices.
If you box or two of 280 you bring with you gets lost or.... well anything.  Are you going to be able to find 280 where you are headed?
If you have to have a new rifle for this trip then I would say 45-70 and a mill dot scope.  I would sight the rifle in to 200 yards and know what it does at 300 and 100.  With a good guess how far to hold over for 400.
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Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2009, 12:57:29 PM »
Thats good advice Mcwoodduck, But to tell the truth I think he really is just a hankering for a new handi and is looking for some support in his addiction, In that light I'd deffinatly get a new .280 and follow that with a .45-70 just in case. ;D Gotta feed the fever ya know. ;)
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2009, 01:09:30 PM »
Sorry bob,
Having just bought a rifle and getting ready to place an order for my second handi I should have known it was not about the elk but about the handi to hunt the elk.  i just look at all the necked up or down versions of the 06 or 308 as the same round.
OK one exception of the 338-06 is really a neat round for elk.  but that would mean a custom barrel.  It will be cheaper to get a 30-06 and be done.
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Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #18 on: March 11, 2009, 01:14:57 PM »
Your absolutly right MC, But where's the fun in that. A .30-06 will prolly be the last rifle I ever buy, So, I gotta buy a bunch of other calibers first. :)
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Offline kinslayer1965

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #19 on: March 11, 2009, 02:01:42 PM »
Bob abd MC appear to have figured me out. I know the .308 will kill an elk dead as a post. I have a friend who hunts moose every year with his Browning lever action .308.

I want a new gun in a new caliber. I reeeeaaaaallly want a 25-06. I am considering buying the 25-06 complete rifle and sending the frame from my .308 in to have the .280 barrel installed.

Two new calibers would give me all kinds of fun at the range, but  I am just starting to sweat a little when I start adding up the cost of my fun. Two new scopes (they dont gve those away anymore), trip to gander mountain for ammo (gotta start collecting cases) two sets of dies, bullets.....well you get the picture. I should probably just send my frame off for one barrel. Which leads me back to my original question. :-\

I have set myself a deadline to make a decision by the end of March. so I still have some time. I don't think it will be an easy non the less.

Again thanks for all the info.
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Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #20 on: March 11, 2009, 02:17:37 PM »
It was easy to figure you out I have the same exact urges reagularly. ;)
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #21 on: March 11, 2009, 02:53:56 PM »
Well why didn't ya just say so? ::)  Get the 25-06, load with Barnes TSX or Nosler Partition and let'er rip.  My 25-06 is a good shooter as well as my 280, or several of the other Handi's I have.  I have had really good luck on not having problems with accuracy.  DP
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #22 on: March 11, 2009, 02:55:47 PM »
Think there is a couple of those calibers available over in the classifieds...  ::) ::) ::) ;D

CW
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Offline kinslayer1965

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #23 on: March 11, 2009, 04:09:16 PM »
I am not really sure on the classified section. Can a barrel be shipped directly to me since it is barrel only? I perused the classified section and did not see a 25-06 or .280. I will check again when I am done with this post.

I am really starting to lean towards the 25-06 since I have the .308 as a tried and true back up.

Oh and since I have never tried just how difficult is it to fit a barrel yourself anyway?
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Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #24 on: March 11, 2009, 04:52:22 PM »
308...30-06...270    280
all about  the same

so close  as to be  irrelevent......really

now  a  45-70  is ''different''
get   the laminated thumb hole  stainless  one  it  is scope ready with  no sights
be  real  different

or  just use  the 308  you already  have
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #25 on: March 12, 2009, 12:01:51 AM »
Quote from: kinslayer1965 on March 11, 2009, 04:09:16 PM
I am not really sure on the classified section. Can a barrel be shipped directly to me since it is barrel only? I perused the classified section and did not see a 25-06 or .280. I will check again when I am done with this post.

I am really starting to lean towards the 25-06 since I have the .308 as a tried and true back up.

Oh and since I have never tried just how difficult is it to fit a barrel yourself anyway?

 Fitting is outlined very clearly in the FAQ's. I did one last night, took me about 10-15 minutes. It wouldn't close on the action at all when I started.  Shipping right tot your door or PO BOX no problem or legality issues what so ever. If there where, we would not/could not do it either.

 Barrels are here:
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,167449.0.html

CW
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Offline Masterblaster1

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #26 on: March 12, 2009, 02:43:31 AM »
If you decide to go with .280 Rem PM me and I will send you some of my handload recipes that shoot great in my Handi. Most of my good handloads will shoot 1 inch and under at 100 yards, benchrested.
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Offline petemi

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #27 on: March 12, 2009, 03:26:13 AM »
Quote from: 45-70.gov on March 11, 2009, 04:52:22 PM
now a  45-70  is ''different''
get   the laminated thumb hole  stainless  one  it  is scope ready with  no sights
be  real  different

Quote from: mcwoodduck on March 11, 2009, 11:24:51 AM
If you have to have a new rifle for this trip then I would say 45-70 and a mill dot scope.  I would sight the rifle in to 200 yards and know what it does at 300 and 100.  With a good guess how far to hold over for 400.


You guys've got the picture ;) ;)  .45-70 ...It ain't a 100 yard rifle :D

Pete
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #28 on: March 12, 2009, 09:26:10 AM »
Pete,
I had a 1884 Trap door Cadet for a while and with the 405 grain cowboy loads I could flip up the ladder sight and lift to 200 yards and make the gong sound every time.  Off the bench of course.  Also using the range finder to plot rocks out to 300 and lifting the ladder the PMC or black hills lead cowboy loads would print a mark on the rock.
I wish the Buffalo came with a ladder sight or was offered with a ladder sight based on the popular loads for 45-70.  I understand that the 405 lead @1300 FPS is going to fly different than the 300 gr JHP at 1880 FPS and different ladder sighte would be needed.
I could not hit anything past the 400 yard mark as I had to hold my head too far off the stock to see the front sight as to not be steady.
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: Best for Elk.
« Reply #29 on: March 12, 2009, 09:41:30 AM »
A Handi in the Rocky Mountain Elk Federation Commemorative .35 Whelen. 

Otherwise the standard all others are judged by the trusty old 30-06.
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