Searching for "The" elk rifle.... opinions...?

[Sweetwater]

tdn- great choice!! Of course we will need pics and progress reports! (see what ya started?)

BH- See ya when you get here!! I read a bit on the Suburban Bushwacker the other night. I had never heard of it and followed the link provided above. Not my choice of blog....not recommended by me.

Regards,
Sweetwater

[jcn59]

I had a Kimber 7mm-08 and it was a beautiful rifle but not quite right for me.   I recommend the .300WSM. 

One of the wildcards in hunting here in Wisconsin and true also in the Wyoming timber is branches and twigs that can deflect even the most accurately shot bullet.   Sometimes the perfectly good heart shot is deflected by a branch into a different part of the animal.  I think there are times when a bigger gun is more lethal with a marginal shot.

I know I don't need a .300 WSM here in northern Wisconsin, so I just load it down to 30-06 levels.   I think factory ammo is also available that is loaded down.

[bigswede]

tdn-excellent choice on the caliber and rifle.  I have a Kimber in a 325 wsm that is my go to mountain rifle for chasing mule deer up in the high country.  I shoot 200 grn. Nosler Accubonds, with the white polymer tips I call them my mulie missiles.

[dpastordan]

Wow!  Glad to hear of your choice.  I was going to chime in and recommend a Browning BAR in one of the magnum cartridges...softer recoil, great accuracy, and not too overly heavy to carry. I had a friend who moved west and thought his .270 too light for elk.  He was going to go with a 7mm Rem. Mag but I convinced him to jump up to a .300 Win Mag.  My uncle, who has killed a bunch of elk, prefers the .300's over the others (and has killed elk his first four elk with a .25-06 by the way) for the longer shots and heavier bullets.

[kiddekop]

Thanks for everything thus far guys - it's not that I really doubt the .308, I know that I'll tote that again on elk hunts as well, but kinda got the itch and would like to fill the gaps in my rifle battery.

I think I am looking for the catch all elk rifle.
I have a Win. M70 7mm RM 26"  for the long, open stuff, and not a lot of hiking, and use my handy Ruger RSI International .308, 18.5" for the timber. Marlin XS7 .308 for all around, and  1895GS, 45/70 for the big bruisers/bruins/brush.

So, in all actuality there is no real "need" but something elk and mountain specific seems to fit the order. Hence my thoughts on 338 Fed. or 300wsm.

Still thinking and saving....  

I hunted colorado 1984 thru 1999 and did surveys on calibers carried by elk & deer hunters,the most popular was the 300wm,2nd was 7mm mag and then 30-06 and 308.A friend hunted elk with a ruger #1 in 6mm but he was trained by the usmc as a   sniper.I used my SAKO FinnSport in 300wm.

[lucky guy]

A guy once told me to first decide what bullet I want to shoot and how fast, then the cartridge selection will follow.  He's right.  

You might look at the 200 gr 30 cal accubond at 2800-2900 fps, that works in the 300 wsm.   If you have a few 308's it's possible that one could be rechambered to the 300 wsm.  Gunsmith gave me a price of about 200 including bolt work on a Howa.  Save the difference or spend it on glass!        

[Coyote Hunter]

tdn –

What part of Colorado are you settling in?

Keeping the .308 Win is an excellent choice.  It will do what needs doing at least out to 400 yards. 

[lilabner]

Not changing the subject but I have a suggestion. Get a Lead Sled bench rest. It will tame the recoil so you don't develop a flinch. (You won't feel recoil when you shoot at game.) Your rifle will be sighted in right and you will be bruise free. Another suggestion: check the used rifle racks to see what you can find. Generally speaking, the magnums haven't been shot much. There's nothing wrong with them -they just dish out a bit more punishment than the average shooter wants to absorb in an afternoon at the range. A .300 WM or 338 WM will bring down the big herd bulls no problem.

[tdn]

Coyote-

My wife and I are getting settled in Denver, very much loving western living... and of course the hunting options.
You out in these parts?

A little update on the rifle front:  I have a basically new Rem 700 Mountain LSS in 30-06 en route to me. It won out in the 2 week battle btwn. the .308 Montana and an urge  for a more in-depth project and a new cartridge.   Now I just need to figure out the best route to go on a stock...   Mtn. Rifle lightweight B&C and be willing to put in a bit of tweaking and extra $ with the ADL conversion or BDL cut-out etc, or save up for a while longer and go the Bansner or McMillan....

I'll keep the updates coming as the pieces come together

[Coyote Hunter]

tdn –

My location is southeast of Denver, due east of Castle Rock and a couple miles east of Franktown.

Good choice on the .30-06.  I have two of them and bought one for my new son-in-law as a wedding present.  You will definitely be OK with that cartridge.

Can’t help on the stock, too much of a personal preference thing with too little knowledge of aftermarket stocks on my part.

Welcome to Colorado!  PM me if you have questions about antelope/deer/elk hunting.

[tdn]

Beautiful country out there!  My elk processing was done out that way.
Thanks for the offer, I am sure I'll have some questions coming up.

[roper]

Coyote-

My wife and I are getting settled in Denver, very much loving western living... and of course the hunting options.
You out in these parts?

A little update on the rifle front:  I have a basically new Rem 700 Mountain LSS in 30-06 en route to me. It won out in the 2 week battle btwn. the .308 Montana and an urge  for a more in-depth project and a new cartridge.   Now I just need to figure out the best route to go on a stock...   Mtn. Rifle lightweight B&C and be willing to put in a bit of tweaking and extra $ with the ADL conversion or BDL cut-out etc, or save up for a while longer and go the Bansner or McMillan....

I'll keep the updates coming as the pieces come together

 

I've got a Bansner on my 270WSM and McMilliain on 30-06.  Bansner fitted his stock to my action as a complete job and gunsmith fitted the McMillian.  We only got about 8mos before season starts here in Co and if your going to get either one better call and see "How long".

I used those stocks so I could add appr 1 to 1 1/4 in barrel length.  What I'd do is just hunt with rifle as is after you hunt a season out here and packing around the mtns then if you want make the change never know might like what you have.    I live NE of Colorado Springs.

By the time you buy bed either stock your running pretty close to $700/800 that includes shipping.    Last year I got into a push about this new 30-06 I was having build wanted it for the last cow hunt here I just finally had the rem tupperware stock bedded and I tell you  it's staying as   shoots great.  Well good luck and Welcome

[Swampman]

I'd shoot the rifle before I changed anything.  Great choice on the rifle & the cartridge.

[tdn]

True- I'll definitely be doing some shooting with the factory laminate on first. If I like it, I might just be tweaking the rifle in some other fun ways for a while.

[lucky guy]

*Decision Update*
I was just about to write and mail the check for the 300 wsm when I decided to take another 24 hours to think about it and talk with my dad (a very accomplished rifleman and hunter), before going ahead with it.

After thinking it over more, I am most likely going to buy a Kimber 84M Montana .308, and commit to becoming one h*ll of a shot with that cartridge out to 3-350 yrds. I enjoy reloading for the .308 a lot and the 5 lb. rifle matches my "mountaineering" approach to elk/muley hunting. Been handling one for months at a local shop and love it fit and feel.

I really appreciate all the insights from ya'll - but it looks like I was close to my answer right from the beginning.
Besides, I had a nice lightweight VXII 2-7x33 that needed a good home...Kimber preferred. \
Thanks again-
tdn.

It will work just fine.  This one from 2 yrs ago, another one fell to my 308 this year.  I'm envious of the Kimber 84 Montana, one day.  Have fun with it.  



 

[dross80]

Thompson Center Venture in 300 win mag.  Guaranteed to produce MOA or better with factory ammo.

[ejpaul1]

Well, I live in colorado, north part of the state. I used to be concerned that a 270 wasnt enough, so I got rid of it for a 30-06. That wasnt enough so I got a 7mm mag, then bought a 45-70. To that point I hadnt even shot an elk yet and was wirried I didnt have enough gun, all the guys at work were shooting 338's and they work like a charm, alot of missing. The, I met a fellow that hunts with a 243. He shoots 100 grain bullets. Got a 4X5 elk, bot huge, but over 600 on the hoof at about 150 yards. He put it in the heart. The bull dropped within 40 yards. Elk hunting is a good excuse to get a new rifle. I now use a 7mm WSM with a Zeiss scope on it for everything. Shoot what your comfortable, but by all means tell your wife that your gun is inadequate to help the process along!

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  While a 243 will certainly kill an elk or moose or elephant for that matter...we owe some respect to the animals we hunt...the worst crippler of game in this country was a guy who shot either a  243 or 6mm this clown crippled at least a couple mulies each season, and was caught shooting two elk in one season because the bull a 6x5 that he shot 6 or 8 times got down over a ridge so he drilled a spike a few times and got it down...the game warden watched the whole incident from a ridge...his reward was the loss of both elk, a fine and no lic. for three years...not quite enough in my opinion...

[ejpaul1]

I do agree that 243 is on the lighter side and only experienced folk should even think about using it. I would never reccomend it. I am just saying that most sensible cartridges could do it. For example, I do think a 308 could do the job, but I personally would limit shots to 250 with that cartridge. I do prefer more energy. I even sometimes think a 160 grainer in my 7mm is a bit light, I just place the bullet properly. EJ

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  ej, I understood what you were saying, but too often folks get a high from shooting game with a caliber that is simply too light for the job...while they are quick to brag about their kills, the cripples are quickly forgotten...as you know when we talk elk they are big and can easily cover alot of country with a good hit....

[ejpaul1]

Yeah, I aint no experienced elk hunter so when I get into the woods for elk, I use premium bonded or solid bullets, heavier weights and I make shure that my shooting skills are up to par. I do think many forget that we owe it to the animals to dispatch them quickly and ethically. Hunting is about much more than us. I was at a Mule deer foundation fundraiser last saturday night and it was refreshing to see hunters that have a genuine love for the animal they persue. I hope that spreads.
But back to the 243 for one second. I only use a 243 for whitetails in oklahoma, usualy for does only and for an extra leftover mule deer doe tag in wyoming. You know, those left over tags and under 200 yards. We like deer meat, therefore, I am not primarily a trophy hunter. EJ

[usherj]

And at the other end of the spectrum, many elk are no doubt wounded by shooters not comfortable and proficient with their "all mighty magnums." Using the most rifle you are comfortable and confident with, and being aware of any limitations it may have, seems to be reasonable. If that rifle doesn't seem to be the ticket for elk, then why not just stick to mule deer, coyotes or big jack rabbits, depending on what that rifle happens to be.

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  ej, one of the finest and often under rated of our writers was a guy named Bob Hagel...no one paid for his trips, he was also a guide in Idaho..For my money he was the top of the list of the old time writers...none of the current bunch of writers can come close execpt one.. But Hagel was one of the first if not the first to push for Premium bullets, Noslers were the ones in his day..He swung from the big bore school to a more middle of the road philos...due to theNosler bullet...While he shot everything available...I would say his favorite core calibers were the 7mm, .30 and .338....He shot some elk with the old 7 x 57...but his favorites were the old 285 OKH (similar to our  .280) then later the 7mm Mashburn Mag.  a more powerful version of the 7mm Rem.  He felt these were excellent elk rounds "with the proper bullet""" He was not overly enthusiastic about the 7 x 57 for large bulls, but he took at least one cow with it...but the other two were used on many elk quite satisfactorly..His country offered both heavy timber and occasionaly a long shot...Hagel felt the 280 class rifle up though all of the big .338's were as near perfect elk rounds as one could get, WITH PROPER BULLETS. The larger rounds required the shooter to be a skilled rifleman to take advantage of what they offered...and they offer plenty, but only to the guy willing to learn to use them..otherwise, a more std. caliber with good premium bullets would do the job, but they were not quite as deadly under very difficult conditions...What he said still is true today..I would guess most elk hunters are like most deer hunters, they are NOT capable of using the largest rifles effectively enough to benefit from having them..for the skilled rifleman, they are super, for joe blow who doesn/t shoot much from one season to the next something he can handle is much better again with good bullets...Magnums are wonderful rifles, but you must learn to shoot them to benefit from what they offer..They will not make up for lack of shooting and hunting ability...

[mannyrock]

   Well Geez, why all the fuss?   A used Remington 700 ADL in 7 Mag, in VG  condition, for about $375.00, will kill Elk all day long.  This isn't rocket science. 

 Mannyrock

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  No manny it is not rocket science, but using a 7mm mag. for all my hunting would soon become boring..the only thing worse would be using a 30-06 or 30-30 for all my hunting...some of us enjoy using different calibers to see what they will do, and at times conditions will dictate one rifle is better for elk hunting than others...A 7mag is fine, use it if you like, I have, but there are others I like better...it is always a laugh to me when someone says oh this is a great elk gun, I killed one with it...or  they say this is the best caliber made, and they havent tried anything else...

[Brithunter]

.Magnums are wonderful rifles, but you must learn to shoot them to benefit from what they offer..They will not make up for lack of shooting and hunting ability...

Huh... you had better tell that to the Weatherby crowd  Ole Roy built his whole empire on that premis  .

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

   Roy, built his empire on the fact that he felt the most important factor in clean killing of animals is high vel..agree or disagree that was his thoughts that is why the .257 was his favorite caliber....

[Brithunter]

HV is fine but it still has to be applied to the correct place  .

Too many swallowed the idea that the hydro-static would kill any quarry or even blow it off it's feet  nothing new in that as some believed the same about the .280 Ross and some of Newton cartridges. The thing that gets me about Roy weatherby is that he didn't really have any ideas of his own the high or Hyper velocity kick was over 30 years old and the venturied should was also someone elses idea same goes of multi lug bolts.

If you read much about African Safaris and the P-H's they more often then not dred a client arriving with a Wetherby. Unless I win the lottery it's very doubtful I could ever afford a trip to Africa but even if I could it would never be with a Weatherby as I can think of plenty of better choices  .

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  while you may not prefer weatherby plenty of world wide hunters do and have used weatherbys ..herb klien and elgen gates both shot everything that was huntable in their time... now we have better bullets , so if on chooses a weatherby, he isin even better shape...i did not say roy came up with the hyper velocity idea...any one who studies firearms knows of the Ross and Newton firearms...what Roy did was develope the market media to sell these rifles.... I HAVE hunted in Africa, and received no negative complains about weatherby firearms...the hunters only concern was could one put the bullet where needed...When I read about safaries, I know if the ph is an english man he is going to plug english weapons...that is a given...

[oldelkhunter]

 308,30-06,270,280,280AI ,7mm Rem mag,300 win mag wil cover all bases and handle 99% of all opportunity. Package that in a Model 70 and have at it. Kimbers while pretty have too much haphazard quality issues for my taste.