WHICH RIFLE ?

[jparker29]

Planning to purchase a new rifle for Kentucky whitetail and Idaho Elk. Was wondering what to choose?
I will only use factory ammo. And I shoot left handed.
would like to keep recoil down and still have the power needed.

[James B]

280 Remington.

[ELKampMaster]

I'd recommend a 30-06 especially since you will be doing factory ammo only.

There are "reduced recoil rounds" available from the factory if you are "recoil tender" yet these same cartridgeswill still be plenty ample for whitetail. Then, later whenyou decide to go after elk you can go with full strength 180 grainers for somevery adequateelk medicene.

Check out this poll of experienced elk hunters from this very site voting for their actual, current, favorite elk cartridges.

http://forum.hunting.net/asppg/tm.asp?m=1142362

The 30-06 (especially for anon-magnum cartridge near the lower end of the "power scale")was certainly well represented and IMHO constitutes a sound choice for an cross over rifle (deer and elk). Again,especially since you don't handload, the exceptionally wide range and highly available offeringsof 30-06 ammo that are on the market today are outstanding.

This last season, we had a 13 year old lady weighing little over 100 pounds take her first elk using a 30-06. It is truly a versatile cartridge.

[bigbulls]

Gotta agree with EKM. THe 30-06 is the most versatile cartridge ever developed.

That's not to say that there aren't a number of other cartridges that will also work but the 30-06 has more factory loadings available of any cartridge, it is about as inexpensive a big game cartridge there is to shoot, ammunition is available anywhere in the world, every rifle manufacturer chambers multiple rifle models for the 30-06.

All the reasons I listed above is exactly the reason I bought my son a 30-06 for his first "real" rifle. He too will need to use it for southern whitetails to big Colorado elk.

[manboy]

i still like the .270

[handloader1]

7mm Rem. Mag. Good luck.

[skeeter 7MM]

7mm rem mag.

If you don't want amagnum then the 3006, based on beinga southpawand shooting factory ammo, it will open up your choices in both regards.

[rather_be_huntin]

Another vote for the 7mm rem mag. You can get ammo just about anywhere. The felt recoil is about the same as a 30-06. It shoots flatter than an 06 and has as much knockpower at close ranges with more power at long ranges.

[BGHUNTER00]

I have to agree, the 7mm is an outstanding round.

[ShatoDavis]

BrowningLH A Bolt or Rem. 700 LH in 280 rem. 280 rem. is ballistically is very similar to a 7mm mag. It has a lighter recoil than the 7mm mag. It will do a number on whitetails with enough pop to bring down an elk.