Carpmaster

8x57 with nosler 200 grain handload @2700fps!!

Westslope

I also prefer a sharp stick but if it came to cartridges I'd have to side with my .338 Lapua with 210grn Ballistic tips.

NebrVandal

Only 2 308 Win?

I've gotten 4 of them in North Idaho; 2 with 1 shot; although now I use a 300 long mag in a BAR; and am considering a 270 Win for my son.

EKM

There is the re-occuring theme, most have been there done that (pursued elk with the smaller stuff), sized up the challenges as to "what works best or better" and (finances or will power allowing) move up to something more robust. Apparently, just like you....
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On a seperate but related note....

IMHO the difference in recoil between a 270 Win and a 30-06 is minor, meanwhile the increased elk-taking-ability of the 30-06over the 270 is notable.

Plus.... boys turn into men, but 270's nevergrow up to be 30-06's

ColoradoElk

EKM, I'm still chuckling about the 270 & 30.06 reference. It reminds me of my neighbor's dog that will never grow up to be a man asthe result of a certain surgical procedure...

In any event, I have to change my vote in this poll from the .416 Rem to the .375 Ruger. Although it may not be very popular, loaded with 285gr Grand Slams, the cartridge is a significant step up from the 338's in a much handier package than the .416.

Hope you all had a great Christmas & happy New Year.

EKM

Did you get a 375 Ruger?
Did you useit for elkthis year?
If so, how did it work out?

I used the ole 375 H&H this year and dropped two elk with one shot each.... neither took a step after impact.
A wonderful old cartridge....
The 375 Ruger should be just a little better on several counts.

bowing4bulls

One of the best, low recoil elk rifles that I have shot and loved, was a 30.06 with 165gr core-locks,with a muzzle-brake and a good recoil pad. It made for a great gun for someone who dosent want a bad recoil.

ColoradoElk

Hello EKM and happy belated New Year to everyone at HNI.

I did pick up a .375 Ruger in March, 07. At that time, I was only able to get a box of ammunition and unfired cases were not available. I shelved the idea of hunting with it in 07 as I did not have time for load development and did not draw (I don't remember asking for it, but the DOW sent me a 2nd season general bull tag). In May, I spiral fractured both the bones in my right leg, which left me with PLENTY of time for any sitting task, also, unfired cases had become available. I had already picked out the 285gr Grand Slam based on AR posts using that bullet in the H&H.

I did end up hunting it. I purchased a meat tagas well. The first weekend, it was so warm, I won't continue with the story. The 2nd to last day, I did take a cow. It was a broadside shot at about 35 yards. I did not recover the bullet, but did not spend any "tracking time" either. The shock was noticeably less than the .45-70 though.

I was accompanying a friend of mine (I NEEDED the leg time) on a High Country Buck hunt earlier and in the EXACT same spot I took the cow walked up on three good size bulls.

I Like:
The trigger, standard length beltless case, Oomph of the cartridge

I Dislike:
The stock, recoil pad, ruger rings

I haven't put enough rounds through it to comment on accuracy ( < 40). The Hawkeye is a big improvement on the M77. I like the case and if I had to do it over, I would find a worn out Sako/Stoeger 75 Hunter and ream/rebarrel. The cartridge seems like the easiest way out there for someone to get to the low end of big bores at a reasonable cost, and it filled the gap for me between .338 and .416. With a donor .30-06 laying around, the cost would probably be a few $100. The recoil is considerably less than the 416 or guide gun. I'd say like a .338. Don't forget, it isn't a MAGNUM!!!

Good Luck,
CE

pats102862

.338 winchester mag.

pilot107

8MM Remington Mag (30 yrs in myhand)220 Hndy SP (3091 fps) --- another forgotten Remington heavy hitting cartridge
300 RSAUM Rem LTR 190 Hndy SPBT (2872fps) ----- a poorly marketed Remington cartridge,top drawer short mag