Elk rifle opinions
 

I a looking to purchase a new rifle for elk hunting and am currently debating which of the 300 magnums I should get. I am looking at the 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag, 300 RUM, and 300 Weatherby. Looking for honest opinions of which one would best fill the role of a future elk rifle. I am leaning towards Sako or Tikka as far as brands go. I currently shoot a 270 and find it a little on the light side for 300 yd shots that I sometimes require.

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

I am not looking to cause an issue here, but I would appreciate honest replies and not some inflamatory reply.

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

The averagehunter wouldbe best off with the 300win mag or the 300wsm,especially if you use factory loads.

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

Sako or Tikka, huh? Pretty light weight, probably better go with the smaller of the .308 caliber magnums, i.e. 300WinMag or 300WSM.

Personally I'd gostrive fora heavier rifle and a 300RUM chambering.

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

It depends on what you want.

If you want the best performer for 400 yard shots then go with the Weatherby. It had the most retained energy and flattest trajectory at 400 yards with the RUM a very close second.

But, if you're more concerned with efficiency and magnum performance without magnum recoil then go with the WSM. It performs like a win mag in a short action, which allows for more inherently accurate rifles, quicker follow up shots etc etc.

Any of them will get it done at 400 yards. I think your decision is more about finding the rifle you want most.

Also, don't forget the 270 Weatherby or 270 WSM they are perfectly viable for your needs and a little flatter shooting than the 300s.

good luck

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

being someone who uses a 308 win and a 30-06 for elk id say either a 300 wsm or 300 win mag. ive considered stepping up to either one myself.

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

Of those you mentioned, My favorite is the 300 Win Mag. Mainly because I have has several and they worked well. A step up from the 06 in ME without to much added recoil.I Like a rifle that I can enjoy taking out for am afternoon of becnh shooting. I no lomger can enjoy that kind of recoil but the 300 Wim mag is a fine all around big game choice.

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

Anyhow, I would say a .300 Win. Mag. would be fine. It's more common.
If you're willing to spend plenty of money fora cartridge, then a .300 RUM would be really good, pretty darn deadly. Bad recoil though, but if you're going to even think about firing a big elk cartridge you gotta be ready to take a pounding.

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

A lot of elk hunters seem to like the .338 Win Mag, and some say the recoil is less punishing than the variouis .300 mags -- they say it is more of a push than a jolt, not that I understand the distinction they are making. Some people judge the .338 Win Mag shooting tough 225 grain bullets the best thing going for elk. Since you are looking at a rifle specifically for elk, maybe this is something to add to your cartridge list?

RE: Elk rifle opinions
 

Another vote for the 338. Tikka chambers it even! :D

If not the 338, then the regular boring old 300 Win Mag. ;)