Community
Guns Like firearms themselves, there's a wide variety of opinions on what's the best gun.

elk rifle suggestion

Thread Tools
 
Old 07-26-2010 | 06:21 PM
  #11  
Sheridan's Avatar
Giant Nontypical
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 0
From:
Default

+ more of the same.

Low end = 7MM Rem Mag

Mid level = .300 Win Mag

High end = .338 Win Mag


Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker


Go get'em !
Sheridan is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2010 | 04:06 AM
  #12  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,329
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Default

I'm heading out in a month and I plan on using a .30-06.

Tom
statjunk is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2010 | 04:54 AM
  #13  
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 604
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by outdoorsmen
possible trip coming up and was thinking of a rifle. i'm open to ideas of guns and calibers.
It depends on your max shooting range. I would determine what is the longest shot you can consistantly place in the vitals under ideal conditions. I would pick a cartridge that can deliver 1,750 ft/lbs KE minimum or more at that distance.

A 30-06 is good to approx 500 yards with the right bullet. In fact my handloads are good to 650 yards at my hunting elevation of 9,500 feet which is further that I would actually try to shoot. A 300 WM or WSM will add approx 100-150 yards to that limit. The 300 RUM adds approx 250-300 yards.

Bottom line is an 06 has plenty of power to take elk further than most of us can accurately shoot.

I like the new Savages with the Accustock for a rifle for the money and I like the Kimbers on the high end.
Scott Gags is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2010 | 09:00 AM
  #14  
RugerM77.270's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 0
From: Southeast Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by moosemike
.270, .308, or .30-06.
Sounds good to me.
RugerM77.270 is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2010 | 03:02 PM
  #15  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 0
From: Western Nebraska
Default

First focus should be on fit and weight.....Look at the M-70 featherweight and the Remington Mountain rifle. .30-06 still kills elk quite well.....more is OK....but not required.

Elk are almost exclusively found in elevated ranges and a light weight rifle is a major asset.....

I strongly suggest you focus a lot more on the rifle than the chambering.
Vapodog is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2010 | 03:35 PM
  #16  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 0
From: Rivesville, WV
Default

Tough question with simple answer. As much rifle as you feel you can effectively shoot.

Yes weight is an issue if you are a back country hunter. Are you a back country hunter?? Or is it a guided hunt where you will not be doing alot of carrying of the rifle??

Personally I like the 340 Wby. But I bought mine before the 338 UM came out. I would consider the 375 as the ultimate if you can handle the rifle.

Another question is who is going to chase the elk after you shoot.

I hunt on a 500 foot slide in CO. So I put the 250 grain Sierra directly into the front shoulder. I need to break the animal down instantly. And 250 grains through both shoulders will do that. Does this destroy some meat. Yes It does. But a 500 foot fall down the slide will ruin alot more. And it takes a day and a half to get the elk from the bottom of the slide. Do not ask me how I know how long it takes, just take my word for it. Tom.
HEAD0001 is offline  
Reply
Old 07-28-2010 | 06:31 AM
  #17  
Spike
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Smile elk gun

best in my opinion 325 winchester short mag ,second 300 winchester short mag,270 winchester short mag,and 30-06 springfield,all these will do the job on elk,regards Marc
Vlad Dracule is offline  
Reply
Old 07-28-2010 | 08:29 AM
  #18  
Spike
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Martin, OH
Default

I also like the 325 WSM. Plenty of power, handy package. That cartridge in a new M70 Extreme Weather is what I'm planning on picking up.
Seaark18 is offline  
Reply
Old 07-28-2010 | 05:12 PM
  #19  
outdoorsmen's Avatar
Thread Starter
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: SOUTHERN Illinois USA
Default

Originally Posted by HEAD0001
Tough question with simple answer. As much rifle as you feel you can effectively shoot.

Yes weight is an issue if you are a back country hunter. Are you a back country hunter?? Or is it a guided hunt where you will not be doing alot of carrying of the rifle??

Personally I like the 340 Wby. But I bought mine before the 338 UM came out. I would consider the 375 as the ultimate if you can handle the rifle.

Another question is who is going to chase the elk after you shoot.

I hunt on a 500 foot slide in CO. So I put the 250 grain Sierra directly into the front shoulder. I need to break the animal down instantly. And 250 grains through both shoulders will do that. Does this destroy some meat. Yes It does. But a 500 foot fall down the slide will ruin alot more. And it takes a day and a half to get the elk from the bottom of the slide. Do not ask me how I know how long it takes, just take my word for it. Tom.

back country with no guide in co. I'd be carrying the rifle alot.
outdoorsmen is offline  
Reply
Old 07-28-2010 | 06:36 PM
  #20  
Typical Buck
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default

I still favor the 270 win and the 300 win mag but that's a bias opinion. I've taken the guess work out of trajectory and made both almost identical in drop. It's been programmed in my head so long that it's not changing I can pick up either one and shoot it and not have to think twice about hold overs. If I was to change that way of thinking I'd have to say I'd step up to a 30-378, .308 warbird, or 7 STW. But I don't like breaks. But those are intriguing calibers. The 340 Wby does have some interest but why not just a 378 Wby.

30-06 all around best sportsmans rifle for all usage in north america.
Blackelk is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.