HEAD0001

If I was putting together a back country elk rifle then this is probably what I would do. First off you will probably be hunting in the thick stuff, or the scrub oaks, or the open timber. However a 200 to 300 yard shot would probably be tops.

So it sounds like you are packing in.

I would go with a TC Encore with a SS frame and a SS barrel from MGM. I would go with a 20" barrel in one of the 338 or 375 calibers. A 375 H&H would be a real dandy with a 300 grain bullet. But the 338 Winchester would also be great. I would have MGM put a 2 to 3 inch muzzle brake on the barrel making the overall length less than24 inches. This should tame the recoil a good bit.

then I would add a TH stock to the rifle. The TH stock will give additional ability to handle the recoil.

I would probably top it off with a straight 4X or 6X West German Zeiss one inch scope. With Picatinny rings to allow easy on and off for packing in and out.

This would make a great, lightweight, fast handling, short rifle to carry while hunting and shooting. And you would also be able to break it down into its components and pack the rifle securely and safely in your back pack when carrying in and out of the mountains. Tom.

harter66

I like to tell you your 06' is plenty. But this is 2010 and there are so many choices. Id go for a 300 WM in a stainless carbon stocked savage with a decent 3-9x40. Shoot a 180 gn partition style bullet about 26-2800 fps, shoot middle of the ribs straight up from the elbow 50-400 yards.

jdhogg

if you go by what the gurus on the cabelas website a 30-06 is way to small and insigificate for elk hunting.i claim they are a bunch of lazy yuppies that want their game DRT.get a real grip boys,ya dont need the newest biggest baddist magnnum out there.i guess if yer a real crappy shot maybe a bigger caliber is needed.here in oregon we usually use an 06 or 300wm.now if yer not sure then spend 3000.00 on a new rifle for a hunt,i laugh all the way to butcher shop,oh yes dont forget the best scope on the market and go to cabelas for their latest new fangled doo das.you folks need to learn whats advertised and such is bull****.my 06 is very capable to 600 yrds and very lethal,if ya cant shoot then get a big 375 or 338ultra

DeerandbearhoG

I dont have $$$ for an elk hunt and dont plan on one anytime soon but if i did, i would just take my 7-08 mountain rifle and get within 200yds. 154gr .284 sectional density is better than 180gr .308 and i dont think velocity makes much difference at that range.

jdhogg

get real dude,if we could all afford a big expensive rifle then most of us wouldnt be asking.so what im saying is take into consideration the average hunter and his budget.just like on the cabelas site you need a 3000.00 rifle just to go coyote hunting.TC is a good rifle no doubt but i can take my old savage or 721 remington and get the same results.all of us wernt born with a silver spoon

jdhogg

what a concept,i like your thinking use what you have or get something thats good for more than one hunt.but if yer born with an endless pocketbook then go foor broke but dead is dead.im thinking i can spend another 500.00 for a new barrel that the folks says rocks.be smart and you can hunt everything with 2 or 3 rifles

HEAD0001

You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. A person can put the whole rig together that I described for some where between $1100 and $1400. That is not a lot for a good quality rig. You should learn a little more before you make a statement where a rig costs $3,000 when you can can put it together for much less. But just in case you do not believe then I will list.

Action for Encore: $275 used or $350 new

Barrel: $350 used or $450 new

Stocks: $50 used or $125 new

Zeiss fixed power scope: $300-$500 used or $400-$600 new

Bases and rings $50

Total Price: Used--$1,025 New--$1375 to $1575

I just bought a brand new West German 6X Zeiss from CamerLand for $500. He has Conquest straight 4X's on sale for under $400. So shop a little. And you can find them cheaper if you buy used. Tom.

Vapodog

Interesting when the .30-06 will duplicate this velocity.

My .30-06 with 180 grain A-Frames clocks right over 2,800 FPS in a 22" barreled featherweight.....why would anyone add weight for a magnum to achieve less?

vermont bowhunter

come on be real 30-06 not up to the task,,,how many 06,s have you shot you can buy leads up to 220 grns,,,1900 fps or 08 is good too,,most guides like people to shoot a gun they can hit with ,,not jump and close thier eyes flinching...if a 06 will drop a moose itll kill a elk...man sometimes coments like that make my blood boil...lol

vermont bowhunter

good placement ,,,come on i needed a good laugh,,,so large cal guns are for people that cant shoot,,if i through enough lead ill kill it,,,man someone needs to go to the range,,,oh and by the way the usa millitary uses 700 remingtons in 08 0r 06 for sniper rifles,,,remington 770 at wally world for under 350 bucks with a 3x9x40 scope. i dont need the best to do the job at hand,,,and i shure dont want to dislocate my shoulder to hunt...lol