elk rifle suggestion
07-27-2010, 04:54 AM
#13
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 604
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.
07-27-2010, 03:02 PM
#15
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 3,393
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.
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.
07-27-2010, 03:35 PM
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rivesville, WV
Posts: 3,192
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.
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.
elk gun
07-28-2010, 05:12 PM
#19
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SOUTHERN Illinois USA
Posts: 820
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.
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.
07-28-2010, 06:36 PM
#20
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 797
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.
30-06 all around best sportsmans rifle for all usage in north america.