Ideal Elk Rifle
- Thread starter SJB358
- Start date
salmonchaser
Ammo Smith
- Dec 13, 2013
- 5,067
- 5,272
One of the biggest bulls I ever saw killed was with a 260 and it was a long poke. Don't know the guy, just happened to be a witness. The second most successful elk hunter I know uses an 06 for everything from pdawgs to moose. Every time I show up with something new, he will point out that's a good deposit on a guided hunt.
I like my .338 Jarrett, 250 grain partitions, .5 moa at 2900+. I've killed elk with; 06, 300wm, 8mm mag, 338 wm and Jarrett, 375 HH and 577 nitro express.
In my opinion, if I had a buddy coming out west I would rather he keep his 280 +, that he shoots well, invest in a.good pair of mountain boots, a super pair of binos, a gym membership, and use the rest of the money he would have spent on a thunderboomer and scope for a couple extra days off to acclimate to the elevation.
I like my .338 Jarrett, 250 grain partitions, .5 moa at 2900+. I've killed elk with; 06, 300wm, 8mm mag, 338 wm and Jarrett, 375 HH and 577 nitro express.
In my opinion, if I had a buddy coming out west I would rather he keep his 280 +, that he shoots well, invest in a.good pair of mountain boots, a super pair of binos, a gym membership, and use the rest of the money he would have spent on a thunderboomer and scope for a couple extra days off to acclimate to the elevation.
wildgene
Handloader
- Jul 4, 2011
- 1,597
- 2
...well, I'm all for shooting as much bullet as fast as you can for elk, as long as you can hit what you're shooting @, so I started out w/ a 7mm RM, the last iteration being a Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker that I've owned for almost 30yrs. & killed quite a few elk w/ in 40some years. Never had to chase one down. But I got old, & stalking 'em thru the "black timber" has changed to heading off @ the pass in the foothills. Now I generally pack the .300 WSM Tikka T3, recoil level is on par w/ the 7mm, little better BC & more energy in a 1 1/2# lighter rifle. I originally bought the .325 WSM as a "brush gun", a heavy close range thumper, since looking @ the ballistics for most available bullets, the .300 WSM actually looked "better" out past 400yds. That changed when I found out I could push a 220gr./ .521BC Sierra GameKing @ 2800fps MV (Winchester factory 220 is rated @ 2840fps, probably a hair optimistic) @ the same or less "felt" recoil, while it gives up 2-3" of drop, it makes that up in less windage & delivers almost 20% more energy. Very comparable to a .338 WM or 8mm RM, w/ a lot less "boom" & recoil. You can argue about the terminal ballistics of the GameKing, but the elk I've shot w/ it can't...
...so, if I could find one, my ideal elk rifle would be a T3 or A-Bolt Stainless Hunter in .325 WSM w/ the 4.5X14 VX-3 CDS set up for it. I've spent a lot of time @ the range while the "sports" were sighting in their Earsplittenkerloudenboomers, & it's pretty much convinced me that you can't replace marksmanship w/ displacement...
...so, if I could find one, my ideal elk rifle would be a T3 or A-Bolt Stainless Hunter in .325 WSM w/ the 4.5X14 VX-3 CDS set up for it. I've spent a lot of time @ the range while the "sports" were sighting in their Earsplittenkerloudenboomers, & it's pretty much convinced me that you can't replace marksmanship w/ displacement...
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,805
- 6,126
I agree there Salmonchaser, it's more about the hunter than the rifle.
My one and only elk was a bit over a dozen years ago, up at about 10,000' in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming.
Used horses to get in there, camped nine miles from the trailhead. Scouted for a few days prior to the opener, then got on to a good 6x6 bull on opening morning.
A single 175 gr Nosler Partition from my 7mm Rem mag, 700 ADL worked very well. Through the chest, out the other side. He took a few faltering steps and collapsed. The rifle was topped by an economical 3-9x Leupold, sighted in at 200 yards. The bull was shot at about 180 yards, from sitting, using the sling wrapped around my upper arm for stability.
Thankfully we had horses for the pack-out too! It was a great hunt. I've never had the antlers scored, but they measure 51" wide from tip to tip. Pretty cool.
I've hunted for elk before and after, but have yet to get a shot opportunity at a legal elk here in Washington. Sigh... Perhaps this year? In recent years I've been carrying the .375 Number One, with a 1.5-5x Leupold, sighted in at 200 yards with a 260 gr Nosler AccuBond. I believe the rifle, scope and ammo are up to the task! Anymore I hunt only here in Washington State, from about 1,000' ASL up to about 6,000' ASL. I see elk, just not legal elk, in season. Phooey.
Regards, Guy
My one and only elk was a bit over a dozen years ago, up at about 10,000' in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming.
Used horses to get in there, camped nine miles from the trailhead. Scouted for a few days prior to the opener, then got on to a good 6x6 bull on opening morning.
A single 175 gr Nosler Partition from my 7mm Rem mag, 700 ADL worked very well. Through the chest, out the other side. He took a few faltering steps and collapsed. The rifle was topped by an economical 3-9x Leupold, sighted in at 200 yards. The bull was shot at about 180 yards, from sitting, using the sling wrapped around my upper arm for stability.
Thankfully we had horses for the pack-out too! It was a great hunt. I've never had the antlers scored, but they measure 51" wide from tip to tip. Pretty cool.
I've hunted for elk before and after, but have yet to get a shot opportunity at a legal elk here in Washington. Sigh... Perhaps this year? In recent years I've been carrying the .375 Number One, with a 1.5-5x Leupold, sighted in at 200 yards with a 260 gr Nosler AccuBond. I believe the rifle, scope and ammo are up to the task! Anymore I hunt only here in Washington State, from about 1,000' ASL up to about 6,000' ASL. I see elk, just not legal elk, in season. Phooey.
Regards, Guy
Osprey78
Handloader
- Feb 27, 2014
- 260
- 1
So, the wife uses my ol' .303 for her hunting prospects, however have been thinking of something else for her to use. And since we have elk around here, well...
A friend of mine had mentioned possibly using the 7mm-08 as it would fit her. I thought as long as it used a 140 grain PT or TSX it would be ok.
She is 5'2", not a fine of recoil but can handle the 180 grain pill from the .303.
Thoughts?
A friend of mine had mentioned possibly using the 7mm-08 as it would fit her. I thought as long as it used a 140 grain PT or TSX it would be ok.
She is 5'2", not a fine of recoil but can handle the 180 grain pill from the .303.
Thoughts?
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,805
- 6,126
I think the 7-08 would be plenty of rifle!
I'm only carrying the .375 'cause I love that doggone single shot Ruger, not because I think a .375 is even remotely necessary for elk. Fun yes, necessary no.
Guy
I'm only carrying the .375 'cause I love that doggone single shot Ruger, not because I think a .375 is even remotely necessary for elk. Fun yes, necessary no.
Guy
LD375
Handloader
- May 18, 2009
- 1,239
- 3
+1Guy Miner":1rtdnhjd said:
I love my .375 H&H as well Guy, I would most likely use my Sako Bavarian 7mm Rem mag/Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 Z600 scope loaded with 160gr Nosler Partitions for pretty much anything
..with that being said, I'd have a hard time not using the .375 H&H instead, just like you said, necessary no, fun yes! Lou
Well last year my RMR with 24" barrel in the 35 Whelen with a Leica 4.5 X 15 made a 500 yard plus shot.
This year I believe my new RMR with a 26" barrel in a 280AI with last years Leica is my new favourite.
PS. The Whelen was shooting a 225gr. ABs bullet & the 280AI will likely be throwing 150gr. ABLRs at them :mrgreen:.
Blessings,
Dan
This year I believe my new RMR with a 26" barrel in a 280AI with last years Leica is my new favourite.
PS. The Whelen was shooting a 225gr. ABs bullet & the 280AI will likely be throwing 150gr. ABLRs at them :mrgreen:.
Blessings,
Dan
salmonchaser
Ammo Smith
- Dec 13, 2013
- 5,067
- 5,272
Very nice bull Guy, hope it's on your wall. My #1 375 goes elk hunting every year. I only needed a back up rifle once, but I was sure glad I had it. I do get the 375 out every year during elk season. Sometimes it's my bear gun, or for when I'm still after my elk and it's the black timber day.
Osprey what about 280 AI? Does everything a 7 mag can do, load it to 7-08 for your lovely bride to train with and have her hunt with full house loads.
Osprey what about 280 AI? Does everything a 7 mag can do, load it to 7-08 for your lovely bride to train with and have her hunt with full house loads.
6mm Remington
Ammo Smith
- Feb 27, 2006
- 5,258
- 646
I've taken elk with the following rounds so far personally.
6mm Remington 100 gr. Nosler Partition 6x42 Leupold Ruger #1B
25-06 Remington 120 gr. Nosler Partition 6x36 Leupold Rem 700 Mountain rifle
280 Remington 140 gr. Nosler Partition 6x36 Leupold (largest bull with this one) Rem 700 MTN rifle
30-06 165 gr. Nosler Partition & Nosler AccuBond 4x Leupold Ruger #1B
IN the works!! :mrgreen: :grin: :grin:
280AI Remington - Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter - 24" 1-9 twist barrel - pillar & glass bedded - optics still undecided yet
Bullet - 140-160 gr. Accbond - Partition - or E-tip whichever it likes best ALL NOSLER
My son:
6mm Remington 90 gr. Nosler E-tip one shot 350 yards - elk traveled 25 yards 4.5-14x40mm Leupold Boone & Crockett reticle (really like that scope & reticle) Ruger MKII
300 WSM 180 gr. Nosler AccuBond one shot 100 yards 4.5-14-44mm Zeiss Conquest with Z600 reticle (really like that scope and reticle also) Winchester EW - SS Model 70
6mm Remington 100 gr. Nosler Partition 6x42 Leupold Ruger #1B
25-06 Remington 120 gr. Nosler Partition 6x36 Leupold Rem 700 Mountain rifle
280 Remington 140 gr. Nosler Partition 6x36 Leupold (largest bull with this one) Rem 700 MTN rifle
30-06 165 gr. Nosler Partition & Nosler AccuBond 4x Leupold Ruger #1B
IN the works!! :mrgreen: :grin: :grin:
280AI Remington - Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter - 24" 1-9 twist barrel - pillar & glass bedded - optics still undecided yet
Bullet - 140-160 gr. Accbond - Partition - or E-tip whichever it likes best ALL NOSLER
My son:
6mm Remington 90 gr. Nosler E-tip one shot 350 yards - elk traveled 25 yards 4.5-14x40mm Leupold Boone & Crockett reticle (really like that scope & reticle) Ruger MKII
300 WSM 180 gr. Nosler AccuBond one shot 100 yards 4.5-14-44mm Zeiss Conquest with Z600 reticle (really like that scope and reticle also) Winchester EW - SS Model 70
salmonchaser
Ammo Smith
- Dec 13, 2013
- 5,067
- 5,272
No better proof, regardless how tough elk are, a well placed bullet puts meat on the table.
big rifle man
Handloader
- Dec 21, 2005
- 850
- 0
My Main elk rifle is a model 700 stainless synthetic in .338RUM. It wears a McMillan stock and a Zeiss Diavari 1.5X6 in Warne Mounts. Never found a disadvantage with the lower power. I did install a Tubbs Firing pin assembly which I believe helped accuracy. For ammunition either a 225 Partition or Sierra Prohunter. (I found the Prohunter retains more weight) and IMR4350. My back up Elk Rifle is a Kimber Montana in .300WSM wearing a Kahles 3X9 scope and Leupold mounts. Ammunition is either 180 grain partitions or Sierra Prohunters/gamekings. RL 17 powder. Hunting is in Colorado at roughly 9000ft. (breathing is a lot of fun).
- Thread starter
- #34
Well, I will add my "ideal" rifles in. I "thought" I was going to go with a 338-375 Ruger but my wife purchased a 1959 Model 70 Alaskan 338 Win Mag..
Once I get it to the range I was smitten. Shot quite a few of my old loads pretty well. Carried it the first year in Idaho without getting an animal. I was a little bummed out, cause I knew the rifle had the stuff.. I also ran a 2-10 Minox on it. It carried and hunted really well.
This past Fall I carried the same rifle with the 2.5x10 Swaro in Oregon and was extremely happy with the rifle. Again, carried well, glass was excellent and it did great work with the 210 PT's.
The only hitch in the deal is the rifle came to me with a split in the tang that hasn't gotten worse, but during this past hunt in Oregon, we got wet, everyday (Bill's fault :lol: ) and I was worried about something coming out of whack, so I decided to order a McMillan Pre64 Monte Carlo for the rifle.
I got the McMillan Camo which is sort of a blend of old woodland camo (think Marine's WWII) along with some tan's and such that represent my current service... I thought it was sorta cool.
But, other than the stock, the rifle will remain as is. I like the Talley's alot. Seem like a rock solid set of mounts and the scope is a beast. Clear as a bell and seems tough as well.
I will probably work with the 225 AB's once I get the new stock and those might be a perfect blend of speed between the 210's and 250's with enough mass to work both near and far.
I do have the 35 Newton in the works as well. That rifle is pretty close to being similar to the 338 Win Mag, just needs an optic update..
That rifle is moving a 225 AB around 3000 and feels and acts just about like the 338 Win Mag. I am thinking those two would make the perfect pair.
Great ideas and rifles though. Great stuff!
Once I get it to the range I was smitten. Shot quite a few of my old loads pretty well. Carried it the first year in Idaho without getting an animal. I was a little bummed out, cause I knew the rifle had the stuff.. I also ran a 2-10 Minox on it. It carried and hunted really well.
This past Fall I carried the same rifle with the 2.5x10 Swaro in Oregon and was extremely happy with the rifle. Again, carried well, glass was excellent and it did great work with the 210 PT's.
The only hitch in the deal is the rifle came to me with a split in the tang that hasn't gotten worse, but during this past hunt in Oregon, we got wet, everyday (Bill's fault :lol: ) and I was worried about something coming out of whack, so I decided to order a McMillan Pre64 Monte Carlo for the rifle.
I got the McMillan Camo which is sort of a blend of old woodland camo (think Marine's WWII) along with some tan's and such that represent my current service... I thought it was sorta cool.
But, other than the stock, the rifle will remain as is. I like the Talley's alot. Seem like a rock solid set of mounts and the scope is a beast. Clear as a bell and seems tough as well.
I will probably work with the 225 AB's once I get the new stock and those might be a perfect blend of speed between the 210's and 250's with enough mass to work both near and far.
I do have the 35 Newton in the works as well. That rifle is pretty close to being similar to the 338 Win Mag, just needs an optic update..
That rifle is moving a 225 AB around 3000 and feels and acts just about like the 338 Win Mag. I am thinking those two would make the perfect pair.
Great ideas and rifles though. Great stuff!
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,344
- 3,186
mY 340 bEE
truck driver
Ammo Smith
- Mar 11, 2013
- 7,345
- 931
Scotty, I know the Swaro is a lot better scope and the Minox is not in the same league with it glass wise. What did you like or dislike about the Minox?
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 6
I am not Scotty but I had much trouble with my ZA5 2-10x40 Minox scope. Several issues: the exit pupil is small (4mm) at 10x and this makes the scope dim. the erector design does not allow enough unimpeded light to pass through the scope to have a decent and full image formation in low light. In near darkness the ZA5 will not pass enough light through the scope to have any visble image sufficient to see any game animal with.
As a result, I have had my ZA5 Minox mounted on a Savage 93 .22WMR which cost $250. This is not efficient use of a $508 scope but that is all that it is capable of using the scope for! I think that Scotty has a different model Minox scope.
As a result, I have had my ZA5 Minox mounted on a Savage 93 .22WMR which cost $250. This is not efficient use of a $508 scope but that is all that it is capable of using the scope for! I think that Scotty has a different model Minox scope.
- Thread starter
- #38
taylorce1
Handloader
- Jun 3, 2007
- 1,080
- 0
I built three ideal elk rifles in the last two years in this quest. I think I accomplished three ideal rifles for different situations that's for sure.
First one is a M70 FWT Classic .30-06 in McMillan Hunters Edge Compact with 2.5-8X36 Vari-X III. This one has been launching just about any 165 grain bullets under an inch quite nicely for three rounds around 2900 fps.
Second is a M70 Classic .338-06 in McMillan Hunters Edge Compact with 2.5-8X36 VX3 B&C reticle. I haven't had a chance to work with this one like I should but 200 grain Hornady's are showing good accuracy and nearly 2900 fps. 180 grain AB's hit 3000+ fps.
Lastly a M70 EW .270 Win wearing a McMillan FWT Edge stock with 3.5-10X40 CDS VX3. 130 grain NBT's have been going under an inch at 3090 fps. I just picked up 500 of the LARB's to try in this rifle.
First one is a M70 FWT Classic .30-06 in McMillan Hunters Edge Compact with 2.5-8X36 Vari-X III. This one has been launching just about any 165 grain bullets under an inch quite nicely for three rounds around 2900 fps.
Second is a M70 Classic .338-06 in McMillan Hunters Edge Compact with 2.5-8X36 VX3 B&C reticle. I haven't had a chance to work with this one like I should but 200 grain Hornady's are showing good accuracy and nearly 2900 fps. 180 grain AB's hit 3000+ fps.
Lastly a M70 EW .270 Win wearing a McMillan FWT Edge stock with 3.5-10X40 CDS VX3. 130 grain NBT's have been going under an inch at 3090 fps. I just picked up 500 of the LARB's to try in this rifle.
- Thread starter
- #40
Taylor, those are three AWESOME rifles buddy! All set up really nice! I don't think I would change a darned thing about any of them! Way to go. Hope your able to get that 338-06 out on some hunts this Fall. It looks way too danged nice to not be out chasing elk around!
