If you were building an elk rifle....
- Thread starter mcseal2
- Start date
I agree with you BK! Might as well get that 325WSM and really jump into the elk rounds! Looking it over really well, the 325 makes a great elk cartridge, heavy bullets at nearly 3K. Shorter and lighter rifle for packing. I know I would try one out if I didn't have a 338WM already. Scotty
Mighty Peace
Handloader
- Jul 5, 2006
- 328
- 2
I like my 338-06AI. Built off a Sako m75 Greywolf rifle with new barrel cut to 24"..shoots 225gr AB's and TTSX's
Desert Fox
Handloader
- Aug 14, 2006
- 1,965
- 3
I never hunted elk, I mean big bull elk! Maybe one day. And if I do, I will borrow the 375 Weatherby that Mark Price (bullet) built and now proudly own by my friend Frank. That rifle is a hammer. With brake, the rifle is a pussycat. Load it with 235 grain Barnes FB at 3000 fps, and the elk won't stand a chance. Check the hole on the shoulder of this bull Kudu, probably about the same size as a bull elk. As you can see, I hit it kind of low in the forward shoulder. It was a hurried off hand shot taken hastily at a running animal. The 235 hammered the bull hard to the ground. It did got up and took off but it was running on empty. It collapsed after only traveling a few yards. Our tracker was bored to death.
YoteSmoker
Handloader
- Oct 3, 2006
- 1,602
- 0
7mm and 30 cal 160-180 grain bullets were made for elk, imo/e.
killdeernow
Beginner
- Dec 20, 2006
- 199
- 0
All great choices.
Mine is a M70 338 Win Mag w/a McMillan stock, Timney trigger and Zeiss 3.5x10x44 scope. It likes the 210 grain Nosler Partitions from Federal.
There's one major problem w/my Elk rig and that's the fact that I never got to use it yet for Elk and I purchased/built it in 2006. As a conservationist I understand the permit/lottery deal but damn...
It's a tough draw out there (I apply in NV, AZ and NM). Oh well, sorry for quibbling...
Mine is a M70 338 Win Mag w/a McMillan stock, Timney trigger and Zeiss 3.5x10x44 scope. It likes the 210 grain Nosler Partitions from Federal.
There's one major problem w/my Elk rig and that's the fact that I never got to use it yet for Elk and I purchased/built it in 2006. As a conservationist I understand the permit/lottery deal but damn...
It's a tough draw out there (I apply in NV, AZ and NM). Oh well, sorry for quibbling...
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,836
- 6,312
killdeerknow - consider broadening your applications to states with easier draws. I was drawn on my first attempt in Wyoming. There's good elk hunting with very large herds in Colorado. Oregon is an often overlooked place with huge elk herds.
Worth a try! I know those big New Mexico & Arizona bulls beckon, but if you want to hunt elk in this lifetime, consider some of the easier to draw states.
FWIW, Guy
Worth a try! I know those big New Mexico & Arizona bulls beckon, but if you want to hunt elk in this lifetime, consider some of the easier to draw states.
FWIW, Guy
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
- 2,618
- 0
Killdeer, Guy is right.
If you don't mind the trip look at North Western Colorado.
Alot of Public land, and lots of permits, and half go to non-residents.
Just get in shape before you come!
If you don't mind the trip look at North Western Colorado.
Alot of Public land, and lots of permits, and half go to non-residents.
Just get in shape before you come!
Greg Nolan
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2004
- 2,143
- 18
There's a lot to choose from but I like my 375 and 338 RUMs best. Now a 416 with a 26" barrel with 350 grain TTSX might do OK also.
killdeernow
Beginner
- Dec 20, 2006
- 199
- 0
"...but if you want to hunt elk in this lifetime, consider some of the easier to draw states"
I don't care who you are; that's funny (and somewhat true)!!!
Thanks for the advice. I'm starting to dabble in the CO and WY regs now. Although I feel like I earned a BS in Wildlife Management after reading AZ, NV and NM regs...
I might be PMing you (A_S) in the near future regarding CO, if you don't mind. Working on getting in shape, even though I self eliminated myself from the P-90X program (that program's no joke).
I don't care who you are; that's funny (and somewhat true)!!!
Thanks for the advice. I'm starting to dabble in the CO and WY regs now. Although I feel like I earned a BS in Wildlife Management after reading AZ, NV and NM regs...
I might be PMing you (A_S) in the near future regarding CO, if you don't mind. Working on getting in shape, even though I self eliminated myself from the P-90X program (that program's no joke).
killdeernow
Beginner
- Dec 20, 2006
- 199
- 0
"Now a 416 with a 26" barrel with 350 grain TTSX might do OK also."
Might do ok????
One shot with that (Remington, Ruger, Rigby or Weatherby) and it’s quartered ready to be packed out.
Might do ok????
One shot with that (Remington, Ruger, Rigby or Weatherby) and it’s quartered ready to be packed out.
As with most things, as time goes by, my thought's can change. But for the most part, they haven't changed in basics for years now. I still like single shots. When we are discussing long hike's, weight is a factor. With the TC Encore one can save weight by eliminating the bolt, one also gains compactness in shorter OAL. That would be my choice of platform.
Now discussing "longer shots",,,it depends on what what one considers long. I normally sight in with a PBR of less than 1/2 -1/3 the animals kill zone. If I absolutely have no choice, I will shoot a 100 yds. beyond that, but no more. I just feel beyond that, the unexpected has a greater degree of causing something I don't want happening,,,,the animal taking a step, sudden gust of wind,,,etc. Beyond, that self imposed criteria on range, I will pass and hope for a better oppritunity. There are many a great cartridge's out there for Elk. While I think the .338 WinMag. is a great one, and may be one of my top choice's, I don't much care for the way belts work with the TC, but could deal with it if I had to. I would likely go with with a .338-06 over the WinMag., and limit myself the loss of (roughly 25 yds) of PBR. Plus I have wanted that round for some time. Although, I also believe, with my criteria, it's hard to beat the vernerable .30-06 with a good 180gr.. The .30-06 has likely taken more Elk in it's first 50 yrs, than any other round in the last 50 yrs. It will continue to take Elk into the future. I could gain PBR by going with the faster .300 mag's, but for me personally, I don't see the point, as I would rather work in closer. For me that's hunting.
I already have Encore barrel's in the .30-06, 9.3x74R, and lately the .375x444. For the most part, my Elk needs are covered with them,,,,but the thoughts of a .338-06 or .338-06AI still linger in my mind,,,,,,just maybe!!! someday.
Now discussing "longer shots",,,it depends on what what one considers long. I normally sight in with a PBR of less than 1/2 -1/3 the animals kill zone. If I absolutely have no choice, I will shoot a 100 yds. beyond that, but no more. I just feel beyond that, the unexpected has a greater degree of causing something I don't want happening,,,,the animal taking a step, sudden gust of wind,,,etc. Beyond, that self imposed criteria on range, I will pass and hope for a better oppritunity. There are many a great cartridge's out there for Elk. While I think the .338 WinMag. is a great one, and may be one of my top choice's, I don't much care for the way belts work with the TC, but could deal with it if I had to. I would likely go with with a .338-06 over the WinMag., and limit myself the loss of (roughly 25 yds) of PBR. Plus I have wanted that round for some time. Although, I also believe, with my criteria, it's hard to beat the vernerable .30-06 with a good 180gr.. The .30-06 has likely taken more Elk in it's first 50 yrs, than any other round in the last 50 yrs. It will continue to take Elk into the future. I could gain PBR by going with the faster .300 mag's, but for me personally, I don't see the point, as I would rather work in closer. For me that's hunting.
I already have Encore barrel's in the .30-06, 9.3x74R, and lately the .375x444. For the most part, my Elk needs are covered with them,,,,but the thoughts of a .338-06 or .338-06AI still linger in my mind,,,,,,just maybe!!! someday.
Big Squeeze
Handloader
- May 29, 2007
- 828
- 0
...........Unless used for LR target and/or LR competetion, I personally wouldn`t build a custom for the purpose of being used as an elk or other game hunting rifle.
Imo, there`s not a darn thing that a custom build can do that certain fine quality factory rifles cannot do on an elk hunt or on any other hunt for that matter.
About three months ago, I ordered a new 338-378 Bee Accumark. Took delivery about three weeks after that. While waiting for delivery, I got the brass, the dies, shellholder, powders, primers etc, the magazine length specs from Weatherby and finished loading up a variety of handloads before I even got the rifle. Many wait months for a custom build, not to mention any un-foreseen issues that may occur!..........Be my guest!
Have a few excellent handloads that shoot 1/2 moa.
As a hunting rifle, there isn`t a custom build 338 caliber on the planet that would fill the tags any better. And if there were, any lack of success would not be caused by the rifle.
Imo, there`s not a darn thing that a custom build can do that certain fine quality factory rifles cannot do on an elk hunt or on any other hunt for that matter.
About three months ago, I ordered a new 338-378 Bee Accumark. Took delivery about three weeks after that. While waiting for delivery, I got the brass, the dies, shellholder, powders, primers etc, the magazine length specs from Weatherby and finished loading up a variety of handloads before I even got the rifle. Many wait months for a custom build, not to mention any un-foreseen issues that may occur!..........Be my guest!
Have a few excellent handloads that shoot 1/2 moa.
As a hunting rifle, there isn`t a custom build 338 caliber on the planet that would fill the tags any better. And if there were, any lack of success would not be caused by the rifle.
That 338-378 is a beast. Can't imagine it would leave you with any wants! I do think the 338WM is really good all around as a strict elk rifle and the belt doesn't bother me all that much. Plus, it is fairly easy on powders and the recoil is pretty decent in most well designed rifles. I do like the 338-06 but since I have the Whelen, I will never give it up. It carries well, and I think it would be a hard cartridge to beat, unless you are talking very long range shooting. Scotty
Big Squeeze
Handloader
- May 29, 2007
- 828
- 0
...............From a ballistics standpoint yes, the 338-378 is a beast as you state. I`ll add in "an awesome beast." No more 338 wants.beretzs":399fuxps said:
But with the factory muzzle brake, you just might be surprised at how manageable she can be in terms of recoil. I also don`t get many volunteers, who wish to station themselves next to me on the bench either. I can`t imagine why! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:.....I do like alot of bench space on either side. They just seem to get up for some reason!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
In terms of extra powder consumption, brass costs etc? The 338-378 is not economical by any means. But in terms of overall hunting costs; ie transportation, clothing, guides, equipment and all the rest of it, any powder cost and brass cost differences between the 338 Win and the 338-378 Bee is really insignificant.
And remember too, that I can load her down to the upper velocity levels of the 340 Wby using faster burns. Not restricted to just near maximum and maximum loadings.
Besides! Most who own a 338, own a 338 Win. However, most who own a 338, "do not" own a 338-378 Bee!...... :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:
Good point BS. It is an Awesome 338! Totally agree there. If I was building a LR 338, the Accumark in 338-378 would be a strong contender. Hard to get too much more out of a custom rifle that does more. Your also right about component cost in regards to tags, licenses, fees, fuel money, tips and such. Looking forward to hearing about your load development in the future. What are you feeding it? How has it shot. I haven't seen any posts on it yet. I am fascinated by the big 338's. Jim 338RUM is a monster, can't imagine more than that! Scotty
I kinda see where 'Squeeze is coming from, but I'm sort of getting to where I want something different, just because it's different. I have lots of off-the-shelf rifles, but I think I may build a .338-06 just because. No real need, but the desire is there all the same.
And I'm perfectly aware it's not very sensible.
And I'm perfectly aware it's not very sensible.
