new elk rifle

bob_dobalina · Dec 2, 2010

possibly looking at getting a new elk rifle - any suggestions? - for both caliber and rifle? i want a "mountain style" rifle - synthetic, lighter. i am leaning towards 30 calibers - 300 wsm, 300 win mag, 30-06.

6mm Remington · Dec 2, 2010

Winchster Model 70 Extreme Weather SS. Stainless stell with synthetic stock with aluminum bedding block. 30-06 or 300 WSM. Or a Ruger Model 77 Hawkeye laminate 30-06, 280, or 300 WSM.

DrMike · Dec 2, 2010

You are leaning in the right direction. Any of the thirties will work for elk. The extra velocity you will wring out of either the WSM or the WM will be extra insurance. I love wood, and I lean that direction. However, synthetic stocks are more practical. I'm prepared to settle for laminates as a compromise. It is an aesthetic thing for me. Frankly, make and model is a matter of preference. I love Winchester, but there is no question but that Browning, Tikka, Ruger, Savage, etc. all make fine rifles that will get the job done.

BK · Dec 2, 2010

I like the suggestions, but that Hawkeye laminate is gonna be a heavy sucker!

I personally would lean towards a Remington M700 Mountain LSS, but the M70 Extreme Weather does interest me.

Powerstroke · Dec 2, 2010

If weight is going to be a major consideration, then the Tikka T3 will be hard to beat or the big brother Sako.

Depending on what you're looking at spending, the Sako Finnlight's just might be one of the finest light carry rifles ever made........??

hardpan · Dec 3, 2010

.300 RUM, composite stock, Sako or Tikka. I use a 200 gr AB at 3200 fps. This gun shoots sub MOA with all 4 powders that I load and with 180 partitions, 180 ABs, 200 gr ABs and even barnes tsx. Flat, hard hitting, and easy to load. Hard to beat IMHO,
Hardpan

1Shot · Dec 3, 2010

Take a look at the new T/C Venture rifle. I am a died in the wool Remington man but I am really impressed with these T/C rifle. The bolt is as slick as butter and the trigger is adjustable but comes from the factory with it set really good. They come with a weather resistant coating that looks like bluing. They are light weight and come in 300 Win mag. I shot a 270 win and they are truly accurate. They guarantee 1 MOA accuracy and the one that I shot wold do it. Best thing is the price, average $450.00 and I think they have a $50 rebate going on.

Guy Miner · Dec 3, 2010

Looking for a lighter rifle, the Kimbers certainly deserve some attention. Those rifles can be very sweet handling, good shooters. Nosler has a GREAT deal going on their high quality rifles too - well worth a look.

I like your idea of one of the .30's - they're well proven. I don't think it matters a whole lot which one you choose, except that the magnum will of course provide a little higher velocity which can translate to a bit longer effective range.

Regards, Guy

bob_dobalina · Dec 3, 2010

great advice - thanks guys. don't get me wrong, I'd love to shoot a 270 for elk but I always like to be a little on the heavy side. I have a 300WBY that I love but I'd like to go down in both recoil and, mainly, carry weight - that sucker is heavy to pack around all day. the 300 WSM seems to fit that bill, even though I always have preferred more "classic" calibers. I am interested in other calibers but the more I research going down in rifle I always come back to the 30 cal. But I am open to other suggestions - i was originally eyeing a 270wby.

for the rifle - i have always been a wood stock fan too, but I am sold on synthetic for this one. any opinions on vanguard sub-moa? might as well go to a mark v? how does the vanguard sub moa compare to the nosler M48?

Guy Miner · Dec 3, 2010

Just for info - Nosler's sale ends in ten days... :mrgreen:

6mm Remington · Dec 3, 2010

Powerstroke":391iu3lw said:
If weight is going to be a major consideration, then the Tikka T3 will be hard to beat or the big brother Sako.

Depending on what you're looking at spending, the Sako Finnlight's just might be one of the finest light carry rifles ever made........??

Powerstroke is right, I forgot to mention the Tikka's. They are a nice light rifle and are very well made by Sako of Finland. I load for a friend who has one in 325 WSM and it is one great rifle. Even in the 325 WSM it doesn't kick too bad.

I do love the Remington MTN rifles as well and I think you can get them in a laminate SS that is both beautiful, not overly heavy, and should fit your requirements. They also chamber the 300 WSM which I think is a great round.

SJB358 · Dec 3, 2010

6mm Remington":3kkkmjze said:
Winchster Model 70 Extreme Weather SS. Stainless steel with synthetic stock with aluminum bedding block. 30-06 or 300 WSM.

That would be my pick in a 300WSM or 300 Win Mag. Both of those two are excellent rounds with plenty of juice for elk. 180's or 200's getting out there with alot of BC and SD would be a slick elk rifle. Plus, that Winchester looks really sharp and I bet it is very accurate. Alot of custom features for the money! Scotty

bob_dobalina · Dec 3, 2010

6mm Remington":2c4vv2yh said:
Winchster Model 70 Extreme Weather SS. Stainless stell with synthetic stock with aluminum bedding block. 30-06 or 300 WSM. Or a Ruger Model 77 Hawkeye laminate 30-06, 280, or 300 WSM.

that is a nice rifle - i wasn't really looking at winchester. 6lbs 12oz - man that seems light though - i guess not a whole lot different than 7.5 lbs but might be enough to kick a little harder! maybe you can't tell the difference with the Pachmayr recoil pad

DrMike · Dec 3, 2010

Stock design and the Decelerator pad combine to tame recoil. My new Winchesters (I have three from the SC plant (300 WSM, 30-06 and 270 WSM)) all shoot very well. I can't say that they shoot any better than my others from the New Haven plant (270 WSM, 280, 7mm RM, 7mm WSM, 300 WSM and 325 WSM), but the fit and finish on these newer Winchesters is noticeably improved.

FOTIS · Dec 4, 2010

Savage 16 FSS Accustock in 300 WSM.

SJB358 · Dec 4, 2010

Okay, the Savage or the Win M70! Just flip a coin! Hopefully you get the Winchester, but I am a little biased! Scotty

DrMike · Dec 4, 2010

Those Savages will shoot; but the new Winchesters are pretty nice and the accuracy is back.

jmad_81 · Dec 4, 2010

Well that Savage will shoot great for you, but I don't know anybody that ever called them sexy. Kimber makes a really nice stainless rifle as well. I have not shot the kinber of the new Winchesters, but I have not heard anything bad about either one. The 300 WM and the 300 WSM are six of one and a half dozen of the other IMO. Both are good, I personaly lean towards that belted 300 WM. I would go with a mag over the 30-06 for elk. The 30-06 will surely do the job, but the mags will do it better.

bob_dobalina · Dec 5, 2010

this may be a dumb question, but if i walk into a sporting goods store today, how do I know I'm getting a winchester from the new factory - are both still in production? has the extreme weather model only been produced at the new factory?

SJB358 · Dec 5, 2010

Only the SC guns are being made new today. If you look on the barrel, if it is built in CT, it will say New Haven on the rifle. If it is a new one, it will be built in SC. The Extreme Rifle has only been a SC production. Scotty