Which Rifle ?

[Powerstroke]

So where has the summer gone ? Big Game season is going to be here before we know it !! :shock:
I generally really try to start concentrating on the rifle that I will be using for the season a couple months out. It's getting close to that time and I'm in a quandry this year. .300RUM Sendero that is sporting new glass or the .257 Bee that is fresh off a new stock & pillar bedding job.

Pros and Cons of each -
1. I purchased the RUM for this exact area that I have the tag for.
A. Mid Nov Season & will be around 11 to 13 K in elevation dependant
upon the snow issue this year.
2. The RUM has already drawn blood & the weight @ that elevation leaves
a little to be desired

3. .257 Bee - Have not drawn blood yet.....

4. The .257 is direct off a fresh pillar bedding job and I have yet to shoot
it - hopefully the go to load has only tightened up rather than hurt it.



I'd like to start the fine tune process - seating depth mostly. I'm leaning towards the .257 Bee, but also know in the back of my mind I'll be kicking myself when the wind is howling, the snow is blowing & a 300+ bull is standing broad-side @ 350yds.......

 

[DrMike]

Go with the RUM. Due to the brevity of time for preparation, and because you are comfortable with it at ranges you are likely to encounter, that is the rifle to carry. Plus, that gives you time to familiarize yourself with the Bee. There is always next year, and you will have a lot more experience with it by that time, knowing all the nuances of the load you select and having gained confidence from shooting it throughout the year.

 

[JD338]

Since you pulled a bull tag for the high country hunt, I would go with the 300 RUM. It would be a shame to have your shooting opportunity on a big bull in adverse conditions at long range and not have the big hammer with you.
The 257 Wby will get the job done but the 300 RUM with slam 'em. The 300 RUM has a higher BC bullet for more retained energy down range and better wind bucking performance. More penetration for hard angles too.

Maybe you can use the 257 Wby for deer or a late season cow elk.

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

Trophy bull elk in nasty conditions?

Isn't that what the .300 Ultra Mag was built to handle? :grin:

Save the .257 Bee for mule deer and such, take the big rifle for big elk.

 

[CAhunter]

300RUM for sure! If it were a deer hunt Id say try the 257 but since its elk just take the RUM and have some fun. Good luck and put down a monster!

Not to hijack your post but since we are on the subject. Got an Antelope/deer hunt in WY this year. Having trouble deciding between the new 243AI and the trusty 270win.. Havent taken anything with 243AI. What you guys think?

 

[SJB358]

Mark, I vote with the others and the 300UM. Can't think of anything that a big bull elk would hate more than that rifle closer than 500 yards! You can stuff an elk from about any reasonable angle and guarantee you are going to collect meat. The 257 will gets its chance soon enough.

Ca Hunter, I would vote for the 270, just a little extra for a big black bear! Scotty

 

[jmad_81]

RUM. Hands down.

 

[Powerstroke]

Thanks Guys -

I was fairly confident that would be the consensus and practical approach.

The RUM is now sporting a 6.5 X 20 - 50 Zeiss w/ Varmint reticle.
I tried a little Viht N-560 last weekend and it shot phenominaly well. Didn't have the chrony with me, but speculating the loads are on the slow side for this round. Hope to get out tomorrow with it and see where it is with the Retumbo & RL-25.

Looks like I had better hit the gym a litte more if I'm going to be packing it.

:lol:

 

[onesonek]

I agree with everybody else,,,the .257 will take a bull under nearly an ideal situation, but one can't often count on ideal's. Whereas, the RUM is more a "murphy's law" rig,,,,,, Always good to account for murphy!!!
Dave

 

[killdeernow]

Yep, got to go with the crowd here. RUM is the gun.

If you want blood on the Bee, go out and call in a Yote. There’s your blood…

Problem solved.

Good luck w/the hunt, congrats on the tag.

 

[Woodycreek]

Its gotta be the 300 RUM :twisted:

 

[FOTIS]

RUM. Hands down. :lol:

 

[Powerstroke]

Gents -

I know, I know :lol: but It's kind of like the kid in the candy store scenario - The .257 from SPS form to pillar bedded LSS. What a difference in the feel. I definately added some weight to it, but that is easy to deal with.
Have plans to make it out this Saturday with both of them to get some trigger time.

My better half has also decided she wants one of the left-over cow tags. Time to get the M7 .260 out and knock the dust off of it. I purchased my first box of partitions ever for it - 125gainers & some RL-19 I think may do the trick :grin:

Before and After on the .257 Bee

 

[SJB358]

Mark, that 257 looks really good. I would be amped to hunt with it also, but I think you will be happier with your 300UM. Although, you have been slamming elk with your 260, a 257WM is alot more than that!

Let us know how the 125gr PT works in the M7. Seems like a great combo! Scotty