wyohome
Member
I'll bring it to work one of these days and you can fondle her.
An Elk Gun
- Thread starter SpencerG
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I'll bring it to work one of these days and you can fondle her.
kd7nqb
Member
I would personally go with the old standby's because they got that way for a reason. But if thats not what you want them any of the T/C offerings seem pretty cool.
I think there are a couple of companies out there that still load ammo for the 35 Whelen but your best bet is hand loading. The 35 cam about in the 20's, if my memory serves me well, as a bridge between the 30.06 and the 375 H&H at a time when all the fancy new magnums were unheard of. All the 35 Whelen is, is a 30-06 case necked up to 35 (.358) caliber. With modern powders you can wing a 225 gr bullet as far as you care to and hit what you are aiming at. If I ever get my rifle built it will be a 35 Whelen. This year I will be using my Marlin 1895G. if I draw...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.35_Whelen
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=100561
Looks like at least Federal still loads for it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.35_Whelen
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=100561
Looks like at least Federal still loads for it.
SpencerG
Member
Wow, this is a lot of opinions. Thanks, all who have posted.
I certainly do see the benefits of stainless/synthetic rifle, but for this gun I still want to go with the better looking. Sure, beauty doesn't really make any difference, and only the efficacy of the weapon matters, but nevertheless I'll carry a little more weight to have one that's pretty and effective.
wyohome, that Kimber is really nice. How does a .308 compare to the .30-06, .300 win mag, 7mm mag, .35 whelen and the other bigger boys? I know that shot placement is more important than just having a lot of powder and a heavier bullet, but I'm curious to know if it really is too much less forgiving.
Spencer
I certainly do see the benefits of stainless/synthetic rifle, but for this gun I still want to go with the better looking. Sure, beauty doesn't really make any difference, and only the efficacy of the weapon matters, but nevertheless I'll carry a little more weight to have one that's pretty and effective.
wyohome, that Kimber is really nice. How does a .308 compare to the .30-06, .300 win mag, 7mm mag, .35 whelen and the other bigger boys? I know that shot placement is more important than just having a lot of powder and a heavier bullet, but I'm curious to know if it really is too much less forgiving.
Spencer
Let me say up front that I'm not an elk hunter. But I have several friends who go up to Colorado each November and they always bring their elk home with them.
Their calibers:
270
7mm magnum
308
30-06
300 Weatherby magnum
All of these work very well for those guys. I've shot the Weatherby a few times. Nice rifle!
Their calibers:
270
7mm magnum
308
30-06
300 Weatherby magnum
All of these work very well for those guys. I've shot the Weatherby a few times. Nice rifle!
A mile is 1,760 yards. I'm sure you shot an elk a far piece away, but please allow me to express a polite skepticism about it being a mile.
Several years ago I chose a Weatherby Mark V Synthetic in .300 Weatherby Mag for elk and I've never been sorry with my decision. Even today you could purchase that rifle and have about $500.00 - $600.00 left over for a decent scope with your $1500.00 budget. Good luck.
Arkansas Paul
Member
"A mile is 1,760 yards. I'm sure you shot an elk a far piece away, but please allow me to express a polite skepticism about it being a mile."
^ Amen brother.
To the OP, are you set on a bolt action? If you're not, for the interesting factor, I like a Ruger #1 in 7mm Rem Mag. They aren't light though.
A good lever in .444 Marlin or .45-70 as mentioned before are an interesting choice as well.
^ Amen brother.
To the OP, are you set on a bolt action? If you're not, for the interesting factor, I like a Ruger #1 in 7mm Rem Mag. They aren't light though.
A good lever in .444 Marlin or .45-70 as mentioned before are an interesting choice as well.
Vern Humphrey
Member
My elk rifle is Bigfoot Wallace, a custom '03 Springfield in .35 Brown-Whelen (the most radical form of the Whelen.) With my handloads (225 grain Nosler Partition Jacket at 2,800 fps), it nudges the .338 WM and .375 H&H in the ballistics department. My backup rifle is Fionn MacCumhaill, a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .30-06.
Most elk hunting is in the "dark timber" and ranges are short, but there is the occasional exception to that. A .30-06 is fine for all reasonable shots. The 7mm Rem Mag is another good choice, as is the .300 Win Mag.
Most elk hunting is in the "dark timber" and ranges are short, but there is the occasional exception to that. A .30-06 is fine for all reasonable shots. The 7mm Rem Mag is another good choice, as is the .300 Win Mag.
Silent Sam
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- Jun 6, 2006
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- 232
A lot depends on the type of hunting you are planning. If you are on your own in your own backyard so to speak a lighter caliber makes a lot of sense. Especially if you are primarily a meat hunter. Easier to shoot, cheaper, less weight etc. If you are like me, saving and planning for several years for one elk hunt and no chance to go back out the next week or possibly ever, the choice is a bit more problematic. If you are hunting on foot or on horseback and using pack animals that can make a big difference also. Eventually you do have to get off the horse, but it can be a long way to eventually carrying a relatively heavy rifle. I may only get one chance and it likely won't be a standing broadside shot and I really am not interested in cows or raghorns. I have to pick dates based on available times a year or more in advance, not on local conditions I am familiar with. So in terms of those who live in elk country I am one of those flatlander rubes from afar who will probably be considered over-gunned and not ready for the elevation. I won't make any apologies as I am writing the check. Three friends and I just received our licenses for a Wyoming elk hunt the first week of October. I am still trying to decide what rifle I am taking. I've narrowed it down to three. A stainless/synthetic Ruger Hawkeye in 338 WM, a Browning BLR in 300 WSM, and a stainless/synthetic Ruger MKII in 270 WSM. I have others that would fit the bill but for one reason or another have taken them off the list. Most notably is a favorite wood and blue 30-06 that I don't want to get trashed in the scabbard or sliding down some slope or out in the freezing rain for several days straight. The 270 WSM is in there because it is light, very accurate and flat shooting even knowing the shot is most likely going to be inside of 200 yds and I'll give up bullet weight and diameter where I could use it the most (up close). I generally like a bigger bullet but it is a lot easier on the carry than the 338 and as much as I like and have confidence in my BLRs I know in the real world bolt guns are going to be a bit more reliable but the BLR is going to be better in the scabbard and is fast and fast handling. The 338 on the surface seems like the logical choice but it is heavier, longer and significantly more recoil. The right answer is 'just get in shape!', however I am a realist over 50. Getting in shape is not the same as it was 20 yrs ago either in the process or the end results. Let us know on what you decide on.
AzBuckfever
member
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- Jan 11, 2009
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- 157
x2....also....just how would you know the distance if you say 3/4 to 1 mile. EVen 3/4 of a mile is 1,320 yds....
Seems even more skeptical in that the statement is, probably a lucky shot. You'd dang near have to take the elk out of the scope in hold over with a 7 mag. You'd have to hold anywhere from 60 to 144 ft. about the target with a 160 grn. bullet to hit it. That's a darn lucky shot
No disrespect intended.
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X-Rap
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
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- 6,657
I have shot elk with 280, 308, 30-06, 300 win and weatherby 45-70 and 338-378 in most configurations except semi auto. My 2 favorites are the 45-70 and 338-378, both are very powerful but are on opposite ends of the distance spectrum. I have never pushed the 45-70 past 150 yds but this yr did shoot my bull at around 50 yds with the big Weatherby. I have yet to shoot one with my 338 win mag but really view that as a supreme 200 yd and less gun with a heavy bullet for moose and big bears much like the 35 cal. suggestions. If I had to choose but one all around elk rifle it would be the 338-378 pushing a 200 gr bullet around 3300.
jw johnson
Member
I live in Oregon and elk hunt a lot. Elk hunting it taken very seriously out here.
I have used a 300 Win Mag until I was introduced to the .35 Whelen.
I now have a mod 700 Remington chambered (factory) in 35 whelen. There are factory loads for this caliber made by several companys including Remington and Nosler. I reload, so I do it myself.
250 grain bullet at 2500fps and about 3500ft/lbs of thump.
When is comes down to it, there are so many calibers availible which would work great for large elk. Find a caliber, rifle and scope you can shoot with quickly (its amazing how an animal that size can run through brush and vanish) that is comfortable and fits you.
I have a hunting pard who is in his 70's that hunts with a mod 99 Savage in 308 and has taken more elk that I ever will with that tarnished beat up old rifle.
The .35 Whelen will take most anything in North America. Then again, so will a 30-06.
I have used a 300 Win Mag until I was introduced to the .35 Whelen.
I now have a mod 700 Remington chambered (factory) in 35 whelen. There are factory loads for this caliber made by several companys including Remington and Nosler. I reload, so I do it myself.
250 grain bullet at 2500fps and about 3500ft/lbs of thump.
When is comes down to it, there are so many calibers availible which would work great for large elk. Find a caliber, rifle and scope you can shoot with quickly (its amazing how an animal that size can run through brush and vanish) that is comfortable and fits you.
I have a hunting pard who is in his 70's that hunts with a mod 99 Savage in 308 and has taken more elk that I ever will with that tarnished beat up old rifle.
The .35 Whelen will take most anything in North America. Then again, so will a 30-06.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I have seen many a "500 yard" shot that paced out to less than 150 yards.
Hangingrock
Member
There is no shortage of range over estimation.
There is no shortage of range over estimation. The average person as no concept of range and ranging to a degree of accuracy to be useful or creditable.jpwilly
Member
You want an INTERESTING rifle and all you got was a good old caliber debate. So if you want to check something interesting out you should look into the Merkel KR1. You can change calibers etc. No doubt it's more than your budget but it will be interesting!
http://www.merkel-usa.com/core.php?...9MTAxNTYmbmF2aWdhdGlvbklEPTEwMTU1JnN1Yk5hdj0x
You should also check out the Browning BAR Lightweight Stalker:
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=B&cat_id=031&type_id=008
To be honest if it were me. I'd go with a Savage Weather Warrier 116 FCSS and worry about making the hunting trip interesting by bagging and Elk.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/
As for calibers 7mm+, and fast 30-35 calibers are all fine for elk.
http://www.merkel-usa.com/core.php?...9MTAxNTYmbmF2aWdhdGlvbklEPTEwMTU1JnN1Yk5hdj0x
You should also check out the Browning BAR Lightweight Stalker:
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=B&cat_id=031&type_id=008
To be honest if it were me. I'd go with a Savage Weather Warrier 116 FCSS and worry about making the hunting trip interesting by bagging and Elk.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/
As for calibers 7mm+, and fast 30-35 calibers are all fine for elk.
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Old Time Hunter
Member
Nicely written post Silent Sam. You very eloquently addressed what probably 95% of the actual people lucky enough to have the opportunity to really go on a out of state or region lower 48 big game hunt. The first Montana Elk hunt I went on, I was the "overgunned" neophite with my Ruger 77 deluxe chambered for .300 WinMag 1 X 7.5 Leupold scoped rifle that weighed around nine pounds. 'Course that was over 20 years ago too, but even as young whipper snapper in my mid-thirties at the time, that Ruger was weigh'n what felt like fifty pounds hike'n up and down canyons or mountains in NW Montana after a few days. Lucky I brought along my little Winchester Model '94 Trapper as a camp gun, 'cause that is the one I got my first bull Elk with...a vary large one too, but it only had an odd 5 X 4 (very large spread though) rack. Yep, that little Trapper chambered for .44 Mag did the trick with one shot too! Since that first Elk hunt, I have been fortunate to have been on either combo hunts or specific Elk hunts in five other states and a couple of more times in Montana (I have a speck of property there so it is easier). On every hunt since, I bring that little Trapper with me, irrelevant as to what primary gun of choice I bring. That Ruger has made it out a time or two, even harvested a nice bull in New Mexico with it, but I have also used my '73 Springfield Trapdoor to bag an Elk in Idaho a few years ago (my longest shot to date on game, 330 yards). Granted I've had the luxury of having the time to hunt, so taking long shots was not in the cards for me. My next hunts (hopefully as the economy has put a damper on my hobbies as of late), I will be carrying my .444's, both in Timber Carbine configuration and one I have in Black Shadow configuration (this one even has a scope, my Grandpa is rolling in his grave!) that I have used successfully on Bear hunts. In general, take what you can comfortably carry day in, day out as that is what will determine the success of your hunt...cause the caliber sure doesn't.
SniperJon
Member
I hunt Elk in the rockies in Wyoming and take fairly short to extremely long shots. I use a Rem 700 in .300 Rem Ultra Mag. Extremely flat shooter and capable of that occasional "Hail Mary" shot if necessary.
whatever rifle you get, make sure you are up to the task of shooting the distances you mentioned. and the only way to be "up to the task" is the practice at those specific distances (and i don't mean just throwing a few rounds downrange after you have checked zero at 100 or 200 yards). most magnums (due to recoil), shorten practice sessions. additionally, most people cannot handle recoil above that of the 30-06. there are exceptions of course. you can kill elk all day long with a 30-06 or 7mmremmag at 400 yards if you are up to the task and have a reasonably accurate rifle. i suggest you find a decent bolt action in 30-06(or the 7 mentioned) with a decent 3-9x40 scope. with sufficient practice at distances up to 400 yards, i seriously doubt you'll feel "limited" by the gun. good luck.
I hunt with a lightwt 300 wm built on a rem 700 action. It weighs about 7 lbs with scope and will beat you up on a bench. It swings like a carbine and is very nice to carry as I "hike my rear end off" in the rockys. I may get a Kimber montana in 308 one of these days...they only weigh 5.5 lbs. I am 58 and into not carrying much anymore. I think light wt and accuracy are more important than caliber if you get many miles out in the boonies.
biohazurd
Member
Ive been dropping big game with my M700 .308 including a few elks over the years. Most shots have been under 200 yards though. Im not the kind of hunter to try for any shots over 300 yards. I enjoy the challenge of the stalk more then the challenge of a long range shot. Just my .02
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