Montana Deer & Elk Hunt October 25 to December 1

[IJ1981]

Two of my grandsons and myself are applying for this hunt . It seems very cool!
The kids are both taking their .30.06's.

I am torn between my .308 & .30.06 & .338
Which would you go With? Only want to take one rifle.

 

[Art30/30]

It wouldn’t hurt to have a back up gun. But the 06 works great for deer and very good for elk. The 338 works amazing for elk. I’ve shot 2 with 338 and they go down pretty fast.

The elk I shot last year was with my 7-08 and it worked just fine. I personally say take what you shoot the best and the one that don’t weight 15 pounds, lol. It’s where you hit them more than what you hit them with. Where about in Montana are you going?

 

[tarosean]

Two of my grandsons and myself are applying for this hunt . It seems very cool!
The kids are both taking their .30.06's.

I am torn between my .308 & .30.06 & .338
Which would you go With? Only want to take one rifle.

Lightest one you own and start your conditioning now..

 

[IJ1981]

It wouldn’t hurt to have a back up gun. But the 06 works great for deer and very good for elk. The 338 works amazing for elk. I’ve shot 2 with 338 and they go down pretty fast.

The elk I shot last year was with my 7-08 and it worked just fine. I personally say take what you shoot the best and the one that don’t weight 15 pounds, lol. It’s where you hit them more than what you hit them with. Where about in Montana are you going?

Thanks for all that great info,! Don't know the locale yet. We are still studying that out.

 

[.308 Norma]

I am torn between my .308 & .30.06 & .338

I voted 30.06. However, I have, and have effectively used all 3 on mule deer and elk. The right bullet and placing it in the right place is the key.

 

[Art30/30]

Thanks for all that great info,! Don't know the localr yet. We are still studying that

You are going to have a great time. When you find out let me know. Western Montana is amazing, central Montana is amazing and eastern Montana is badlands but some big bulls and Muleys. I live in central Montana and you and the grandkids are gonna love it.

 

[JFrank]

338 is very popular up here for Elk hunting.

 

[WisBorn]

I voted for the 30-06. My favorite cartridge is the 308, but an extra 100 fps is not a bad thing when you start reaching out in open country hunting.
The fact that all three of you would be using the same cartridge is also a good idea!!!

Good luck and have fun !!!

 

[IJ1981]

Thank you! Going to go with the .30.06. It makes the most sense. It's a great caliber and we all have the same ammo.

Appreciate the replies.

 

[HHollow]

Montana allows hunters to use any firearm they wish. However, it is a crime to waste meat, like from using a 50 BMG. And it is also a crime to let the animal suffer, like from badly placed 17 cal rounds.

 

[Frulk]

IJ1981. You list your address as being in Florida. Tarosean gave you some VERY good advice. Altitude will be a challenge coming from sea level. Get to where you plan to hunt 2-3 days early and get at least a little acclimatization. Above 7,000 feet humans really begin to notice the effects of altitude.

If you’re going above 7K read up on signs of altitude sickness. It’s nothing to take lightly.

 

[courtgreene]

IJ1981. You list your address as being in Florida. Tarosean gave you some VERY good advice. Altitude will be a challenge coming from sea level. Get to where you plan to hunt 2-3 days early and get at least a little acclimatization. Above 7,000 feet humans really begin to notice the effects of altitude.

If you’re going above 7K read up on signs of altitude sickness. It’s nothing to take lightly.

This. For me it was a bad headache that wouldn’t go away and then a day later just vanished, but it manifests differently for different folks.

 

[.45Coltguy]

Yes, acclimate yourself to the altitude. This is very important. All three of you using .30-06 certainly makes sense. 180-200gr Nosler Partition works wonders on those elk.
Not to mention, either weight will work on both. Handily.