- Joined
- Jan 28, 2003
- Messages
- 13,341
Well okay there is no such thing as the “perfect” elk rifle. The reason there is no such thing as the perfect elk rifle is there are so many different ways to hunt elk and the terrain varies so much in elk country.
I am going to comment on “my” perfect elk hunting rifle. And that rifle is not what you’ll see 99% of the guys on hunting shows carrying. Caliber; bullet technology has severely lessened the importance of caliber. The definition of an adequate elk caliber has widened drastically with the advent of laser range finders, easily dialed ranging systems for scopes and incredibly reliable bullets. Adequate also depends on your style of hunting.
I usually find myself tracking elk to their bedding areas and then slowly cruising dark timber where elk hide out during the day. Many of my elk kills are at fairly close range and often on elk that are not standing perfectly broadside. I want a round that will give deep straight line penetration and a bullet that will reliably hold together and retain weight. In my world the worst combo for an elk rig is high velocity combined with low SD and a fragile bullet. I like a quality controlled expansion bullet, with an SD of about .270 or greater. I just can’t get away from the .375 H&H with 270 gr TSX and now LRX bullets. That combo gives me ultimate confidence on up close snap shots and I am perfectly comfortable shooting at 400 plus yards with that combo too. The same could be done with multiple other lighter calibers with good bullets. But I am who’s I am and I likes what I likes and that combo has put a lot of elk meat in the freezer for me over the years.
As far as scopes go I like a low power variable, something in the 1x6 or 2x7 or 2.5x8 and have even been playing with a 2x12 recently. I have settled this year on a leupold VX 6 in 1x6 with a CDS dial. Whatever I choose it’s always mounted low to the bore with perfect eye alignment for quick snap shooting.
I tend to like shorter barrels, 20 to 24”. Ease of carry and handling trumps an extra 100 FPS in my book any day.
That’s my go to rig for elk. I’d be interested to hear what you like to carry and why. Happy hunting, I am getting all fired up and ready for elk hunting this year!
I am going to comment on “my” perfect elk hunting rifle. And that rifle is not what you’ll see 99% of the guys on hunting shows carrying. Caliber; bullet technology has severely lessened the importance of caliber. The definition of an adequate elk caliber has widened drastically with the advent of laser range finders, easily dialed ranging systems for scopes and incredibly reliable bullets. Adequate also depends on your style of hunting.
I usually find myself tracking elk to their bedding areas and then slowly cruising dark timber where elk hide out during the day. Many of my elk kills are at fairly close range and often on elk that are not standing perfectly broadside. I want a round that will give deep straight line penetration and a bullet that will reliably hold together and retain weight. In my world the worst combo for an elk rig is high velocity combined with low SD and a fragile bullet. I like a quality controlled expansion bullet, with an SD of about .270 or greater. I just can’t get away from the .375 H&H with 270 gr TSX and now LRX bullets. That combo gives me ultimate confidence on up close snap shots and I am perfectly comfortable shooting at 400 plus yards with that combo too. The same could be done with multiple other lighter calibers with good bullets. But I am who’s I am and I likes what I likes and that combo has put a lot of elk meat in the freezer for me over the years.
As far as scopes go I like a low power variable, something in the 1x6 or 2x7 or 2.5x8 and have even been playing with a 2x12 recently. I have settled this year on a leupold VX 6 in 1x6 with a CDS dial. Whatever I choose it’s always mounted low to the bore with perfect eye alignment for quick snap shooting.
I tend to like shorter barrels, 20 to 24”. Ease of carry and handling trumps an extra 100 FPS in my book any day.
That’s my go to rig for elk. I’d be interested to hear what you like to carry and why. Happy hunting, I am getting all fired up and ready for elk hunting this year!