Caliber

[1989bowhunter]

Looking for a good caliber for wife for elk

[BrentM]

I suppose that all depends on the range of the hunt and how well she handles a long vs short action and recoil. I find most all the non magnums work well and the .308 based rifles perform great. 7-08 or 308 are both great choices. I personally have a 3006 308 and the 6.5-284. I barrow a 7 08 occasionally for fun. The 7 08 with a 168 berger or accubond would be a great all around rifle for deer and elk.

[ntg]

I think a 7-08 or a 270win would work fine. Even a 6.5mm in something at least as fast as a 260 rem are used with success. I know women that shoot them well. I'd put at least a 140 grain pill in either and go from there. They'll both do fine as long as she can place the shot well...and I know what forum you're on but I wouldn't have her doing any long range shots on elk with these.

Some of the 30 cal non-mags will work also, but you do get in to more recoil, generally speaking.

Now, if you're looking to build/get a rifle for her and use it for yourself as well, I'd go 280AI or the 6.5x284 just because they're interesting to me and the brass is being produced now.

[1989bowhunter]

Thanks for info I have a 270 thanks just trying to make good decision for wife and elk if drawn

[BrentM]

Good call on the 260 or 280AI etc. Ami is little, 5' 5" and 115 lbs, and shoots my 6.5-284 quite well. She struggles a little with bolt manipulation but that is about it. I would have no issue at all popping an elk with my 6.5 at LR. They are proven to be extremely deadly.

[snowpro440]

If its 600 yds or less the .308 with a brake works well for women and children.

[chainsaw]

338 Federal?LOTS of punch, little recoil in a lightweight,short action rifle.