I got the gun from my shooting partner,and when he put it together that's where the load needed to be to match the reticle. Has a Nightforce velocity 600 on it. I'm sure we could pump them out faster, but no need.
That's what I started out with and it is a good gun, put a trigger on it. The 300 Rum will do a number on elk. Don't short change yourself on glass buy the best you can afford, or save up and get a Nightforce. The better glass helps at long range, low light etc.
I have always just liked dropping them in there tracks if possible, deer or elk. Elk on the other hand have a will to live and can take some punishment, as most us know. I personally don't like to put any more rounds than necessary to get them down. So shoulder is just personal preference...
Nice blacktail for sure!!! That 4 point has some good mass. Congrats to him and great job to you for taking him out and getting him some awesome bucks.
They work great on deer! We have shot 2 deer out of a 280ai with them and they perform great. Not so great on elk. A body of mine shot a spike elk at 70 yards with the 280ai, high shoulder shot and the bullet blew up on impact. No penetration at all. This year a friend shot a six point bull with...