Golovkin
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2018
- Messages
- 84
Hello,
I've hunted elk in Montana for 25yrs, and most of that time I've used a a SS model 700 .338 RUM with a factory tupperware stock. and a 25yr old Leupold Vari-Xiii 4.5X14 Scope.
Out of the 15 Elk I've killed, 12 Have been under a 100yds and the furthest were both at about 475yds. The last elk Killed at 475yds took about 8 shots because I had to shoot off-hand and I didn't know the hold, and couldn't see impacts, and I just sort of got lucky the thing let me keep shooting...
This last experience has got me thinking about elk hunting in a different light. Normally my elk hunting is about busting elk in tight timber and hitting them hard, even if I don't have the option of hitting them well - if you know what I mean. I know there are many opinions on this, but if your dinner doesn't come from knocking down 700lb animals that flush like pheasants, please understand that mine usually does, and we can save that argument for another day.
Anyway, My hunting has changed a bit to include longer yardage and I realize that myself and my equipment need to upgrade. I was thinking my first upgrade would be to send my Scope back to leupold for a CDS turret dialed into a custom handload. The custom Handload would be a 210gr Scirocco at around 3,200fps. After this I would invest in a bipod or set of shooting sticks (I have a lieca 1200 RF)and spend many rounds getting a feel for the setup. Perhaps at some point I would also Like to upgrade the stock.
Does this all sound like Time and Money well Spent, or would you suggest another route for a short range hunter that wants to upgrade his abilities when the situation warrants?
I've hunted elk in Montana for 25yrs, and most of that time I've used a a SS model 700 .338 RUM with a factory tupperware stock. and a 25yr old Leupold Vari-Xiii 4.5X14 Scope.
Out of the 15 Elk I've killed, 12 Have been under a 100yds and the furthest were both at about 475yds. The last elk Killed at 475yds took about 8 shots because I had to shoot off-hand and I didn't know the hold, and couldn't see impacts, and I just sort of got lucky the thing let me keep shooting...
This last experience has got me thinking about elk hunting in a different light. Normally my elk hunting is about busting elk in tight timber and hitting them hard, even if I don't have the option of hitting them well - if you know what I mean. I know there are many opinions on this, but if your dinner doesn't come from knocking down 700lb animals that flush like pheasants, please understand that mine usually does, and we can save that argument for another day.
Anyway, My hunting has changed a bit to include longer yardage and I realize that myself and my equipment need to upgrade. I was thinking my first upgrade would be to send my Scope back to leupold for a CDS turret dialed into a custom handload. The custom Handload would be a 210gr Scirocco at around 3,200fps. After this I would invest in a bipod or set of shooting sticks (I have a lieca 1200 RF)and spend many rounds getting a feel for the setup. Perhaps at some point I would also Like to upgrade the stock.
Does this all sound like Time and Money well Spent, or would you suggest another route for a short range hunter that wants to upgrade his abilities when the situation warrants?