Need some guidance..

[Swatman05]

I think your issue with the 6.5 Creedmore is not performance, but actually size/weight of the bullet. I've got two and one last year I shot about a 300# whitetail/muley cross—it went straight up, flipped onto it's back and dropped dead. Great performance at 200 yards. But—I'd go for 300 win mag—larger case, more availability of off the shelf ammo/bullet weights. I've taken mine all over, from Canada to Spain and three times to South Africa. Nothing like knowing your rifle and how it shoots and being able to select bullet weights from 150 gr to 200 grains and NOT move the scope. Have taken everything from
steenbuck to red stag, ibex, axis to kudu at ranges to 450+ yards.

I wish I could go to Africa.. I can make it there.. Not sure if I'd have enough money to make it back.. Haha

 

[Tidus56]

I'd like to have one and lay prone near a mountain top and just wait... Haha

I'll load the ammo and be your spotter lol.

 

[Swatman05]

I'll load the ammo and be your spotter lol.

The bad thing is I want a Barrett.. And it's a $11K firearm.. Haha

 

[Tidus56]

Here is my last thought for this thread. When choosing a dedicated Elk cartridge going to a magnum makes sense. You will have retained energy at the target and more likely get a clean kill with no issue. Personally I have seen taken or taken elk with lesser energy cartridges. I have used .270 Win, 6.5 Creed, 243 AI and a 280 AI to take cow elk.
All these cartridges can do it just fine so long as your bullet choice and distance works out.
Shot placement, bullet choice and hunting skills trump big bullet and big cartridge. Just my experiences.

 

[Swatman05]

Here is my last thought for this thread. When choosing a dedicated Elk cartridge going to a magnum makes sense. You will have retained energy at the target and more likely get a clean kill with no issue. Personally I have seen taken or taken elk with lesser energy cartridges. I have used .270 Win, 6.5 Creed, 243 AI and a 280 AI to take cow elk.
All these cartridges can do it just fine so long as your bullet choice and distance works out.
Shot placement, bullet choice and hunting skills trump big bullet and big cartridge. Just my experiences.

Very good advice.

 

[Litehiker]

SUPRISED? (to get so many replies)

.300 Win mag -> Classic elk cartridge
6.5 PRC or 6.5/284 Norma -> new elk cartridges (flatter shooting)
28 Nosler or 30 Nosler -> new very high powered cartridges (flat shooting, lots of recoil and 'spensive)

Good luck now that you are thoroughly confused. ;o)

Eric B.

 

[Swatman05]

SUPRISED? (to get so many replies)

.300 Win mag -> Classic elk cartridge
6.5 PRC or 6.5/284 Norma -> new elk cartridges (flatter shooting)
28 Nosler or 30 Nosler -> new very high powered cartridges (flat shooting, lots of recoil and 'spensive)

Good luck now that you are thoroughly confused. ;o)

Eric B.

My head is spinning.. I'm pretty good at doing research though.. I like to take my time when making a decision and look at all my options.

 

[Litehiker]

Exactly! Take your time with this decision. And try to shoot your choice before buying. I highly recommend a THREE LUG bolt for faster cycling but Bergara makes a great rifle with a 2 lug bolt.

My elk rifle is a .300 Win mag Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker (W/ blackTeflon coating).

My cow elk, deer and antelope rifle is a brand new 6.5 CM Browning X-Bolt Pro mountain rifle. Burnt bronze Cerakote on all metal (including Talley scope rings) and the carbon fiber stock.

Eric B.

 

[wonderman4]

wonderman4 said: ↑

My thoughts are that you used to have a 340 Wby and could handle it, get another one. It will make a fine Elk cartridge.



That ammo isn't cheap.. Haha.. I was paying $80/ box

My bad. You said you reloaded for it.

Either way, $4.00 for an elk is cheap in my book.

 

[Swatman05]

wonderman4 said: ↑

My thoughts are that you used to have a 340 Wby and could handle it, get another one. It will make a fine Elk cartridge.



That ammo isn't cheap.. Haha.. I was paying $80/ box

My bad. You said you reloaded for it.

Either way, $4.00 for an elk is cheap in my book.

Haha.. I bought Nosler ammo, that's what it shot best. Never reloaded for it.

 

[ltcjwb]

Go to Cabela's or Bass Pro; sale on now. Buy a Rem 700 Long Range in .30-06, 7mm RM or .300 WM, for under $800. Any of the 3 will be "enough" for elk; the .300 WM probably the best. B&C stock with Aluminum bedding block. You want to do more with it, you can, but it will be less expensive and just as effective as anything else you can buy, and it will be enough gun for what you want to do. Except, maybe, hitting anything at 2000 yards.

 

[Old Rooster]

I live in Montana and hunt elk every year I can.I moved up here from the south.
I have taken 18 elk so far in my elk hunting life and took 13 with a 30/06 180 gr Partition,the rest was taken by 300 win mag and 300 weatherby mag 180 gr partition or now I use 180 gr Accubonds.
My personal opinion is we owe it the animals we hunt to kill them as quickly as possible and even the best of shots that's not always possible so that's the reason I use 300 win mag/weatherby mag now.I would not hesitate in using 300 WSM also if you want a lighter rifle.
I am almost deaf due to rifle breaks.None for me EVER again!
Enjoy Utah
Old Rooster

 

[Swatman05]

I live in Montana and hunt elk every year I can.I moved up here from the south.
I have taken 18 elk so far in my elk hunting life and took 13 with a 30/06 180 gr Partition,the rest was taken by 300 win mag and 300 weatherby mag 180 gr partition or now I use 180 gr Accubonds.
My personal opinion is we owe it the animals we hunt to kill them as quickly as possible and even the best of shots that's not always possible so that's the reason I use 300 win mag/weatherby mag now.I would not hesitate in using 300 WSM also if you want a lighter rifle.
I am almost deaf due to rifle breaks.None for me EVER again!
Enjoy Utah
Old Rooster

Haha.. I'd have some form of ear plugs and put them in right before I took the shot

 

[Georgiashooter]

300 WM, 280AI, or 28 nos