1st elk hunt need rifle advice

[Hunterguy36]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

Any of those would work well, my wife kills elk out to about 350 with a 6.5 Creed, Which makes an excellent deer gun as well, it's an extremely versatile round. My personal preference is the 7 rem mag. Lot more power and carries out there well. However I usually shoot a 150 grain lead point bullet and on deer even with good shot placement under 300 yards that 7 tends to hit really hard and cause a little bit of meat loss. It's all about application of when and where.

 

[FIGJAM]

I have a Rem .280 and have shot it for many years and absolutely love it. I know the .280AI is better in many regards. Can you tell me how much better?

If you handload you should be able to get within 50fps of the 7mm Rem mag with the same barrel length and bullet.

 

[aps]

I started out shooting a lot of deer with a 25-06. Felt i needed big and fast and acquired and migrated to 7mm ultra mag and 375 ultra mag (africa). Since then I am now back to 6.5x284 and it is my go to rifle. Very soft recoil. While almost anything from a .243 and up will kill elk, I would settle in the middle. 7mm or .30 caliber. From there, I would seriously consider my personal recoil tolerance and decide if I needed it braked or not.

 

[David Nardontonia]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

I have a Ridgeline in 6.5 Creedmore for whitetail, antelope and mid size game. Amazing rifle for the price. Shoots 1/4in moa out to 600 with handloads. I also have a 300wsm with a proof barrell for Mule der, Elk etc. Both lite weight very accutrate rifles (both have VX-6 3x18 windplex scopes with CDS turrets). BUY the ridgeline (comes with a break) in 300 wsm or 300 win or 7mm mag. The only rifle you will ever need.

 

[Tex_Hunter]

Based on your parameters I'd say get the Bergara Premier Approach or their new Highlander model in either 6.5PRC or 7RM.

 

[Hubby45]

I'm a big fan of the .300 Win Mag for Elk. That being said, the .270 would put the whammy on them too. Good luck on your search.

 

[kwilm]

I just purchased a Kimber Mountain Ascent 280AI and put a Leupold VX6-HD 3-18 on it. The total package comes in at 6.8 pounds unloaded. I have always had Jon Beanland build my guns but I am really impressed with the accuracy and weight of this package. The brake on it does a great job with recoil as well. Here's the 3rd, 4th and 5th shots down the barrel at 100 yards. I'm using the Hornady Precision Hunter ammo getting mid-teen SD's at an average of 2865fps. I've had really good luck with that ammo in four different calibers. So much so I've quit reloading for the couple of calibers because of it. I've Only had an opportunity to run it out to 625 so far but i was getting impacts every time with it. Sorry to throw in a different caliber but I think it's a great size cartridge to do anything you want inside of N. America with manageable recoil. Good luck.





image hosting

 

[Tom Wright]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

 

[fmuguira]

7mm to 300 all great choices and will get the job done.

Most importantly is choosing a good bullet, knowing your ballistics ( as others have stated) and becoming very proficient with whatever cartridge you choose.

And, closer is better no matter what the cartridge/rifle combo. L/R is the craze ( and I like shooting long too) but the odds become less favorable as you extend the range! ( no matter how much you practice and develope your skills)

Good Luck!

 

[Tom Wright]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

 

[amadjuster]

I have a Rem .280 and have shot it for many years and absolutely love it. I know the .280AI is better in many regards. Can you tell me how much better?

Keep your .280 Remington. It was the choice of Gunnison guides years ago because it was flatter shooting than an /06 and a lot less recoil than .270 or /06. The only people who shoot elk at over 300 yds. are in magazines and on this blog. I love my .280 Remington 700CDL. If you reload, you can get within 100fps of a 7RM with a LOT less powder. The .280 Rem. is a real sleeper.

 

[5gauss]

This comes up all the time. I would go .300 as you said long range. Many calibers will work with PROPER shot placement if you are competent at your maximum range and you have good bullets with enough energy at your max range for Elk. Wounding an animal will ruin your hunt and haunt you for years. I use .338Win mag with 250gr premium bullets.....but that's just me......

 

[Scott504]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

I'll add my 2 cents. I don't know if there is a do all round, but there are good options. I prefer 30's for elk. I currently shoot a 30 Nosler. Most of the 30 mags are going to get you some blood shot meat on Georgia deer though. Of the rest I would vote for the 280AI. Near 7mag performance with less felt recoil. It's likely my next rifle. Guys I don't buy in to the cost of ammo argument. My 30 Nosler costs about $3.50 a round for factory ammo. Pretty expensive but if I consider gear, optics, etc., it's the least of my financial concerns. Find what you like without worrying about cost per round. After break in and sighting in you're looking at about $20 a year.

 

[Dry Heat?]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile.

This coming hunting season I have my first (hopefully not last) back packing elk hunt. I currently have a .270 but would like to set up a new light weight rifle for longer range shooting, backpacking, and elk hunting.

I don't have much long range shooting experience, I usually do stand hunting within 300 yards for whitetail in Georgia.

I have considered:
Weatherby mark V
Bergara premier
Christensen arms ridgeline
CA Mesa (would put the additional funds to better optics)

I want to keep the rifle under $2000. I still haven't figured out my optics as of yet but it would be around the same $2000

As for a caliber I'm considering:
6.5 creedmor
6.5 prc
28 nosler
7mm
300 win

I wanted a "do all" caliber that would work for elk but would also potentially work for deer. I've never hand loaded nor do I plan on going down the rabbit hole anytime soon so I would be using over the counter ammunition for the time being.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Dan

Get a Kimber Montana in 300 WM and don't look back! You'll have some $ left for great glass. Kimber's are slick operating and accurate as all get out. Plus they are made here. I hate to see American Hunters NOT support American Rifle builders.