Flattops wilderness rifle selection

Endless_prusuits · May 11, 2026

Looking for advise from anyone that has hunted the flat tops for elk first rifle. Trying to decide what rifle to bring along. The long range rig or something geared more towards being able to shoot off hand. I've read most shots are going to be 400 yards and in because of the terrain there. I've also seen guys saying they had longer shots on the outskirts of the flat tops.

So the options 7 prc with 5x25x56 on it or browning x bolt 7/08 with 3-15.

I'd bring both rifles and decide there but I dont want to leave a rifle locked in the truck for a week unattended.

wilehunting · May 11, 2026

Take the 7 prc, it'd be better to reach out to the 400yds without worrying about holding too high. Zeroed at 250 you should be good to 310. The forest is littered with dead trees from some beetle back in the 50s. I think weather can vary a lot the first rifle season. The air is very dehydrating, so drink a lot of water. I also took excedrin for headaches. It is quite an adjustment on the body going from the lowlands to over 7,000 ft.

memtb · May 11, 2026

Endless_prusuits said:
Looking for advise from anyone that has hunted the flat tops for elk first rifle. Trying to decide what rifle to bring along. The long range rig or something geared more towards being able to shoot off hand. I've read most shots are going to be 400 yards and in because of the terrain there. I've also seen guys saying they had longer shots on the outskirts of the flat tops.

So the options 7 prc with 5x25x56 on it or browning x bolt 7/08 with 3-15.

I'd bring both rifles and decide there but I dont want to leave a rifle locked in the truck for a week unattended.

Why not the 7 PRC with the 3-15! That will give you a good option for closer stuff and will carry you to most any "reasonable" long range shooting situation! JMO. memtb

jseandsje · May 11, 2026

Endless_prusuits said:
Looking for advise from anyone that has hunted the flat tops for elk first rifle. Trying to decide what rifle to bring along. The long range rig or something geared more towards being able to shoot off hand. I've read most shots are going to be 400 yards and in because of the terrain there. I've also seen guys saying they had longer shots on the outskirts of the flat tops.

So the options 7 prc with 5x25x56 on it or browning x bolt 7/08 with 3-15.

I'd bring both rifles and decide there but I dont want to leave a rifle locked in the truck for a week unattended.

Take the PRC, but switch scopes. You'll thank me if you're walking through timber. The 15 is plenty for 700 yards.

You need a backup. Put a 3-12 power on the 7mm-08.

wilehunting · May 13, 2026

Here's a few photos.

DMP25-06 · May 13, 2026

Good Luck on your hunt !
Keep all of us, who can no longer trek through the mountains, posted .

adk hunter · May 13, 2026

Think of your knee riding at an even more exaggerated angle over that fat scope in the scab board for 75 miles and make just trying to get off without collapsing. Slim scopes are your friend 99% of the time.

Flattops wilderness rifle selection

Endless_prusuits

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wilehunting

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memtb

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jseandsje

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wilehunting

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DMP25-06

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