Comments for Elk Rifle

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Dec 20, 2010
Elk Rifle and scope
by: Dave- MT ElkHuntingTips

I agree with C. Willis. In addition, I DO think a good quality scope and mounts is more important than a big caliber. (Sighted in appropriately.) Even close shots with a low power scope give the animal and hunter the best chance of avoiding wounding shots.

I killed a lot of deer with open sites on a lever action 30-30 back in the 80s, though.

Dec 20, 2010
the best gun
by: C. Willis

I got alot of respect for hunters who pick their rifle based on their hunt style and capabilities rather than striving for ballistic bragging rights. Though I used to shoot fast 500yd open sight groups in the Army that you could easily cover with a paper plate, it simply isn't happening for me now! So I like to get in close for a sure shot.

My first bull trotted through a foot of snow quartering up the hill and I fired from 100 yds with my lever action 30-30. I thought I had missed and watched in horror as he took 30 steps just to the edge of the timber, but then he circled and laid down gently for the last time. I hollered for joy! (two shots through the liver, no bone).

Some folks gave me crap for the 30-30, but I was never looking for long shots with it. Now I carry a 30-06 so I can look at some 200 yd shots, since I don't get out in the timber and holes as well. Point is, each hunter has different needs, but more have the bigs magnums than actually need them!

Sep 10, 2010
Elk Rifles
by: Anonymous

Best Elk gun is one with 1500 ft lbs of energy left in the bullet when it hits the Elk and a gun that you can shoot accurately and comfortably. Recoil of a .338 Win Mag is about the top of my range. I use a .338-06. Recoil just above a 30-06 but can load bullets up to 250gr. Realistic range for me is 250 yards with this gun. If I will be hunting in open country, (not Elk) I have a 300 Win Mag with about the same recoil but shoots flat and fast with 150gr to 165 gr bullets. Can load up to 200gr for Elk.
Do your research on your gun. Chances are you will find that your buddies do not really know what they are talking about.

Good Luck and happy hunting

Mar 09, 2010
rifle response
by: Anonymous

Yes!!! Someone else who doesn't worship at the alter of the bolt action rifle! Amen...nothing at all wrong with bolt actions, but they aren't the only game in town. My son shoots a Remington 7600 for deer and antelope in .243, and it is a real shooter. He likes a pump shotgun and wanted a pump rifle to go with it. I shoot a Remington 7400 in .270, and it, too, shoots better than I can hold. I get 1-3/4" to 2-1/4" groups at 100 yards with a Williams receiver sight on mine; my son uses a 6x Redfield and shoots 3/4" to 1-1/4" groups with 75 and 100 grain handloads. Good comments, and sounds like they're based on lots of experience. Thanks!

Feb 03, 2010
Response
by: Anonymous

I agree with you, 270 is a fine caliber for elk. Too many magnums out there. I read a lot of forums and I laugh when I see comments the 338 Win Mag. being the perfect elk rifle.......amazing to me.....

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