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Jun 4, 2004 8:17:06 GMT -5
Post by TXBOWHNTR on Jun 4, 2004 8:17:06 GMT -5
I'm going on my first elk hunt this year and need a bigger gun! 7mm mag? 30-06? 300 win mag? 300 weatherby mag? what do yall think? also what optics do yall recommend?
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Jun 4, 2004 9:56:02 GMT -5
Post by Danny on Jun 4, 2004 9:56:02 GMT -5
I can't stress enough the importance of getting a rifle caliber that you're comfortable shooting. Only you can determine that. I'd rather see someone take a .270 that they can shoot well, than a .300 Win Mag that they have problems shooting due to recoil.
By the way, either of those cartridges, and many in between will kill Elk cleanly if you do your part. Wait for the right moment, and take the best shot possible, or don't shoot.
Optics? Any 3-9x40 scope that you like will work. I'd recommend the Nikon Monarch series. In my opinion, it's one of the best for the money.
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Jun 5, 2004 10:09:19 GMT -5
Post by Ruger Redhawk on Jun 5, 2004 10:09:19 GMT -5
Good advise Danny.I've never tried any of the Nikon optics. Heard they were good.For years nothing but Redfield for me.Now it's Leupold.
Ruger Redhawk
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Jun 6, 2004 19:50:53 GMT -5
Post by "BIGTYME" on Jun 6, 2004 19:50:53 GMT -5
what yardage are gonna be shooting first thats a main point before buying a gun
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Jun 7, 2004 7:26:31 GMT -5
Post by TXBOWHNTR on Jun 7, 2004 7:26:31 GMT -5
The guy that I'm going with said that shots could be as little as 50 yds and as much as 400 yds.
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Jun 7, 2004 11:07:15 GMT -5
Post by Danny on Jun 7, 2004 11:07:15 GMT -5
I wouldn't take a 400 yard shot at an Elk with anything less than a 50 BMG. You need to close the distance to less than 300 yards, have a very solid rest, and at that range, I'd want a 300 Win Mag. Decrease the range more for any caliber below that. Elk are big, tough, animals with a desire to live like nothing I've ever seen. You need a caliber that will punch through. A .270 will do the job, but the range would have to be less than 150 yards in my opinion. 30.06 w/ 165 or 180 grain bullets out to 200 yards, and the magnums for anything beyond 250 yards. That's just in case you hit a big rib or shoulder.
You rarely get a broadside shot at an elk, and it's usually not for long.
Just my .02 cents.
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Jun 7, 2004 11:55:13 GMT -5
Post by TXBOWHNTR on Jun 7, 2004 11:55:13 GMT -5
Thanks Danny for the input! we are going to be on horse back so the chances of getting a shot under 250 is probably pretty good! I think i am going to go with a 7mm mag with a 4x12x40 or 50mm optic. thanks everyone for the info and advice!! P.S. - Danny I like the 50 BMG idea!!! think I'll mount one on my headache rack on my truck!!!
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Jun 8, 2004 3:15:52 GMT -5
Post by "BIGTYME" on Jun 8, 2004 3:15:52 GMT -5
I would go with the 7mm mag or a 300. the 300 shoots a flater projectory than the 7 but they are both a excellent choice for big game. I hunt with a 7mm mag here and everyone says I have alot of over kill but i aint gonna track it unless i have ta
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Jun 8, 2004 4:09:32 GMT -5
Post by Backstrap on Jun 8, 2004 4:09:32 GMT -5
I think a Browning A-bolt, or a Remington (If you can find one, they are rare) in 270, or 300 WSM would be all you need for shots out to 400 yards, the 270 WSM has a flatter trajectory than all the standard Magnums, less drop in other words, and more energy than a 7mag, and almost as much as the 300's, choose whatever brand and size scope you like, I prefer the superior Greman/Austrian optics, but they aint cheap, and as far as being comfortable with the gun, sure a gun can kick like a mule when you are on the range in warm weather, but in all my years of hunting I have never felt the gun kick when I was taking a shot at an animal, no matter how bad it hurt me on the range, you won't feel anything, and the 270 WSM has a lot of horsepower for the buck, with less recoil, and it will take Elk just fine, I was reading an article about it the other day, when some guys where given a few 270 WSM Winchester Super Shadows to Elk hunt with, they used failsafe factory ammo and took mature bull's out to 375 yard's and as close as 25, and they pretty much ran about 20 yards and fell over dead as a door-nail! That's my 2 cent's!
Roll Tide! Lee
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Jun 8, 2004 4:14:38 GMT -5
Post by Backstrap on Jun 8, 2004 4:14:38 GMT -5
By the way BIGTYME the 7mm mag is flatter than the 300's, just so you know!
Roll Tide! Lee
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Jun 8, 2004 14:56:46 GMT -5
Post by hunter on Jun 8, 2004 14:56:46 GMT -5
any one of those would take a elk down.i like the 300 though for the good stopping strength
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Jun 8, 2004 15:21:36 GMT -5
Post by TXBOWHNTR on Jun 8, 2004 15:21:36 GMT -5
EASY BOYS!!!! I was just looking for advice not an argument!!! I do apreciate ALL of yalls input and will consider all of it before i purchase my new firearm!!! so let's all just get along!
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Jun 8, 2004 15:22:36 GMT -5
Post by TXBOWHNTR on Jun 8, 2004 15:22:36 GMT -5
EASY BOYS!!!! I was just looking for advice not an argument!!! I do apreciate ALL of yalls input and will consider all of it before i purchase my new firearm!!! so let's all just get along!
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Jun 8, 2004 16:14:11 GMT -5
Post by Renegade on Jun 8, 2004 16:14:11 GMT -5
Txbowhntr, whatever caliber you choose, enjoy your hunt.
Later,
Dave
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Jun 8, 2004 16:54:41 GMT -5
Post by hunter on Jun 8, 2004 16:54:41 GMT -5
thats the main thing,enjoy the hunt
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