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Author
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Topic: Elk gun question
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Clank
Knows what it's all about
Member # 3687
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posted January 24, 2011 04:59 PM
I was talking with a good freind yesterday and we got to chatting about hunting large game . I metioned that i always wanted to go on an elk and mountion lion hunt. Little did i know he has some good connections out west and told me whenever i was ready to let him know and we would go.
So my question is would a 7mm rem mag ,7mm-08 be enough or should i bump up to a 300 win mag. It will probably be in a ruger m77.
(Edit)Open to sugestions and i am a little guy under 200lb and would like to keep my shoulder were it belongs also.
[ January 24, 2011, 05:18 PM: Message edited by: Clank ]
Posts: 45 | From: IL | Registered: Oct 2010
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Leonard
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posted January 24, 2011 06:30 PM
I'd say any you mention could do the job, but my preference would be the 300 Win Mag all the way, which is what I use. I don't suppose anybody remembers Jack OConner but I guess he killed a pile of big game with a 270Winchester, which was the first centerfire I ever owned and he was probably the reason why?
Just get all knowed up on bullet selection and assuming what you mention is what you own, either of the 7's will work.
Good luck, LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Clank
Knows what it's all about
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posted January 24, 2011 07:10 PM
Leonard how is the recoil on the 300 compared to an 30-06 witch is the closest thing that i have shot for large cal.
I have plenty of time to plan for the hunt since there is no date set yet and i want to be familure with the rifle as possible and box ammo will be bought to start with untill i find what the rifle likes then i will start reloading and adjust accodingly for more accuracy.
This might be a once in a life time hunt so i dont see the need to do a custom build. Plus i will be shopping around for a used one if it fits the bill to my likeing.
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Leonard
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posted January 24, 2011 07:43 PM
Well, for me, a 300 is just about in the same class as a 30'06, recoil wise? But, if it is a concern, I'd stick with the 7Mag, although I can't see much of a difference there, either? The 7/08 will definitely be less felt recoil, you just don't have the better trajectory and less foot pounds. Really, a 270 with 150 grain bullets is a good choice for recoil shy folks. There are a ton of choices out there.
Good hunting. LB
[ January 24, 2011, 07:45 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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Leonard
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posted January 25, 2011 03:13 AM
Hey, I'm hardly the last word on elk cartridges. We must have members in elk states that know something about the subject at hand?
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Clank
Knows what it's all about
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posted January 25, 2011 04:31 AM
I am not recoil shy and i know shot placement is everything. I was just wondering.That way i would now what to expect if i end up with a 300.
I just wanted some opinios on what cal and rifle to go with . The biggest game i have hunted is white tail deer with a shotgun.
Posts: 45 | From: IL | Registered: Oct 2010
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DEL GUE
SECOND PLACE: Mad Bomber lookalike contest
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posted January 25, 2011 05:33 AM
If you already own a 7mm Rem Mag, use it. It is perfectly adequate, as would be a .270 with 150 gr. bullets, as Leonard mentioned. The 7mm-08 would work, but you would get more range out of the 7 Mag. If you are worried about recoil, and can handle the 7 Mag, then stick with it. You are better off shooting a 7 Mag that you can handle and are confident with than a 300 Mag that you can't handle or aren't confident with.
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Posts: 588 | From: FL | Registered: Jul 2007
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Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
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posted January 25, 2011 08:04 AM
First of all, I'm surprised it takes "connections" to hunt out west. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
We have over the counter tags for elk, though you can draw for some interesting opportunities.
The legal minimum, here, is a .243.
Recoil from any largebore is way more dependent on "build" than caliber.
For instance my brother's likeweight 30/06 kicks way harder than the heavy 300 WinMag I borrowed at Bear Camp one year (or my 762x54).
My advice; Pick a gun you like, heavy enough to manage recoil, large enough to drop a horse, and go kill an elk with it.
Krusty 
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Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | Registered: Jan 2003
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Bofire
READ MY LIPS!
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posted January 25, 2011 09:04 AM
Hey Krusty you sayin' my ole 300 is fat!!?? LOL
I have killed elk with the 7mag, I use a 300 WM now killed a few with it. Seen them killed with 06 and 270. on a damage claim I killed 7 with 7 shots from a 222 when I worked for the game dept.
You'll be fine, place teh bullet in the heart/lungs and keep the range at one that you can put every round into a 6 inch circle. Go get em!
Carl
Posts: 322 | From: Wild West | Registered: Jul 2003
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TundraWookie
Knows what it's all about
Member # 1044
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posted January 25, 2011 11:45 AM
My 300 Win Mag does a number on Moose so will definitely drop an Elk. Recoil isn't something I've ever worried about or considered. I don't ever remember hearing or feeling a rifle when I'm shooting at game. If you're going to be doing a ton of hiking, I'd be more concerned with trying to get a lightweight rifle in a caliber you're comfortable with.
[ January 25, 2011, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: TundraWookie ]
Posts: 857 | From: Alaska | Registered: Dec 2006
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ursus21
2nd place, John Denver lookalike Contest
Member # 3556
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posted January 25, 2011 12:30 PM
Clank, your 7mmMag with do the job just fine if you shoot it well. The 300 Win. Mag won't kill the elk any deader than your 7mm Rem Mag will.
Posts: 780 | From: Montana | Registered: Jan 2010
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TundraWookie
Knows what it's all about
Member # 1044
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posted January 25, 2011 01:01 PM
Exactly what ursus21 said. Dead is dead and the 7mm Mag will get it done for you if you do your part. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
[ January 25, 2011, 01:14 PM: Message edited by: TundraWookie ]
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RagnCajn
ADDS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
Member # 879
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posted January 25, 2011 01:40 PM
I would not feel undergunned hunting anything with a diet consisting mostly of grass if I had a 7-08 spitting out 160-170 grain Partitions. In fact it would be my weapon of choice if I had the oppurtunity you are speaking of.
Add in the Mountain Lion and I would change bullets for that to a 120-140 Ballistic tip from the same weapon.
[ January 25, 2011, 01:43 PM: Message edited by: RagnCajn ]
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Leonard
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Member # 2
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posted January 25, 2011 03:27 PM
Right, Randy. And that's why the question can evoke all kinds of suggestions and recommendations.
But, personally, and because I'm not really into that ultra long range shit, my 300 is perfect for western style still hunting, which is primarily wandering around and glassing rather than ambushing from a tree or whatever?
The answer could just as well be, use what you got and don't worry about it.
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Clank
Knows what it's all about
Member # 3687
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posted January 25, 2011 05:24 PM
Krusty when i said connections i ment he had some freinds out there. I have never hunted out west other than prarrie dogs and last year and was my first time for that. I havent done to much looking into buying tags yet . Doing this one step at a time so the cost doesnt seem as bad as doing it all in a short amount of time.
As far as caliber i dont own anything larger than a 22-250 except a 30-30 i dont shoot. Really never needed anything realy large to shoot yotes with.
Guys i was leaning torward the 7mm family before i posted but thought i would ask to keep from makeing a poor purchase decision.
Randy why would you chose the 7mm08 over the 7mmrem.
Leonard i like to play out at the 5 and 600yard range but i am with you when it comes to hunting i want the game as close as possible i would hate loosing an animal from a poor long range shot. Espeacily with a once in a life time hunt.
You just never know when your going to fall over dead.
Posts: 45 | From: IL | Registered: Oct 2010
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Doug
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posted January 25, 2011 06:21 PM
First thing you want is a caliber that has a minimum of 1000 ft-pounds of impact energy at the range you plan on shooting. 2nd thing you want is a heavy bullet that will break bones. A 30-06 or 7mm mag would be good choices. A 7mm-08 is on the small side for elk. 3rd thing you want is nice light rifle so you can comfortably carry it a for miles every day. Daughter shot the bull below with a 30-30, but she had to track it 2 miles after the shot to tag it. She's eying up a .270 for next year.
Posts: 69 | From: Northern Colorado | Registered: Jan 2003
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TRnCO
FUTURE HALL OF FAMER
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posted January 26, 2011 05:05 PM
I shot 13 elk with a .270 and 2 more with my .300 wm before switching to archery, and the 300 didn't kill'em any deader than the .270 did. The 7mm will do just fine as well.
Pick a caliber that you are comfortable with and can shoot well, put a premium bullet in the vitals, and enjoy the meat.
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Posts: 996 | From: Elizabeth, CO | Registered: Aug 2005
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tlbradford
Rimfires are MAGIC on COYOTES! If you do your part
Member # 1232
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posted January 26, 2011 08:25 PM
I have shot several elk with a .25-06, 117 grain bullet. Every shot was behind the front shoulder, standing still, and broadside or quartering away. Not one traveled more than 10 yards. I switched to archery as well. That .25-06 is one of my favorite rounds for deer. I would consider it light for elk, if you are of the mind to take a head-on shot, or from the school that likes to break shoulders. A good recoil pad goes a long way in softening the blow if you choose a heavy caliber.
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the bearhunter
HM PROSTAFF & MIDWEST REGIONAL GURU VOTED MOST HANDSOME MINNESOTAN
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posted January 27, 2011 05:22 AM
with the new bullets out now, there is really no need for a magnum unless shots are gonna be LONG. i personally would have no problem going after elk with a .243 loaded with a good bullet
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Leonard
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Member # 2
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posted January 27, 2011 11:16 AM
Probably true, but there is generally a reason for adequate foot pounds.
Now, as I have mentioned a gazillion times in this space, in Africa, I took a Kudu, every bit the size of American Wapiti. I had staked out a waterhole for warthog, and happened to have my little Remington Model 600 chambered in 6MM Rem.
I could have done better, a high lung shot, the animal ran at top speed, through brush that I had difficulty slowly picking my way through the acacia thorn. And, it was way past dark when found with the help of MiniMag flashlights.
In some of the accounts above, they mention running ten feet, for instance, but a little insurance, in the form of more gun, is nice to have.
I think, starting out, you really should have more gun than that, in pursuit of game this size. And, remember, this fellow intends to buy a rifle for the express purpose. I think nobody here really would seriously recommend a 243? In this case?
Good hunting. LB
[ January 27, 2011, 11:18 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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the bearhunter
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posted January 27, 2011 02:40 PM
yeah, i know.. however for someone who is not used to shooting large cal/cases. the .300 could scare the shit of them. i guess i would recommend a .270 with good stout booolits
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booger
TOO BIG TO FAIL
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posted January 27, 2011 06:31 PM
Well, my elk experience is limited to one I shot with my .270 and another shot with a .300 Win Mag by one of my camp mates.
I used my tried and true deer load--factory Winchester 130 gr. Silvertips. My M700 shoots them lights out.
My raghorn bull went down after 35 yards with a lung shot. Unfortunately, my buddie's was hit farther back and necessitated a 3/4 mile tracking job even though shot with the bigger gun.
I wouldn't hesitate to take my .270 again as I feel comfortable shooting it. I do have a 7MM RM, and have shot numerous deer with it. I got the gun after reading various articles that elk were mythical creatures and couldn't be slain with anything less than the magical 7! Fortunately, I have read enough O'Connor to know that was bunk, but it made a nice addition to the Christmas list one year. I got the gun after I had gone to CO elk hunting, and haven't had a chance to go back. It might be a toss up as to which gun I take if and when I go back again.
After shooting both, I can say that the 7 shoots a bit flatter, although with more powder consumed and a bit more recoil.
You can't go wrong with either, but the ol '06 has been taking care of business for 105 years now, too!
Good Luck!
[ January 27, 2011, 06:34 PM: Message edited by: booger ]
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TRnCO
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posted January 27, 2011 07:10 PM
The first year that I elk hunted, everyone in camp kept jabbin' me about my "pellet gun" and askin' me things like "how many times do ya pump that thing up", etc. etc....Actually ribbed me for a few years until I had a proven track record of killin' elk with my "pellet gun" .270.
I certainly would opt for more gun if I were planning on, and was capable of, long range shooting. I have yet to shoot an elk that was more than 250 yards away, and several that I've shot were 100 yards or less.
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Clank
Knows what it's all about
Member # 3687
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posted January 27, 2011 07:25 PM
Leonard your right it is starting off as sole purpose of hunting elk. Hopefully more large game hunts. The state of IL. wont hardly let you do squat with a rifle as far as hunting. Heck we cant even get a concealed carry law .Little off topic there i should move to a differnt state.
I will be familure with the gun before i make the trip and have several rounds down the tube. That way i wont have to worry if it will get the job done . I am shure i will be a little over welmed by the size of the animal any way so my mind wont even be thinking of recoil
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Leonard
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Member # 2
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posted January 27, 2011 07:39 PM
The point at which you will be overwhelmed about how big they are, is when you shoot one down in a brush choked arroyo and have to pack it out, shanks mare.
Good luck with that. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
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