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Elk gun

Papadeuce

Papadeuce

Well-Known Member
Aug 27, 2018
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Carlsbad
Ok, I know this is going to open a can of worms as everyone has an opinion but that's why I'm asking. If you were going to buy/build a gun for elk sized game, what caliber, etc. would you go with? This wouldn't be a truck gun as I hike to hunt so weight is a consideration. I can hand load but that's not a priority for me so factory ammo would be fine too. Also, I shoot left handed as I'm blind in my right eye so that removes some factory guns. Let's call the budget $2K without glass. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Let the games begin!
 
I've killed about 10 elk for reference, I know some have killed way more/less. If I were buying a dedicated elk gun it would be a 300 or 338. If you have a 7mm already I would just use that but more gun is ideal IMO if you need to buy one.

Personally (I'm young and like investing), I'd buy a Ruger American, X-bolt, tikka, savage Ultralite in 300 win, wsm, or PRC and call it a day. I would handle ALL of them and see what feels good to you though! I am unsure if they make them in left but Christensen MPR in 338L can be had for $2k. I can't think of a better Western elk gun/setup if you're cool with the extra $$$. Those chassis guns are sweet for building stable shooting setups in field.
 
I went with 300 WM with several rifles, but going 300 PRC, 300 WSM, 7 PRC, or 7 Rem Mag are great options. Basically personal preference at that point and ease of getting reloading components.

For rifles, i like Tikka, Browning X-bolt, CA Arms FFT for that price point. If I was going tikka, I would lean towards 300 WSM or 7 PRC due to mag length limits. I went with CA and customs so i can have longer COALs.
 
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The other option is just buying what you already shoot but in the proper caliber. That way you are extremely comfortable with the form/function.
 
180ls1 said:
The other option is just buying what you already shoot but in the proper caliber. That way you are extremely comfortable with the form/function.
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That’s also a good idea.

Thanks for all the responses. Time to do some research!
 
ilovesprig said:
I'm an old guy.....Winchester Mod 70, in 30-06 has probably killed more elk than all the other calibers combined................. :blush:
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Steve,

I have a soft spot for those. That's what my dad runs and loves. Well, its a 300wm. He is never too concerned about ammo choice or any of the fancy stuff, just gets outdoors and lets it eat. It sure has suited him well.

AZ Bull Pops.jpgAZ ELK Late.jpg
 
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BOWUNTR said:
I'd build a 338 Lapua with a Granite Mountain Mauser action, Douglas barrel and a XXX grade English walnut classic stock. Ed F
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This would be a great gun, but I would hate to damage a walnut stock.
 
My back up is a Win Mod 70 in 06 180gr SST loaded hot killed lots of elk out to 550yds

My new gun is the x bolt HC MAX LR, upgraded trigger spring 1.8lbs pull in 6.8 W 175gr lead or 162gr hammers for copper needs.
This gun is a pleasure to shoot, just wish we could have suppressors.
 
Papadeuce said:
Ok, I know this is going to open a can of worms as everyone has an opinion but that's why I'm asking. If you were going to buy/build a gun for elk sized game, what caliber, etc. would you go with? This wouldn't be a truck gun as I hike to hunt so weight is a consideration. I can hand load but that's not a priority for me so factory ammo would be fine too. Also, I shoot left handed as I'm blind in my right eye so that removes some factory guns. Let's call the budget $2K without glass. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Let the games begin!
Click to expand...
Tikka 300WSM
 
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