Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Suggest a rifle and cartridge

Hi All

I have a 270 win Sako Finnlight and a 308 win Sako Arctos.
Both rifles will take care of 99% of my hunting.

What I'd like to get is a 3rd rifle to hunt African non dangerous game and elk in the rocky mountains.
I know that the 270 will do for elk but is considered marginal.
So something larger than a 270win, but not a 308 win since I already have one.

As far as rifles go I am looking for a Synthetic/Laminate stock with stainless barrel.
I do not shoot further than 300 yards 350 would be the absolute max.

My budget is less than $1500 for the rifle.

What do you think?

About half the hunters in our elk camp use .308's, a couple others use .270's. You already have good elk rifles.
However, for something different, and since you won't be stretching the range to a ridiculous amount like is currently fashionable, I'd suggest a .35 Whelen Ruger or a CZ550 in 9.3x62. Or a Sako in 9.3x62
Both are different enough from your current rifle chamberings and do offer more penetration and bone crushing power with less deflection and less meat damage because of the heavy 250-285 grain bullets that they shoot.
My personal favourite elk rifle for many years is a Sako AV with a custom 24" barrel 1-12 twist .35 Whelen. It has taken many elk with 250 grain bullets.
The 9.3x62 is also a long time standard African 'all game" cartridge.

I used to have a CZ550 FS 9.3x62 that I still cry about selling.
I loved that rifle.
But I have finally stopped fighting against stainless/synthetic rifles and drank the koolaide.

The only reason I won't get another CZ is because they do not have a stainless model.

But another 9.3 would certainly be a good choice.

Yep - 9.3x62 seems to be exactly what you are describing!

I know Sako, Tikka make a 9.3x62 in a stainless rifle anyone else?
What do you think of the 338 win mag?

the Sako M85 laminated stainless in 9.3 seems to fit your needs. i had one in .308 and just purchased one in .375H&H, both very good rifles.

These are the cartridges I was going to suggest. 338 WM is a good thing but is going to recoil a bit more if that matters. It will have a flatter trajectory at longer range but out to 300yds that really isn't a big deal. You can get a long action SS M70 or M700 rebarreled or re-bored as well as the European options.

I am curious about the 338 win, given that this rifle wont get shot that much so recoil is not that big of a deal. I can get a Sako 85 Kodiak for about $2300 CAD it's a bit more than I want to spend but I'm not in a huge hurry.

Gunsmithing here in Canada is really expensive and by the time I rebarrel a M70 I could have spent the money on the Sako.

.338-06

I've had 338wm's for over 20 years and love them. The 9.3x62mm is also a great choice, but if picking between the 2, I'd choose the 338... I also have a 270 and agree with the guys here that it will also work on elk. Here are my pair in 270 and 338:

I'm gonna go out on a limb here. Given the range specified(350 yard max) and the class of game, why not a Saur 100 XT in 8x57is? If you handload(or just buy REAL 8x57 ammo) it will do everything you ask with authority.

Like I told a guy I work with the other day. "Life is a lot like hunting deer, you can kill them with a 30/30, you can kill them with a .300 Ultra. Both deer are dead, how bad do you want to hurt yourself?

375 H&H

9.3x62 or .375 H&H are both perfect to meet your stated needs.

9.3x62......sumthing built in Finland.......

Kimber Montana or Winchester Extreme Weather in 300 WSM. 300 or 338 Win Mag if you want to get your ass, I mean shoulder, kicked.

I have 2 338's and a 270, among others and those two are my most carried rifles when hunting. The .338 went to Africa with me and it killed everything it needed to with no fuss. Also killed a nice moose with it in Alberta by the Peace River.
Personally, I've never considered the .338 to be a big kicker- certainly not much worse than a 300 WM or a 30-06 with a poor stock on it. Now the .375 H&H is at the limit of what I want to shoot off the bench working up loads. I've owned 3 of them in Pre 64 Model 70's and they eventually all went down the road.

Hard to go wrong with a .338 loaded with 225 or 250 grain pills and a case full of H4831. Elk and moose don't know what hit them....

A 9.3x62 covers a lot of territory in Africa

I agree 100%....^^^^^^^^ Well, except I use H4350 and IMR4350...

.338 Winchester Mag, in a Winchester Model 70.

Take you pick as to which M70.

Especially at the ranges you describe there is no reason at all no to use the .308 and .270.

I would take the 1,500 and upgrade rifle scopes (if needed) or Binoculars.

A new 2.5x10 Nightforce Compact would be just the ticket on either rifle.