Not literally, of course. I'm not here to redistribute your wealth. I am, however, here to benefit from your experience.

New member -- just registered but I've been reading for weeks. Lots of good info on the forum (thanks for that, BTW) and some of it addresses what I'll ask for help with but most of it does so only indirectly. I'm an experienced shooter and hunter but I've never hunted elk. That's something I'd like to change and I'll keep on applying for that tag until I'm drawn. I want to be prepared when that happens so, even though I'm sure you old timers have had it asked of you more than once, I'll ask for help putting together a rifle & scope combo for elk hunting in northern Arizona.

Hunting will be in northern Arizona with shots limited to ranges of 300 yards and less because of my self-imposed limits. I'm starting from scratch with a new rifle that will be dedicated to elk hunting; it won't do duty as an "all purpose" rifle so doesn't have to compromise away from what you consider ideal for elk. This won't be a custom build -- it's going to be an off-the-shelf factory rifle so the recommended chamberings should be something currently offered by major manufacturers. I'm not particularly recoil sensitive but don't care to have any more than is necessary to the task at hand. On the other hand, I don't want something so light that penetration and tissue destruction at 300 yards would be considered marginal. I suppose you might say I'm looking for "efficiency" in the cartridge choice.

What cartridge would you select as ideal for the chambering in this rifle? What scope would you put on it? What off-the-shelf rifle would you select?

Ruger 30-06 Leupold VX-11 3-9x40

NULA- best of the best- light weight, accurate, calibers pick one 30-06 recommended for first elk rifle. If you buy a NULA you may never need to buy another elk rifle.

30-06. If it was me I'd buy a SS 700 ADL and re-stock it for cheap (did it). But for an off the shelf, im kind of impressed with the bone stock SS savage models. If you got more to spend, look at kimber or maybe the new Forbes rifle.

I use a Winchester model 70 in 30-06 for northern Arizona elk. It's all the gun you need. I prefer the model 70, but there are a ton of options. All will work, in my opinion.

Ruger or Winchester S/S in 30-06, firing 200 gn Nosler Partitions or Accubonds.

Gunner

There are just too many "right" answers to this one.

For me they'd all be chambered in a M70...

In 30-06 improved?

the most versatile and effective 300-yard and under ELk rifle Ive used for many years
you can hardly go wrong with an accurate 35 whelen and 250 grain bullets, (mostly speer 250 grain)easily half the guys I hunt with have one, and every last guys been impressed with the results.
I have a remington slide action 35 whelen thats been the camp back-up rifle for years and that rifles, and its resulting kills in several guys hands has resulted in several people buying 35 whelens, Id be hard pressed to think of a better rifle for hunting the steep slopes and blow-downs,its light weight, easy to fire a second or third shot rapidly without taking your eyes off the game and devastating to elk with properly placed hits, mount a good 2x7x scope and go hunting.


reasonably light weight, hits like a bolt of lightning with 250 grain speers loaded to 2500fps and its accurate and dependable
few of us could pick a good wife, or hope to pick the best possible wife for a friend and few of us can select a friends ELK rifle, , but like wives a bit of each rifles charm is in the eye of the beholder, personally I like accuracy and dependability and something that hits hard, but something thats not going to cost a great deal to feed and maintain
...yes they are also made in 30/06 and 280 rem..but I don,t know anyone in my group that thinks the 35 whelens not an exceptional choice

A Remington 700 30-06 (plenty like new on GB)and a Meopta scope.
If you can or want find a used Ti stock and have at it.

I have a whelen, 700 classic. Great choice for elk. Kicks pretty hard though (300 win mag level IMO), and is really better suited for handloaders IMO. I dont know if you can still get them in bolt guns?

If the OP handloads it would be a great choice. Remington sells the 350 rem mag in the model 7 bolt gun too.

Just another $0.02 cents worth.

Savage makes a lot of value, inexpensive, and accurate as they are dependable.

The money saved could be mounted on top. Nothing beats a fine piece of glass when it comes an elk rifle.

Elkyri,

Welcome to the Campfire!

Since you're an experienced shooter and hunter, what riflers do you already have?

Ruger Scout in .308 or a Kimber Montana (or wood stock if you prefer) in .308.
Mind you, I don't own a .308 but it is a fully adequate elk round, smaller than 30-06 and the light and compact rifle will cover the elk hunting bases from aspen and dark timber to 300 yards in open country.
To me, the platform is important, it is the rifle that you lug around and get stuck in the thickets with, not the caliber. Any reasonable caliber is sufficient like .270, .308, 30-06, any .300 mag and any .338 and larger. It is the package that matters, like I chose a .338 RCM because it comes in the 20" barrel Ruger Hawkeye, a rifle the size of a .22 rimfire 10/22, very handy. As far as the caliber, I think .308 is about as versatile as it gets with tons of load options and short actions available.

338 win mag, as long as recoil isn't a issue, run some 225 gr bullets. Excellent elk choice. Perfect dedicated 300 yard elk rifle

Thanks for that, Mule Deer. Very happy to be here.



- far more rimfires than any one person needs;
- .204
- too many .223s;
- .243
- 6.5 Swede
- .30-30
- a couple of .308s

1. quality bolt action in 30-06
2. Leupold FX3 6x42mm
3. Tikka T3 Lite stainless

Welcome from one newby to another...

There some real sound imput here. One CANNOT go wrong with the ol' 06'. In a good bolt gun with a good 3x9-40 leupold or such for glass.

For good, premium factory elk type loads, doubt one could match the variety available in the 30-06 compared to any other caliber.

I killed my fist elk with an m-77 ruger in a 280 rem. with handloads, 160 grain speer grand slam over a healthy charge of imr 4831.

I will catch flack for say'n this, Personally, I would not go any lower in caliber than 7mm in rifles for elk....and always use premium controlled expansion bullets. To me a 270 win should be the absolute, bear bones minimum for a modern bolt gun for elk today.

Now before throw'n rocks at me and pm'n me with hate mail, I have seen elk and one moose sniped with a 25-06, with perfect broad side shots, and know of a couple elk killed with a 243 win. broad side shot on one and a spine hit on the other. Heck, I carried my 257 roberts on a hunt were the range was limited, and the wife was packing the 45-70... and yes, she did kill an elk that day, with the 45-70 lever gun.

I consider those lighter calibers not really intended for an animal that has the potential to weigh 6 times of a deer they are commonly used on.

Thats my 2 pennies worth

Rem. 700 in 30.06 with 180 gr. Nosler Partitions is close to perfect. 300 Win Mag with the same bullets is even better if you don't mind a little more recoil.

Seeing as you have a few 308's.
If one of them shoots well and you feel confident in it - by all means - take that one if your limit is 300 yards.
Stoke it with a good bullet and go forth and slay...

But, if you want a dedicated elk rifle...

Buy a new Stainless Ruger 77 or Winchester 70 in 30-06 and VXII 3-9x40 (Cabelas or Classifieds: $240). Mount it up and find a 180gr load that shoots well and drop an elk.

Just my $0.02

Welcome to the Campfire!

I'd say that you already have a few Elk guns with your Swede and your .308's. You could save your money!

That said, I imagine that you're a lot like the rest of us and carry a "Rifle Looney" card. Sometimes when you don't NEED anything new, you still WANT something..... different. Most here can absolutely relate to that.

There have been many good suggestions and I honestly have nothing to add that hasn't already been said. I wish you luck in selecting the rifle that is right for YOU and hope that you get to build some life long memories with it!

We will all be looking forward to your pictures of your Elk hunt!

Need more info try here:

http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/rifle.html

Everyone is right, there is a plethora of correct answers and I haven't seen anything that I would say is wrong. I too have seen elk killed with a 243 and it makes me cringe every time. My wife's first elk was killed with a 25-06 stoked with 100 grain Nosler Partitions. It killed the cow, but I changed the load to a 120 grainer after that, just for my peace of mind.

If you don't want to buy something new, (yes that is a stupid statement), then by all means take a 308 or even that 6.5 Swede stoked with a 140 grain Nosler Partition. Either of those rifles will kill and elk out to 300 yards. If you're looking to go bigger, I personally believe that it is pretty tough to beat the 300 Win mag. I prefer the larger calibers simply because I want them on the ground. I've seen those elk go for miles after a bad shot, and they live in the rugged stuff. The thing to keep in mind, with that statement, the key is shot placement. Normally if you're chasing them, 9 times out of 10 it's because of something you did, not because of the rifle or caliber.

If one of those .308s is light and accurate, stoke it with 168TTSXs, and rock on.

Ruger 338 Win Mag with Leupold 3.5x10 VXIII loaded with Federal 225 Barnes TSX. That will impress them.

Perry

"I'll ask for help putting together a rifle & scope combo for elk hunting"

The most popularly used rifle/cartridge/bullet & scope of recent years for hunting elk, per survey data collected from elk hunters, is a Remington model 700 chambered in 30-06 shooting a 180-grain bullet while using a 3-9x power Leupold scope.

The 30-06 has been the overwhelmingly most popular chambering for elk hunting since survey data was collected way back into the last century.

I'd say stick with 30-06 and choose a factory bolt gun that best fits your taste. I'd stick with a Leupold scope in the 2.5-8x to 3.5-10x range for a variable or use a fixed 6x. I'd prefer something along the lines of a well handling trim featherweight vs a bulkier beanfield rifle.

Good Luck

I see a clear gap in your lineup at the .338 cal. For what you described you want out of a rifle, I think you described a Kimber Montana in 338 Fed. Yes, I'm biased, but the more I have mine the more I like it. You've had plenty of recommendations for the 30-06 (an excellent choice no doubt), and the Fed shoots bullets at very close to the same velocity. When you say Elk, I think steep and thus light rifles. I've hauled a heavy rifle around the mtns, lighter is better.

Elkyri,

Well, now. If you just WANT a new elk rifle, by all means buy a .30-06 or .338 or whatever, but I'm with several of the others who believe you already have three candidates in your 6.5x55 and pair of .308's.

Both the 6.5x55 and .308 are plenty for elk, even beyond 300 yards.

How dare anyone suggest he doesn't NEED a new rifle! What if his, or anyone else's, wife were to read this?! No, you NEED a new rifle and the 'fire will help you select one

Yeah, if you just got to have a new rifle I'd get a kimber Montana in .338 Fed and top it with a 2.5x8 leupold in DD's.

Since you already own .308's the 30-06 seems doubly redundant as it really won't do anything the .308's can't do. I like the 35 Whelen idea or .338 RCM.

Fercryinoutloud!!! The guy doesn't own a 270!! Get at least 2 or 3 270s!!!

What a place to ask...Some will tell you a .22 anything kills beyond and other will say nothing less than a .460 Weatherby will get it done.

You be the judge.

Jayco

I agree with the guys. a 30-06 for a 300 yard elk gun is just about right. Then again I have read that a 308 can do what a 30-06 can do within reason. I don't think an elk can tell a difference between a 2700FPS bullet from a 308 and a 2800FPS bullet from a 30-06.
A 300 win mag with a 180 grain bullet is really something. As is a 7mm Rem Mag with a 160 grain accubond or similar.
A quality 3-9x40 is ideal and would top any elk rifle nicely. Lots of choices from Redfield, Leupold, Nikon, Zeiss, Vortex, Doug has Minox at a great price right now too.
The Tikka rifles are so light I was affraid to buy one, but they have a great reputation and are priced well as are the Sako (A7 I think is the model). Remington 700's are like a 350 chevy engine, parts for them everywhere, Savage are great and accurate.

If it was me and thank God it isn't, I would get a 300 Win mag or 300 WSM, in Tikka, Remington or Savage, top it with a 3.5-10 Vortex or if you can afford it a 3.5-10 Leupold or 3-9 Minox and find either a factory 180 grain load the rifle likes or if you load, find your favorite bullet in 180 and see if it shoots and go practice. You'll be surprised that you'll expand your 300 yard range by a bit if you had too.

Kique

I figure that means there are lot of elk camps like ours, with multiple rem 700/30-06/3-9x40 leupold/180's rifles in service, seems like a popular combo Though dad and I are both shooting lower recoil/lighter rifles now, they are more fun to carry and shoot.

The .270 Winchester or the necked up version of the .270 Win,the 30-06 will kill them as fast as you can find them...

Jayco

I certainly agree with those folks who say that the weight of the rifle is of much concern as the caliber. On my first couple of elk hunts the .300 winnie and .338 winnie that I carried got awful heavy.

But the .300 and the .338 are great elk calibers.

So I compromised and purchased a Kimber Montana in .325 WSM. I have not shot an elk with it, but I have shot deer with it, and I am very confident of that rifle.

I think if you acquired one you and your back and arms would be too!!

op already has 308, so no need for an 06'. perhaps a 300 win mag or a 338 would be a better choice. certainly a dedicated elk caliber. consider a rem 700, win m70, ruger hawkeye/mk2, savage, or others. 3-9x40 scope, nosler partition bullets as well. the elk won't stand a chance!

A 308 is not a 270 Winchester nor a 30-06...

Show me where factory ammo for the 308 equals the 30-06 in a 165 grain bullet,like the 165 Hornady out of the '06 at 3015 fps in Federal ammunition.

Yeah, the 308 kills and so does my 45-70..Think about it...

Jayco

I hear that.

It would be hard to go out and buy an -06 just to park it next to a .308 .

Not that it's on my horizon, if I were to chose one caliber, not exclusive to elk. I would go at least a 7MMRM , stepping over the -06 for plains game. It would be one penny on the scale over an -06 for some Alaska or African game.

And a margin flatter shooting then a .308 , admitting being a huge 7MM fan.

Couple o' 308's would work fine... If you want an elk rifle then by all means buy one... I would vote a vanilla Remington 700 in 338 and a 3-9 vx2 in talleys and go forth.. pimp it with a stock if you like...

Wild side roll up a Remington 700 classic in 350 rem mag, maybe a TI handle and tie your hat on... Leupold 6x36..
That is a 300 yard elk gun if there ever was one..... JMO

Could not find where you said if you handloaded or not... If not I begrudgingly vote 338........

W

First off, welcome!

If you truly want to be "prepared", spend a lot more time on physical conditioning, scouting, and shooting from field positions, and a lot less time worrying about what rifle or scope you use.

I'm firmly in the camp of those saying your Swede &/or .308's are well-suited to the task. You talk about penetration at 300 yards, and those cartridges will do just fine. As for efficiency, those cartridges are near the top of the heap.

If you wanted to explore the "ideal" part of things, you could poke a bigger hole with a .338 Fed or a .35 Whelen or .358 Win. A .300 WM or .338 WM would be an excellent choice, but the difference they'll offer is generally seen at distances past your 300 yard self-imposed limit (which I think is excellent! Knowing your limits, that is...).

Choosing a rifle and/or scope is an extremely subjective & personal choice. When a rifle "fits", you'll know it. Handle as many as you can, & choose the one that speaks to you. Same with scopes: look through a ton, & buy what YOUR eyes tell you. For 300 yards, I'd imagine anything from a straight 4x to a standard 3-9x40 would be plenty, but you may like something else. That's totally OK: you're out to please your eyes, not mine.

So, if one of your current rifles in 6.5x55 or above comes to your shoulder like lightning, points like a dream, has a trigger break that makes you giggle, and drops anything in its path lickety-split, then you've got your "ideal" elk rifle.

Remember, comfort breeds confidence, and confidence kills more elk than cartridge headstamps, or rifle/scope brands/models.

And before I forget, it's a requirement around here that you post pics of your elk.

Good Luck,

FC

+1.....if that bullet doesn't shoot, try 165 AccuBond's or 180's. Nothing will make an elk any deader out to 300 yards than what you already have...I'm not guessing....grin!

This old, mature 6X6 bull was killed by one of my hunters with his .308 shooting 165gr AccuBonds at 292 yards.

.270 x 150gr NP = Dead Elk.

Wrap an early Remington 700 around the bullet.

If I was going to tell you anything, it would be to pick a light rifle, like a Montana or a Tikka T3 Lite, and wrap it around whatever caliber suits your fancy from .270 Win up. I think a pretty good argument can be made for using a bullet .30 caliber or better. If you don't want any more recoil than necessary, maybe a 300 WSM would work well. Other good caliber options would be the 325 WSM or the 338 Federal.

Just remember...the cartridge only has to be 'adequate', but you are going to be carrying that rifle a whole lot more than shooting it, so try to keep the rifle as light as possible.

gun:tikka
chambered: 30-06/300WM,
bullet: nosler partitions/barnes triple shock 180/200 grain
scope: burris eliminator, ziess, luepold.

remember hunting elk is an expensive endeavor for an out of state person, DONT GO CHEAP ON BULLETS!

30-06 - 280 Remington - or 300 WSM

Nosler Partitions or Accubonds

Ruger Hawkeye, Tikka, Winchester Model 70, or Remington 700 (last)

6x42mm or 6x36mm Leupold or 2.5-8x36mm Leupold

Like I said.....lotsa "right" answers

I would want something under 8 pounds (so you can lug it around in elk country) and that doesn't kick you into next week,(because it's easier to be precise if recoil is not excessive),yet is fully up to the job.

For me it would be a M70 chambered for 7 Rem Mag or 7mm Mashburn (in a wildcat).I would shoot a good 150-175 gr bullet.

I know the OP said he doesn't want an "all around" rifle and cartridge, but it's hard to get past the fact that if it works on elk, it'll work on lots of other animals as well.

For a scope, for elk, I'd be content with about anything from a fixed 4X or 6X to a midrange variable topping out at 9-10x.They are large animals and it isn't hard to put a shot on the button at any reasonable distance.

How does one become one of your hunters, sir? Did that fellow bring that hat with him? It is nearly badass as his rifle and scope!

To the OP: there is no box. So, get a .257 Weatherby Magnum in an Accumark, mount a Leupold 3.5-10x40 LRT M1, practice a lot and then go someplace you can find an elk like the one in this picture.

I would look very closely at the Tikka T3 or T3 Lite in .300 WSM.

http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?hunter

I'll tell you what has worked for me for the last 16 elk I have harvested. It has been a model 70 (pre 64) with a Shilen stainless steel barrel laid in a Brown Precesion fiberglass stock. The glass on top is a Leupold 2.5 x 8. Of course your gun could be a 30-06, 7MM etc. caliber. If you are a reloader the bullet selection is much easier that the gun. Use a Nosler Partition and don't look back.

Thanks for the welcome and for the suggestions, guys. Looks like the .30-06 is the favorite, as it has been for years.



Yeah, that. What has me considering starting from scratch with a new rifle dedicated to elk was uncertainty about how that 165 grain bullet from a .308 would do on elk at 300 yards. That had me thinking of bumping up to 180 grains which had me thinking that something with more MV than the .308 might be a better choice.

The .30-06 is a step up, but it's only a little step and not sure it's worth taking... which had me wondering whether to stand pat or go for a new rifle. It's looking like consensus is that the 165 grain 180 grain both will be good choices in the .308 if I decide to stick with my old standby.



Thanks for that. I sight in for MPBR and try to limit my shots to ranges within that envelope.

Winchester M70 EW (Extreme Weather- stainless/sythetic stock) Zeiss 3x9x40 from Doug at Cameraland in Talley Lightweight mounts
30-06
270
300 Win Mag
300WSM
270WSM

Any of those calibers would be my reccomendation. Personally I like the 30-06, then the 270, but I'm an old fart trapped in a 30yr old's body.

If you wish to go light weight, the Kimber Montana in 30-06 or 270 would be great, again talley lightweights, but maybe a FX3 6x

Like this:



Weatherby Vanguard Back Country
Leupold FX3 6x42
.30-06
Handloaded 180 gr. Nosler Partitions

P

Elkyri, The elk wont know which head stamp is on your brass, if one of your 308s is lite enough to carry in the hills you're done.

Don't doubt your .308. This nice 6X6 was taken by a good friend at 488 yards with a .308. Hit broadside through both lungs, he never made it 10 feet. We waited for three hours for him to stand up. Finally he got up to stretch and change positions. I'll never forget how he looked when he stood there in the bright sunlight before the shot.

The 30-06 is only a step up if you are a handloader really. Most factory 30-06 loads are pretty much the same as a .308 velocity wise, talking factory ammo.

And I have seen elk drop like lightning from 150's in a 30-06, ballistic tips

That hat does demonstrate a bit of sartorial splendor, doesn't it!

I can't tell you how many moose and elk I've shot or seen shot with the .308. Scenarshooter and Mule Deer ain't kiddin' - it's plenty, and there are lots of bullets that will work well for that application.

With elk hunting, it usually isn't shooting 'em that's hard, it's findin' 'em.

Fixed that for you, Bob. Admittedly, I'm an unabashed fan of Ruger bolts...

Cartridge would be something between a .270 and a .300 inclusive.

CH: Yes Rugers, too I'd be as comfy with one as the other.

I sure wished McMillan would make an Edge for the Ruger.

raybass: I think Brown makes one,at least they did.We've had quite a few, but not recently.

aint much i wouldn't do with a .308, if it was in the right rifle...

wondering if your .308s aren't maybe a G3 and an FAL???

i'd as soon choose a wife for you, as i would a rifle... if you've got a fair sized gun store anywhere near you check out these 3;

the winchester model 70 featherweight

the weatherby vanguard

the tikka t3light...

.338 Winchester Magnum
M700 Stainless
Williams SS ADL triggerguard
22" Lilja #4 (if memory serves)
McMillan MHKS (Mountain Hunter Kevlar Special)(discontinued)
Custom-painted by yours truly (retired )
Talley QDs
Leupold 2.5-8x36

7mm in a Rem 700 with a 3.5x10 Leupold...All the elk killing you will ever need and it's not 30 cal like you have already....

Personally I have a 300saum kinda tricked out a little that I would not give up for elk..

Would you consider anything that is NOT a bolt rifle? And NOT a Ruger #1?

No, bolts are it....But I am guessing you are asking the original poster...

- Win 70 EW 30-06
- Mcmillan Hunters Edge
- Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40 or FX-3 6x42
- Talley LW Mounts
- 180 gr Partitions or 168gr TTSX's

I caught that. Actually, the .308s are a Rem 7600 and a Krico 600. In case you have similar thoughts about the .223s you highlighted, they range from heavy barreled varmint and match rifles to a Savage 16 for coyotes.

Of the two .308s, the Krico is my favorite and the one that sees the most use. Very nice trigger (double set) and a stock shape that suits me perfectly.

... or pulling a tag for one out of the lottery!

ahh... now we're getting somewhere... i occasionally respond with the cartridge when someone asks me what rifle i am shooting, too...

and yeah, it was the cluster of .223s and the pair of .308s coupled with the question about elk rifles that spurred the thought of the G3/FAL...

if i had a setup like the krico, i would load up some 180 ballistic tips and go hunting...

I'm guessing that Krico would be just fine, if it points well, shoots well, carries well, & you won't get depressed if the stock should collect any "character marks" during the hunt. You can spend money and/or eat more recoil, but you won't get an elk any deader than you will with what you've got.

If you had to get another rifle, I'd pick one different enough to make it stand apart. Maybe...

* Synthetic
* Stainless
* Bigger &/or faster cartridge: .338 WM, .35 Whelen, or .375 H&H
* Fixed 6x scope

Or, maybe a lever action, like a Guide Gun, in .45/70 with a 2.5x scope.

Still, it's doubtful any other rifle would show a meaningful difference in killing ability vs that Krico.

FC

You, my friend, have no idea how lucky you are today!

Maybe it would be a good idea to check your horoscope and also buy a Lotto ticket?
Cause I would be willing to trade (sacrifice) you my proven on elk one-trigger Savage, that I painted myself! For that whatchamacallit rifle?
What-cha say?

Thanks for sharing that rifle with pictures here, that's cool!

The responses here make me comfortable that the .308 is going to get the job done if I can get drawn for a tag. Thanks for that, guys, and for the suggestions on what I might pick up as a dedicated elk rifle should I decide to get another just for the task.

Thanks for that very kind offer, but I'd hate to saddle you with such an oddball rifle covered with stock dings and even a little wear on the bluing. Nah, I just wouldn't feel right taking advantage of you like that.

I went with the T3 Lite in .3006

Elkyri - Well you have been given many GOOD options, including using what you have w/o spending more money. What FUN is that??

From your limitations 270-300mag, the 06 fits there nicely. However from smallest to largest Elk calibers the 300 mag (win mag, wsm) fits nicely in the middle.

I have experience w/cals from 223-375hh although not on Elk. I would pick either the Win mag OR the WSM. I absolutely love my Win 70 winlight in 300wm. It's light, all up, ready to hunt & shoot. It doesn't spin you around when shooting. And there are plenty of GOOD bullets for elk.

As for scopes, no one BUT you can pick the scope you like & fits your eyes.

You also have to pick the GUN that fits YOU. The rifle you pictured looks very nice BUT I can tell you it would not FIT me. Our bodies' ergonomics are too diff.
and I've never seen you. The Euro style (H&K style) does not fit me.

Good luck making your decision & elk hunting.
Jerry

Dang!

I mean how so very kind of you!

I don't see "wrong" answers. But I'd vote to give a 30/06 a try. Or use one of your .308 rifles.

Just some food for thought, but if you use that .308 you can use your new gun money for another trip...

Good point...

I'd go off the chart for true Loonyism and become a "churner" as one familiar gun writer termed us in an article:

Kimber Montana 84L in .280 Ackley Improved.

Or could go Classic Select if you like wood/blued rifles...

Good luck!

just curious?
question,for those that have used a 35 whelen loaded with 225-250 grain bullets ,on elk, and also used a 30/06, has anyone not seen good results with a 35 whelen,proper hits? as far as the results Ive seen its an improvement over the 30/06..am I wrong or just lucky? I know I had noticeably more reaction on bullet impact and shorter distances traveled with the whelen?
Ive used the 250 speer bullets almost exclusively, but results were very consistent

7MM Rem Mag is always a good choice.

There's your answer...

To the original question ...

I think anything from a .270 Winchester to a .375 H&H has a place in elk hunting somewhere or other in some condition or other. I'm inclined to go with smaller diameter and lighter bullets where conditions are such that I can place them with greater confidence and precision and with larger diameters and heavier bullets where I'm less certain. This isn't so much a matter of questioning shot placement as one of being able to be absolutely certain of angles and distances to vital organs.

There's a big difference between having 5-10 minutes to wait for a spike elk in an open clearing 200 yards away to turn juuuuust right and having a second and a half to put the hurt on the biggest 7x7 seen in 30 years as it hauls ass over logs and pounds through reprod. It's like deer hunting, bean field vs brush, with similarly different answers working best.

I think the ideal all around elk cartridge is a .338 win mag launching 225 grain accubonds. A Rem 700 XCR is a good platform. I'd suggest a Leupold 3.5-10X with the B&C reticle. If you want a short action, I'd suggest a Kimber Montana in .325 WSM. Same scope.

If what I had was a .270, Winchester or WSM, with 150 grain partitions, I would not feel like my rifle was inadequate.

I just prefer big, heavy bullets.

Tom

Should have mentioned it earlier, the elk in my avatar was killed with a 160 nosler partition from my .280 Rem. Range about 70 yards, angling almost directly away. Hit upper leg shattering bone and exited leg to enter base of neck to cut jugular and esophagus and lodge again the thick neck hide on the oposite side.It made it 50 or so yards and fell over.

I used to go Elk hunting with several(11)guys who all had Mag's of some kind. All i had was an 06, at first i thought i was under gunned but soon found out i had just what i needed. In the 3 years i hunted with them i brought down more animals than anyone else. In my opinion you want a bolt action the first Elk i shot at with an automatic, the round jamed you don't want that. You also want a cold hammer forged barrel for the best accuracy out of the box. Take a look at the Sieko TK3 it's the best for the money i've found.

all great answers. But for me a "dedicated" elk rifle starts and stops with a 338 win mag shooting premium bullets. a dedicated elk rifle needs to be able to handle the situation when the chips are down, ie bad angles and long range. Its all about stacking the deck in your favor as much as possible. Having said that my elk rifle is

Browning A-Bolt
300 wsm
leupold vxIII 2.5/8
180 gr NP/TTSX

After missing a nice bull this year(my 3rd one missed with my old rifle) while my brother and his friend knocked there's down I have done a lot research to purchase a whole new set up, I am looking a remington model 700 XCR 2 in the 300 ultramag cal. A lot of good reviews on the rifle itself, it can be purchased in other calibers also, my shots around here are anywhere from 100 to 500 yards. I am gonna go with a Nikon 4-16x50 bdc with warne mounts, this will be the last new rifle I buy so I am going all out, but all good reviews on all that equipment, hope it helps!!!!