Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Decision Time: Elk Rifle

So throwing this out to the 24hr brain trust- I have a Kampfeld Custom (700 action I supplied) 6.5x284 topped with a Leupold vx3i (4.5-14x40). I am handloading 140gr Partitions with excellent accuracy. I also have a Kimber 8400 30-06 topped with a Swaro Z3 (3-10x42) that shoots 165 gr SST very well (just some recoil here). Best to shoot? 6.5x284 by far easier to handle, little to no recoil. Most kills with? Kimber has laid down several deer.

First elk hunt in NW Colorado- was told shots would more than likely be less than 350 yds......so, which one to take? Anyone with real life experience to share? Over thinking?

Thanks!