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!

Take the 6.5 with the Partition...

.30/06

The 'o6 but not with an SST.................that's not an elk bullet, barely makes the bar as a decent (big) deer bullet.

165 Partition or AB or a 168 TSX is your huckleberry in that rifle.

MM

I'd take the one you feel best about, and are most confident with.

Ballistically there's not much difference. I'd go with the lighter rifle and bring the other one as a back up.

Bingo and it sounds like the 6.5-284 is that rifle. I'd be A-Ok packing that rifle for any elk.

I'm here. A 168 TTSX or 165/180 Partition. I'll do your load development - 58 gr IMR/H4350 under either bullet, Fed 210 igniter, done.

K- can load up some 165 partitions, have powder primer combo already here.

Thanks for thoughts fellas! Keep them coming......alot to learn.

Can't say the SST is the top of my list, but here are two 165gn SSTs from an -06 and recovered from a very dead 6x6 Bull.

If it makes you feel better, your 6.5 x 84 load is ballistically superior to a .270 Partition load, which is a universally accepted elk cartridge...

Agree. Used a SST on a mule deer. Blew up on front shoulder. Did not break front shoulder. Deer was flopping around from I guess the shock. My 357 revolver put him out of his misery.

Absolutely. I wouldn't use SST's if they were free.

Go with the Partitions.

Take them both.. It is foolish not having a spare👍 I would prefer a .30 cal. But elk have been killed with far less.

Just me,but, the 30-06 would be[and has been] my choice. I simply like a bigger/heavier bullet to anchor those elk. In my '06, for elk, I'll use a 200gr partition or a 165gr Barnes TTSX. Really like that Partition.

+1

Even as a resident, home is 5 hours away at best when I'm elk hunting. The only time i don't take a backup is when I know I'll have a partner the entire season and I'm familiar with their rifle. Shot my last elk with my buddy's 7mm RM because my rifle was down for the count.

Not sure you'd be required to be familiar with someone elses rifle, but that aside, take which you want. Big is alwyas there. Smaller, sometimes you have to pass or pick your shots.

I'd hunt elk with a 243 without a second thought, or a 338/378.... just like ANYTHING, and ANY round, you simply have to know your limitations.

Being I hunt moose with an 06 necked up to 338 many consider me undergunned.. Its not failed yet with a 210TTSX... and I have verified hard shot zeros to 600 yards....

Oh you went and did it now! Internet hunting experts are falling out of their chairs in their mom's basement right now.

Hey now!! I fell outta Ma's bean bag, not a chair! And she went to the store to get me some more Mountain Dew! Lol. Yeah, ya just kicked a hornets nest. Don't forget all the .280 guys.