Elk rifle ????

[204chucknorris]

I will be new this year to Elk hunting and will need to purchase a rifle for this occasion. I am looking for a few opinions. Currently this rifle is going to be double duty. One will be Elk hunting and the other will be long range shooting. I have had a 270 prior and enjoyed it's ability, but am looking for something with more long range ability for other summer fun. Currently I am interested in a few calibers (300WSM/338EDGE/6.5X284/7MMSTW). Opinions?

[poohdog]

I love my 300 ultra mag.  But I shot a elk this year with my 270 short mag at 432 yards.  I trust both of them.  Its just a matter of practice.

[Rhinoron247]

300wsm has proven to be a vary stable caliber.  i have worked up various bullets and loads and it has become my go to gun.  Several options of manufactures but if your on a budget and looking for a solid platform go with the savage.  Drop out clips,  adjustable muzzle breaks,  fluted stainless and acu-trigger are all options you can get and still not break the bank.  

    

[carpsniperg2]

I like the 300's for longer range shooting myself. The 300wsm,300win mag,300 ultra, all 3 would be great choices in my book. If you didn't mind a price tag for ammo. I would also look at the 30-378 a great long range cal. But bare brass is 60.00 per 20 and 100.00+ for 20 loaded shells.

[TeacherMan]

I have a 338 RUM that I really like. Puts anything down really quick! With that said I have been reading a lot on the 300 RUM and I think that will be my next bear/elk gun with a 6-20 scope that adjusts for range.

[204chucknorris]

Actually I am on Savage's web site right now looking at options. I have really wanted to build a 338 edge, which would require a 300 ultra mag purchase and then more parts? Not sure this will be my direction after more thought. Really looking torwards the 6.5x284 or 300wsm. My brother in law has a howa in a 270wsm and it has proven to be a very good shooter.

[Alan K]

Any of the .300 calibers are great.  Personally I've got the .300 WSM and the small extra cost for ammo is negated by reloading. Love it!

[204chucknorris]

I would definatly reload, since I had alot of fun reloading the 270 I had.

[jackelope]

Actually I am on Savage's web site right now looking at options. I have really wanted to build a 338 edge, which would require a 300 ultra mag purchase and then more parts? Not sure this will be my direction after more thought. Really looking torwards the 6.5x284 or 300wsm. My brother in law has a howa in a 270wsm and it has proven to be a very good shooter.

There's a few threads on here: http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php regarding the .338 Edge buildup from a Savage action. It's not that bad. Assuming you're talking long range shooting anyway, I assume a little building will be done.
 

[bobcat]

For long range shooting, if that's what you're wanting it for, I'm not sure why you'd consider the 300 WSM?

You might as well go with the 338 Edge if that's what you really want. The 300 WSM is not much faster than the 30-06. Not that it's not a good elk cartridge, but you want something for long range, and you said you already have a 270 (which will shoot just as far as a 300 WSM).

The 6.5x284 would be good, but again, you said it's for long range AND elk hunting, so you might as well go big.  

[D-Rock425]

What about a 7mm mag can't believe it hasn't come up yet.

[bobcat]

What about a 7mm mag can't believe it hasn't come up yet.

 For long range shooting? It's barely any better than a 30-06.     (unless you're talking the 7mm Rem Ultra mag)

[jackelope]

7mag is what most of the Best of the West guys are shooting. The BC of those 7mm Berger VLD's is ridiculous.

[bobcat]

How far do they shoot elk?  (I've never seen the show)

And are they shooting standard 7mm Rem Mags? Or STW/Ultra Mags?

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I have been doing some looking as well and I think I would go for a .338 (win mag or rum).  The reason why I would pass on a .300 is that while reading my Speer book, the velocity is not a huge step up from a 30'06.  I figure I might as well get a rifle that is a real step up from what I currently own.  Not saying the .300 aren't great elk rifles, but I just like to have a variety of choices and if I am spending the coin, might as well get a .338 since I have a .30 cal already and have a long range rifle that can throw some lead, a lot more lead than my '06.  On another note, I have always believed that if you are a good shot, the .270 or 30 '06 are great elk guns, I think that the desire to shoot a big magnum is purely mental, you don't need it but when you shoot something that big, you aren't thinking you don't have enough gun and you can relax a little more.  thats just my