BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

Wings · Newbie Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Colorado

First of all, I know this is a can of worms...But I am having a difficult time making a decision so I am asking for some opinions...

I am hunting elk this year in Colorado (New to elk, not to hunting). The area I am hunting is very familiar to me and should present shots in the range of 75 to 300 yards on several animals over the course of 6 days. (1st season, oct 10-15, mix of steep open slopes and deep timber, and a lot of elevation change within each quarter mile...10300 to 12000') I own three rifles, a tikka T3 in 30-06, a Ruger M77 in 7mm rem mag, and a custom 338 win mag. I can produce range groups of 1-2" with any of the three using 180 grain remington corelokt (220 for the 338). The tikka is obviously the easiest to carry, due to weight, and has the cheapest ammo, the 7 is dependable but heavy and the 338 is a bit rough on the shoulder as well as heavy. (the 7 weighs about 10 and the 338 about 9.5, compared to 6.5 for the tikka). I have hunted deer for many years using the the 7 and been very happy, the tikka is new and the 338 was built for Kodiak island bear. I am packing in (on foot) about 5-7 miles so weight is pushing me towards the 30-06 ( I expect to be hiking about 2-4 miles a day).

I have three questions...

1> With solid 1-2" shot groups at the range, is there any reason to switch to a "premium bullet" vs. PSP Core-lokt remingtons? (I zero at 200 yds and can get these groupings at 300 consistantly with any of the three rifles)

2> Given the above scenarios, which rifle would you carry and why?

3> What elevation would you expect to find the most animals at during the early season.

Any other tips, advice, or opinions are certainly welcome...

Thanks Think

henry wilkins · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:32 am Post subject:

I'd go with the Tikka,but then I'm a -06' guy. It will kill an elk and is lighter,you will notice it.

SoCoKHntr · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:08 am Post subject:

I say go light, your lungs and legs will thank you in the deep timber. The -06 will get the job done and the 338 at nine pounds will be unforgiving if your humping the steep and deep. At seven pounds the 7 Mag will also be a good choice.

exbiologist · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:52 am Post subject:

You didn't mention what bullet weight Core-Lokts you'll be using. I wouldn't shoot an elk with the 150s if it could be avoided. I have no doubt it will kill one if you do your job, I just like something with more sectional density when using conventional construction bullets.

alsatian · Buck Master Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 66

Use the .338. You've got one, why not use it. During early season, the elk will be up around treeline -- that's about 12,000' in much of Colorado.

Bull Buster · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:15 am Post subject:

sounds to me you have already made up your mind. The 06 is your lightest gun and you shoot it well. Get a well constructed bonded bullet and have at it. I have shot 23 elk in my life and they all have been shot with the same 30-06. I use 180gr federal premium accubonds. Very rarely do I need a follow up shot however I do beleive in the shot them until they are on the ground theory on the larger bulls.

rather_be_huntin · Sportsman Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Posts: 527 Location: Utah

I would carry the 30-06 with the 180 gr core-lokts. They aren't the "best" elk bullet but they are plenty especially with the groups you're shooting. The biggest reason why is because it's the lightest and that will be gold when hunting elk.

I don't know the area you are hunting but in general will the will be at higher elevations until snow pushes them down.

Good luck.

PS - Are you sure that you aren't shooting 175 grs out of the 7mm? It doesn't really make a difference I've just never seen anyone offer a 180 gr bullet for a 7mm Rem Mag and was just curious about that.

ElkFreak · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 3:57 pm Post subject:

I have to agree with some of the earlier posts. Use the rifle you shoot the best. A factor that tends to influence me also is susceptibilty to the environment--does one rifle take a beating and a rainstorm better than the others?

Wings · Newbie Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Colorado

The 7mm is a 175 grain, so close to the 180 that I often group them in the same category.

Thank for the opinions.

smitty1hunter · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 7:59 pm Post subject:

I don't know how far you will be shooting but, I kind of like a 7mag since it shoots a bit flatter and go with at least a 175 grain. A half pound heavier may not be a huge difference and seems like a good compromise. If you feel more comfortable with the '06 though use it. Good luck!

onzaman · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:49 pm Post subject:

Cool sling Thumbs up

?

dbarr50cal · Newbie Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 4

moderator · Moderator Joined: 27 Jan 2002 Posts: 7655

It got deleted because it was an ad! Not only was it an ad, but it was off-topic for this thread. I suggest you review the rules on this forum.

http://www.biggamehunt.net/forums/rules.html

billythekidrock · Sportsman Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 470 Location: OlyWa

I would also suggest the one you shoot the best, and know the most about. Trajectory could be an issue with the .06 after a couple hundred yards, but if you are familiar with how it shoots then go for it.

Last week I killed this Roosevelt with my .270 shooting 130 grn Power Points. I had the option of a STW in 7mm and a 300 Win Short Mag, but I have used the .270 for more then a dozen years and I know it inside and out.