I just got done using mine for first rifle, works decent for a tripod head but the real benefit is being able to run off a trekking pole mono style. Some days call for going light and fast, losing the tripod is 3# and you still get somewhat stabilized viewing.
I'd definitely bring a fly rod, lots of trout up there. I ran into one of the guides from flat tops wilderness outfitters and by day three they didn't have a bull on the ground. Elk density seems to be extremely low and with the full moon during first rifle it seems what elk were there were...
Hunted 25/26 for first rifle, half a dozen shots opening day and not a single shot after that. Didn't see a single elk taken off the mountain and lots of people pulling out on the 3rd day. Elk density seemed to be low compared to what I've heard.
Grendel is a great 300 yard and under gun, perfect for young kids or anyone sensitive to recoil. Palmetto State would be on the cheaper end probably mid 5's, I wouldn't go less then that and obviously you could spend double that if you desire but not needed.
As you can see hard cast are what most people carry and for good reason, fmj's are a softer alloy and the copper jacket itself is rather soft which lends itself to flattening and deflection. Skip hollow points all together, a wound channel no matter how wide will do you no good in this...
6.5 grendel has a handful of decent deer bullets with enough energy to 300 yards. The 300 blackout is a cool round especially suppressed, but for hunting purposes the bullet selection is limited and the energy falls off rather quickly. Under 200 yards either one will take a Wisconsin whitetail...
Christensen Mesa fft 6.5 prc, kahles 3.5-10x50, Hawkins featherlight rings. 7.3# hunting weight. If I add my suppressor it's 8# even and incredibly soft recoil, with just a muzzle break its still has quite a bit of jump due to the light/short barrel, not bad recoil but fast rotation so it can be...