Another what should I use for elk thread

3weez3

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long time lurker first time posting, I know all three will be adequate but looking for opinions from actual elk hunters. I will be going on my first Colorado elk hunt in a few weeks. I have three options for rifles all will be with a heavy for caliber bullet. I will be hunting in the timber with my brother in law who has successfully been out there before. He said longest shot in the area we are going is 350 yards. I have a 16” 308 with a 1.75-5 scope being my lightest option. Next is a 300wsm with a 6-24 and third is a 338 wm with a 3.5-10 just wondering which of the three you guys would use. I am equally comfortable shooting any of them. Thanks ps he uses a 300wm with a 5-25 scope
 
If you truely can shoot all three the same, then I would say the .338. But rarely do you find someone who can shoot that big of magnum to the same proficiency of a smaller cartridge - my "big magnum" is a 7 rem mag.

You may also consider what scope is on those rifles - not trying to get into a scope pissing match - but if your 308 and 338 have a less proven scope to handle the abuse that can come from an elk hunt and say your 300 wsm is a scope brand that is more proven - that should fall into your considerations....
 
If you truely can shoot all three the same, then I would say the .338. But rarely do you find someone who can shoot that big of magnum to the same proficiency of a smaller cartridge - my "big magnum" is a 7 rem mag.

You may also consider what scope is on those rifles - not trying to get into a scope pissing match - but if your 308 and 338 have a less proven scope to handle the abuse that can come from an elk hunt and say your 300 wsm is a scope brand that is more proven - that should fall into your considerations....
Thanks, my 338 is a browning bar so it’s heavy but doesn’t recoil bad which is why I have no issues shooting it. The 300wsm has a Trijicon Tenmile which is definitely the stronger of the options although the other two haven’t given me any issues… yet
 
I'd prefer the 300wsm, but I'd also want a scope with lower magnification range hunting in timber.
I bought that gun with the intention to elk hunt just didn’t assume I’d be in timber. Might have to swap some scopes around but the 6-24 on it is a Trijicon and the strongest of my current scopes
Put the 3.5-10 on the 308 or 300 wsm.
I would do that but being a leupold from 1995 it makes me a little nervous
 
350yds on an elk with a 308 and 5x scope is perfectly doable. Pick your favorite 165-168gr bullet and kill stuff.
 
I would prefer the wsm. I had good luck with mine and I haven't had any issues with 6 power. That said I don't think the 308 is a bad second option.
 
If you truely can shoot all three the same, then I would say the .338. But rarely do you find someone who can shoot that big of magnum to the same proficiency of a smaller cartridge - my "big magnum" is a 7 rem mag.

You may also consider what scope is on those rifles - not trying to get into a scope pissing match - but if your 308 and 338 have a less proven scope to handle the abuse that can come from an elk hunt and say your 300 wsm is a scope brand that is more proven - that should fall into your considerations....
IMHO, 6-24 magnification has no business on a rifle that may be used on game inside of 50 yards. You give up way too much field of view to be useful when something happens sooner and closer than you were planning.
I would take the 338 only because the optic is more appropriate.
 
Leupold would be a hell no. Trijicon yes. Can you hit a 12” plate at 350yards consistently w the associated rifle?
 
Which one do you shoot the most? That is the one I would take.

Also, not to be a dick about it, but a "few weeks" before your first CO elk hunt is not the time to be making these types of decisions. This should have been decided about 6 months ago and the time between then and now should have been spent spending as much time shooting your chosen gun from expected field positions.

Make your decision and then spend the next "few weeks" shooting from prone, off of simulated (or real) tree branch supports, off your pack, etc. You may learn that no matter what gun you take, 350 yards may still be too far.
 
Which one do you shoot the most? That is the one I would take.

Also, not to be a dick about it, but a "few weeks" before your first CO elk hunt is not the time to be making these types of decisions. This should have been decided about 6 months ago and the time between then and now should have been spent spending as much time shooting your chosen gun from expected field positions.

Make your decision and then spend the next "few weeks" shooting from prone, off of simulated (or real) tree branch supports, off your pack, etc. You may learn that no matter what gun you take, 350 yards may still be too far.
Not sounding like a dick at all. Very true. I’ve had all the rifles over 10 years and am very comfortable with any one of them. Could grab any and be confident. I wasn’t planning on heading out there this year but plans change and I got the opportunity.
 
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