Backup Rifle for an elk hunt

[roymunson]

I have my primary gun all lined up for an elk hunt next week. Very happy with it. I'm driving so I have the room and would like to take a backup gun in case stupid happens. I'll be in Wyoming, and my 2 backup guns are a 243 Winchester that I have dialed well out to 400 yards, or a 25-06 Remington 700 that's dialed to 300 but with holdover I could probably make 400 happen.

I'd probably say I consistently put the 243 where I want it more often, but only marginally so.

If you've got a choice, are you taking the 2432 (Which is heavier) or the 25-06 in case of an emergency?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

You know the limitations of each rifle. With a good bullet, I would be comfortable shooting within my known limitations. With a well-placed hit from a good bullet, the animal won’t know the difference.

Based on what you have suggested, I would take the .243 because it sounds like your confidence in that rifle is higher.

Edit - I wouldn’t take a holdover shot as you described it. That is asking for trouble, in my opinion.

 

[roymunson]

out to 300 yards, the 25-06 shines. But If i need to put a hole in lungs i'd rather use an adjustable turret on the 243 (the 25 cal doesn't have that scope). But a 95 grain SST at 400 yards isn't exactly awe inspiring.

 

[schmidty3]

out to 300 yards, the 25-06 shines. But If i need to put a hole in lungs i'd rather use an adjustable turret on the 243 (the 25 cal doesn't have that scope). But a 95 grain SST at 400 yards isn't exactly awe inspiring.

Is one significantly lighter?

My "main" rifle this year is a 9# 25 prc. Its a 1000 yard gun by the numbers.

My "backup" is a 20" 556 AR that i built to be under 6#.

On my deer hunt...if im looking straight up a mountain and I think my shot is going to be sub 400, or maybe my legs are fatigued or Injured.... I might just grab that AR.

Point being. I like varied uses versus having 2 of the same thing. I havent had a gun issue requiring a backup since I've been a competent adult

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I would take the one the feels the best and shoots the best. I am a big fan of 25-06, I shot one for 60 years. Just remember with a lighter bullet, shot placement, and then shot placement again!!

 

[Pescetism]

I'd lean 243 unless it's over 11 lbs. I wouldn't worry about 8.5 lbs vs 9.5 lbs if you shoot the 243 better.

No qualms about using that bullet at 243 speeds out to 400.