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.

 

[roymunson]

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.

243 is heavier, not significantly. We'll just stay off the shoulder and liquify lungs if we need to.

 

[Hunter26]

Bigger the better and don't take a further shot than you can actually hit. There I said it!

 

[Choupique]

Personally my backup rifle is a crack barrel iron sight .45-70

Backup rifle decision is based solely on which rifle do I mind leaving in my truck at a trailhead the least.

 

[LongWayAround]

I don't think it matters. Odds are your backup doesn't come out of the truck. If it does, the vast majority of elk are killed inside 300yd.