Elk capable cartridge for new shooter: 7mm-08 or 6.5 PRC?

[Shoujin]

New to rifle hunting, looking to get a cartridge that will be used 90%+ for deer, but elk capable (not borderline).
I’m looking at low-moderate recoiling (~15ft-lbs) cartridges since I don’t think I’ll be able to handle higher recoil and would like to learn good shooting fundamentals without hamstringing myself from flinching.

I’m used to getting close from bowhunting and expect I’ll be a mediocre shot while learning, so planning to only take shots within 200-300yds.

With those parameters and what I’ve read, I’m looking at the 7mm-08 and 6.5 PRC. They seem close-ish in recoil, but 6.5 has better velocity, while the 7mm may have better effect on tissue destruction from the larger round?

Both are plenty for deer, but I’m wondering if one has the edge for elk? Would like to just get comfortable shooting 1 rifle rather than getting a separate magnum rifle that I can’t shoot. Thanks in advance, happy to know what other options would work as well.

 

[TxxAgg]

Anything 243 and up will work fine. Think more along the lines of bullet construction and impact velocity.


Take a look at this thread, and you’ll feel good about it.

P

Thread '.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.'

Jun 3, 2019

DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ 176 PAGES? HERE'S THE CHEAT SHEET.

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“Bullets matter more than headstamps.”

“Spent primers offer the supreme tutorial”.

I’ve read it here and elsewhere online. It got my attention. I started digging and asking questions and listened.

The 77gr TMK delivered by a .223 is where I ended up after many discussions and objective data regarding bullet performance and numerous pics of field results.

Now for the delivery system. Accurate. Repeatable. Reliable. Reasonable weight to afford steady shot placement and the ability to spot my own impacts...

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[WoodlandCritter]

Step down to 6.5cdm. Even from a 16" barrel it'll schwack an elk within 500 yards.

 

[Samson7x]

Either will work, but I personally use a 6.5 PRC and have great success with it both elk and whitetail.

 

[TradLife406]

I'd argue for 22 or 6 creed depending on state laws.

 

[Taudisio]

Either will be fine out to the yardages you have provided.
243/6cm
6.5cm/260 rem
7-08/308
Any of those will do fine.

The fudds won’t bat an eye if you pick the 7-08, 308, or 6.5prc. They may question you if you use anything smaller and you aren’t a child. Even though the other calibers will work perfectly fine despite the shooters stature. That argument is like going to the gym and picking weights based on others perceptions. It may be important to some, but others couldn’t care less.

 

[WCB]

If you are thinking about the 7mm-08 just get a 6.5 Creedmoor. A lot more factory ammunition options and firearm options. and to the distances you are talking the elk won't know the difference. Then when Federal's 6.5 +Peak comes out you can give that a try and have 6.5PRC performance anyways.

 

[eric1115]

@TxxAgg and @TradLife406 have given excellent advice.

.223 (with the right bullets, there are a few good ones but the 77TMK is THE .223 bullet) creates completely sufficient tissue damage for killing elk effectively. A .223 with poorly selected bullets will give underwhelming terminal performance. I 100% do not blame you for thinking right now that we're all crazy for suggesting this. Until I looked at the photos and read lots of peoples' accounts of how well it worked, I was at best skeptical. Read that thread with an open mind and see where the facts and evidence lead.

A 6mm with the right bullets (ARC, CM is easy and available factory ammo, .243 is tough if you don't hand load) is an easier pill to swallow if you aren't ready to jump in the deep end of the "small cartridges are totally adequate for killing elk" pool.

Edit: I applaud you for your realistic expectations, and your priorities are right on. A rifle you can shoot a lot of productive practice rounds with is going to end up serving you MUCH better than one that looks better on paper but the thought of a 50 round range session makes you squirm because it's $200 in ammo and a tender shoulder. If you learn to shoot, you'll be deadly no matter what the rifle is. If you don't learn to shoot, you won't be effective no matter what the rifle is.

Shot distances of 200-300 yards are, in a weird way both easier and more difficult than you think. With a small amount of practice (thinking of a lot of 50-100 round per year casual hunters) you can shoot that far and usually be OK. But there will be some rodeos at that range with that practice schedule. Lots of guys can make 70% of their shots on a vital size 10" target at 250 yards at the range. Quite a few (but less than we think) can make 99% if they have a bench or prone rest, at the flat range, same target and shooting position for all 100 shots. The number of guys who can make 99% hits on vitals at 250 in unfamiliar terrain, from field positions, with changing wind conditions, angles, etc is tiny. TINY. They are the guys shooting many hundreds, probably into the thousands, of practice rounds of positional practice, getting away from the bench and off their belly. I know this is getting outside the scope of your original question, but it's relevant. Get a rifle you can afford to shoot a LOT if you want to build proficiency. If we don't want to shoot a lot, then we don't need a rifle that extends terminal performance capability past the 200-300 yard mark.

 

[Jusgunn3]

Don’t need a PRC but it’s coolish, I like the 7mm-08. 6.5 creed is cheaper and more factory ammo.

 

[ckt3]

Out of those two prob the 7mm-08. Out of any cartridge prob the 6 or 6.5 Creed. The latter if you think you’ll do a lot of target shooting with it.

 

[LongWayAround]

I can't help but find some humor in being "used to bowhunting" and wanting a centerfire rifle that is "not borderline."

Put a good, destructive bullet from basically any centerfire in the vitals and it's going to wreck more tissue than a broadhead.

 

[43.6N]

Both are plenty for deer, but I’m wondering if one has the edge for elk?

No edge to be had. Both are well above any “threshold” for killing.
So are the 6.5creed, 6mm creed, and 243 Winchester. 223 will even get it done.

Would like to just get comfortable shooting 1 rifle rather than getting a separate magnum rifle

Good on you for setting a reasonable expectation.

You just need practice. You wouldn’t expect a new bow hunter to shoot well without practicing.
Pick a rifle you can afford to train with. All ammo is expensive. Some calibers are less than others.
Factory PRC ammo is especially expensive.

I would suggest 6.5creed. It’s not fast, but shoots efficient bullets. Quality ammo is reasonably priced. Build your foundation on this gun before your season starts.

If for whatever reason you don’t want the creed, the 7-08 is an awesome cartridge.

Also buy yourself a 10” steel target and a way to hang it. Set it up 300 yds. Then practice going from standing fully packed, to hitting your target in 15-20 seconds. Practice that drill until you absolutely cannot miss.

Good luck on your upcoming hunt

 

[RyanT26]

If I had a pick between those two, I would pick 6.5 PRC.

Otherwise, I would recommend a 6.5 CM

 

[dsotm]

6.5CM would be fine, but 7mm-08 is God's cartridge