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

[The Guide]

So you only shooting your .22 center fire at bow range ?

If I was limited to bow ranges, aka sub 60 yards, why wouldn't you use a 22 caliber centerfire cartridge?

Jay

 

[MtnW]

If I was limited to bow ranges, aka sub 60 yards, why wouldn't you use a 22 caliber centerfire cartridge?

Jay

If that’s what your plan is why not. Not very logical way of thinking

 

[Grillnugz]

I recently bought a 7-08, planning on loading up some 150 elds and taking it elk hunting this season.

If you reload get whatever makes you feel good. If you don’t, 6.5cm is a nice choice, much easier to shoot than a 308 (recoil/staying on target)

 

[mtnbound]

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.

Both will kill an elk with no issue; the 6.5PRC will have a better bullet selection with factory ammo. Most likely, you're gonna find more rifles chambered in the PRC.

My first recommendation would be a 6CM, but I understand that someone new to rifle hunting may not feel comfortable with smaller cartridges, so other good starter options would be a 308 or a 6.5CM.

 

[The Guide]

If that’s what your plan is why not. Not very logical way of thinking

I'll use a 22 cal centerfire from muzzle to impact. Impact is wherever I need it to be. I logically assess the needs and apply the limitations on a case by case situation.

Jay

 

[The Guide]

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.

There will be no issue from a 7mm-08 on an elk at your desired range limits. Within those limitations, you could also very easily use a 6CM or 6.5 Creedmoor. Both would offer lowered recoil and more ammunition availability over the 7mm-08 (as observed in my local area) as we have a tough time finding inexpensive precision practice ammo for my son's 7mm-08. 6.5CM quality bulk practice ammo can be found from $1.25 to $1.50 per round where as low cost quality 7mm-08 ammo is usually in the $1.75 to $2.00 per round range or higher. When I say quality, I define it as using a quality bullet and having the ability to sub 1.5 MOA groups and not some overseas ammo with a generic soft point that they won't share the BC of.

The 6.5 PRC is just a faster 6.5CM with more recoil, more expensive ammo, and more range than you currently need. I would rather see you shooting a bunch of 6.5CM and being really comfortable with a gun than having something a little faster that gets used less.

Jay

 

[nm.otter]

Quality 6.5mm Creedmoor practice ammo (BTHP target, suitable for LR use) can be had for about $1 per round if you're patient and you buy in bulk. Lower grade stuff maybe 85 cents.

You can beat those prices shooting .223 Remington; really tough to do that for less popular cartridges.

 

[Brap01]

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.

You're new to rifle hunting, but not hunting. Any of the calibers mentioned (223, 6 ARC, 6 CM, .243, 6.5 CM etc) will kill better than an arrow. So what you really need is a rifle that is legal for big game hunting that you'll be proficient with. LOTS of practice is the key. Buy a rifle that allows you to get that practice in terms of ammunition cost and low recoil (which allows for extended shooting sessions).

If .223 is legal where you hunt, get a .223, if not, get a 6 ARC. These rounds are more affordable, kill very well (with the right bullet) and will allow for extended range sessions so you can actually become capable with the rifle. Personally I prefer the 6 ARC but the price of 223 makes it a better combination of training rifle and hunting rifle, especially inside 300 yards.

Last year, my sons and I killed 2 elk and with 6 ARC and a couple more deer with a 6 CM. This year my 12 year old wants to shoot an elk with a .223 because he enjoys shooting that rifle. My family lives off game meat (and little chicken), so this is an important decision to me. I am confident enough in the killing ability of the .223 that I'll let him use that rifle if he wants even though that elk meat represents a significant part of our meat for the year. My point is that I'm personally invested in this strategy and this is not a hypothetical case or theory. I taught my sons to shoot using small cartridges, they've become better field shooters than many hunters and they're killing big game with the small cartridges (and so am I).

Practice thread:
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads...practice-shooting.165291/page-46#post-4744575

233 Kill Thread:
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/6mm-243-hunting-success-on-big-game.284525/

6mm Kill Thread:

Thread '6mm /.243 hunting success on Big Game'

Oct 28, 2022

With the success of .223 and 6.5 threads on big game, thought I’d throw this one into the mix.

Show and detail your results harvesting big game (deer, bear, elk, moose, African game) using 6mm/.243 cartridges. Please detail bullet, MV, impact velocity, and whether hand load or factory ammo.

• BjornF16
• Replies: 3,133
• Forum: Firearms

• 

 

[TradLife406]

You're new to rifle hunting, but not hunting. Any of the calibers mentioned (223, 6 ARC, 6 CM, .243, 6.5 CM etc) will kill better than an arrow. So what you really need is a rifle that is legal for big game hunting that you'll be proficient with. LOTS of practice is the key. Buy a rifle that allows you to get that practice in terms of ammunition cost and low recoil (which allows for extended shooting sessions).

If .223 is legal where you hunt, get a .223, if not, get a 6 ARC. These rounds are more affordable, kill very well (with the right bullet) and will allow for extended range sessions so you can actually become capable with the rifle. Personally I prefer the 6 ARC but the price of 223 makes it a better combination of training rifle and hunting rifle, especially inside 300 yards.

Last year, my sons and I killed 2 elk and with 6 ARC and a couple more deer with a 6 CM. This year my 12 year old wants to shoot an elk with a .223 because he enjoys shooting that rifle. My family lives off game meat (and little chicken), so this is an important decision to me. I am confident enough in the killing ability of the .223 that I'll let him use that rifle if he wants even though that elk meat represents a significant part of our meat for the year. My point is that I'm personally invested in this strategy and this is not a hypothetical case or theory. I taught my sons to shoot using small cartridges, they've become better field shooters than many hunters and they're killing big game with the small cartridges (and so am I).

Practice thread:
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads...practice-shooting.165291/page-46#post-4744575

233 Kill Thread:
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/6mm-243-hunting-success-on-big-game.284525/

6mm Kill Thread:

Thread '6mm /.243 hunting success on Big Game'

Oct 28, 2022

With the success of .223 and 6.5 threads on big game, thought I’d throw this one into the mix.

Show and detail your results harvesting big game (deer, bear, elk, moose, African game) using 6mm/.243 cartridges. Please detail bullet, MV, impact velocity, and whether hand load or factory ammo.

• BjornF16
• Replies: 3,133
• Forum: Firearms

• 

This.

Recoil is no joke. Guys try and say "real men can handle recoil". I hate playing the ethics card, but I could argue that it's far more ethical to use a .224 round than a 30 cal. Especially for a new to average shooter.

Even yesterday doing some training with my 223, I was starting to feel some target panic creeping in towards the end of a light session. There's no reason for it because it's like shooting a loud 22 lr.

I know with my daughters the best thing I did for them was to go to a 22 Creed. People say the 6.5 doesn't recoil much. But the oldest scoped herself with her 6.5 C barrel. You take a lightweight 6.5 C and a 90lb human and it's basically a magnum for an adult. Lessons learned. With the small sample data of four deer last year I think the 22 Creed had better terminal performance too. And we didn't have any rodeos. The second oldest had to follow up a bad shot on a doe. But it wasn't like the circuses we had with her older sister and the 6.5 cm. 6.5 CM definitely is lethal. But the recoil can make it less so.

 

[Grillnugz]

This.

Recoil is no joke. Guys try and say "real men can handle recoil". I hate playing the ethics card, but I could argue that it's far more ethical to use a .224 round than a 30 cal. Especially for a new to average shooter.

Even yesterday doing some training with my 223, I was starting to feel some target panic creeping in towards the end of a light session. There's no reason for it because it's like shooting a loud 22 lr.

I know with my daughters the best thing I did for them was to go to a 22 Creed. People say the 6.5 doesn't recoil much. But the oldest scoped herself with her 6.5 C barrel. You take a lightweight 6.5 C and a 90lb human and it's basically a magnum for an adult. Lessons learned. With the small sample data of four deer last year I think the 22 Creed had better terminal performance too. And we didn't have any rodeos. The second oldest had to follow up a bad shot on a doe. But it wasn't like the circuses we had with her older sister and the 6.5 cm. 6.5 CM definitely is lethal. But the recoil can make it less so.

People develop a flinch even with air guns. If you look at Olympics/international air pistol competitions a decent amount of people wear some type of ear protection (even though it is not required).

The other day I shot a rifle that I went from suppressed to a brake. Suppressed the rifle was a solid 10 shot 0.8moa gun, with the brake my groups were 1.5moa +. Loud bangs make a difference.

Back to the initial cartridge question, 6.5cm is the way, especially with the new +p ammo. No reason to get a 6.5prc. I forgot about the new high pressure ammo in my initial response.

 

[WoodlandCritter]

Suppressed the rifle was a solid 10 shot 0.8moa gun, with the brake my groups were 1.5moa +. Loud bangs make a difference.

Not saying you're wrong, you would know better than me if you started pulling your shots, but a ~1lb weight cantilevered off the end of rifle can also have a pretty significant impact on barrel harmonics.

 

[Winnie]

We have 3 7-08s and never have any problem finding ammo. There are plenty of options in my mind. I don't think ammo availability is an issue. Love the 7-08s and would buy them again.

 

[eaglemountainman]

Either of your stated choices will get the job done.
My choice will always be a 7-08 pushing 120 TTSXs at 3170. I've been using that load on everything, for 13 years. I wouldnt trade it for a pretty wife.
This load, from a 6lb Montana, is well below your stated recoil threshold. (12.5 -14.5 lb)

 

[Pharmseller]

We kill elk with the 7mm-08. I’ll be carrying mine on opening day.