Elk Rifle

[Hnthrdr]

Thoughts on the night force? I’m currently using a diamondback tactical scope which has been serviceable, but time for an upgrade.

Upgrade your scope. 6.5 prc is just fine

 

[W8n4rut]

Never go wrong with nightforce, I have a new mark 5 that I will eventually sell or trade on another or nx8.

 

[OKHunter84]

I bought a Tikka t3x lite 300wm, rebarreled with a proof research prefit in 7prc, iota stock, NF SHV 3-10 scope. It's 8 lbs 2 ounces unloaded. I run a can on it and recoil isn't bad. I'm liking it quite a bit.

I have a couple 6.5's and have had good luck with them but I like larger cartridges at times myself.

 

[specneeds]

I recommend vanguards or Tikkas when I’m asked about new elk rifles. Accuracy guarantees that they beat consistently with hand loads. I used an older Ruger very accurate 7mm RM for years successfully then moved up to a 300 Weatherby and can see the difference in how much faster it anchors elk.

Either will do the job I’d pick the 300 in your familiar vanguard with an excellent scope in great mounts & shoot it as much as possible in preparation so it’s your new comfort zone.

 

[Blackstewart]

So this year I drew a once in a lifetime elk tag in New Mexico. Haven't really had any exceptional tags or guided hunts up to this point, and have mainly used a 6.5 PRC to take deer sized and below game. Nothing as big as an elk. I also have a mountain goat hunt in the pipeline that if I can't upgrade, I want this rifle to be able to serve that purpose as well.

My total budget is ~$3k or slightly more if it makes a meaningful difference. I'm thinking putting $1k towards the rifle and $2k scope so my setup would be this.

Weatherby Vanguard 7mm rem mag or **300 win mag** (maybe tikka t3x lite with brake)?
Nightforce NX8 4-32x50

My vanguard shoots awesome so I’m thinking another one. Unless I was doing a custom build I can't see the juice being worth the squeeze spending an extra 1k on the rifle. Suggestions?

EDIT: **I truly appreciate all input on the cartridge, nobody is wrong if they shoot what they’re confident in, but recommendations on scope and rifle setup would be ideal**

Bought a used Remington 700 in .338 with Leupold 1.75-6 with Hvy Duplex. Shoot light for caliber 180 gr. Ammo.

Any rifle/scope combo capable of 1.5 MOA or better, .25 caliber or larger, with premium grade ammunition designed for the animal will work.

 

[tebanks]

I like my 6.5 creedmor with a bushnell 3-9x for anything less than 500 yards on elk. I don’t like packing more weight than I need to when I’m covering that much country. What range are you expecting to shoot out to?

 

[Blackstewart]

I’m no elk expert, only killed 2 elk.
If you just want a little fatter bullet than the 6.5, I like 300 wsm or 30-06 for “normal” hunting ranges.

Hard to beat a 180 grain accubond for elk.
200 grain ELDX worked great for me too.

Leupold vx3’s have been good on rifles that I just sight in and leave.
I prefer nightforce if I’m gunna be dialing for longer range.

Did you ever sell your TI .325

 

[deerhunter628]

I got a 7 PRC built by Unknown Munitions and love it. I put a Trijicon Tenmile on it. Thats a great package, and will be my elk rifle.

 

[RyanS612]

I used a Tikka T3 until I wanted a suppressor. I bought the Browning X-Bolt with a threaded barrel and threw a Gemtech suppressor on it. It’s a flip of a coin which one I prefer if they both had a suppressor. The Tikka is light and has a smooth action. X-bolt has a nice feeling action and you can open the action with the safety on. X-bolt also has a 4 rd magazine vs Tikka’s 3 round mag in .30-06. Not deal breakers but nice little perks to each gun. I have the Leupold VX5 scope with the CDS scope. I would spend a little of that 3k and
get a suppressor on the rifle.

 

[Teaman1]

Did you ever sell your TI .325

I did not, currently in the safe

 

[mad_angler]

For sure keep your gun and shoot it . Maybe upgrade glass . The difference in those 2 cartridges is minuscule

I think you were comparing his 6.5 creed and his proposed 7mm rem mag.

The difference between those two cartridges is far from minuscule. The 7mm has 25% more energy at 300 yards...

 

[Yoteassasin]

I think you were comparing his 6.5 creed and his proposed 7mm rem mag.

The difference between those two cartridges is far from minuscule. The 7mm has 25% more energy at 300 yards...

Nope 6.5 prc vs 7rem mag = minuscule difference ... but tbh if he had a 65 creed and was accurate with it odd say shoot it . Way too much thought is put in these cartridge conversations . Just hunt em up and make a good shot .

 

[dtrkyman]

Never thought I would hear a bunch of gun guys tell a guy not to buy a new gun!

If buying just due to caliber who cares, get what you want and have confidence in, I’m a bow hunter so I don’t even own any big game rifles! I have seen a lot of elk shot with a rifle and I would get a 300 PRC from what I’ve seen!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[armedhiker]

I just purchased a 7prc for elk hunt this season but have shot them with .308 & 300wm in the past.

 

[zrey]

I think anything the 7's would be the sweet spot. Anywhere from 280AI, 7mag, or 7prc. Weatherby makes light weight 280's and too many options still have 7mag or 7prc.

Bergara, Tikka, Christensen Arms Mesa, some savages or browning as well would fit into your price range. If you wanted to stay light weight on the scope, a Razor LHT would be a great option.

 

[Blue_Collar6166]

I run bergara b-14 7mm mag with leupold vx5 3-15-56.