Elk Rifle

[uthuntr]

Another vote for “keep the PRC.” Lots of animals in our crew killed at various distances out to 500-ish with 140 grain bullets from 6.5 creeds and 270’s. The fact that you don’t “feel good” about the 6.5 PRC doesn’t make it inadequate. This isn’t an “I like, I think, I feel” thing. Shoot a properly designed, rapidly expanding bullet like an ELDM/X or TMK at any animal on god’s green earth, and as long as you hit in front of the diaphragm above minimum expansion velocities, the end result will be a dead elk.

Put 1k rounds down range from various field positions (ie not prone or from a bench) at various distances before your hunt this summer and don’t think twice. More recoil will NOT do you any favors, more gun won’t help.

Agree with you on recoil but the 7 with a brake will kick similarly. Which I’ve never had an issue with. But If I’m willing to buy a bigger gun and upgrade my scope why not? You must admit a bigger gun has more leeway and damage even you argue it’s marginal. Anybody knows you don’t shoot anything unless you’re certain it’s dead on its feet, give two people the same gun and one might shoot and one might not. They’re both right. But i appreciate the input

 

[uthuntr]

If you didn't find it, how do you know what the amount of damage was or where the actual impact and path were?

I'm not sure what the second two sentences of that first paragraph mean.

Good luck with your search and your hunt. Shoot whatever you're confident in, but most of the input around here will be to spend that budget on ammo and practice.

The footage and elks reaction. Obviously not foolproof but 90% of my argument is vibe based to be fair. And to put simply, If you wouldn’t bet your life that what’s in your scope is dead when you shoot. Don’t shoot.

But I appreciate it

 

[Yoteassasin]

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

 

[atmat]

Lol dude do what you want and buy a bigger gun. Everyone here is telling you that you have waaaaaay more than enough gun, but you clearly don’t want to hear it based on your feel and vibes.

 

[uthuntr]

Lol dude do what you want and buy a bigger gun. Everyone here is telling you that you have waaaaaay more than enough gun, but you clearly don’t want to hear it based on your feel and vibes.

Lol dude, if you don’t have any suggestions on scope and rifle you’re welcome to carry on. The thread isn’t titled “do i need a new elk rifle?” I’m asking for people to comment on type of gun and scope that I would personally like to use for my elk rifle.

I’m sure you absolutely need every single piece of gear you’ve ever bought and couldn’t get by with what you already had

 

[uthuntr]

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

Yeah it’s maybe not the jump I’m hoping for, maybe 300 win mag with a brake. Any experience with the Nx8 scope?

 

[TaperPin]

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 (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**

The 7 mag has a great reputation, is easy to shoot, and the reason it’s become so popular out west is simply because it works so well. 7 mag and 160 gr Partitions have worked so well “upgrading” to something else for 500 yard shots is like buying a new mousetrap - buy it if you want, but there’s nothing wrong with the old reliable. I’ve shot 160 gr monos and got plenty of penetration, but small hole and slow results. Accubonds are also good, but I’m happy as a clam with Partitions.

I picked up a 6.5 PRC to replace the 7 mag I’ve used since the 1990s - to get with the times, modernize, and all that. The more I shot it the more it sunk in, it’s duplicating 270 win performance, not equaling the 7 mag. I’m happily back with the 7 mag.

It takes a big commitment of time and money to do serious hunting, and a second rifle is always a good idea. Every year we have guys panicked because something about their only rifle isn’t right and the season is only days away.

 

[atmat]

Lol dude, if you don’t have any suggestions on scope and rifle you’re welcome to carry on. The thread isn’t titled “do i need a new elk rifle?” I’m asking for people to comment on type of gun and scope that I would personally like to use for my elk rifle.

I’m sure you absolutely need every single piece of gear you’ve ever bought and couldn’t get by with what you already had

Alright, here’s my recommendation then: Savage 110 Precision in 338 Lapua topped with a Leupold VX-6. It’s the ultimate killing machine.

 

[Ajsomp]

Man you’re going to catch a lot of flak here because you’ve asked some questions that are answered here a lot. There is a whole drop test dedicated to scope selection

Swfa 3-15 mil
Swfa 3-9 mil
Swfa 6x mil
Nightforce NX8 4-32 mil
Trijicon tenmile 3-18 mil
Maven rs1.2 2.5-15 mil

6.5 PRC is more than enough to kill elk. Use 147 eldm. Shoot it out of whatever gun you have. Or get a Tikka stainless - I think UM may have got some of the new ones with threaded barrel.

But don’t say you’re open to suggestions being a newcomer to the forum and shut down people who have likely had the same questions you had once. And came back to shoot 6.5’s, 6mm, and 22 cal guns.

 

[uthuntr]

The 7 mag has a great reputation, is easy to shoot, and the reason it’s become so popular out west is simply because it works so well. 7 mag and 160 gr Partitions have worked so well “upgrading” to something else for 500 yard shots is like buying a new mousetrap - buy it if you want, but there’s nothing wrong with the old reliable. I’ve shot 160 gr monos and got plenty of penetration, but small hole and slow results. Accubonds are also good, but I’m happy as a clam with Partitions.

I picked up a 6.5 PRC to replace the 7 mag I’ve used since the 1990s - to get with the times, modernize, and all that. The more I shot it the more it sunk in, it’s duplicating 270 win performance, not equaling the 7 mag. I’m happily back with the 7 mag.

It takes a big commitment of time and money to do serious hunting, and a second rifle is always a good idea. Every year we have guys panicked because something about their only rifle isn’t right and the season is only days away.

I appreciate the input, I fear my 6.5 might leave me wishing a little. Not what you want to find out on a once in a lifetime elk hunt! 7 mag isn’t the biggest jump so I’ve thought maybe 300 win mag. But honestly would bet i wind up with 6.5, 7 mag, 300 anyways. A little redundant but covers everything and think this would be a great opportunity to add the 7.

Glad you to hear feel good about it

 

[180ls1]

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

A diamondback almost cost me the buck in my avatar.

NF is good! Upgrading scopes should be at the vest top of your list.

 

[bmart2622]

If you want to buy a new rifle just for the sake of buying a rifle, thats one thing but that's not the picture you painted. You wanted something bigger because you felt the 6.5 PRC was inadequate for elk which is just factually wrong.

 

[Ferrulewax]

Thread '6.5 Creedmoor/260 for Deer, Elk, and whatever else.....'

Dec 17, 2021

Seeing that the 223 thread is such a success, I thought maybe I would start one for the Creedmoor/260. Seems like people are asking a lot about using them and various bullets, especially for elk. I've used mine for the last few years almost exclusively. I have some pics of bullet damage, albeit not nearly as many as I should have, from a couple deer. I'll try to briefly describe the ones I don't have pics of.

If you have experiences, good or bad, post them up. Of course, pics are great, and add a lot of valuable information. Maybe it will take off, maybe it won't, but if it does it...

• woods89
• Replies: 1,501
• Forum: Firearms

• 

Keep your gun
1200 for maven RS 1.2 (alternatives are NF or SWFA)
1200 for supressor and stamp
spend the other 600$ on ammo

 

[uthuntr]

Alright, here’s my recommendation then: Savage 110 Precision in 338 Lapua topped with a Leupold VX-6. It’s the ultimate killing machine.

Now we’re talking. Might even wind up a few bucks cheaper. Haven’t considered 338 really, decent ammo availability? Feel free to disregard covid and Obama years

 

[atmat]

Now we’re talking. Might even wind up a few bucks cheaper. Haven’t considered 338 really, decent ammo availability? Feel free to disregard covid and Obama years

Yep, good availability. It’s kinda costly at $2.50/rd, but you don’t need to practice with it and you only need one for an elk.

 

[bmart2622]

This is starting to reek more and more like a troll job

 

[nm.otter]

6.5 PRC with 147 ELD-M factory ammo is lethal out to 900 yards. How much farther do you need to shoot?

 

[uthuntr]

This is starting to reek more and more like a troll job

Why even comment this? If anyone feels the need to say you don’t need a bigger cartridge. Great. I never said you couldn’t use a 6.5. But I addressed that after the first comment and edited the thread post. This whole website is based on stuff we don’t *need*. So i find it an odd hill to die on.

Or why can’t people just say “you might not need a new gun but if you’re set on it here’s my experience with <insert preferred gun> <insert preferred scope>” and those that have done that have been helpful and good interactions. But I have definitely learned a lesson

 

[keystone112]

#1. Upgrade your optic. Ajsomp gave you the recommended list. I would add to that the RokScope 3-14x44 that should be available later this year if that works for your timeline.

#2. I agree that the 6.5 with the right bullet will get the job done.

#3. If you do go to a larger, I left my 338 at home last year and brought my 30-06. I was able to practice and get fast follow up shots when it counted. What I’m trying to say is the recoil is what you want to avoid.

 

[uthuntr]

6.5 PRC with 147 ELD-M factory ammo is lethal out to 900 yards. How much farther do you need to shoot?

Wouldn’t say it’s a distance issue, feel like I need more even if it’s not the case. I don’t think 7mm is the remedy after this thread however. Might go 338 or 300