Elk Rifle

[Teaman1]

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.

 

[Byrdman]

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**

I feel you should just shoot the 6.5 prc . Spend the money on a variety of bullets designed for heavier game and find what your rifle likes. Then get (or handload if you do that) a bunch of it and practice a lot. Shot placement is key within your rifles limitation. I took a 270 Winchester and didn’t feel under gunned. Ballistics are pretty close to equal of the 6.5 prc. Place a bonded or mono bullet where it needs to go and it will work fine.