Is My Rifle Too Much?

[ColeKira]

I got a GREAT deal on a Springfield Waypoint in .300 win mag, brand new, never fired. I got an even better deal on a Nightforce C429. So I decided to make this my rifle for my Idaho elk hunt in Selway. The rifle looks about 6' long and 30 pounds. Not really but kind of. My other option would be my Bergara Wilderness Sierra in .308.
I'll say that I'm in much better shape than most 51 year olds but not most serious elk hunters. I've completed a few triathlons and have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a decade. I'm currently rucking and feel confident that I'll be in shape. My question is, having never hunted Idaho, am I over gunned?

 

[mtnbiker208]

No

 

[ResearchinStuff]

How well do you shoot it from field positions?

 

[BigNate]

Do you shoot it well? First thought, then how far of a shot are you comfortable with?

 

[HairyScandinavian]

With that combo you'll have to ensure to hike backwards to at least 600 yards or more if you want any meat left.

As long as you can shoot it well that's all that matters. The 308 would be great too though, no issues there if you're worried about it.

 

[Ross]

No….as noted contingent on how you shoot it

 

[graniteghost]

My brother carries a waypoint in 7mag on backpack trips with no major problems. His gun shoots great too, taken multiple animals with it. You’ll want a heavier rifle in the chambering you have anyways to shoot it better. I don’t think you’re over gunned, and really they aren’t terribly long. Unless you suppress them. If you shoot it well, I’d bring it.

 

[mad_angler]

No. Lots of elk have been killed a 300 win mag.

Practice with it and figure out your effective range - something like how far can you hit an 8" circle EVERY TIME from field rests. (actual elk vitals are bigger than 8" but you also have to factor in being out of breath and the excitement of the moment. Also, the actual terrain will be much less level than your practice terrain)

 

[bipock]

A decade of ju jitsu… you should wrestle the elk!

 

[wildwilderness]

I would take a 300 wm over a 308 on elk every time as long as I shot both equally well. the 300 would give me a few hundred extra yards of range, and definitely more thump on closer shots. I like to overkill elk, they are the toughest animals imo.

 

[Aussie Dan]

My question is, having never hunted Idaho, am I over gunned?

Only if you cant shoot it well

 

[jimh406]

If you go practice, you'll find out if you can't shoot it.

Carrying a pound or two more won't be that big. You probably can easily leave 1-2 lbs out of your pack.

 

[BCDJR]

I got a GREAT deal on a Springfield Waypoint in .300 win mag, brand new, never fired. I got an even better deal on a Nightforce C429. So I decided to make this my rifle for my Idaho elk hunt in Selway. The rifle looks about 6' long and 30 pounds. Not really but kind of. My other option would be my Bergara Wilderness Sierra in .308.
I'll say that I'm in much better shape than most 51 year olds but not most serious elk hunters. I've completed a few triathlons and have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a decade. I'm currently rucking and feel confident that I'll be in shape. My question is, having never hunted Idaho, am I over gunned?

Selway can be steep and lot of timber. The 300 is a good choice

 

[Quandary]

I'd be willing to bet you are in better shape than 3/4s of the folks that post on Rokslide. I'd be in that group!

 

[EdP]

This question does not strike me as serious, the .300 WM being the most popular elk cartridge. It seems like more of a brag about your physical condition and martial arts experience. Take your ideal elk rifle and go hunt, have fun, and let us know how you did. Good luck to you too.

 

[N2TRKYS]

You’re gonna tote it more than you’re gonna shoot it. If that doesn’t bother you, then rock on!

 

[cnelk]

I rifle elk hunt with a 340 Weatherby.
I dont do Jitsu or Triathlons.

Seems to work for me

 

[RockAndSage]

I got a GREAT deal on a Springfield Waypoint in .300 win mag, brand new, never fired. I got an even better deal on a Nightforce C429. So I decided to make this my rifle for my Idaho elk hunt in Selway. The rifle looks about 6' long and 30 pounds. Not really but kind of. My other option would be my Bergara Wilderness Sierra in .308.
I'll say that I'm in much better shape than most 51 year olds but not most serious elk hunters. I've completed a few triathlons and have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a decade. I'm currently rucking and feel confident that I'll be in shape. My question is, having never hunted Idaho, am I over gunned?

You're good man, for all the reasons mentioned above.

Your biggest issue will probably be oxygen and elevation, coming from NC. Anything you can do to acclimatize yourself before the hunt will pay off. It's easy to forget, and think you're just "out of shape" even when you know you're not - which makes it easy to overdo it and push yourself harder, inappropriately. Pace yourself based on heartrate and respiration, not what you think you should be able to do, and just be good to yourself.

 

[Choupique]

rifle elk hunt with a 340 Weatherby.
I dont do Jitsu or Triathlons.

Ill do you one better.

I rifle elk hunt with a 9 pound 26" .338 win mag
I am fat and live at 4 feet above sea level.
The rifle weight or length has never bothered me

I also have never killed an elk. Ive done a lot of armed mountaineering though!!

 

[ColeKira]

I should have stated that I'm a bow hunter and have only shot 6 or 7 deer with a rifle. Most with a 25-06 and all from a tree stand. And definitely not bragging about my jiu jitsu, I've been choked out by 120 pound women .......and didn't even pay for that!
I'm 5'7" 170 and can shoot it well enough for a few shots but it's not fun to shoot. I guess we will find out.