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.