Low recoil rifle for elk, deer, etc. but .270 or larger caliber

[Mcsmith]

I’m looking to buy a new rifle. I have a 5.56 and a .308 savage axis. Even with the upgrades I’ve done I can’t stand shooting the savage. The wife is encouraging me to get a new rifle so I’ve been looking at a Tikka in 6.5CM. Only issue is that I live in ky and if you get drawn for an elk tag the caliber has to be .270 or larger. My thought is to go with a 7mm08 for slightly less recoil and somewhat better in the wind. Is that a better caliber or what should I look for instead? I plan to go out west eventually so I’m keeping that in mind. With my .308 I can shoot consistently to 600 but only hunt to 300-350 max. I would really like to do a 6.5 but I’d have to switch rifles if I go for elk and I’d rather have 1 rifle that I can be very confident with. I completely agree with the ability of a 6 or 6.5 and the low recoil does improve my shooting. What would you get? I do not reload but I’m in a position right now that I could stock up on ammunition to get plenty of range time before deer season

 

[Wizzum]

Don't reload --> 270 / thread

Flat, variety of weights offered, nearly ubiquitous. Good to go for everything in north america.

 

[ReddingArcher]

I don’t any experience with one, but what about a 6.8 western? I don’t know that it’s gonna be around for the long term but it’s one to look at. Also 280 Ackley. My 280 AI is pretty easy on the shoulder. It can be tougher to find ammo locally but there’s plenty online. It is another one that’s kind of a boutique cartridge but it checks your boxes.
How likely are you to draw an elk tag in KY and how far down the road could that be?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

A 6.5mm CM or PRC could easily handle elk. But, since you asked for .277 caliber or larger, get a .270 Winchester, 7mm08, or .308. If you want to be super cool, get a 7x57. If you want the easiest option, get a .270 Winchester.

 

[Speaks]

270 is a great gun, high velocity, manageable recoil. Its my favorite of the classics.

 

[Mcsmith]

I’ve considered going the 270 route but I feel like I can remember it being a much sharper kick than my .308. It’s also been awhile since shooting one though. I’m not afraid to shoot a something with more recoil but I’ve definitely seen the benefit of shooting something with much less recoil. Faster follow up and spotting my own shots has been a huge plus. 6.8 and .280 have more recoil than 270 so I’d lean towards the 270 on that. And it’s cheaper to feed.


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[Wizzum]

I’ve considered going the 270 route but I feel like I can remember it being a much sharper kick than my .308. It’s also been awhile since shooting one though. I’m not afraid to shoot a something with more recoil but I’ve definitely seen the benefit of shooting something with much less recoil. Faster follow up and spotting my own shots has been a huge plus. 6.8 and .280 have more recoil than 270 so I’d lean towards the 270 on that. And it’s cheaper to feed.


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If the 270 is too much of a step-up in recoil that only leaves 7mm-08 as an alternative to 308. 7mm-08 is a great caliber, but not nearly as ubiquitous as 308 or 270. I would stay with 308 if you aren't going to go the 270 route.

If you are recoil sensitive but want flatter shots and a bit more horsepower for a bit more recoil, go the 270. There's plenty of options in the 130gr class that will do the job well and are widely available in factory ammo.

 

[TNHighlands]

My .270 was the least pleasant rifle i ever owned.

Have had three 7mm Mag's including a tikka superlight that recoiled less for whatever reason.

 

[Mcsmith]

If the 270 is too much of a step-up in recoil that only leaves 7mm-08 as an alternative to 308. 7mm-08 is a great caliber, but not nearly as ubiquitous as 308 or 270. I would stay with 308 if you aren't going to go the 270 route.

If you are recoil sensitive but want flatter shots and a bit more horsepower for a bit more recoil, go the 270. There's plenty of options in the 130gr class that will do the job well and are widely available in factory ammo.

Haven’t shot a 7mm08 to have as a reference, may just have to borrow a 270 to test again


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[wesfromky]

The odds of drawing that tag are so crazy that I would not base any buying decisions on the outside chance that you draw.

That said, if you just don't like the actual rifle that you have in .308, maybe just get a .308 tikka and add a can, plus better optics.

 

[Macintosh]

7mm08 is for all practical purposes a 308 with a 140gr bullet. One option is to just shoot the managed recoil loads in 308 for practice. They kill deer just fine at the ranges you mentioned. You can use a spicier load if you feel you need to for elk or whatever.

 

[Mcsmith]

The odds of drawing that tag are so crazy that I would not base any buying decisions on the outside chance that you draw.

That said, if you just don't like the actual rifle that you have in .308, maybe just get a .308 tikka and add a can, plus better optics.

Ive known a few people who have been drawn so I definitely have my hopes up but I know realistically that it probably won’t happen. Gotta have dreams though… haha I know better. I don’t know why but I can’t justify buying another rifle in 308 if I’m going to keep this one. Just feel a little more variety would be nice. And .308 performance is lacking compared to other options when I look at recoil, wind drift and energy. I can adjust for elevation easy so that doesn’t concern me. That being said my main complaint for the .308 is cycling. The bolt lift is awful even with polishing, longer bolt handle and a bolt lift kit. I could use this as a “single shot” on the off chance that I get drawn and just buy the 6.5 and have better odds out west. I bow hunt as well so I put in for the archery draw too. And with the 6.5 I could still hunt in other states around here if I somehow got drawn. I have family with plenty of guns as well if I had to borrow something leading into the hunt. Just practice a lot more going into it. The fundamentals stay the same, probably just focus my training towards the lower recoil rifle.


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[Yoder]

I have a 270, 30-06 and a 308. I don't really notice any significant difference in recoil between them. My 270 is the most accurate, but that's probably more the rifle than the caliber. (It's a Savage ) I think the biggest thing is to get a rifle you are excited about, whatever caliber and you will shoot it way more and look forward to it.

 

[wesfromky]

probably just focus my training towards the lower recoil rifle.


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Have you been through the .223 / 6mm / 6.5 success threads yet? The match bullet thread and the why the shift to the smallest thread? Those are worth going through if you are looking to buy something new

And, add a silencer now as well. I can't see myself ever shooting without one again.

 

[Mcsmith]

I have a 270, 30-06 and a 308. I don't really notice any significant difference in recoil between them. My 270 is the most accurate, but that's probably more the rifle than the caliber. (It's a Savage ) I think the biggest thing is to get a rifle you are excited about, whatever caliber and you will shoot it way more and look forward to it.

The savage is very accurate, I just can’t stand the function of it. I can keep it steady and cycle the bolt, you have to muscle it too much. Everyone I’ve had shoot it has complained about it. I’d be interested in another savage but never another axis.


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[Mcsmith]

Have you been through the .223 / 6mm / 6.5 success threads yet? The match bullet thread and the why the shift to the smallest thread? Those are worth going through if you are looking to buy something new

And, add a silencer now as well. I can't see myself ever shooting without one again.

I have and that’s why I want one. I’ve done a ton of research on it for a few months. But for the elk hunt in ky if I ever were to be drawn I’d have to use something .270 or larger, so I was trying to find something that would meet that criteria incase I was ever that lucky. I’ll probably get a 6.5 creed for deer, coyote, training, and out west.


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[Yoder]

The savage is very accurate, I just can’t stand the function of it. I can keep it steady and cycle the bolt, you have to muscle it too much. Everyone I’ve had shoot it has complained about it. I’d be interested in another savage but never another axis.


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I was just busting balls. Most of my shots are more like 60 yards than 600 so I have a lot lower standards.

 

[Mcsmith]

I was just busting balls. Most of my shots are more like 60 yards than 600 so I have a lot lower standards.

I’m blessed to have a family farm to shoot on that has that long of shots. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to. But that’s also prone, with a bipod and sandbag. Off hand shots are more in the 200 yard range on a 6inch gong. I’m definitely not the greatest shot, but I do try to push myself to improve every chance I get


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[ResearchinStuff]

What are the draw odds on that tag? Not high enough to plan your life around, that's for sure

 

[nm.otter]

• Buy a .223 or 6MM ARC in a good stock. Shoot it -- a lot.
• Sell the .308 and put the money into ammo.
• Hunt almost anything in North America out to 400+ yards with the right bullets.
• If/when that elk tag arrives, buy the .270+ rifle you want, taking into account all the cool stuff you learned over the past few years.