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

[UnckleBob]

OP's hunting in Kentucky, .270 caliber or larger is required in the regulations.

To answer the question though, I'd go for 7x57 as a first choice with 7.62x39 as another option.

It's like advocating buying a 223 Tikka in a state where a 6mm or larger bullet is required by law. It is funny to watch.

 

[ColPenguin]

It's like advocating buying a 223 Tikka in a state where a 6mm or larger bullet is required by law. It is funny to watch.

He can shoot 4 deer a year with .223 in KY.

Unlikely to draw a KY Elk tag. The caliber restriction is not a good reason to justify a rifle purchase now for a tag that you might draw in 20 years.

 

[Marbles]

It's like advocating buying a 223 Tikka in a state where a 6mm or larger bullet is required by law. It is funny to watch.

It is funny when people don't read and see the 270 is only required for a drawing elk tag that he might not draw for years.

 

[KenLee]

X-bolt 7mm-08 and 120 gr NBT. Can bump up to 140 gr NBT or 150 gr ELD-x for elk IF you want bigger. I wouldn't be scared to shoot anything round here with the 120.

Tikkas kick like mules for the cartridge you're pushing. X-bolt has spectacular factory recoil pads.

 

[KenLee]

He can shoot 4 deer a year with .223 in KY.

Unlikely to draw a KY Elk tag. The caliber restriction is not a good reason to justify a rifle purchase now for a tag that you might draw in 20 years.

Since when do we need to justify buying a new rifle?

 

[ColPenguin]

Since when do we need to justify buying a new rifle?

The caliber restriction is not justified right now for a tag not in hand. OP doesn't have a KY Elk tag but wants to treat this purchase as if it's only for that purpose.

He can just buy any centerfire rifle, hunt deer, and not pretend that the only justification for purchase is hunting KY Elk.

 

[EastHumboldt]

7-08 Tikka pushing 150 gr pills at 2800 fps doesn’t kick any harder than a 6.5 creed. Put a limbsaver on and It’s a kitten to shoot IMO. Course I learned to shoot and hunted with a 30-06 for 30+ years, so anything in the .308 family is not hard kicking to me.