New Elk hunter

[dabearhunter]

I'm going to northern New Mexico in early October to hunt... I have my browning xbolt 30.06 with a 3x9x40 on it.. I've been told that's a little under powered.. Should I look into borrowing a larger caliber/scope for the hunt? Or would 30.06 be enough with a higher powered scope? Or just roll with what I got currently

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[kyle m]

Hey bud, your 30-06 is absolutely NOT under powered! Pick a good bullet, put it where it needs to go and you will be fine!

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[kyle m]

Also you're scope is plenty

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[KeatonMullenix]

You can listen to what others have to say but being confident with your setup is half the battle. I've known guys to shoot cows with a .243 and have success. That being said I would never do that. I shoot a Rem700 30-.06 with 165gr federal loads. They carry enough energy for your hunt. IMHO


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[dabearhunter]

Out to what range? I use remington 180gr core lokt now but I would definitely upgrade the bullet for better distance

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[awaldro7]

30-06 with a 180 grain accubond will easily take an elk further than most people can accurately shoot in the field. Take your 30-06 and have confidence in the rifle. It is all about shot placement.

 

[idahohikker]

Good rifle and scope.

Glass like crazy and they might still be bugling some in early October. Bring along an open reed bugle and cow call. Lightly use it. You might try waking roads/trails/safe ridges hours before light to get some responses if needed.

 

[dabearhunter]

This hunt is 100% guided.. My dad and I had the opportunity fall into our laps! Almost all expenses paid so I don't want to waste it lol

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[paleraider]

You have enough of a rifle. What I have seen from guides is they usually tell everyone to bring an f'ing hammer. Reason being is most hunters are not great marksmen so the extra "oomph" is extra insurance for piss poor shooting. IMHO it isn't that much more but I am not a professional guide.

 

[elkduds]

What you have now has killed more elk than any other single caliber and scope combination. No need to mess w success, especially when you are confident w your rifle. Like many others, I took my 1st elk w 30-06/180gr/3x9x40 scope, same one my dad took his 1st elk w, same one my nephew used on both his elk.

 

[mike.adams.467]

You can drop them in their tracks with a well placed shot. Good luck!


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[hobbes]

I don't think anyone could begin to guess the number of dead elk that would disagree with whoever gave you the "not enough power" info.

 

[Ghost]

If I was confident in the rifle and my shooting ability, Id shoot out to 500 yards with a properly stoked 30-06.

 

[dabearhunter]

What are everyone's thoughts on the 6.5 creedmoor?

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[JP7]

Dabearhunter,

180 grain corelokt's work great on elk when placed in the right spot.

 

[Ross]

You have plenty of gun More elk probably been Killed with that caliber than any other

 

[ATX762]

6.5 Creedmore is a real step down in killing power from a 30-06. Stick with what you got!!! A 30-06 flinging bonded 165 or 180 grain bullets is a slight step down from a 300 mag but the 30-06 and 300 mag are way closer in killing power than a 6.5 Creedmor and a 30-06.

You have a perfect setup. If you are worried, go put 20 or 50 boxes of ammo through your rifle. That will make more difference in your gun's killing power than anything else.