Elk Rifle

[uthuntr]

So this year I drew a once in a lifetime elk tag in New Mexico. Haven't really had any exceptional tags or guided hunts up to this point, and have mainly used a 6.5 PRC to take deer sized and below game. Nothing as big as an elk. I also have a mountain goat hunt in the pipeline that if I can't upgrade, I want this rifle to be able to serve that purpose as well.

My total budget is ~$3k or slightly more if it makes a meaningful difference. I'm thinking putting $1k towards the rifle and $2k scope so my setup would be this.

Weatherby Vanguard 7mm rem mag or **300 win mag** (maybe tikka t3x lite with brake)?
Nightforce NX8 4-32x50

My vanguard shoots awesome so I’m thinking another one. Unless I was doing a custom build I can't see the juice being worth the squeeze spending an extra 1k on the rifle. Suggestions?

EDIT: **I truly appreciate all input on the cartridge, nobody is wrong if they shoot what they’re confident in, but recommendations on scope and rifle setup would be ideal**

 

[atmat]

Just shoot your gun.

 

[uthuntr]

Just shoot your gun.

I should note I’m in the camp of not being super impressed by 6.5’s having been around 2 elk shot by them. One wounded and lost, another took 4 shots. I know placement is everything and that they have worked for plenty of hunters, but I’d rather just get a bigger gun

 

[atmat]

I should note I’m in the camp of not being super impressed by 6.5’s having been around 2 elk killed by them. One wounded and lost, another took 4 shots. I know placement is everything and that they have worked for plenty of hunters, but I’d rather just get a bigger gun

You’re on a website of folks who are devoted to using 223s and 243s to kill elk. You’re gonna get a lot of “keep it” advice.

I hunt elk exclusively with a 6creed, except when I’m in states that allow 223 — at which point I step down.

 

[mtnbiker208]

Get the bigger gun.
But I use a 338 for elk.

 

[Bigskybowhunter]

I just built a 7 prc off of tikka action, proof pre-fit barrel, McMillan Mountain Tracker stock, Hells Canyon Tikka Magazines, Mountain Tactical bottom metal. I’m into it for about $3000. Not including scope, barrel vise and action wrench.

 

[180ls1]

I should note I’m in the camp of not being super impressed by 6.5’s having been around 2 elk shot by them. One wounded and lost, another took 4 shots. I know placement is everything and that they have worked for plenty of hunters, but I’d rather just get a bigger gun

Just replicate your current gun in one of the 7mm or .30 cal varieties. I'd go 7prc.

 

[bmart2622]

Shoot your gun with the right bullet

 

[LongWayAround]

That extra half millimeter is really where the magic happens.

 

[uthuntr]

Just replicate your current gun in one of the 7mm or .30 cal varieties. I'd go 7prc.

Thoughts on the night force? I’m currently using a diamondback tactical scope which has been serviceable, but time for an upgrade.

 

[sndmn11]

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50

My vanguard shoots awesome so unless I was doing a custom build I can't see the juice being worth the squeeze spending an extra 1k on the rifle.

Suggestions?

156gr Berger started quicker than 2800fps, will accomplish anything you can throw at it.

There are better choices in a scope.

 

[uthuntr]

That extra half millimeter is really where the magic happens.

“Suggestions?” indicates I’m open to better ideas. All I know is I’m not confident behind a 6.5 if I see that once in a lifetime bull or goat

 

[sndmn11]

“Suggestions?” indications I’m open to better ideas. All I know is I’m not confident behind a 6.5 if I see that once in a lifetime bull or goat

That's a "you" problem, not an equipment problem.

Suggestion---> buy a 223 vanguard and set it up identically to your 6.5prc and train.

 

[LongWayAround]

You said your gun "shoots awesome." Just use it with bullets that start ELD.

You watched two people who don't shoot awesome eff something up.

 

[uthuntr]

You said your gun "shoots awesome." Just use it with bullets that start ELD.

You watched two people who don't shoot awesome eff something up.

3/4 shots in the boiler room. Lost bull was a little off but still a shoulder hit and should’ve done more damage. Anyone who knows anything knows you don’t pull a single trigger at anything unless you’re certain it’s dead. I’m not, though I’m sure someone else would be and they could be correct.

I will also have to reach out and confirm what they were using. I believe both 143 ELdx which is what I typically use

 

[bmart2622]

Practice, and use the gun that you have with the right bullet

 

[LongWayAround]

If you didn't find it, how do you know what the amount of damage was or where the actual impact and path were?

I'm not sure what the second two sentences of that first paragraph mean.

Good luck with your search and your hunt. Shoot whatever you're confident in, but most of the input around here will be to spend that budget on ammo and practice.

 

[Dave Chilson]

Buy six boxes of ammo and shoot five of them practicing to find out the max distance you’re comfortable shooting at game. Practice shooting from field positions and off shooting sticks/bipod etc. The more you shoot before you leave the less you will shoot when you get there. Good luck!

 

[nobody]

Another vote for “keep the PRC.” Lots of animals in our crew killed at various distances out to 500-ish with 140 grain bullets from 6.5 creeds and 270’s. The fact that you don’t “feel good” about the 6.5 PRC doesn’t make it inadequate. This isn’t an “I like, I think, I feel” thing. Shoot a properly designed, rapidly expanding bullet like an ELDM/X or TMK at any animal on god’s green earth, and as long as you hit in front of the diaphragm above minimum expansion velocities, the end result will be a dead elk.

Put 1k rounds down range from various field positions (ie not prone or from a bench) at various distances before your hunt this summer and don’t think twice. More recoil will NOT do you any favors, more gun won’t help.

 

[atmat]

Buy six boxes of ammo and shoot five of them practicing

…Per practice session. Then repeat a whole lotta times.