Rifle for elk hunting

[slowelk]

Tikkas are horrendous for recoil. At the very least they require installation of a Limb Saver and they really should have the stock replaced with a better aftermarket version in anything .270 and above.

why replace the stock? Everyone knocks the tikka stock as “plastic”. It’s not just plastic, it’s a custom designed polymer that is about as rigid as it gets. A tikka stock upgrade is an aesthetics upgrade, not a performance upgrade.

 

[rootacres]

If you're a touch recoil sensitive a 30-06 or 308 will be plenty. My brother went 308 for elk and deer. On elk just know the limitations of the round. Otherwise a 7 rem mag or 300 win mag are both great options. My dad went 300 WM. I went with a 300 WSM because I could get a 30 cal magnum in a 308 sized package and I reload so ammo cost is marginally different between calibers.

 

[EmperorMA]

why replace the stock? Everyone knocks the tikka stock as “plastic”. It’s not just plastic, it’s a custom designed polymer that is about as rigid as it gets. A tikka stock upgrade is an aesthetics upgrade, not a performance upgrade.

Tikka stocks exacerbate recoil. Even a .270 can be uncomfortable to shoot with the poorly shaped Tikka stock.

An aftermarket recoil pad helps, but obviously adds expense. When chambered for larger cartridges, unless someone can actually live with one of those ridiculous breaks on a hunting rifle, then a better stock is the most reasonable alternative.

There is a reason you don’t see any Tikka .338 Win Mags in the woods.