something new for out west?

[Tsarbomba]

So with roughly $1100 in Cabela’s points and gift cards, I’m looking to make a new rifle purchase. I currently have a Barrett Fieldcraft with a swaro 3-10. While I like the weight and the 6.5 caliber for whitetail, mentally it feels very underwhelming for a western hunt. I have nothing to back this up, other then buddies who have gone with larger calibers. I’ve always been 100% bow/shotgun hunter up until a few years ago. So I’m out of the loop on long/longer hard/harder hutting rounds. I know people will say “shot placement is everything” I agree 100%, but for the sake of not arguing that, what’s a good caliber/rifle/weight to look for going forward. Want ample time to put round down range and get comfortable.

 

[Rob5589]

I assume you are thinking the 6.5 (Creedmoor?) isn't enough for elk? If so, the usual recommendations apply; 7 Rem mag, 30/06, 300 Win mag, etc.

 

[Stalker69]

If you like the 6.5 but feel you don’t have “ enough”, I would personally get a 6.5 prc.

 

[AK Troutbum]

For what you're describing/wanting, a .300wm or wsm would be my recommendation. As far as rifle goes, how much are you wanting to spend? Are you okay with going over that $1100, or do you want to keep it only up to $1100. Also, is the $$ to include glass, or just bare rifle?

 

[Sobrbiker]

Ample time and solid position? Buy a case of Hornady ammo and practice a ton with the rifle you have, and spend what’s left on gear.
What distance are you comfortable making first round hits from field expedient positions? If it’s not 500yds or further a magnum isn’t going to make you a better shot.

 

[6mm Remington]

280 Remington Remington 700 CDL
280 AI Montana Rifle Company X2
30-06. Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather SS Ruger Hawkeye
300 WSM. Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather SS. or Montana Rifle Company X2.

 

[kipper09]

6.5 creedmoor fieldcraft
30-06 fieldcraft.

In my mind this will cover about anything in North America. I loved the fieldcraft in 6.5 I had first and just added the 30-06.


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[mxgsfmdpx]

By “out west” do you mean elk hunting? Or other larger animals?

I ask because your 6.5 is a very capable elk cartridge in my opinion. Plenty of energy down field at realistic distances.

Where and what do you plan to hunt?

 

[Tsarbomba]

Elk would be the biggest. I don’t reload, so the options seem limited for the 6.5cm in the 140’s range. I wasn’t thinking I needed an absolute monster of a round. But getting into the 160-180 range is what I was looking for. All shots will be sub 400 yards.

 

[HawkCreek]

400 yards... a simple .30-06 (or similar) with an equally simple 3x9 is more than enough.

 

[Sobrbiker]

143 ELDX out of my 22” 65CM. Plenty for Wapiti at the range your talking. Buy good glass.

 

[brsnow]

127 LRX is nice as well

 

[hodgeman]

For what you're describing/wanting, a .300wm or wsm would be my recommendation.

+1... a .300 will do it all, big to small...near too far.

 

[Brendan]

Elk would be the biggest. I don’t reload, so the options seem limited for the 6.5cm in the 140’s range. I wasn’t thinking I needed an absolute monster of a round. But getting into the 160-180 range is what I was looking for. All shots will be sub 400 yards.

Your creedmoor will be fine at those ranges, especially if you spend the money on ammo and practice...

With that said, if you "Want" another rifle, I think a 30-06, 300 WSM, 300 WM would be a good choice to round out the stable... Just note with the WSM and WM, you'll want something a little heavier to help tame the recoil.

Hard to go wrong with a 6.5 and a .30 if you're going to have 2 rifles...

 

[SEtoNWHunter]

My choice for elk is a Tikka 30-06 with 168 TTSXs. 7mm or 300 mag (WIN or WSM) would be hard to beat for a little extra, but unnecessary for the vast majority of shots on elk. I'd completely trust a 6.5 Cm with a 127 LRX too. Hard to go wrong with modern (like post 1906) cartridges and high quality mono bullets. Seen elk killed with .243 (a youth cow hunt), .308, 7-08, 30-06 (several), 7 RM, 300 WSM, 300 Win, 300 weatherby, 300 RUM. Honestly, the two ugliest/most drawn out were with a 300 wsm and 300 RUM due to bad initial shot placement. Just my experiences and opinions.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Elk would be the biggest. I don’t reload, so the options seem limited for the 6.5cm in the 140’s range. I wasn’t thinking I needed an absolute monster of a round. But getting into the 160-180 range is what I was looking for. All shots will be sub 400 yards.

With this information I'd stick with your rifle and save some money. Your 6.5 Creedmore is plenty of rifle for 400 yard shots on elk. Plus you know the rifle and are comfortable with it I presume? Knowing the rifle and being confident in your shooting is much more important than a couple hundred more ft lbs of energy at yardages that short.

 

[Hucker]

I agree with the 6.5CM being enough for elk. My son and I both harvested elk this year with the 147 eld-m bullets. Here is a pic of the blood loss from my elk with a broadside shot at 450+ yds:

 

[16Bore]

400 yards... a simple .30-06 (or similar) with an equally simple 3x9 is more than enough.

always the right answer

 

[2five7]

Your 6.5 will do just fine for Elk at that range. Practice, practice, practice. If you can't kill one at those ranges with that rifle, it's your own fault.

 

[HuntHarder]

30 cals are a better option for elk IMO. 6.5 creedmoor will work, but if you want another rifle, why not buy one. 30-06 or a 300 with a muzzlebreak would be my choice. I am glad that the 6.5 creedmoor will kill anything within a mile thought process is finally wearing off.