Timber Rifle for Elk...what one?

[DiabeticKripple]

Looking to purchase/build a bush Elk rifle. Looking for some insight on deciding on the right rifle/cartridge for the job. Want a .308 cal or .338 cal sending 200 to 225 grain bullets for Elk in Alberta bush and cuts. I would say 90% of shots would be under 400 yards absolute max.

Options

1. I have a Kimber Montana 84L in a 270 that I could turn into or 338-06 or 30-06. Weighs 5pds 8oz bare. Holds 4 down
2. Looking at a Kimber Montana 8400 “fat belly” action in 338 win mag. Weighs 6pds 13 oz bare. Holds 4 down.
3. 300 PRC, not sure which one yet. Not really a bush gun but can shoot bullet weights I want and also a better long range rifle if I need it.

I like the fact that the 338 win and 300 PRC have good factory options, but I do reload. I am thinking recoil may be similar between the two Montana’s as their weights may even it out.

Thoughts on intended purpose?

Talk with Twisted Canuck on AO. He hes a custom 338 Fed that he absolutely loves.

 

[jayquiver]

Talk with Twisted Canuck on AO. He hes a custom 338 Fed that he absolutely loves.

Yeah, I was following his build thread on AO. I may do that but I already have a semi custom Kimber Montana in 7mm-08. I am leaning towards a 338-06 for my 84L. Found some Barnes 185gr TTSX last week could be a nice lighter option if they shoot well.

 

[robtattoo]

Big fan of .35s (& up) here. You can't go wrong with getting that .270 turned into a .35 Whelen.
You could do better by getting it taken to 9.3x62 though

I've posted them before, but my UCAP rifles are a rem 700 in .358 win & a rem 721 in 9.3x62. Both are more than capable out to 400yds. The scopes I have on them are more of a limitation than the cartridge.

 

[WestTex]

If you’re considering a muzzle brake, the mb muzzle brakes are awesome and only add 1-2 oz!

 

[WKB]

You'd be really cool if you got a Remington 673 in 350 Rem Mag. I hear that is the cat's pajamas for up close elk in the timbers and thickets.

 

[Shad71]

I'll stick with my 358 Norma Mag for said perpuses