Which rifle for elk hunting?

[Cass Via Jr]

I have always been an archery hunter but went rifle hunting and had a blast so I’m looking to get a rifle now for elk and mule deer hunting....I have no idea what caliber to get or what rifle I want but I have been reading and I stuck between these rifles : Christensen Ridgeline, Seekins Havak, Fierce Fury....looking at around $2k for the rifle and I’ll top it with a Maven RS.1 scope. Any recommendations or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


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[JohnyRingo]

If I were you and not set on a specific caliber and $2,000 was my limit, I would look at a 300 WinMag in either the CA Ridgeline or Browning XBolt Pro. Both of them are upper-end factory rifles and the 300 WinMag is a do-all big game rifle with a lot of bullet options.

 

[CorbLand]

Lots of good information in this thread.
Elk rifle question

 

[wind gypsy]

Ridgeline and Fury are great all around options, both have stocks that flex more than is ideal though. Havak is a bit heavier/bulkier built with more of a long range prone shooting focus. I'm disappointed with the accuracy of my 300 WM Havak and would recommend against one in that chambering. It seems people with the 6.5 havaks are shooting well though.

 

[Cass Via Jr]

Ridgeline and Fury are great all around options, both have stocks that flex more than is ideal though. Havak is a bit heavier/bulkier built with more of a long range prone shooting focus. I'm disappointed with the accuracy of my 300 WM Havak and would recommend against one in that chambering. It seems people with the 6.5 havaks are shooting well though.

Is 6.5 enough for elk though? That’s my only worry with that caliber?


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[JohnyRingo]

Elk are big animals and the shots can sometimes be long and difficult in rugged terrain. I wouldn't shoot anything less than a 30 Cal Mag, but that's just me. I just had a buddy loose a big bull trying out his new 6.5 Creedmore. I tried to convince him not to use it, but he did anyway. He sold it within the next week. There will be plenty of guys who will say they shot a gazillion bulls with much smaller rifles, but if you can handle the recoil, with or without a muzzle brake, then I think you should use a big gun on elk.

 

[CorbLand]

Is 6.5 enough for elk though? That’s my only worry with that caliber?


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There is no disputing that a 30 cal will hammer elk and carries enough when there is a questionable shot. I have seen a couple elk killed at the helm of a 6.5 Creedmoor and I killed a cow at 410 yards with mine this year. But they all have been perfect shots. I dont think you can go wrong with either.

 

[Outdoorsman12b]

Choose a rifle that you enjoy picking up. As far as caliber I agree with the 30s, but that is only because that's what I have the most experience with. I have never seen or shot an elk with a 30-06 and wished it was more dead.

 

[mtmuley]

There is no disputing that a 30 cal will hammer elk and carries enough when there is a questionable shot.

This is why I like a big .30 for elk. I know other cartridges work, but sometimes elk hunting doesn't go perfectly broadside and calm. I like the insurance. mtmuley

 

[deerhunter628]

I really like my Kimber Mountain Ascent. I got the .308. Next year i might be tempted to carry my Christensen Arms MPR in 6.5 creed

 

[Leadfeather]

Don't rush in to it shoot several rifles and go with the heaviest caliber in the weight gun you are interested in that you are comfortable with.

 

[LaGriz]

Cass Via Jr,
I would suggest you consider the .280 REM or the .280 AI. Less recoil than the Magnums in a standard long action. Should be able to tolerate
the recoil without a muzzle break. This caliber can be had in many lightweight rifles and would serve you well in IMHO. In less open terrain where the shots will be most likely be under 350 yards I would also be tempted to use my 338-06. This choice will also fit a standard length action and allow 4 rounds in the magazine. Beyond that distance the .280 might be more desirable. Shot placement is of course the key, but I would not feel under-gunned with either choice. pick your poison!

LaGriz

 

[theleo91386]

Cass Via Jr,
I would suggest you consider the .280 REM or the .280 AI. Less recoil than the Magnums in a standard long action. Should be able to tolerate
the recoil without a muzzle break. This caliber can be had in many lightweight rifles and would serve you well in IMHO. In less open terrain where the shots will be most likely be under 350 yards I would also be tempted to use my 338-06. This choice will also fit a standard length action and allow 4 rounds in the magazine. Beyond that distance the .280 might be more desirable. Shot placement is of course the key, but I would not feel under-gunned with either choice. pick your poison!

LaGriz

Pretty solid advice here. I use both a 338-06 and a 280ai, favoring the 280ai for more open country, and they've always come through for me. If I could have only one I'd keep my 280ai because it gives me more room for hand loading for particular situations but the 338-06 is a definite thumper on critters inside 250 yards.