what cal.for trask unit elk

Dblugil · 09-08-2008, 08:22 PM

My girlfriend would like to elk hunt with me this year and i have a few choices of calibers. I use a 35 whelen and she didnt like the recoil last year when sighting in. Other calibers in my gun safe are as follows:
7mm mag
7mm08
308
what ammo?
Thanks

No Fences · 09-08-2008, 08:51 PM

7mm08

DRUNK COWBOY · 09-08-2008, 08:54 PM

Which gun fits her the best? I am more about accuracy than I am about caliber. Find the right personal fit and good things will happen. I do like to go to a larger and heavier bullet, but will still choose accuracy ofer anything any day...

DC

crobarr · 09-08-2008, 10:43 PM

7mm08 or 308. any over the counter load for either 1 is more than enough for an elk.

thresher · 09-08-2008, 10:55 PM

that and its the trask where there wont be any Very long range shooting. So i would lean to the 308 and just get a good bullet

nakoa · 09-09-2008, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dblugil

My girlfriend would like to elk hunt with me this year and i have a few choices of calibers. I use a 35 whelen and she didnt like the recoil last year when sighting in. Other calibers in my gun safe are as follows:
7mm mag
7mm08
308
what ammo?
Thanks

308 185gr i a freind use mine when his scope went bad one year, and he said when he shot her she flipped over and died where he shot her.

DogZilla15 · 09-09-2008, 07:10 AM

This is a tough decision simply because women generally don't handle the recoil like guys. This can lead to buying cartridges not suited for elk hunting. Maybe with more shooting experience she'll find something more up to the task than the cartridges you mentioned.

Remember, when sighting in rifles the shooter is subjected to far more recoil than one would normally experience in hunting situations. Might try some softer shooting handloads till she's comfortable with them and then step up. Your 35 is a real thumper on both ends and plenty of guys would find it excessive. I shoot a .338-'06 Imp and my wife has no complaints. She doesn't particularily like the .375 but my .300 H-H she shoots well. She's a whimpy city girl.

Gun fit is very important in recoil reduction as well as the weight of the gun so don't ignore these things.

ehunter · 09-09-2008, 09:02 AM

Take her out and let her decide all those calibers will kill a elk I will say this again and maybe get flamed but its really bullet placement and in todays world there are lots of good bullets. Let her decide which gun and then look for the best bullet for the gun for her. I have seen several elk drop like a rock with a 308 150 grain remmy and they didn't twitch? Is she likes the gun she will be williing to practice more and the fit is important to practicing more. good luck

STRUTTIN-1 · 09-09-2008, 09:12 AM

Shot placment is #1.This wont happen if she is uncofertable with the gun.All calibers will kill elk.I would recommend the heavist load she is able to handle.Even though you may not take it THERE are long range shots in the trask.7mm if she can handle it.You do not want to chase a wounded elk.I do believe bigger is better.

shaggy357 · 09-09-2008, 11:10 AM

All are good calibers. Show her the 7mm mag and 35 whelen ammo then show her the 308 and 7-08. Explain the latter two will kick less. Let her pick the "pretty" gun and take her out shooting.

Steve

No Fences · 09-09-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thresher

that and its the trask where there wont be any Very long range shooting. So i would lean to the 308 and just get a good bullet

More than plenty of long range shots come from this unit.

blacktail hunter · 09-09-2008, 04:43 PM

any of the above will work.

hillbillygoat · 09-09-2008, 05:05 PM

All good choices, whichever fits and shoots best.

south county · 09-09-2008, 05:07 PM

308 Win. shooting 168 gr. Barnes triple shock bullets = A deadly combo. It has worked well for my wife. Whatever you choose make sure the length of pull fits her well.

Dan360 · 09-09-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dblugil

My girlfriend would like to elk hunt with me this year and i have a few choices of calibers. I use a 35 whelen and she didnt like the recoil last year when sighting in. Other calibers in my gun safe are as follows:
7mm mag
7mm08
308
what ammo?
Thanks

It will come down to gun fit. A rifle that fits poorly will have more felt recoil. Ideally, the 308 would fit the best because you could use something like a 180 gr Nosler Partition. Federal's High-Energy load has a muzzle velocity of over 2700 fps, which is plenty suitable for elk. The 7mm-08 would work in a pinch, but I would chose a tough bullet like a Barnes TSX or Nosler Partition. Its too bad that there are no 150 gr loads with premium bullets. If you handload, a 150 gr Swift Scirroco might be a good choice.