elk rifle

[fairweather]

I am going to upgrade my elk rifle. I want a lite synthetic stalk rifle that i will use for elk, black bear, and possibly a moose in the future. With a budget of $2000 dollars what rifle and caliber would you get and why? Most of the hunting will be done on the west side of washington with a trip to montana, alaska, wyoming or colorado thrown in some time. I am open to anything, just need some good ideas to look at.

thanks

[Big TULE]

You will get 100's of opnions, i will tell you what i use. I have a Ruger M77 Mk 2, in 300 win mag. It has a wide variey of bullets for game the size of deer all the way up to moose loads. You can find ammo anywhere. And with a good recoil pad it is not bad to shoot. 1 rifle for every animal you might want to chase.

[bigdawgwill44]

If it were me i'd look at the Weatherby Mark V series in either 300 win mag or 338 All Weatherby Mark V rifles are guaranteed to shoot a 1 1/2" OR BETTER 3-shot group at 100 yards out of the box, they even send you the test target to prove it.

[Elk Mania]

The 300 win mag it the all around best caliber money can by alll game from deer to Grizzly all you have to do is upgrade your grain depending on game size. I 've got a Rem. 700 CDL 300 I love it !!! flat balistics I't looks like you've got lots of money to spend to go check out christanson arms thaey make high quallity fire arms all sinthic stock and fluted, titianum or stainless barlles check em' out good luck

[Dan360]

My practical side would go with a stainless synthetic rifle of some type. I would choose something that is light enough to carry around, yet not so light that it kicked the snot out of me. I would choose a 30 caliber of some type because of its versatility. Anything in the 30-06, 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag. As you see, lots of rifles would fit into this catagory. I'm comfortable with Winchester M70s, Remington M700s and Kimber 84/8400 rifles, so I would buy whatever was available in the caliber that I was looking for. A Remington M700 XCR would be a great all-around rifle and would stand up to all weather. The Kimber 8400 would be the lightest and easiest to carry. I feel the Winchester M70 is as bomb proof as anything, and its my favorite rifle.

Any of those rifles would run you from $750 to $1100. Then, you could chose a quality optic to go on the rifle. Mid-range magnification of no less than 2 power and no more than 10 power would be my choice. The 3-9x40 is a hard combo to beat. The Leupolds and Swarovskis are some of the lightest and most dependable. The Zeiss Conquest is a great scope. I'd probably go Leupold or Zeiss to save money.

So, final answer after all that, a Remington M700 XCR in 30-06 or 300 WSM. 24 inch barrels make them easier to handle in timber than the 26 inch barreled 300 Win Mag. The finish on the rifle will make it nearly impervious to just about any weather. A Leupold VX-III 2.5-8x36 is a good choice, or the classic 3-9x40. That would put you at $850 for the rifle, $350 for scope with mounts and rings. Use the rest of your budget toward whatever other preparation you might need to do.

[Quaka Wacka]

I have three lightweight elk /deer rifles. Two kimber Montanas(7-08 & 300wsm) and one HS Precision(300wsm). The 7-08 is a tack driver to say the least. I haven't shot the other Kimber. And the HS Precision Lightweight has been a proven long (and short) range performer for me, and is consistantly around .75". The 7-08 and HS300 both weigh less than 7lbs loaded and scoped. The Kimber 300WSM is about 7.5lbs. If I had it all over to do, I'd save the money on the HS and just get a Kimber.

From what your saying, I'd stick with a short action to save weight (every once counts) and end up with a 300WSM. Generic, yes. But for a reason. A 7WSM would also do nicely.

With that 2000 dollar budget, is that for rifle only, or scope/rifle setup. If its just for a rifle, you could start off with a 700 titanium( or any 700 action and have it lightened) and have it customized. If its for both, Id say a Kimber Montana and Leupold VXIII 4.5-14LR with lightweight Talley rings/bases would be tough to beat.

There are lots of choices that would fall into the lite catagory, but 'lite' means different things to different people. So I guess it comes down to what your goal weight is.

[elkhuntr28]

Originally Posted by Quaka Wacka

Id say a Kimber Montana and Leupold VXIII 4.5-14LR with lightweight Talley rings/bases would be tough to beat.

Took the words right out of my mouth... thanks for saving me the typing.

[TheRogue]

Originally Posted by elkhuntr28

Took the words right out of my mouth... thanks for saving me the typing.

+1 for the Montana. Some people really love the 325WSM in that rifle...pretty stout cartridge for that light rifle, but good reviews.

My wife has the Montana in 270WSM with a Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10. Nice package...a little stout for her shooting full-house 150gr handloads, but can load it all the way down as well.

TR

[baltz526]

LITE is good. you can build a nice lite stalking rifle. first pick up a stainless rifle weatherby, howa, rem 700 long action with magnum bolt face, then get a good barrel installed 21" thin as you can stand. have it chambered for a popular cartrage 338win mag, 375 ruger, 358 norma. then put it in a ultra light carbon fiber type of stock with pilar bedding and real good recoil pad. mount a 2-7 high quality scope in very strong rings/mounts. find a load with a controlled expansion bullet

[Grantspastor]

There will be no consensus opionion, here. There are many good choices. For caliber I am a huge fan of the .338WM

[Big Billy]

get a 30 caliber with a 26" barrel for maximum velocity and a GREAT scope, I would spend half my money on the optics. IMHO 300win mag 300 weatherby 300 ultra -mag or my personal favorite the 30-378 with 180 grain barnes tri-shock bullet loaded with 120 grains HBMG

[Chinook Nut]

I have the .325 WSM Browning A-Bolt in the stainless stalker. Gun is about 5.6 lbs without scope and not a bad kick at all. I shoot a 200 grain Nosler Accu Bond and very flat, fast and accurate. Put a Zeiss 4.5 x 14 scope on and was decked out for about $1500. Good Luck

[fairweather]

thanks for the replys i have been leening towards the kimber in 300 or 325wsm just wondering if there was any lesser known rifles any body liked

[bo4elk]

I vote for all of the above. You'll get several opinions on this, from ballistics to optics to accuracy. But if you can only choose one, choose accuracy.

[fisher22]

Rem. 700 XCR 300 WSM. Enough said.

[genghis]

Originally Posted by bigdawgwill44

If it were me i'd look at the Weatherby Mark V series in either 300 win mag or 338 All Weatherby Mark V rifles are guaranteed to shoot a 1 1/2" OR BETTER 3-shot group at 100 yards out of the box, they even send you the test target to prove it.

Would you happen to know the dif between the MarkV and the Vanguard Special as far as the bolt and action. I was looking at one today at the gun store and it was a beautiful gun for the money. I love burl walnut. But the action is manufactured in Japan. Not sure about the MarkV action but I would suppose its better if not American made. Nothing against Japanese manufactures just don't want to compromise on the an important part of the rifle.

Just an aside for anybody reading: Man I couldn't find a Wetherby in 300 Remington Mag anywhere in town. Bib gun stores. 300 Wetherby yes but I want to use the more readilly available ammo.

[Bow Kill]

Originally Posted by fairweather

I am going to upgrade my elk rifle. I want a lite synthetic stalk rifle that i will use for elk, black bear, and possibly a moose in the future. With a budget of $2000 dollars what rifle and caliber would you get and why? Most of the hunting will be done on the west side of washington with a trip to montana, alaska, wyoming or colorado thrown in some time. I am open to anything, just need some good ideas to look at.

thanks

If it was me I would buy a good used Remington 300 rum or new one and get it to Earth pig
http://www.ifish.net/board/member.php?u=6094
and have him build you a tack driver out of it. You won’t be sorry.

[genghis]

I think I answered part of my own question. They are putting out the nicer rifles only in Wetherby Mag. The 300 Win Mag I could find is a Vanguard .... but the deluxe is a nice looking rifle. I'm still wondering about the action.

Originally Posted by genghis

Would you happen to know the dif between the MarkV and the Vanguard Special as far as the bolt and action. I was looking at one today at the gun store and it was a beautiful gun for the money. I love burl walnut. But the action is manufactured in Japan. Not sure about the MarkV action but I would suppose its better if not American made. Nothing against Japanese manufactures just don't want to compromise on the an important part of the rifle.

Just an aside for anybody reading: Man I couldn't find a Wetherby in 300 Remington Mag anywhere in town. Bib gun stores. 300 Wetherby yes but I want to use the more readilly available ammo.

[spottedhawk36]

i got a remington 7mm mag for elk hunting.

[ehunter]

I would also check out the Winchester new All weather rifles that are coming out this spring. I can't argue with a Kimber either. With that budget you could build a rifle as well good luck let us know what you decide.

[rum runner]

I have a well used .270 Remington 760 Gamemaster pump laying around somewhere that I'd be willing to sell for about that price....

[bigdawgwill44]

Originally Posted by genghis

Would you happen to know the dif between the MarkV and the Vanguard Special as far as the bolt and action. I was looking at one today at the gun store and it was a beautiful gun for the money. I love burl walnut. But the action is manufactured in Japan. Not sure about the MarkV action but I would suppose its better if not American made. Nothing against Japanese manufactures just don't want to compromise on the an important part of the rifle.

Just an aside for anybody reading: Man I couldn't find a Wetherby in 300 Remington Mag anywhere in town. Bib gun stores. 300 Wetherby yes but I want to use the more readilly available ammo.

Weatherby's barrels are made by Howa which is a Japanese company. Howa makes top quality stuff, don't even consider Remington, just my opinion. Vanguard is quality also i do know the Mark V is the upgraded model, extremely nice firearms. I will only buy weatherby from now on.

[dubl_t]

I vote for NONE of the above. Hunt with the rifle you got, use $1k to buy stock in casinos, and use $1k to hunt WY next fall

[baltz526]

Originally Posted by Chinook Nut

I have the .325 WSM Browning A-Bolt in the stainless stalker. Gun is about 5.6 lbs without scope and not a bad kick at all. I shoot a 200 grain Nosler Accu Bond and very flat, fast and accurate. Put a Zeiss 4.5 x 14 scope on and was decked out for about $1500. Good Luck

if i was spending my money, this is a package i would look seriously at. i would substitue the scope with a VX3 2.5x8x36 or a ZEISS mc conquest 3.5x10x44.

[pharmseller]

I have a Weatherby Ultra Lightweight in .30-06 topped by a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10 x 40mm.

Total package is under 7 pounds.
Excellent shooter and with premium bullets I can kill anything on this continent.

I shot clean through a 5x5 Cascade bull in '04 using Nosler Partitions. He went about 7 steps.



P

[coyote killer]

I hunted with a winchester modle 70 300 win for years. Then I moved up to a .30-378 wby mag in an accumark. The .30-378 wby mag is the hardest hitting, flattest shooting .30 made look it up. nothing made in a .30 cal can touch it balisticaly....... not even the 300 ultramag. I went with the .30-378 because I wanted to stay with the .30 cal for reloading perposes but I have 3 friends that went to the .338-378 which is the same case just necked to fit a .38 cal bullet. The guns are kind of spendy though.... the gun alone will run 1500 to 1800 alone depending on where you buy it but they are worth it. hope this helps you out.

[Mooch]

Are you planning on hunting big bulls every year?

In washington,you don't get to hunt mature bulls every year. Spike bulls and cows aren't hard to kill. A .270 Win or '06 are enough for them. I like a bit more for mature bulls. I've used a .338 WM for a long time. A .300 of you favorite brand is good as well.

Black bear are another that really aren't hard to kill,and really aren't as big as people think they are. I'd be willing to bet a decent Black bear in the NW averages much less than 300lbs. Again,a .270 or '06 is good bear medicine.

Not a huge fan of Kimbers. Too many stories of less than stellar accuarcy out of a $1000 rifle.

A Tikka T3 with a Leupold on top. Save the extra $1000 for a trip out of state.

[cooky]

http://www.gunsinternational.com/det...string=cid=229

Dude, its a BUDWEISER edition!!!!

[genghis]

Wetherby certainly has MY attention. Being old and an incurable romantic I just like pretty guns. Now my AR isn't really pretty but it doesn't need to be.

But for some reason as my life curve crests the hill, and I find myself thinking elk, I also have visions of burl walnut and deep blue steel. It's probably linked up with things I was imprinted with as a child. (Ever notice how guys often end up with a woman that sorta looks like his mother did when he was a kid?)

This yearning after pretty guns certainly narrows the field. Add in insistence on American or at least northern European manufacture and combine with some sort of budgetary sanity and the field gets very skinny indeed.

Between just standing at the counter and working the bolt and trigger given Wetherby, Remington and Ruger there is just no contest. Add in the accuracy and I don't really know. Which one has a guarantee? .......yep

Problem is this Japanese angle but then my Nikon is a very good camera and sometimes you cannot fight an irresistible current. My Browning shotgun is real nice and it has Japan on the barrel.

More research is required.

[Dan360]

Originally Posted by fairweather

thanks for the replys i have been leening towards the kimber in 300 or 325wsm just wondering if there was any lesser known rifles any body liked

When you look at choosing between the 300 or 325, just do some research on how many successful 30 caliber cartridges there are in America and how many successful 8mm cartridges there are. Unless you are a handloader, I don't think the 8mm does anything for you that a 30 wouldn't do until you load 220gr bullets. Even then, you are loading those long bullets into a short case. If you had an 8mm Remington Magnum, you'd be able to do the 220gr just fine. But, good luck finding brass.

Stick to something that is more versatile like a 30. Shoots flat for deer or antelope, hits hard for elk. You'll be able to find factory ammo anywhere. You'll be able to find brass and bullets easily if you reload. Keep it simple. Buy that one versatile rifle and spend your money on hunting, not buying new toys.

I still don't like scopes over 10x. If I'm buying a lightweight rifle like a Kimber, I'm not putting a 1 pound scope on it. Something that fits the rifle's purpose. Like the Leupold 2.5-8x36, Swarovski AV 3-9x36. Both weigh less than 12 oz. Sure, you can't count points at 300+ yards on a spindly racked deer with an 8 power, but you're not supposed to do that anyway. That's why you have binoculars and spotting scopes. If you use your scope as a SIGHT, you don't need all that power. Saves weight, keeps it simple.

[Tony270WSM]

Since you want something light, I'd say a Browning SS A or X Bolt in 300WSM with a Nikon 2.5-10x42 with Talleys.

[Raining_Kings]

Originally Posted by genghis

Wetherby certainly has MY attention. Being old and an incurable romantic I just like pretty guns. Now my AR isn't really pretty but it doesn't need to be.

But for some reason as my life curve crests the hill, and I find myself thinking elk, I also have visions of burl walnut and deep blue steel. It's probably linked up with things I was imprinted with as a child. (Ever notice how guys often end up with a woman that sorta looks like his mother did when he was a kid?)

This yearning after pretty guns certainly narrows the field. Add in insistence on American or at least northern European manufacture and combine with some sort of budgetary sanity and the field gets very skinny indeed.

Between just standing at the counter and working the bolt and trigger given Wetherby, Remington and Ruger there is just no contest. Add in the accuracy and I don't really know. Which one has a guarantee? .......yep

Problem is this Japanese angle but then my Nikon is a very good camera and sometimes you cannot fight an irresistible current. My Browning shotgun is real nice and it has Japan on the barrel.

More research is required.

I find my Browning A-Bolt White Gold Medallion .300 Win Mag, both pretty and plenty powerful! She hasn't tasted meat yet, but she will.



-= SB

[genghis]

Originally Posted by Raining_Kings

I find my Browning A-Bolt White Gold Medallion .300 Win Mag, both pretty and plenty powerful! She hasn't tasted meat yet, but she will.



-= SB

Oooooh yeah. On my way to the Browning site. Thanks.

[genghis]

Originally Posted by Raining_Kings

I find my Browning A-Bolt White Gold Medallion .300 Win Mag, both pretty and plenty powerful! She hasn't tasted meat yet, but she will.

-= SB

Found the Medallion but see nothing about the "White Gold" part. Rifles look very good however.

Found this on there too:

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...35&type_id=005

Too bad it cannot be obtained in burl walnut but it would very likely crack above the thumb hole. Nice setup though.

[boelkhtr]

a lot of big 30's suggested, Might i say get one you can shoot well, know your limitations and stick to them. A light big bore bites everytime you pull the trigger.

I shoot a rem mountain in 280 hand load 150s and under 300 yards, that gun is golden less than 1000 new lepold 3x9, mind you I will pick my shots, I plan to eat the thing, you can have the horns, for moose use a good partition 165 or better.

It all comes down to putting the pill on the mark.

In short pick one, shoot it often, stay within your limitations and it will serve you well, Jack O was a marksman and took elk out to 500 yards with a 270. In short aim small miss small.

:-)

[Dan360]

Originally Posted by boelkhtr

a lot of big 30's suggested, Might i say get one you can shoot well, know your limitations and stick to them. A light big bore bites everytime you pull the trigger.

I shoot a rem mountain in 280 hand load 150s and under 300 yards, that gun is golden less than 1000 new lepold 3x9, mind you I will pick my shots, I plan to eat the thing, you can have the horns, for moose use a good partition 165 or better.

It all comes down to putting the pill on the mark.

In short pick one, shoot it often, stay within your limitations and it will serve you well, Jack O was a marksman and took elk out to 500 yards with a 270. In short aim small miss small.

:-)

[Raining_Kings]

Browning White Gold Medallion


http://www.browning.com/products/cat...35&type_id=021

[genghis]

Originally Posted by Raining_Kings

Browning White Gold Medallion


http://www.browning.com/products/cat...35&type_id=021

Thanks.

[WSU]

I honestly believe this whole topic receives more thought than it warrants. As an example, there is a lot of debate about the extra 200 fps the 300 RUM gets you over the 300 Win, but in the real world it doesn't matter. An '06 will kill elk, a 300 win will kill elk, 300 rum will kill elk, etc., etc. My wife killed an elk this year with a .270 and a 130 grain bullet. It was a complete pass-through. It comes down to having a fairly large rifle and putting the bullet in the vitals. A big rifle may drop an elk on the spot (i'm not sure how big is required to consistently do this, I've shot a few with the 300 and they didn't drop, and I've heard of elk shot with the .338 that didn't drop), but all decent sized big game calibers will kill an elk. Too light and you don't get enough penetration, but you don't need to shoot a 250 grain bullet to kill elk. Unless you plan to kill elk at 600 or 700 yards, pick any of the standard big game calibers and don't look back. My grandfather killed well into double digit numbers of elk with an '06 and never had a problem.

[desertjunky]

Originally Posted by fairweather

I am going to upgrade my elk rifle. I want a lite synthetic stalk rifle that i will use for elk, black bear, and possibly a moose in the future. With a budget of $2000 dollars what rifle and caliber would you get and why? Most of the hunting will be done on the west side of washington with a trip to montana, alaska, wyoming or colorado thrown in some time. I am open to anything, just need some good ideas to look at.

thanks

Using the data you just gave starting with lite, what does this mean?Lless than 7 lbs. is light if your looking for a magnum, if thats the case you can through out all Winchester, Ruger, Remington (except custom). Weatherby Mark 5 Ultra light weight, Browning X-bolt, Tikka Lite weight, and Kimber Montana are some of the magnums that come to mind. Caliber choice is easy, .300 or .338 Win Mag! If you go with a Weatherby the .300 Weatherby would be a great choice! I don't think flat shooting is an issue until you get beyond 450 yards. If you are going to Alaska and plan on using it for elk I would go with the .338!
I personally went through this same scenario this summer. My wife drew a Moose permit in WA and I drew a Bull Elk tag for the White Pass area, I ended up buying a Tikka lite weight in .338 win mag with a 2x8 Burris signature series scope. The rifle has a 23 inch barrel and weighs 6 lbs. 6 oz.!!!!!! Also very resonably priced so you can spend a bundle on a scope like a 4.5x14 Leupold with the BC reticle!

You have lots of choices, take your time!

[bigjake_888]

whatever it is, i doubt it will be your last

[GDuck]

Originally Posted by desertjunky

Using the data you just gave starting with lite, what does this mean?Lless than 7 lbs. is light if your looking for a magnum, if thats the case you can through out all Winchester, Ruger, Remington (except custom). Weatherby Mark 5 Ultra light weight, Browning X-bolt, Tikka Lite weight, and Kimber Montana are some of the magnums that come to mind. Caliber choice is easy, .300 or .338 Win Mag! If you go with a Weatherby the .300 Weatherby would be a great choice! I don't think flat shooting is an issue until you get beyond 450 yards. If you are going to Alaska and plan on using it for elk I would go with the .338!
I personally went through this same scenario this summer. My wife drew a Moose permit in WA and I drew a Bull Elk tag for the White Pass area, I ended up buying a Tikka lite weight in .338 win mag with a 2x8 Burris signature series scope. The rifle has a 23 inch barrel and weighs 6 lbs. 6 oz.!!!!!! Also very resonably priced so you can spend a bundle on a scope like a 4.5x14 Leupold with the BC reticle!

You have lots of choices, take your time!

Not to hijack, but, how is the recoil on your rifle???

GD

[7mil Bill]

Sako,300 win.iam not a fan of weatherby

[SImudBogger]

Originally Posted by genghis

Would you happen to know the dif between the MarkV and the Vanguard Special as far as the bolt and action. I was looking at one today at the gun store and it was a beautiful gun for the money. I love burl walnut. But the action is manufactured in Japan. Not sure about the MarkV action but I would suppose its better if not American made. Nothing against Japanese manufactures just don't want to compromise on the an important part of the rifle.

Just an aside for anybody reading: Man I couldn't find a Wetherby in 300 Remington Mag anywhere in town. Bib gun stores. 300 Wetherby yes but I want to use the more readilly available ammo.

The only thing a mark V and a vanguard have in common is the weatherby name. Vanguards are made by howa. Totally different rifle all together.

If you have 2 grand to spend on a rifle/scope combo make sure to spend at least $6-700 on the scope. You can get a really nice browning or new model 70 for under $1200

[genghis]

Originally Posted by 7mil Bill

Sako,300 win.iam not a fan of weatherby

I'd be interested in hearing why not. Thanks.

[coyote killer]

A .30-378 wby mag in an accumark with the accubake..... In my oppinion the best all around elk hunt rifle caliber made and I did a lot of resurch. Although you might want to get into reloading as the factory loaded shells are very expensive. But if you reload you can really bring out this guns true power.

[7mil Bill]

[quote=genghis;2367716]I'd be interested in hearing why not. Thanks.[/q
uote
bad design on the comb of the stock,very small hollow pin on bolt stop,they say 7 locking lugs but it would take a lot of custom lapping to make them all lock at the same time.just my opinion.buy a rifle and cal.you can shoot well.a 243 will kill a elk with a good placement shoot.

[genghis]

[QUOTE=7mil Bill;2368020]

Originally Posted by genghis

I'd be interested in hearing why not. Thanks.[/q
uote
bad design on the comb of the stock,very small hollow pin on bolt stop,they say 7 locking lugs but it would take a lot of custom lapping to make them all lock at the same time.just my opinion.buy a rifle and cal.you can shoot well.a 243 will kill a elk with a good placement shoot.

I hear you but around here I shoot Axis deer with like minded people and I really like the insurance of a larger caliber. It is a definite fact you are going to be blood-hounding blood trails all over hecks half acrea with a 243 whereas much less mucking about with a 270 or .30 caliber.

Everybody had a bad day. Of course on the other hand my buddy killed two bucks (one shot) one day with his .06 and nozlers. (I told him to wait but he had a ichy finger)

I should clarify: I don't mean to say the small caliber is always bad. I've dropped Axis where they stand with a neck shot from a 223. But unless you at least clip the heart of an Axis he's going to run and most folks want to go for the money shot. I've seen em do 200 yds into thick brush with both lungs fragmented just behind the heart only an inch. Two inchs low on a heart shot is only a brisket crease and I've seen it plenty of times. That same shot with a 300 and good loads and the deed is done.

[nobrownline]

Get a Rifles inc. in .300 weatherby!!

[ehunter]

Have we helpedactually lots of good advice, good luck

[salmonslayer204]

Originally Posted by baltz526

if i was spending my money, this is a package i would look seriously at. i would substitue the scope with a VX3 2.5x8x36 or a ZEISS mc conquest 3.5x10x44.

Yes, the Ziess is a great scope. The best I have ever looked through, period. Beats the Swarovskis hands down in my opinion and they are about half the price. I have this exact scope on my Rem. 7mm Mag.

It is great and you can see better in low light conditions through it than you can with your bare eyes. Its like having bad eyes and never having glasses, then going to the eye doctor and having him/her outfit you with the perfect pair of glasses. You don't know the difference till you've used 'em. Then you never want to go back.

[Hunt'nFish]

Originally Posted by fairweather

I am going to upgrade my elk rifle. I want a lite synthetic stalk rifle that i will use for elk, black bear, and possibly a moose in the future. With a budget of $2000 dollars what rifle and caliber would you get and why? Most of the hunting will be done on the west side of washington with a trip to montana, alaska, wyoming or colorado thrown in some time. I am open to anything, just need some good ideas to look at.
thanks

Well, first it should be Stainless Steel w/ a synthetic stock, both to handle the rains of PNW hunting.
Second it should be accurate; Savage, Browning and Tikka come to mind.
Third it should be in a magnum .30 or .338 caliber, in order to handle the elk/moose deal.
(Although the 7mmWSM would be a close 2nd choice.)


Personally I prefer Browning A-Bolt for their; adj trigger, factory accuracy and looks.
I also like the flip out box mag, no fumbling of rounds while topping off the mag on the run. And no need to unchamber to do so.
The Stainless Stalker is my preferance. 6lbs dry for .300WSM and 6.5lbs for the 26" .338win or .338Ultra.

I have A-Bolts in .243win, 7mmWSM, and .338Ultra.
I also have some Rem700's which have also served me fine as well.
Hunt'nFish

[7mil Bill]

[quote=genghis;2368409]

Originally Posted by 7mil Bill

I hear you but around here I shoot Axis deer with like minded people and I really like the insurance of a larger caliber. It is a definite fact you are going to be blood-hounding blood trails all over hecks half acrea with a 243 whereas much less mucking about with a 270 or .30 caliber.

Everybody had a bad day. Of course on the other hand my buddy killed two bucks one day with his .06 and nozlers. (I told him to wait but he had a ichy finger)

I should clarify: I don't mean to say the small caliber is always bad. I've dropped Axis where they stand with a neck shot from a 223. But unless you at least clip the heart of an Axis he's going to run and most folks want to go for the money shot. I've seen em do 200 yds into thick brush with both lungs fragmented just behind the heart only an inch. Two inchs low on a heart shot is only a brisket crease and I've seen it plenty of times. That same shot with a 300 and good loads and the deed is done.

iam not saying a 243 is a elk cal. iam saying get a cal. you can shoot well. i have used a 30.06 for 30 + years.

[genghis]

HuntnFish,

Sure is nice when somebody with proven knowledge posts good info. Thanks. I've always been down on stainless but I never thought about the weather up there. I'm down here in bone dry Tejas. Now I'm rethinking.

Thanks

[genghis]

[QUOTE=7mil Bill;2368597]

Originally Posted by genghis

iam not saying a 243 is a elk cal. iam saying get a cal. you can shoot well. i have used a 30.06 for 30 + years.

Can't argue with that. I don't really get all happy about firing a big bore myself but I've never tried a really nice butt pad and muzzle break either. Things I have to look into.

[Hunt'nFish]

Not to worry Genghis, a good coat of Eezox on the metal & plenty of clearance in the barrel channel to handle the wood warpage issues and your blued rifles will be fine up here.

It's just that IF your going to add a new rifle to the safe, why not make it SS. Barrel life may be slightly less, but the gains will come in ease of care. It can rain for weeks up here, and the constant in/out of the warm truck can make rust care a bit of headache.

BTW, I love that pic of that hawg in your avatar pic. We have a few of those up here as well.
But I'm sure you'll miss the quanities of them up here.
Hunt'nFish

[I bleed fish]

Originally Posted by Chinook Nut

I have the .325 WSM Browning A-Bolt in the stainless stalker. Gun is about 5.6 lbs without scope and not a bad kick at all. I shoot a 200 grain Nosler Accu Bond and very flat, fast and accurate. Put a Zeiss 4.5 x 14 scope on and was decked out for about $1500. Good Luck

'Twer me, I'd get it in a .338 Win Mag if possible.

[Bait Bucket]

I'm a big fan of the .338 Win Mag too for elk.

[genghis]

Originally Posted by Hunt'nFish

Not to worry Genghis, a good coat of Eezox on the metal & plenty of clearance in the barrel channel to handle the wood warpage issues and your blued rifles will be fine up here.

It's just that IF your going to add a new rifle to the safe, why not make it SS. Barrel life may be slightly less, but the gains will come in ease of care. It can rain for weeks up here, and the constant in/out of the warm truck can make rust care a bit of headache.

BTW, I love that pic of that hawg in your avatar pic. We have a few of those up here as well.
But I'm sure you'll miss the quanities of them up here.
Hunt'nFish

Thanks. For the complement AND the info. He went happily back to his stomping grounds by the way. We don't have to baby these guys like steelies with C&R.

[desertjunky]

Originally Posted by GDuck

Not to hijack, but, how is the recoil on your rifle???

GD

LIKE A MULE!!! I am shooting the High Energy Federal load which pushes a 225 Trophy Bonded Bearclaw at close to .340 Weatherby preformance! 2900 fps at the muzzle and over 4000 foot lbs.! I put a SVL recoil pad on it and it reduced the felt recoil a great deal, my wife shot her moose with it without any complaint!