Cartridge for western hunting?
I'm looking to buy a new rifle. I'd like something that would work well with most western game. Antelope, whitetail, mule deer and possibly elk in the future. I've been considering the 7mm-08 or the old reliable .270. Any opinions out there? Many thanks!
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.280 Rem, .308 Win, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag.
7mm-08 is a good round, but an elk is a big critter and a bit more oomph is a good thing. Likewise, the .280 offers a bit of an advantage over the .270 (especially if you handload). My opinion of the .270 is that it is a bit large for deer and a bit small for elk. I have never been a Jack O'conner disciple, though. Me? I use a .25-06 with 117 gr. Sierra's or 100 gr. Barnes TSX for deer and antelope and a .375 Ultra Mag with 250 gr. Sierra's for elk.
Out here, the .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag are by far the most popular elk cartridges. The new Ultra Mags are taking a sizeable bite out of .300 WM sales, though.
Save the seals-club a liberal instead.0 -
I supose you can make a case for anything ranging from 243win to 416 Rigby. How about a little more info: age, hunting experience, tolerance for recoil, skill at what given range and what all. Myself I don't shoot game animals at over 300yds and rarely that. But to cover the range of game you have listed, I'd probably be looking to buy at least two seperate rifles. Antelope and elk are the extreem ends of the weight range. Personally my stable for what you've listed includes 25-06, 6.5-284, 280Rem, 300Wby, 8mmRemMag amd 338WinMag in various combosof walnut, laminate, blue and stainless for use in different weather combinations. Also do you want new or used, factory or custom? 0 -
ern98 is going about it the right way, but if you are looking to be shooting elk, .270 is the bottom, and the best do it all calibers are 7mm mag and .30-06. .300 mag has too much recoil for my taste (as does the -06 for that matter). Despite my preferences the -06 is probably the best all around rifle cartridge for hunting in the west.
That said, I habitually hunt with .257 Roberts and .260 Rem., reserving the 7 mag for elk and oryx. I toss in .270 and .308 for a little variety.0 -
A friend of mine started hunting 3 years ago with a 270. Has shoot a deer, antelope, and an elk every year. I use a trusty 30-06. Read in guns and ammo a year or two ago, and the article said more trophy elk have been killed with a 30-30 than any other round. Being that for about 50 years thats all the ranchers and so forth had. 0 -
30-06 shooting Hornady sst interbond LM's 165g. Compare these on the charts then get one in the handy and easy to carry Winchester Featherweight 70. ps put a scope with drop compensator, as there are many to pick from now and then practice and practice. 0 -
Any name brand 3006, 2-7 or 3-9 scope, and premium ammo will work fine. I used to use a bigger gun but only once really needed it. I can shoot the 06 better and more comfortably and enjoy the experience more.
Mobuck<BR>0 -
Try a 7mm STW with a 4-16 scope or there abouts. Good hunting!! 0 -
In my opinion, the 270 and below is too light for elk. If you are truly gonna hunt the big boys, get a big rifle!! Elk are tough, take a lot of lead, and can be a long shot. Go with nothing less than a 7Mag, 30/06 or 300 Mag. Personnely I go with a .338, though have sorted them out with a 30/06. Don't worry, a bigger rifle will do just fine on smaller game too.
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI0 -
Bobrammer,
For the wife, I would kind of lean toward 7mm-08 and 7mm Mauser if this is kind of going to be an all around rifle for the wife. If she is going to stick to antelope, Whitetail, Muleys, I would opt for a .243, 6mm Rem, .257 Rbts., 250-3000 Sav. 25-06/.25 WSSM. Something in that range. You don't need a lot of power to take any one of them and they are all pretty flat shooting. What you really need out there is something flat shooting.
If your wife can absorb a little more punishement than the 7's go with a .270/.280/30-06. I don't recommend starting her off in a magnum she may quit shooting entirely. -good luck and have a great time hunting
We have the second amendment so that all the rest are secure....UNK>0 -
I have gotten by hunting elk with the 308, but shot placement is so important with a any gun, and distance is the key. If you want those 600 yd across the canyon shots move up to a 338 or 300 Weatherby. If you are patient and take only shots at reasonable range any of the calibers mentioned here will work.
If you are going to only hunt elk a few times and deer and anteloope are your bag, 308 is my choice, the old 06 is good, but the real kicker and I don't have one is the 25-060 -
If you ever decide to include Black Bear on your list you should pick one or two of the larger cartridges.
I take three rifles on my hunting trips where are there are a lot of bear,- a BAR in .338, a .375 H+H and a Mauser in .45-70 with heavy loads,- 400 grains at 2150 fps.
The .45-70 with iron sights is what I use when it's raining or snowing or cloudy and the shots are within 100 yards or so.
I may be over-gunned with the .375? Maybe so, but it's better than leaving it at home in the safe.
I've seen some bear get away with a .308 bullet or two in them, so I'd rather go with something bigger to eliminate that problem.0 -
I.shute,
Reading your post, I'm reminded of that classic phrase, "You don't have to outrun the bear, just the slowest guy in your group."
I'm not making fun of you, it just made me laugh thinking of it. Besides, I'm the slowest guy in my group....
We have the second amendment so that all the rest are secure....UNK>0 -
I would recommend the 270WSM. It is basically about like a 7mm Rem Mag with a lighter grain bullet selection( for deer & antelope). If you shoot a 140 grain bullet the 270WSM is only about 6 fps faster then the 7mm Mag. If you wanted something that can shoot bigger bullets, get the 7mm Mag.
Mad Dog0
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