.280 vs .300 mag
I am going Elk Hunting in Colorado this fall. I have a Tikka .280 and .300 winchester Mag. Both are bolts with synthetic stocks. Any on have any suggestions as to wich to bring? I think the .280 maybe more accurate but the .300 mag has more knock down power. I have a Leupold that I need to mount on the gun that I am taking and obviously I need to decide and go to the range. I am leaning toward the .300 any input would be greatly appreciated.
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My question to you would be what terrain are you going to be mostly hunting? In the thick the 300winmag will be massive overkill. In the wide open the 280 with a 160g to 175g bullet will peter/rainbow out after so far. We can argue 250-300-350yds all year. So what type of country are you mostly going to hunt and what is the max range that you are comfortable at trying to put down what could be a real tough critter? Under the right conditions they are both up to the job with the right bullet sellection. 0 -
One other thing you may want to consider is whether or not you will have a chance to hunt mule deer. The 300 Win mag may be a bit much for them. Depending on the distances involved in the elk hunt the .280 might be a good compromise for both. Just a thought. Better yet, if room allows take them both.
Worry is the interest humans pay on the debt of miscalculation.0 -
Take both for God's sake! Never go to elk camp with only 1 rifle. How far will you be from home, 1500 miles or more? What are you gonna do when your rilfe jams up and wont open, or you break the stock, drive home get the other rifle and return? Either caliber will cleanly take elk, the .300 mag has a slight edge on longer range. I'd pick the one you shoot best, and be confident you will fill your tag. Many elk around here have fallen to both calibers, so you won't go wrong with either one.
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI0 -
i agree with pack rat , take both . but if you can only take one with you , bring the one you feel most confident with , they are both great cartridges and will cleanly take an elk . . . . . provided you put the shot where it should go . is the .300 wm a tikka too ? i just purchased a tikka but in .270 wsm . but what kind of shots are you going to be taking ?
more info = more specific answers .
hope this helped , good luck [;)]0 -
I've seen a noticeable difference in response to hits from 7mm and .300 bullets of similar types. I went to the .300 because it seems to "get their attention" better. It still doesn't make a bad hit good. It is a good idea to take an extra rifle that is ready to use.
Mobuck0 -
Thanks for the advice. I thought about taking both and probably will. The problem is that I only have one Leupold scope the other is a Tasco World class. I feel more confident with the .280. It gives me better results although I know I can shoot the .300 well. I understand that I will be hunting in foothills with some canyons and a variety of terrain. If the .280 will handle an elk out to 200 I'll be satisified. I don't think I would extend that range, I'd rather try to sneak closer. Thanks again. Oh the .300 is a Winchester. 0 -
I agree, TAKE BOTH. As a former guide, for Pennzoil on Vermejo Park, I would definitly suggest using the 280 as your primary rifle. The 300 is a better elk caliber by far, but if you don't shoot it as well as the 280 then you have a better chance of wounding, or missing, the elk and these animals can travel amazing distances when not hit SOLID. Remember to re-sight your rifle in upon arrival and trust your guide as distances can be deceiving in unfamiliar country. Good luck and enjoy the experiance!
Lance
10's RULE
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I agree with ALL the others! Either caliber is more than adequate for elk or deer. Hey, I drive only 38 miles to my deer camp and always take 2 rifles (and sometimes a shotgun) with me "just in case".
Good luck this season.
"Never corner anything meaner than you!" (unknown)0
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