Which gun/caliber to use on a hunt
This is my first time on the forum.
I have just started planning an Elk & Mule deer hunt out west. Trying to decide which gun / caliber to take; I have a 7mm Rem Mag. & would probaly use 180 gr. OR .325 WSM with 180 or 200 gr.(both in Winchester Mod. 70's). Opinions....
I have just started planning an Elk & Mule deer hunt out west. Trying to decide which gun / caliber to take; I have a 7mm Rem Mag. & would probaly use 180 gr. OR .325 WSM with 180 or 200 gr.(both in Winchester Mod. 70's). Opinions....
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Elk is a big beast. I'd use the 325.
I took a 270WSM with me on my last (first) elk hunt. I never got within the same zip code as the elk, so I don't know if it was enough gun. But I suspect, like everything else, shot placement is the key.0 -
I hunted for years with a 30-06 and switched over to a 7mm for the last 5 years and love it. 0 -
If those were my two rifles I would use the 7mm Rem Mag. 0 -
Either of those calibers are good for elk and muleys. Take the one you can comfortably use and carry all day. (plus most accurate with)
Take both with you in case Murphy's Law strikes.0 -
quote:Originally posted by grdad45
Either of those calibers are good for elk and muleys. Take the one you can comfortably use and carry all day. (plus most accurate with)
Take both with you in case Murphy's Law strikes.
+1.
id say the 325 for elk and the 7mm for mulie (the 325 wont leave much for the dinner table....) again if feasible to use/bring/shoot both0 -
When elk hunting, I bring a Howitzer. The shell is hard to beat, and the elk never sees the thing coming. I've got mine painted in Mossy Oak Obsession. Even the shells are camoflauged.
Seriously, all I do is bird hunt, and that's with 12 and 20 gauge shotguns. I'll also take shots at squirrels with a 22 rimfire.0 -
actually would prefer a 50 cal machine gun...should definitely handle anything out there & clear a path thru whatever to pick up remains...welcome to the forum newbie & dont believe all you hear here 0 -
Welcome to the Forums.[:)] 0 -
Thank you all for the welcome & input. The info has helped. 0 -
7mm Rem Mag,..no doubt about it. It is flat, and hits like a truck. The 7mm mag is one of my favorite chamberings,..even considering my many wildcats, it just always does what it is supposed to. 0 -
I hunt elk with a 7mag, that would be my choice since it was my choice. 0 -
Don't forget about a sidearm for bears! What caliber? pepper spray? how many bullets? what grain? solid or hollow points? factory or handloads?[:D][:D] What about Zombies? You can't forget about the Zombies!!!![:D]
Take the gun you feel most comfortable with shooting. Take a spare gun because anything can and will happen.
7mm is plenty of gun for an elk if you hit him right.
How come there haven't been any "what gun to carry in bear country" questions lately? Those are my favorites!!!![:D]0 -
I loved using my Winchester model 94AE in .356 cal for moose and deer in Quebec and new Brunswick until I moved to MA where I have to settle for a .50 cal muzzle loader.[:(][:(] 0 -
...7mm Rem mag...[;)] 
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9,3 x 72R[:o)][:o)] 0 -
7mm will do
I use 300 win mag w/ 180gr nosler partion0 -
I'd go with the 7mm. It's flat and has some serious knock-down power. 0 -
7 mm
i have one that has served me well and will be retired this next season
it is the only rifle i have hunted with the last 10 years
and in its place will be a .338 RUM [:D]0 -
Gearheaddad brough up one of my next questions: What should I take for bear protection? I have been leaning towards a LARGE cal. revolver....but am open for any & all ideas. 0 -
I like the 30-30 for hunting deer in the thick
I like the 308 for bean fields, long distance0 -
Why would you need anything more for bear when you will be carrying a 7mm or 325? I strongly suggest that if you are not one of the few that is very competent with a handgun in a stessful situation, the rifle would be a much better choice. Unless, of course, you relish the extra weight strapped around your middle. If you have not hunted the west before, be prepared for long walks, mostly uphill. The Rockies are not small. Weight was always a concern of mine when I looked up at where I wanted to be.
Unless you are backpacking or horsebacking into a wilderness grizzly infested area (I know of a couple of them where I might consider it), strapping on a sixgun and carrying a rifle will likely attract the attention of the locals. Among my group, the word, dude, would be quickly forthcoming. If you do decide to carry a sidearm in addition to your rifle, I would opt for a large caliber, heavy bullet -- 41 mag at a minimum, strong 45 Colt or 44 mag.
Honestly, I hunt with revolvers. Therefore, if I were going to carry the revolver, I would leave the rifle in camp or vica versa.
Good hunting.0 -
The 7mm would be my choice of the 2 you listed but I think a 165gr bullet takes better advantage of the long range capabilities of the cartridge plus it is a better weight for an elk/mule deer combo hunt.
For elk I use a 300 Win Mag with 180 gr Nosler Partition just because I like to start with a 30 cal hole. Note that the 165gr 7mm Mag passed this load in energy around 300 yds.
Good hunting and welcome to the forum.0 -
Which ever one you handle the best and are the most comfortable with shooting, both are good calibers 0 -
Black bear? .375 hardball or .45 Colt will do fine. Use only if the rifle jams of course. 0 -
I agree 100% with stilwater36. Said everything I was going to. 0 -
The 7mm will kill any elk quite quickly.
I'm inclined to say you should go with a 160 grain premium bullet since I've never heard of a 180 grain 7mm loading.0 -
7MM & .357
I live in bear & elk country, & the favorite here seems to be the thutty thutty, with the '06 right behind it.
The dillitantes and newbies mostly seem to like the 7MM. If you are going to hunt Orygun or WA. and you don't carry a stout handgun for defense against bear & two-footed preditors, you are making a mistake that could cost you your life. Cowboy up to the extra weight - maybe train a little harder.
Good luck !! By the way, where are you going to hunt?? "Out west" takes in a whole lot of different terrain and animals.
D.0 -
THANK YOU ALL for the GREAT advice (if still more advice out there - keep it coming!).
I will be hunting in Wyoming, just East South East of Yellowstone NP. Lucky to be hunting with a resident & his family, they advised me to bring something for bear....just in case. Along with starting to get in better shape physicly I am going to start shooting more than I already do, to get ready!
I have used the 7mm for about 10 years (range & deer hunting here in PA)& am VERY comfortable with it. The .325 is new & I have only shot it at the range so far.0
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