I know this topic has been beat to shit but I just had a good opportunity come up for my 12 year old daughter (about 85lbs soaking wet) to get a cow elk this coming November. This would be her first kill as she just got her hunting license last year.
The original plan for her build was 1 build that could do it all. A switch barrel set up with a Big Horn Origin SS Barrel .224 for training and a 6CM (Proof CF) for hunting. Eventually when she got bigger we could bump her up to a 6.5 CM if she wanted or even up to a 6.5PRC , but I don’t believe she’s there yet. Went with the Origin due to the floating bolt head, and availability of pre-fit barrels. She’s wrong handed so I’m not into spending the $$$ and building her multiple rifles.
Now that this hunt came up, I’m actually wondering if I should just bump her up to the 6.5 now. As of now we have her the following:
Manners MCS-CS Carbon Fill w/ Mini Chasis
Bighorn Arms Origin
Right now I’m leaning towards a 20” Proof CF Sendero w/ brake in either a 6 or 6.5CM. Nice, light, compact hunting rifle and when it’s time to train and shoot matches she can stick the SS barrel on to add the weight and be GTG.
I dont foresee any shot past 300yds for her and probably a lot closer. What do you guys think? I know plenty of elk have been taken with heavier 6mm bullets, and I’m not sure if she’s ready for a 6.5 recoil pushing 140 class rounds just yet. Looking for your thoughts. FYI, a big factor for my hunting rifles is the availability of high quality off the shelf factory ammunition, so I’m pretty well stuck on either of those 2 calibers for her.
FWIW, I know there’s better calibers for elk out there, but 95% of her hunting will be small to medium sized game (deer, antelope, varmints etc) a 6mm will work just fine. It’s this cow elk hunt that’s got me thinking though.
Appreciate it guys.
The original plan for her build was 1 build that could do it all. A switch barrel set up with a Big Horn Origin SS Barrel .224 for training and a 6CM (Proof CF) for hunting. Eventually when she got bigger we could bump her up to a 6.5 CM if she wanted or even up to a 6.5PRC , but I don’t believe she’s there yet. Went with the Origin due to the floating bolt head, and availability of pre-fit barrels. She’s wrong handed so I’m not into spending the $$$ and building her multiple rifles.
Now that this hunt came up, I’m actually wondering if I should just bump her up to the 6.5 now. As of now we have her the following:
Manners MCS-CS Carbon Fill w/ Mini Chasis
Bighorn Arms Origin
Right now I’m leaning towards a 20” Proof CF Sendero w/ brake in either a 6 or 6.5CM. Nice, light, compact hunting rifle and when it’s time to train and shoot matches she can stick the SS barrel on to add the weight and be GTG.
I dont foresee any shot past 300yds for her and probably a lot closer. What do you guys think? I know plenty of elk have been taken with heavier 6mm bullets, and I’m not sure if she’s ready for a 6.5 recoil pushing 140 class rounds just yet. Looking for your thoughts. FYI, a big factor for my hunting rifles is the availability of high quality off the shelf factory ammunition, so I’m pretty well stuck on either of those 2 calibers for her.
FWIW, I know there’s better calibers for elk out there, but 95% of her hunting will be small to medium sized game (deer, antelope, varmints etc) a 6mm will work just fine. It’s this cow elk hunt that’s got me thinking though.
Appreciate it guys.
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