I've been thinking/researching for quiet some time on this and just cannot make up my mind. I am looking to put together an elk gun. I've always lived in the midwest; and now Tennessee so some of my analysis may be incorrect as I've never hunted elk before.
I am under the assumption that most shot opportunities will be under 300 yards; however part of me is fighting the notion that I need to be ready for a longer shot in both caliber and skill (range time).
My goal is to keep the set up under 8lbs.
I have narrowed it down to 3 calibers
308 - Randy Newerg swears by this round for elk; with good ammo it looks like it has the needed knock down power based on my criteria above
6.5 CM - Very mixed reviews on this round for elk; some people swear by it and others won't touch it. Again I believe this comes down to quality ammo/projectile. Very appealing when looking at wind drift.
7 mm mag - Just can't go wrong with the 7mm, but this may end up pushing my weight goal and also reduce range time.
I am not in a position to buy multiple guns right now. I am in the market to build a nice gun with these goals in mind.
Thanks for any input on this!
I am under the assumption that most shot opportunities will be under 300 yards; however part of me is fighting the notion that I need to be ready for a longer shot in both caliber and skill (range time).
My goal is to keep the set up under 8lbs.
I have narrowed it down to 3 calibers
308 - Randy Newerg swears by this round for elk; with good ammo it looks like it has the needed knock down power based on my criteria above
6.5 CM - Very mixed reviews on this round for elk; some people swear by it and others won't touch it. Again I believe this comes down to quality ammo/projectile. Very appealing when looking at wind drift.
7 mm mag - Just can't go wrong with the 7mm, but this may end up pushing my weight goal and also reduce range time.
I am not in a position to buy multiple guns right now. I am in the market to build a nice gun with these goals in mind.
Thanks for any input on this!