Jus found out I will b going elk hunting in Colorado in October and all the rifles I currently have are 5Rs(300WM, 308 and 223) so I think I need something a little lighter to hoof around 10k ft of elevation for ten days. My thinking right now now is to get me a 700 300WM SPS in SS and jus put me a B&C Alaskan stock on it. I already have a spare EGW 0 MOA base and a set of aluminum TPS rings...I have two spare scopes right now, a Bushnell 3200 10X and a Vortex Viper 6.5x16x44, since this is my first trip out there, which do you guys in the know recommend? Im quite comfortable taking shots out to 1000 yds currently but have no plans to shoot an elk at that distance. Does this sound like Im on the right track as far as what Im thinking will make a good LW elk rifle? Also, is it possible to lightly flute a stock remmy SPS barrel?
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Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
- Thread starter tlsmith22
- Start date
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
Browning a bolt in 7mm rem mag or 300 win mag would be a hell of an option. Gander has em for in carbon steel with a synthetic stock for 499 since they are discontinued.
Browning a bolt in 7mm rem mag or 300 win mag would be a hell of an option. Gander has em for in carbon steel with a synthetic stock for 499 since they are discontinued.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
Sako synthetic stainless or Tikka T3 in 7mm Rem would be my choice. The Tikka's are very capable guns for the money.
Sako synthetic stainless or Tikka T3 in 7mm Rem would be my choice. The Tikka's are very capable guns for the money.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
I have taken my own 5R up after elk. Why exactly would that 308 rifle somehow not work for elk?
If you are concerned about weight, maybe take it to a decent gunsmith and have him cut it to 20" and re-crown it.
I have taken my own 5R up after elk. Why exactly would that 308 rifle somehow not work for elk?
If you are concerned about weight, maybe take it to a decent gunsmith and have him cut it to 20" and re-crown it.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
I looked and could only find the 270 for 499 at Gander Mtn. The only reason I am leaning towards the 300WM over the 7mm is I already reload for 300Wm and I was hoping to to have to buy more reloading stuff. I like the Tikka rifles alot.
I looked and could only find the 270 for 499 at Gander Mtn. The only reason I am leaning towards the 300WM over the 7mm is I already reload for 300Wm and I was hoping to to have to buy more reloading stuff. I like the Tikka rifles alot.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
I would also be looking for a lower power scope. 6.5 on the low end is pretty high and I would look for something lower. The higher power would hurt if you get a close shot. You should expect to see more animals at dawn and dusk so make sure your scope will work under "low light" conditions.
I would also be looking for a lower power scope. 6.5 on the low end is pretty high and I would look for something lower. The higher power would hurt if you get a close shot. You should expect to see more animals at dawn and dusk so make sure your scope will work under "low light" conditions.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because.
Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackbrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because. </div></div>
i agree, this or a Howa
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackbrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because. </div></div>
i agree, this or a Howa
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jc98ss</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackbrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because. </div></div>
i agree, this or a Howa </div></div>
Isn't the Vanguard just a Howa in a Weatherby stock?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jc98ss</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackbrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because. </div></div>
i agree, this or a Howa </div></div>
Isn't the Vanguard just a Howa in a Weatherby stock?
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
If you haven't shot a t3 tikka yet you need to go get you one. Get it in 300 win mag and shoot anythingu want to in it. I've never seen oe that doesn't shoot. They weigh almost nothing. You better hang on. Smooth as rubbing 2 cubes of ice together.
T
If you haven't shot a t3 tikka yet you need to go get you one. Get it in 300 win mag and shoot anythingu want to in it. I've never seen oe that doesn't shoot. They weigh almost nothing. You better hang on. Smooth as rubbing 2 cubes of ice together.
T
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
You do not need a magnum for elk. I use either my .308 or .30-06 with Barnes 168gr TTSX bullets using the Barnes manual's load recommendations. I get < 1MOA accuracy and good terminal performance.
Now 10,000' is a bit thin if you're not used to it and the only way you're used to it is living there. I live at nearly 6,000' and find 10-11,000 feet very tiring for a few days (I am 66). That said, all my hunting rifles are in the 7-3/4 to 8-1/2 lb range with scopes, but it's the 20 lbs or so in the pack that I notice, not the rifle.
My go-to rifle is a Savage 116 in .30-06 with an AccuStock; with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 that, all in weighs a bit more than 8-1/4 lbs.
FH
You do not need a magnum for elk. I use either my .308 or .30-06 with Barnes 168gr TTSX bullets using the Barnes manual's load recommendations. I get < 1MOA accuracy and good terminal performance.
Now 10,000' is a bit thin if you're not used to it and the only way you're used to it is living there. I live at nearly 6,000' and find 10-11,000 feet very tiring for a few days (I am 66). That said, all my hunting rifles are in the 7-3/4 to 8-1/2 lb range with scopes, but it's the 20 lbs or so in the pack that I notice, not the rifle.
My go-to rifle is a Savage 116 in .30-06 with an AccuStock; with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 that, all in weighs a bit more than 8-1/4 lbs.
FH
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
I am a light is right and lighter is righter believer. Not sure how you plan to hunt but I carried my kit on my back hunting and while some do not understand weight, every single ounce counts 8 days in on a 10 day hunt, up and down and around, crossing rivers, especially packing meat. I did fly a few times and even then weight was a concern due to landing and take offs in the bush.
Tikka T3 SL if you can find one, Tikka T3 lite SS if not. As far as caliber, I prefer 338, 284 over 308. Yes, 308 is Americas bullet diameter but in my hunting and opinion, 338 and 284 drive deeper and fly better.
I also believe the two scopes you mention have too much magnification for hunting. I used a Leupold FX2 Alaskan 3x on my 338 for 40 plus years in Alaska and never needed more power. I also used some 3-9s but 95% of the time sat on 4x.
But, buying a new pop gun is fun but if funds are short, your 5r will work just fine. The tools do not make the hunter but the hunter makes the tools.
have fun and good luck
I am a light is right and lighter is righter believer. Not sure how you plan to hunt but I carried my kit on my back hunting and while some do not understand weight, every single ounce counts 8 days in on a 10 day hunt, up and down and around, crossing rivers, especially packing meat. I did fly a few times and even then weight was a concern due to landing and take offs in the bush.
Tikka T3 SL if you can find one, Tikka T3 lite SS if not. As far as caliber, I prefer 338, 284 over 308. Yes, 308 is Americas bullet diameter but in my hunting and opinion, 338 and 284 drive deeper and fly better.
I also believe the two scopes you mention have too much magnification for hunting. I used a Leupold FX2 Alaskan 3x on my 338 for 40 plus years in Alaska and never needed more power. I also used some 3-9s but 95% of the time sat on 4x.
But, buying a new pop gun is fun but if funds are short, your 5r will work just fine. The tools do not make the hunter but the hunter makes the tools.
have fun and good luck
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
What about a Savage 16/116 "Weather Warrior" ? The 300WSM Model 16 that I had shot very well with factory and handloads and a 300WSM is plenty of medicine for elk, but if you want more you can get the 116 in 300WM, 7 RM, and others.
What about a Savage 16/116 "Weather Warrior" ? The 300WSM Model 16 that I had shot very well with factory and handloads and a 300WSM is plenty of medicine for elk, but if you want more you can get the 116 in 300WM, 7 RM, and others.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
I agree with bohem. .338 Win mag...buy the ammo anywhere out ther if the airlines lose/confiscate it. I have a Sav. 116 like he says and it is a hammer. Killed 4 elk with it. I like the 3-9 scopes. You probably won't have to shoot over 400-500 yards. 210-225 Nosler Partitions give complete broadside penetration and don't fail. JMHO
I agree with bohem. .338 Win mag...buy the ammo anywhere out ther if the airlines lose/confiscate it. I have a Sav. 116 like he says and it is a hammer. Killed 4 elk with it. I like the 3-9 scopes. You probably won't have to shoot over 400-500 yards. 210-225 Nosler Partitions give complete broadside penetration and don't fail. JMHO
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
I appreciate all the help guys...and Tanner, thanks for the offer but I figure it wont hurt to have a lighter rifle in the safe when I need it. All I have now is those heavy LR guns...I have been shopping hard the last few days and still havent settled on anything...It seems the 7mm mags are everywhere but not many used 300s out there. I talked to my local rifle builder who builds some really nice sticks and and he thought I was on the right track with Tikka or the Rem 700 SS and jus change barrels when I get ready and change stocks and bed it now. I have decided for sure on a new scope, either the Vortex Viper Hs or Nikon Monarch in a 4-16 I am thinking. I have a set of rings for the Monarch and would have to get a set for the 30mm viper. I am trying to stay around 1000 or 1200 total on the package. I figure 600 for rifle, 400 for scope and 200 for a B&C alaskan stock and I have EGW base and a set of TPS alum rings. Bed it and find a nice MOA load for it and Im good to go after I run about 3 days a week gettn ready for this hunt.
I appreciate all the help guys...and Tanner, thanks for the offer but I figure it wont hurt to have a lighter rifle in the safe when I need it. All I have now is those heavy LR guns...I have been shopping hard the last few days and still havent settled on anything...It seems the 7mm mags are everywhere but not many used 300s out there. I talked to my local rifle builder who builds some really nice sticks and and he thought I was on the right track with Tikka or the Rem 700 SS and jus change barrels when I get ready and change stocks and bed it now. I have decided for sure on a new scope, either the Vortex Viper Hs or Nikon Monarch in a 4-16 I am thinking. I have a set of rings for the Monarch and would have to get a set for the 30mm viper. I am trying to stay around 1000 or 1200 total on the package. I figure 600 for rifle, 400 for scope and 200 for a B&C alaskan stock and I have EGW base and a set of TPS alum rings. Bed it and find a nice MOA load for it and Im good to go after I run about 3 days a week gettn ready for this hunt.
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mkollman74</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jc98ss</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackbrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because. </div></div>
i agree, this or a Howa </div></div>
Isn't the Vanguard just a Howa in a Weatherby stock? </div></div>
yep, it's the same action as Vanguard and even the S&W 1500......you'll be able to get the Howa in non-Weatherby cartridges though......i was pretty much just saying get either because most all of them will shoot very well
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mkollman74</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jc98ss</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackbrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Best bang for the buck in a hunting rifle w guaranteed accuracy is the Weatherby Vanguard. I saw a plain Jane version in a gun store in 300 Weatherby for $299 the other day. I have no need for one but almost bought it just because. </div></div>
i agree, this or a Howa </div></div>
Isn't the Vanguard just a Howa in a Weatherby stock? </div></div>
yep, it's the same action as Vanguard and even the S&W 1500......you'll be able to get the Howa in non-Weatherby cartridges though......i was pretty much just saying get either because most all of them will shoot very well
Re: Help on a spur of the moment budget elk rifle
You have 300 dies so YES, stick with 300WM. EXCELLENT for Elk. I run 200grain Accubonds. Tikka is very good, but a little light for 300wm IMO.
I would stick with Remmy 700 SS as planned. Yea, get a new stock, bed it and toss in a Timney. Now you have something to keep for 50 years.
Rem factory SS barrels are hard to beat. Good luck with your hunt
You have 300 dies so YES, stick with 300WM. EXCELLENT for Elk. I run 200grain Accubonds. Tikka is very good, but a little light for 300wm IMO.
I would stick with Remmy 700 SS as planned. Yea, get a new stock, bed it and toss in a Timney. Now you have something to keep for 50 years.
Rem factory SS barrels are hard to beat. Good luck with your hunt
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