I would like to put together a lite carry rig for elk. I have a 7STW that weighs #12 that I didn't like packing around the mountains for 5 days. Thinking about 30 or 338 cal. Any feedback on caliber choice, barrel contour, ect. would be appreciated. Shots would be under 400 yards.

Ruger stainless all weather model 77 in 350 Remington Mag. Light weight, points fast and 35 caliber with 225 grainers is just hard to beat on elk.

I don't think you could beat a lightweight Rem 700 or Kimber Montana for joy of carry.

Pick your preference as to long action and short action. Then find an elk cartridge that fits.

Elk cartridges? Now that's a can of worms. Personally, I use a 338-06 and 210gr bullets.

But any cartridge from 270-35 caliber will work for elk. A common sense approach falling somewhere in the middle IMO. (308-338 caliber)

A Ruger All Weather or Kimber Montana would be hard to beat. As for caliber, I would lean toward the .338 myself, but that's just me

I just had my old Rem 700 in 300 WinMag rebarreled and re-stocked, specifically to make it my "backcountry elk rifle". Its now an 8mm Rem Mag, with a 25" stainless McGowen barrel and a Bansner synthetic stock. With the scope on, and 3 shells in the mag, it weighs 8 lb 3 oz....perfect for 200gr Swift A-frames at 3000 fps.

Cheers,
Canuck

I don't blame you, a 10# rifle is about my limit as a hunting rig that has to be carried all day. It will depend on your recoil tolerance, no free lunch, lighter rifles kick more, they just do. I settled on the 280rem for my light wt. elk/deer rig. At just over 7.25# ready to hunt, I hardly notice the recoil of a 160grNP @ 2800fps. I would think a Kimber Rem.700T in 7WSM or 7SAUM would be just about right. I love my 8.5# 338-06, but I'm not so sure I would love it on a 7# rifle. I've shot 7# 06 w/ 180grHE loads & that would put me off a lt.wt. 30mag. Several good choices in a factory rig & the sky is the limit if you want to go custom.

Ouch! 12lbs is heavy, no doubt about that. What do you want out of an elk rifle? Do you want something with good long range ballistics (which I'm guessing since you're using a 7stw lol)?

If you have a Gander Mountain nearby, they have quite a few 7wsm's on sale for good prices, and 160gr Fail Safe for 35$ a box. And if your local Gander doesnt have it, they WILL ship the stuff from other stores to get it to you. A 270wsm would be a good choice too if you really want to go light. As would a 280 in a Rem 700 LSS, any of the new Sako A7's, Browning X-Bolts, Tikka's or Marlin XL-7 in 30-06.

I would suggest a 35 whelen CDL. 7.8 lbs with scope and mounts. Not bad for all factory.

I just picked up a Win 70 Featherweight that has been rebarreled to 330 Dakota. It has a 23" Lilja barrel with a fairly light taper, and with scope (Leupold VXIII 2.8-8x36 and Talley Lightweights), it will weigh in right at 8 pounds. It is my idea of a light weight thumper with great ballistics. I also have a 7 STW in a Sako 75, and am thinking about trading it off and getting something else. I think this new rifle will cover anything I am ever likely to hunt, and it is at least a pound lighter than the Sako.

Jason

quote:

Originally posted by raybass:
I would suggest a 35 whelen CDL. 7.8 lbs with scope and mounts. Not bad for all factory.

I like the WHelen as well as my 338-06, but I think both are lacking just a bit for a 400yd shot on elk. The remaining vel. @ 400yds starts making expansion iffy w/ many bullets.

I know its plain jane but for shots under 400 yards in a lightweight rifle, I would choose a 30-06. Elk have been dropping from the old 06 for along time. The 30-06 has plenty of energy and range at 400 yards.

What rifle? Which ever lightweight fits you best and feels comfortable.

Hope this helps.

ddj

look at a ruger "all weather" in 30-06. add a leupy 3x9x40 and you are set for anything in north america. won't be too heavy either. good hunting...............

I would take a look at a bolt rifle in a caliber such as a 338 Win Mag, 350 Rem Mag, 35 Whelen, 9,3x62, or even a 375 H&H.

If I hunted in a lot of thick stuff I would get one with a 20" barrel.

I used to have a Remington Mod 7 in 350 Rem Mag [20" bbl]

I replaced it with a SAKO 375 H&H with a 20" bbl [my brother has that rifle now].

My current choice is a Blaser R 93 Synthentic Tracker in 375 H&H [19 3/4" bbl].

you could go with a remington 7 in 350 remington magnum. they are around 6 pounds.

I don't mean any disrespect nor do I want to start a fight but elk aren't that tough to kill. You ddon't need a magnum if shots are under 400 yards.

Buy a 30-06 (at most) and you will never be disappointed.

Just my opinion.

ddj

quote:

Originally posted by trouthunterdj:
I don't mean any disrespect nor do I want to start a fight but elk aren't that tough to kill. You ddon't need a magnum if shots are under 400 yards.

Buy a 30-06 (at most) and you will never be disappointed.

Just my opinion.

ddj

It's a valid point, but there is elk hunting, cows & small bulls, then there is elk hunting. A big 6pt bull can make 800# & they are tough, not bullet proof, but tough. I think the 06 is fine out to 300, 350yds, but much like the 338-06 or Whelen, I think you are stretching the vel. window for good expansion. If you can keep your shots to 300yds, I agree, little "need" for a magnum.

Mine is a Kimber 8400 (WOOD) 30/06 toped with a VariX II Leupold 3x9x40 preaty lite rifle never put it on a scale though.

All of my elk have dropped to either the 338-06 with the 210 gr Partition or the 185 gr TSX (my farthest shot at 280 yards), the 35 Whelen with the 225 gr TSX or 250 gr Speer or the 375 H&H with the 260 gr Partition. I never felt lacking for even a 400 yard shot but have always been able to get closer, much, much closer. That is what hunting is for me. All of the above rifles weigh less than 7 3/4# scoped. My hunting partner uses an old Browning FN '06 with factory 180 gr Corelocks and is batting 1000 out to 300 yards. Today, if I owned nothing I would likely pick up a Kimber '06 and have it rebored to 338-06 and go hunting. I just am one that likes different so do not use the '06 though the Kimber would be fine as is with 165 gr TSX at near 3000 fps.

Thanks for all your responses. In hindsite, a 400 yard shot will probably not be in the picture. I will be using this rifle to hunt elk in the timber and openings mostly, and not post on a hillside for longrange shooting. So, the max range would be 300 yards and under. I want to stay in the 30 cal or bigger calibers, as I saw a hunter shoot a 6x6 bull 3 times with a 270 Win before it dropped. I have brass in 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 300 RUM, 8mm Rem Mag, so I could do anything based on these cases very easily.

If you do decide on a 30-06, try the High Energy loads offered by Federal. I have used this load for elk and caribou with great results. It gives you magnum performance in a 30-06.

The 270, 280, or 30-06 will all get your job done, especially with new premium bullets.

Again my opinion.

ddj

You have brass that could make just about any great elk round out there lol you're not helping us!!

Any of those cases with a 338 or 358 bullet would be great for your intentions. That list would be (in order of the brass you listed)

338-06
338 Win Mag
338 RUM
8mm RM IS close enough, but could form 340 wby

35 Whelen
358 Norma Mag
358 Ultra Mag Towsley
358 STA.

For what you described, you're probably fine to stick with the 06 based stuff. An 8-06, 338-06 or 35 Whelen would suit out to 300 yards just fine. As would a 9.3x62 to be a bit different.

What I am gathering so far from the previous posts is to go with a 338 cal bullet in the 200+ gr. weight, and after that just pick a rifle and go hunting. So, at what caliber level does recoil become a diminishing return on performance , since this will be a lite rifle ?

I think you 300 yards limit is a much better idea. I have an old JC higgins 30/06 , with a MPI stock and leupold VXIII 2.5X8..
Load it with a good 165 grain bullet ,T-shock or partition, and the rest is up to you.
A remington Mountain rifle would be great too.
Ruger has the all weather in the Whelen this yaer too !
Another way to go is the good old 7 mag.
Lots of great rifles so chamberd , in the midweight ange...tj3006

There are so many good choices. Maybe its best to see if you will use the gun for any other purpose; deer, moose, bear, ect.

I don't think you've heard a bad recommendation.

ddj

Trueblue, Welcome to AR!!

Do you like the 7 STW ?

Which type of action is your heavy rifle built on ?

There wouldn't be anything wrong with owning a heavy rifle and a sporter weight rifle in the same caliber.

Maxbear,
My 7 STW is built on a trued Remington action. I like the caliber alot, shooting 168gr Bergers @ 3125 fps. Could push it faster, but don't see the need. This is a good longrange rig, but not an easy handling gun for in the timber.Wanted to put together a carry rig shooting heavier bullets with shorter barrel (22"-24") for mostly hunting elk, but possibly moose or bear someday. It seems with the brass I have on hand, there are to many possible choices. Does anyone like the 8 mm Remington Mag or for bullet choice should I stay with 338 cal ? I have alot of that brass on hand because I use it for my 7 STW.

quote:

Originally posted by Trueblue:
Thanks for all your responses. In hindsite, a 400 yard shot will probably not be in the picture. I will be using this rifle to hunt elk in the timber and openings mostly, and not post on a hillside for longrange shooting. So, the max range would be 300 yards and under. I want to stay in the 30 cal or bigger calibers, as I saw a hunter shoot a 6x6 bull 3 times with a 270 Win before it dropped. I have brass in 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 300 RUM, 8mm Rem Mag, so I could do anything based on these cases very easily.

Ok, now that you are narrowing the peramiters a bit, go w/ a 338-06. You can build one lt.wt, 7.5#, w/ a 22"-23" bbl. & drive 210grNPs @ 2750fps easily. This is an elk slayer for sure out to 300yds, even on the biggest bulls. You can even stretch to 350yds w/ the NP or a conventional bullet like the Hornady 225gr (soft). Recoil will be managable, if you go to 8# or so, even comfortable. Now, go find a 270 or 06 & build your elk rig.

quote:

Originally posted by SDhunter:
Personally, I use a 338-06 and 210gr bullets.

My exact suggestion also when I read the original post.

Thanks guys for the replies. Going with the 338-06. What barrel contour and twist are you 338-06 shooters using ?

quote:

Originally posted by Trueblue:
Thanks for all your responses. In hindsite, a 400 yard shot will probably not be in the picture. I will be using this rifle to hunt elk in the timber and openings mostly, and not post on a hillside for longrange shooting. So, the max range would be 300 yards and under. I want to stay in the 30 cal or bigger calibers, as I saw a hunter shoot a 6x6 bull 3 times with a 270 Win before it dropped. I have brass in 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 300 RUM, 8mm Rem Mag, so I could do anything based on these cases very easily.

I congratulate you on the way you are approaching this elk-killing riddle. Analysing what your shots will likely be in terms of distance, how far you may have to carry the rifle, what the weather will likely be, etc., are generally too important to make a decision without considering them.



I have shot elk both for sport and for control purposes. I have used bolt action magnums, and single-shot non-magnums. I've shot elk from 90 yards to over X00 yards (too far to even mention here, I don't need the rude remarks which would be offered).

My own conclusions, which need fit only me are:

1. I do not need to shoot at elk at over 200-250 yards, and therefore I won't ever again. It is my hunt, I enjoy the hunting part, and I don't really care if I don't get an elk if I do not keep my skill up to the level to get that close.
That is part of my contract with the elk. I will maintain my skills to get close enough to pretty much guarantee them a merciful death. If I cannot do that, I will not shoot at them. I'll still love to hunt them.

2. I prefer to use good quality hunting bullets, and am willing to pay moderate prices to get them. I do not need super-premium bullets, so will not pay the prices to get THEM. I'll use Nosler Partitions.

3. I do not need a multiple shot rifle, so see little point in carrying one just for exercize.
I'll use either a TCR '83, a Ruger No. 1, or some other slim, easy to carry (perhaps lightened a bit) single shot.

4. I do not need a magnum cartridge. So, I'll not bother with one again (for elk). Any standard cartridge of at least 2,500 fps with at least a 140 gr. bullet will work very well indeed for my needs. Probably I'll continue to use my 7x65-R with factory equivalent 180 gr. cartridges. I will not use the .270 any more on elk unless I am left with nothing else.

5. I do not need a rifle-scope. I've spent enough years both hunting & competing with iron sights that I've learned how to use them with satisfying results. At 300 yards I can easily shoot 6" or smaller groups with them from a field rest...and most of the time can manage perhaps 9" or smaller groups offhand. That is plenty good enough to hit the vital area of an elk. So, I think I'll stick with the sturdy, lighter, iron sights from now on. If I do take a rifle which already has a scope, it will be one from which the scope is easily removed, and which has back-up iron sights, just in case.

This means I will lose maybe 20 minutes of legal hunting time at each end of the day, but I won't miss them. I can find an elk in the remaining hours of daylight. The more I learn about elk, and how they think, the easier that becomes. Besides, elk hunting is a pleasure for me, not a job at which I MUST labour from dawn 'til dark.

There's more, but you get the picture. This is how I select MY elk rifle. It likely won't be the same as others will all choose, but that's okay. They know their needs much better than I know what they need. and I want them to have the right rifle for their needs, not mine.

You have started well down the path to see what you want/need to use. It will be interesting to hear what you decide on for YOUR hunt(s), and why. And even more interesting will be to hear if you decide on any modifications to your chosen rig AFTER your hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:

Ok, now that you are narrowing the peramiters a bit, go w/ a 338-06. You can build one lt.wt, 7.5#, w/ a 22"-23" bbl. & drive 210grNPs @ 2750fps easily.

Don't understand how a 338-06 can be so powerful? Doesn't a 30-06 push a 180 @ 2750?

How can a 338-06 shoot 30 gr heavier bullet the same velocity?

How about a Blaser R93 with a professional stock in 30-06 loaded with 165 grain TSX bullets at 2800 fps? Lightweight, weatherproof, very easy to carry and shoot and deadly elk medicine.

There are still a number of Colt light rifles around in '06. Haven't heard of one that didn't shoot well, they're plenty light.

quote:

Originally posted by ar corey:

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:

Ok, now that you are narrowing the peramiters a bit, go w/ a 338-06. You can build one lt.wt, 7.5#, w/ a 22"-23" bbl. & drive 210grNPs @ 2750fps easily.

Don't understand how a 338-06 can be so powerful? Doesn't a 30-06 push a 180 @ 2750?

How can a 338-06 shoot 30 gr heavier bullet the same velocity?

The slightly larger bore diamtere allows the pressrue to be approx. the same while pushing the heavier bullet @ the same vel. It's not that much powerful, but the slightly bigger bullet does hit just a bit harder IMO, especially on heavier game. WIll it kill that much bette than a 30-06 w/ 180gr bullets, probably not enought to notice every time you pull the trigger, but it is my choice for a 300yd elk rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by Trueblue:
Thanks guys for the replies. Going with the 338-06. What barrel contour and twist are you 338-06 shooters using ?

For lt.wt. I would go #3 fluted or #2 @ 22"-23". A 1-10 is pretty much std. & will work fine upto 250gr bullets. Go w/ a 1-9 if you want to shoot longer bullets but to me, the 250gr is max in the 06 length case.

why not get a 358 winchester? works on a short action. be nice with a 22inch #3 or 4 contour barrel...

A 338 Federal would be a good choice too! Its right there with the 338-06, and you get the added benefit of a good choice of factory ammo and several rifles. The one downer with the 338-06 is you either have to have it custom made, or you have to get an A-Square or Weatherby Mk V, so those 3 choices almost all lead to a very expensive rifle. IF you find a good donor action for a good price, and don't have too much work done you'll be able to get under 1000, but with the Federal you do get the options of Kimber, Tikka, and Ruger without breaking the bank. Just something to gnaw on

quote:

Originally posted by Paul from nz:
why not get a 358 winchester? works on a short action. be nice with a 22inch #3 or 4 contour barrel...

Personaly, I think you have to give up too much vel. & range w/ a 358win or even the 338fed. If you want a lt.wt. short, handy woods rifle & don't think you are going much beyond 250yds, it would be a fine choice, but stretching beyond that, bullet performance is likely to suffer.

For a light weight elk rifle for shots under 300 yards, a Remington Model 7 in .308 would work well. I have personally seen this combination work well on elk, zebra, kudu, and gemsbuck. 165 gr partitions give excellent penetration and expansion. And the rifle is only 6.5 pounds.

quote:

Originally posted by MileHighShooter:
A 338 Federal would be a good choice too! Its right there with the 338-06, and you get the added benefit of a good choice of factory ammo and several rifles. The one downer with the 338-06 is you either have to have it custom made, or you have to get an A-Square or Weatherby Mk V, so those 3 choices almost all lead to a very expensive rifle. IF you find a good donor
action for a good price, and don't have too much work done you'll be able to get under 1000, but with the Federal you do get the options of Kimber, Tikka, and Ruger without breaking the bank. Just something to gnaw on

Cooper chambers 338-06 in a factory rifle. I know because my wife got me one for my 40th birthday and I killed a 5x5 bull with a 210 gr partition. ...guess that means I vote for the 338-06 with 210 gr partitions.