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elk rifle for a lady, suggestions

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04 June 2016, 21:49
Brad
elk rifle for a lady, suggestions
quote:
Originally posted by sage:
A couple very nice bulls you have there, curious as to what bullet you were using in the 7mm-08.


Thank you.

150 Ballistic Tip in the 7-08
165 Speer Hotcore in the 308


05 June 2016, 00:29
Crazyhorseconsulting
One thing that has not really been touched on, and it is something I have witnessed many men do when looking to pick out a rifle for their wife/son or daughter.

All too often they do not take into account the, for lack of a better word "Toughness" of the individual the gun will be for. Case in point from experience, two in fact.

In the first case a former hunting partner had started his 14 year old daughter out with a .243. The girl was not tiny, but she was just 14. After getting used to the .243 he stepped her up to a .270. On one of the Youth Only deer hunt weekends Texas does, the Dad and daughter met me at the place we had been hunting on for a couple of years. When they got there, the Dad said they had a problem. He had brought along both his rifle, a Model 700 Remington in .375 H&H and his daughters gun also a 700 Remington in .270. Problem was that in their packing that morning for the trip up, they forgot the shells for the .270. I watched that young lady make a 110 yard shot on a spike buck with the .375, and when we asked her how it felt when she shot, she described it as just a little harder push than her .270.

In the other case on the trip that Lora shot her elk, her normal gun is a Model 77 Ruger Ultra Lite in .257 Roberts, but I worked with her before the trip and she used my .35 Whelen. In hindsight, I should have let her use the Robert's because I realized it would have got the job done.

My point is, don't underestimate a persons ability until after you give them a couple of practice sessions. Don't put them behind something you find unpleasant to shoot.


Even the rocks don't last forever.



05 June 2016, 22:30
Pancho
.308 Win, 165 gr factory loads, almost any brand is good. If you handload, 165 ghr Hornady I-lock or Sierra Game King work just fine. Echo comments about rifle fit. Everything else lacks versatility or ease of ammo procurement. 30-06 is my 2d choice.


Pancho
LTC, USA, RET

"Participating in a gun buy-back program because you think that criminals have too many guns is like having yourself castrated because you think your neighbors have too many kids." Clint Eastwood

Give me Liberty or give me Corona.
06 June 2016, 16:30
Nortman
For somebody who is not a rifle looney.. like most on here, I would do this:

Tikka T3 SS in 308
Put into a McMillan Sako Hunter stock
Sako Ringmounts
4x33, 6x36 or 6x42 Leupold
09 June 2016, 01:40
sdirks
My aunt, who is about 5'5", 130 pounds and is now 65 has hunted for over twenty years with a .270 Win. She has killed many antelope and deer (whitetail and muley) as well as several elk including a huge bull a couple years ago. Just be sure the stock fits properly. Use 130 gr X-bullets and she should be pretty comfortable.
09 June 2016, 03:59
Brian Canada
quote:
American National Motto: "Just Do As We Say, We Know What Is Best For Everyone"!


Crazyhorse, I like that one. But, I always thought it was the Canadian National Motto. (chuckle)
Brian


IHMSA BC Provincial Champion and Perfect 40 Score, Unlimited Category, AAA Class.
09 June 2016, 04:59
ted thorn
quote:
Originally posted by Nortman:
For somebody who is not a rifle looney.. like most on here, I would do this:

Tikka T3 SS in 308
Put into a McMillan Sako Hunter stock
Sako Ringmounts
4x33, 6x36 or 6x42 Leupold


You would have to be a rifle looney to put that together


________________________________________________
Maker of The Frankenstud Sling Keeper
Proudly made in the USA
Acepting all forms of payment
09 June 2016, 05:21
ravenr


Here's a little gal I know that shoots a 270
09 June 2016, 05:23
ravenr


Or maybe a 300 short mag.
Both these girls won't weigh a 100# with a pocket full of rocks.
09 June 2016, 05:27
ravenr


Another 270 shooter
09 June 2016, 16:51
Rphguy
my wife shoots a Savage Ladyhunter 7-08. She loves it and has killed numerous animals including a zebra. She says it's the prettiest rifle on the planet, is only 5 pounds, and hits what she aims at.
09 June 2016, 19:09
JGRaider
Great pics ravenr!
16 June 2016, 23:55
lindy2
I cannot say enough about my Winchester 70 classic compact in .308. (I shoot the 180 grain Nosler Partition in mine) My wife really likes it as well.

They are now being called the featherweight compact.

A very nice rifle. Available in a number of calibers.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/...rweight-compact.html
17 July 2016, 05:57
Wstrnhuntr
Get her a model 99 300 Savage. Cool
24 July 2016, 20:17
robthom
May I suggest the following:

Have the lady wear one of those space age material recoil reducing shoulder pads. I use one whenever I am testing my .30-06, .338-06.

Have a rifle with the correct length of pull, stock dimensions (cast etc.), plus one of those high tech recoil pads.

I have Pachmayr Decelerator pads on my medium bore rifles. Some people like Limbsaver. No doubt, there are other good recoil pads too.

I would go with a .30-06 with premium bullets and maybe, this would enable you to use 165 grain rather than 180 grain heads. This will reduce recoil a bit and shot placement is more important. It may be possible to stick with 180 grain heads if the padding / recoil pad and stock dimensions make the rifle comfortable to shoot.
24 July 2016, 23:13
OLBIKER
quote:
Originally posted by ravenr:


Another 270 shooter

You sure know lots of pretty Gals Big Grin
25 July 2016, 01:23
matt salm
I bought my wife one of the browning micro Hunter LH rifles in 7mm-08 and it is a very sweet shooting rifle. I'd pick the same again.


Shoot straight, shoot often.
Matt
26 July 2016, 19:09
ravenr
quote:
posted 24 July 2016 23:13 Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by ravenr:


Another 270 shooter

You sure know lots of pretty Gals

Politically Incorrect and
proud of it!!!!!!!!!

Professional Hunter


You may be attracted to her "Rack"
26 July 2016, 19:17
cooperjd
they have decided she will use her hubby's rifle; a T/C Dimension in .300WM. it has spacers in the stock so they've shortened it to fit her. i'm a little concerned about the recoil for her, she'll find out soon whether or not she can handle it. my plan is to get him some reduced recoil loads for range time; and use full power loads on the hunt and just not tell her. if she doesnt like the reduced loads, i guess they'll be rifle shopping.
26 July 2016, 20:48
mdstewart
quote:
Originally posted by adamhunter:
You might consider a Remington Model 7 as well. The composite stocked model is pretty light. My 10yr old son has one in 260 Rem. He is all of 60 pounds and handles it just fine.


I'm with Adam on this one. A Model 7 in .260 using 140gr TTSX due to the BC. Put a good recoil pad on it and good optics. Shouldn't have more than $1000 in it.


JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72
David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore
Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55
Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06
Walther PPQ H2 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus
And Too Many More
27 July 2016, 07:31
wasbeeman
Regardless of what she ends up with, the key is practice, practice, practice. If she can't hit what's she shooting at or if she's scared the rifle is gonna knock the snot out of her, it doesn't make any difference what she's shooting. If you're talking about reloading, one can start out with modest loads and as she acclimates to them, increase the charge gradually until she's shooting full house loads. And hitting what she's aiming at.


Aim for the exit hole
27 July 2016, 21:19
cooperjd
quote:
key is practice, practice, practice. If she can't hit what's she shooting at or if she's scared the rifle is gonna knock the snot out of her, it doesn't make any difference what she's shooting. If you're talking about reloading, one can start out with modest l



Amen. she has a horseshoe up her ass and drew a tag for some private land on a 2nd season bull hunt where her chance at a true bull of a lifetime exists. i'm trying to overstress the importance of good shooting. i hope it sticks. i had them buy a scope for their pellet gun and build a trap for basement practicing with a scoped rifle for daily practice until they can find range time.
30 July 2016, 06:10
Ray Alaska
.338 Federal loaded with 185-grain Barnes 3-Shock Tipped.
06 August 2016, 20:41
Wstrnhuntr
I am going to look at a nice little 8X57 sporter today. Lightweight, hard hitting, low recoil. Not sure how such a dated round would do against modern Elk Kevlar though.. Confused
07 August 2016, 00:39
wasbeeman
The 8x57 has been killing elk sized stuff for a long time. While it doesn't bother me, as I shoot a lot, I wouldn't consider the 8x57 as a light recoiler, especially in a light weight rifle. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir from your earlier post, but start her out light and work up. Smiler
I don't know if they still make them but Pacmyrn?? used to make a recoil pad that someway fixed to a woman's bra strap.


Aim for the exit hole
07 August 2016, 03:37
Wstrnhuntr
quote:
Originally posted by wasbeeman:
The 8x57 has been killing elk sized stuff for a long time. While it doesn't bother me, as I shoot a lot, I wouldn't consider the 8x57 as a light recoiler, especially in a light weight rifle. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir from your earlier post, but start her out light and work up. Smiler
I don't know if they still make them but Pacmyrn?? used to make a recoil pad that someway fixed to a woman's bra strap.


I am sure we could agree on plenty. The 7X57 has long been considered a light recoiling rifle and has nearly identical powder capacity to the 8. But I know what you mean, heavier bullets and all. Truth is, there are a lot of rounds that have been around a long time that would fill the ladies elk rifle bill quite well. And just like you say about starting her of easy, it is better to go with something that is suitable for the gal AND the goal than a whizbanger that makes the guy feel warm an fuzzy. Save those rifles for yourself guys..
09 August 2016, 21:37
dwheels
I am right there with the other 270 shooters. My daughter and grand daughter both shoot an old FN commercial Mauser in .270 The load I make for them shoots as accurate as this old rifle is, (1 to 1.75 inches), I use RL 19 topped with a 130 grain TSX. The old Mauser is a little heavy so recoil is very soft. They have killed both elk and mule deer with this rifle and love it.
23 August 2016, 04:51
chuck375
quote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
243 Winchester with a 100 grain premium bullet, in any rifle that suits her.


Yup, I used to hunt and kill elk with my 243 before I moved up to my big 270 Win ...

Smiler


Regards,

Chuck



"There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit"

Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness"
23 August 2016, 05:25
waterrat


My wife's rifle is a Rem 722 in 300 Savage. She short and the rifle is cut down and still weighs 8 1/2lbs, I load 165gr NP @ 2500 fps or 150's and it kills moose,brown bears, seals,caribou, etc like lightening.


I tend to use more than enough gun
23 August 2016, 06:53
Wstrnhuntr
tu2

A forgotten caliber. When it came out it was touted as a near equal to the 06, and back then it actually was very close. My dad carried an original Oberndorf sporter in 300 savage for as long as I can remember. Steel butt plate, lightweight and still a pleasure to shoot as well as very capable. I wish I had a dollar for every Elk that was taken with the old 300. Big Grin
24 August 2016, 05:07
boarkiller
Buy her gun, that usually works in hunting business


" Until the day breaks and the nights shadows flee away " Big ivory for my pillow and 2.5% of Neanderthal DNA flowing thru my veins.
When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar.
Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan
PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move...

Man should be happy and in good humor until the day he dies...
Only fools hope to live forever
“ Hávamál”
24 August 2016, 07:44
ravenr
Solid cartridge , Great bull.
24 August 2016, 08:39
chuck375
Just saw this ad for the Weatherby Camilla. It's basically a Vanguard designed for women. Might be worth a look. I vote for the 270 too though. With a 130g premium bullet very little recoil and plenty for elk with good shot placement.


Regards,

Chuck



"There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit"

Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness"
24 August 2016, 11:35
georgeld
Long time since I got on this thread.
Randall: Thanks for correcting me. Some years ago it used to .25 cal for elk, and .24 for lesser game. Since you posted that, and I just read it. I got the laws out and looked it up. Sure as heck, you're right and I was wrong. Not often but, does happen at times. Thank you sir.

I was always taught by the old time elk killers in camp that: "never ever shoot elk with less than an '06 with 180gr bullets". That's been a religion where we hunted.

I killed a bull elk with a .22 one August, but, that's illegal as can be. So was the date! Long time ago too. Put it under the ear and his head hit him in the hindend before going down like a rock.

John: What have they decided yet, or have they tried the TC?

George


"Gun Control is NOT about Guns'
"It's about Control!!"
Join the NRA today!"

LM: NRA, DAV,

George L. Dwight
24 August 2016, 20:15
cooperjd
they're going to try hornady light mags in the t/c .300 for practice, and use i believe barnes tsx for the hunt. i forget what he got for weight in the barnes. we'll see how she handles it on the range...