If you could have any rifle, caliber, or scope for elk out to 400 yds, what would it be? You would mostly walk, set, stalk in any weather. Not recoil sensitive. I know this is kinda hypothetical but starting to plan for season 8 months away. Got the itch for a new rifle. Your opinions are appreciated.

30-378 in a Christiansen Arms, Swarovski 30mm ph scope.................wapiti7

M70 pre 64 Featherweight, or post 64 Classic Featherweight in .30-06 with Leupold 1.75-6X32 VXIII. Nice light rifle for humping the hills with plenty of power to take elk at 400 yards. .270 Win in the same rifle would be my second choice.

Blaser R 93 synthentic 300 Win Mag Leupold LR 3.5-10 M2 [ballistic cam].

30-378, I'll assume from your handle, that you already have one of those, so that is no longer my first recommendation. My second would be the 338 RUM with a 225-250 grain bullet. The action would be Nesika, Jim Borden, or BAT. 30mm Swarovski scope with magnification up to 14 or so. McMillan stock, and a handlapped barrel from any reputable barrel maker: #4 contour, 27" long.

I have seen a friend's video where his brother killed a very nice bull elk in WY with his 338RUM and the distance was about 309 yards. It was a picture perfect kill and the bull was dumped in his tracks with a well placed shoulder shot.

It is not a necessary rifle for elk, but I do like large calibers with big bullets and I appreciate their power.

Browning Abolt Stainless Stalker --- .338 Win Mag --- 3-9x40 Leupold VariX II

oh wait I already got one

Doc:

You are very perceptive and right on track with my thoughts. Yes, I have an Accumark 30/378. The 30/378 just does a number on elk. I am just wanting another rifle and have considered the 338 RUM. Just trying to get perspective and real world application from other Elk hunters. My thoughts for a custom rig are Bat, Krieger, Jewell, McMillan, and Nightforce. I really like the idea of 338 or 7mm RUM ctgs.

Well, I do own a Nightforce scope and it is incredible. I should have mentioned that scope too but I was in a hurry. I have the 5.5x22 with the NPR2 reticle. Unbelievable glass.

Perhaps the only caution is the BAT action as it's metal is mildly softer than Nesika or the Jim Borden. (But not too soft!!).

I have been considering a 338RUM for almost 2 years now. I think I've made my mind up that I'll build one...and it just might be the same components as yours!

Do you know what the wait is on a Krieger bbl these days? FWIW, that video of my friends....his 338RUM was a custom rifle with a Lilja bbl. It shoots the TSX bullets like a 6PPC shoots Bergers.

quote:

Originally posted by 30378:
If you could have any rifle, caliber, or scope for elk out to 400 yds, what would it be?

A pre 64 barrelled for .300 H&H topped with a Leupold. Had a .300 H&H and it is a fine elk round.

30378,I might hunt elk some day.Now,a caliber for a 500lbs animal at 400yds that would put it down quick,I would consider a 300WM,300RUM, 8mmRM,338WM, or 338RUM,375RUM with a muzzle break,338 Lapua with a muzzle break,and the 30 caliber weatherbys.I believe all these are accurate,and flat shooting at long range.That 338 lapua must be extra special with those Lapua cases.As for the rifle,I would go with any new and modern rifle with a hammer-forged or match barrel.Scope choice would be a Leopold or Shmidt and Bender,or Swarovski 2.5-10X or a fixed 8X,or a the good value of a Leopold 2.5-8X.I have a S&B 2.5-10X 50mm and consider it a Cadillac.I like the way the crosshairs stand out when I look through it and I'am about to shoot at a caribou on a hill top or at some distance.

I would definately opt for a 338 RUM with leupold VxL 3.5-10, probably a Remington 700 with AR15 style extractor conversion with muzzle break shooting 225gr accubonds @ 3140fps. The nightforce would be another great scope, I had one in 5.5-22 with NPR2 reticle and it was outstanding glass, but kind of heavy and I would want to keep wieght for this rifle down to under 8.5lbs.

I have mine! 400 yds. might be stretching it a bit though, since I haven't shot it that far "yet". Rem. 700 cdl in 35 whelen 24" barrel, Talley light weight rings, VX III 2.5-8 leupold shooting 225 gr. XXX shock barnes over 60 grs. of RL-15 (gotta work up to this load). I'm good to 300yds. for sure with it. I think it can do farther. Not my idea of a brush cartridge LOL. Fairly light heavy hitter. If I had to pick another 300 H&H or 30-06 with hot handloads would get the nod. Oh 7mm Rem mag also would be a good choice. But that's just me. I have a Rem.700 in 300 win mag but it just never turned me on. The 35 & 300 shoot the XXX shocks real good. When I'm carrying the 35 I wonder "do i need those other four in the magazine". Confidence! It's like carrying a double rifle on safari.

I ask myself this question all-the-time. If I narrow it down to only one choice I would choose a Dakota model 97, in 330 Dakota, Swarovski 2.5-10x42mm scope, loaded with 225 grain Swift A-Frames. I could name a lot of components I would use for a fully custom build, but the Dakota 97 is very similar to my most critical selections.

I also have mine 300wm, Ruger 77 with a Leupold 2-7.400+ yards.

I agree with ELKMAN2, well almost, 300WM – Win. MDL70, Leupold 4.5x14. Worked just fine on my two elk, both at between 300 & 400 yds.. Nosler Partitions hand loads.

Best regards
Carl

am partial to weatherby and from past experience, my selection would be a .340.

If there's not really a price concern, I'd have one built. That said, I'd still go will a practical rifle meaning you don't have to spend a fortune.

Since the range is only 400 yards, none of the Ultra Mags are "needed." Something in 7RM or 300WM would be more than enough.

I'd take a 700 action, have it blue printed, have a 25" stainless Lilja tube w/ factory magnum contour, competition recoil lug, bead blasted finish, and steel beeded into a HS precision sporter stock of your favorite color. Top it with some DD signature rings and a Zeiss 4.5-14x44 SF Conquest.

You'd have a complete rig for around $2,000 that would be easy to carry and most likely shoot 1/2 MOA or better.

Some custom tailored loads with either NABs or XXXs and you'd be set

Good Luck

Reloader

Hey 30378, it's time to complete that 378 based collection... Pick up a 338-378 ... It's "overkill" perhaps but it is a blast to shoot... Picked one up for this years elk season... Now all I have to do is draw a tag ...

Ken....

From what I have been told by a few that have done it and a few smiths is I would not get a custom action for a hunting rifle if I were you. On a rugged hunt if you get any grit (and you will get grit out west) in the action you will be hating life with an action that has tight tolerances like a Bat or Nesika. A custom trigger is not a good one on a hunting rifle either. I would build on a good factory action and have it squared up. You already have a good Elk rifle as is but if you just want another toy forget the 338's you will not notice much difference from what you have. I would go 375 RUM. A 260 Accubond 3100fps+ should really put the hurting on an Elk and you will have way more frontol area then a 338.

What area you hunt has a lot to do with rifle selection. Are you going to hunt the timber or the clear cuts. Are you going after the big bulls hidden on the top or shoot a rag horn that you happen across? I have a timber rifle, a climbing rifle, and a canyon shooter. My timber rifle is a 444 Marlin where shots are usually under 75 yards. My climbing rifle is a Model 70 featherweight in '06 and my canyon shooter is a Rem Sendero in 300 Ultra Mag. My any condition rifle is a 338 winmag in a Model 70. I just tell myself that you can't hunt all conditions in the elk field with just one rifle.
One thing to remember is that elk hunting is hard on equipment.

Tikka 300 Win Mag with a Leupold 3.5X10X50 or a Stainless Browning A-bolt 338 Win Mag with a Baush & Lomb 3X9X40.

Well that is what I would use seeing how I have both of them.

I first started hunting Elk with a .300 Winny, and took several with three different rifles. I then went to a .340 Wby and was very pleased with it after taking several, then used a .338 Lapua on one, at the request of my 14 year old grandson, who took his first with it. I am now hunting with a couple of .358 STA's, they are truly awesome on the larger game. One has a synthetic stock the other wood, I let the weather tell me which I pack that day. Today there are many good Elk rounds including the .338's, .325 WSM, .375 H&H and Ruger, pick your poison. My minimum is the .270 and I have a buddy that always gets his meat with one and would shoot nothing else. I am now using a .270 WSM for backup on occasion if I draw only a cow tag. All those mentioned will do the job if the shooter does his. Good shooting.

You guys can really soar when you're spending someone else's money.
Rem 700, 300WinMag, 3x9 Leupold scope, 200gr NP or Grand Slam bullet. It'll do anything you need done. I have shot elk with both the 300 and the 338 and couldn't tell that the 338 had any edge on the 300. And the 300 is more fun to shoot. And that's as important as the calibre you choose: Practice, practice, practice. Using field positions.
My 300WM wore a 1.5x5 Burris but then I never shot an elk at 400 yards so I gave you a little bigger scope. Although, I think the scope I used would have worked as I routinely shot at targets out to 300 yards with it.

I don't think what you want is an "elk rig", I think what you want is a new rifle. Also sounds like you have enough experience to pick it yourself which means this discussion is just a mental excerise on a winter day.

The perfect elk rig for me to 400yds, a distence I don't shoot, would be built around a rifle wieghting 7 1/2# to 8#. The barrel would be a max 24" and the cartridge could be one of many. I'm gonna pick the 280 Rem. I know recoil was ruled out but I don't like it anyway. Any good action would do. I've used several and don't really have a preference, They are all good. But if I have to choose one, Sako L61R.
Pick your favorite barrel maker but discuss with them a twist that will work best with 150 gr and up bullet's.

For rings, the L61R is milled for Sako rings and I'd use them, have in the past and they work fine. A scope, I'ed choose nothing bigger than a good 2-7 power. You could carry a bigger one but shooting at something the size of an elk at 400yds, you'll gain little with more than 7 power. I wouldn't want to carry more than I had to into elk country.

One last thing I'd get is a good leather military sling and learn to use it. Your gonna have a sling to carry anyway, why not one that's usefull? Then you wouldn't need to carry a bi-pod, if that's what you do.

30378, having hunted elk for over 40+ years I have used several, including the 30-338 and the 338-378, both being outstanding elk guns. But the two that have stayed with me throughout my elk hunting,have been and will be the best all around in my opinion. A 264 win mag FW and a 264 win mag standard, both pre-64's. I have never lost an elk with either gun but then again, I think the longest shot would have been in the 300 to 350 range.
There may be a better caliber out there but this has worked very well for me in the last 40+ years.
since you have the 30-378 step to the 338-378, it can only get better.

Don Fischer:

You are very close to right. I do want a new rifle. Never can have too many. I have been hunting the western edges of Colorado for 23 years. Having said that as background, I have also learned to value the voice of others which is a good basis for continuous improvement. With new things coming out it is important to stay informed to insure your best chances of success.

Well if money isn't a issue I would get a 330 Dakota and top it off with a 4X12 Swarovski. Personally for myself , since money is a issue I am thinking on buying a HS Precision in 300 RUM and topping it with a Leupold 4.5 X 14. Both should do quite nicely.

I have two, a synthetic stocked M70 In 300WM, and an old walnut stocked Weatherby Vangard in 7RM. Either works well in that application

I think that the magnums shine if you are indeed going to take a 400 yard shot. I have elk hunted a lot of years and the longest that I have taken is 277. I personally use a 7 mag just because I got my first one in a trade and like it. If I was going to buy a new elk gun, I think that I would lean toward the 300 short mag as the recoil would not be as much as issue for someone who may be recoil shy. Sensitivity to recoil should be a factor in choosing a weapon, because if someone is flinchy, it does no good to have a magnum. It will nullify the effectiveness.

Pre 64 or classic mod 70 300 Win (Mine's made by Charlie Sisk- I believe on a McMillan stock), Swarovski 3-10 x 42mm, Conetrol bases and rings. Lapua brass, Fed 215M, 76gr RL 22, 180gr TSX- 1/2in groups @ 3000fps.

350 remington mag model 7 cdl and a bushnell elite 4200 4-16x50mm

and lots of practice at the range

I'm pretty happy with my Sauer 202 Deluxe Magnum in .300wby with a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40.



Shot my first elk with it in New Mexico last fall at 445 (i ranged it 445 and then my guide ranged it 446) yards off a tall stoney point bi-pod. I've shot three pigs with it and one blacktail deer here in California. Never thought I would take that long a shot but it looked pretty good to me at 10 power and he dropped at the shot!

Well, anything from 270 on up will be just fine, but if you're looking for a cool new rifle, you might want to try a 358STA. It seems to be a pretty fantastic round you don't see everyday. I've got a 340wby I plan on using for that type of stuff, but you already have the Weatherby thing covered. 3-10 or 4-14 scope sounds just about right for the longer shots.

30378: I am PERFECTLY happy with my 7mm Remington Magnum and Nosler 160 gr. Partitions for my Elk Hunting needs!
But I have a close friend who has used the "amazing" 338/378 Weatherby Magnum on Elk for many years now! I was watching over his shoulder and spotting for him when he killed a DANDY 7x7 Bull Elk here in Montana 4 years ago with his custom 338/378!
My friend now uses a Shepherd scope on this custom Rifle and literally gets "his Elk" every year with it. Often at extended ranges from 500 to 800 yards!
On a couple of occassions he has loaned it to his son to harvest Elk with also!
I have watched my friend shoot this 338/378 Rifle at our home made 1,000 yard range whilst he was doing load development and when he sights it in!
This cartridge IS impressive to say the least!
LOTS of energy even at extended ranges and rather accurate as well!
If I was not "recoil sensitive" and wanted a "public lands" type Elk Rifle this cartridge would be at the very top of my list!
Seeings you are familiar with the 30/378 I gather you are not recoil sensitive?
I have also seen my friend harvest Antelope and Deer with his 338/378 Weatherby Magnum custom Rifle!
By the way my friends Rifle is built on a Ruger #1 action and uses a 30" Kreieger barrel and has a muzzle brake attached.
The concussion and noise that is created when this Rifle is touched off can only be described as HORRIFIC!
So keep that in mind.
Best of luck in your search for a new Elk getter!
By the way LOTS of Montana Elk Hunters are going to the newish 338 Remington Ultra Mag!
I guess they are getting nearly the same performance as the 338/378 Weatherby Magnum but with brass that is less than half the cost and a lot less powder!
Addendum: In fact the muzzle energy is not as close between these two, as had been told to me - now that I look them up in the Remington and Weatherby 2,007 catalogs!
The Remington's muzzle energy is 4,540 (ft./lb.)!
The Weatherby's muzzle energy is 5,197 (ft./lb)!
These numbers are with 250 grain bullets.
More later.
Be sure to take some aspirin along when shooting the 338/378 Weatherby though.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Well I have shot my share of elk in years gone by and one thing is for sure in my eyes, you don't need an Ultra mag or any other collar bone breaker.

I am quite content when in Colorado, to use my 7mm mag with a 4 x 12 power scope on top the barrel. It will kill any elk in the wild out to 600 yards if need be but I don't shoot that far.

Now if I were in Montana or any other known grizzly bear country, I would carry my .338 Win mag. The thread stated 400 yards and both of those calibers will do that if a hunter can shoot them accurately.

.300 or .340 Wby.. While the larger .378 based cartridges are awesome performers, to me they enter the realm of diminishing returns for a hunting rifle. The rifles that house them always seem to lack the balance that rifles built around the H&H based rounds have.

My money rifle for elk is and has been a .300 Wby. MkV that has gone through a few iterations so far and will probably go through a few more. But as I bought the rifle when I was 19 and my taste in rifles has changed or has become refined, I'm going to build a .300 Wby. on a M70 classic. And possibly a .340 to match after that.

I used a .300 Weatherby in a standard Mark V rifle with a 3X9 Leupold for elk for many years. Took them from 70 yards out to 325 yards without complaint. This would be a good choice given your 400 yard requirement. Given that requirement, and that you are not sensitive to recoil, a .340 Weatherby would also be a good choice.

Hunting in the timber though, I learned a hard lesson and no longer use that rifle back in the trees. I use a .400/.360 NE double with express sights for that. If you're going to use this rifle for elk hunting in all terrains, I'd suggest putting the scope in QD mounts that return to zero, and having a good set of filed in express sights for back up. You might find them handy. I found that I wanted 'em bad.
-----------------------------------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

If I were going to have a dedicated elk rifle, I would take a .358 STA. If the .358 STA brass was an issue, I'd take the .358 Norma.

If I were going to use this same rifle in Africa, I'd take a .375 Weatherby.

30-378,
Although I recommended a rifle you aleady have, I would personally recommend the .338 RUM. This what I shoot and it is devastating on big animals. It hits hard and doesn't drop out of the sky like the .338 win mag. I'm shooting a 225gr Barnes and it's just evil!!....wapiti7

my ruger M77 in 300 win mag with a lupy 3-9 vx-2