I currently have an Mcmillan Outdoorsman in 338 Win Mag. topped with a Z6i 2.5-15. It is my primary elk gun. The rifle loves Vor-Tx 225 grain TTSX's. My only other rifle of note is a Cooper 25-06. I have a terrible habit of either breaking my rifle during season, or just on the eve of season. It doesn't happen every year, but often enough, that I should have a plan B rifle. Justincase. While I've read enough threads to know a 25-06 will kill an elk, I'd like some more down range energy especially past 400 yards. As I've spent a lot of money on these rifles, I really don't want to spend the same amount on a rifle they may or may not be used during season. My Outfitter asks that his clients show up with their rifles zeroed at 300 yards. The last elk I shot there last year was at 387 yards. I've seen elk at 700 and declined the shot. I've been seduced by Double Tap ammo's .375 235 grain TSX load at 3100 fps with 5000 foot pounds of energy out of a 24 inch barrel. I am on the very cusp of purchasing a CZ 550 .375 with the Hogsback (I have a long neck). My question(s) are these: Is this rifle capable of putting that TSX in the kill zone at 400-500 yards? (My personal limit) The only scope I have that isn't preoccupied is a 4.5-14x44 Conquest. What mount do I use so the bolt will clear the scope? Is there a better option out there, such as a Sako A7, or Weatherby's Vanguard series both in a 300 something.

Lee,

Most of our rifles are capable of feats greater than the operator. You might try the newest edition Long Range Shooting forum as well(shameless plug). As for mount options I would try the gunsmith forum. Finally if I wanted to know about a smaller caliber than .375 might try Medium Bores forum.

Sorry I could not be more specific.

Andy

Lee, I am a bit eccentric but have used a 375 or 375 improved for elk hunting since 1982. Longest shot 700 yards, closest just seeing a bit of hair in the snow brush. 300 - 400 yard canyon shooting typical. It is a very effective caliber and not dependant on a magic bullet, though I would avoid a few (270 core lokt and hornady spire point).

I have used 250 grain bitterroot at 2950 fps and 3100 fps, 270 and 300 nosler (old and new style), 270 power point at 2700 and 3000 fps (best conventional 375 bullet), 285 grand slam, 300 Silver Tip (new style), 300 sierra, and 300 Bitterroot at 2800 fps.

I have not used the Barnes on elk, but in realistic water tests, the Barnes have a fairly narrow velocity band compared to other premium bullets. They open up (and keep) the X petals attached to the rest of the bullet with a down range velocity of about 2000-2450 fps in the medium and large bores. If thats what you expect at 300-400 yds then go for it. If they do loose X petals youve still got a 375 wadcutter w good penetration!

Take a look at the 250 grain North Fork bonded SP and dont get too worried about BC. Its what the TBBC used to be.

Andy

If I was going off in the mountains this year to hunt elk, It would be with a .338 Ruger Compact Magnum shooting shooting 210 TSX bullets at 2700-2800 fps. Why would you want to lug around a nine or ten pound .375 when a short, handy 7.5 pound rifle will do the same thing. Another option would be a .325 WSM shooting 200 grain TSXs. Think light and handy and get rid of that big, heavy rifle

quote:

Why would you want to lug around a nine or ten pound .375 when a short, handy 7.5 pound rifle will do the same thing.

Dave




Michael

From what I'm reading here in the Big Bore Forum Andy, I guess we are both nuts. Thanks for the info. Lee

I have been using the 235grTSX for deer for a number of years. It is accurate BUT the BC is not nearly as good as the 270grTSX and if you compare them, you will find that the 270gr actually shoots flatter and of course retains lots more energy at longer ranges. After doing these comparisons myself, I am switching to 270gr once I run out of 235's. I would not recommend the 235's for elk.

quote:

Originally posted by michael458:

quote:

Why would you want to lug around a nine or ten pound .375 when a short, handy 7.5 pound rifle will do the same thing.

Dave




Michael

See Michael, you and Jeff seduced me....

Dave

Jeffe and I are a good team--we have now even corrupted you!

LOL

I saw your post, I absolutely could not resist.

The rest, please forgive my intrusion, thread hi-jack is off!

LOL

Michael