Seeking Real Opinions on Elk Rifles

Jacob Watrous

Jacob Watrous

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I have a 70+ year old 30-06 that’s been handed down to me and works beautifully, but I’m interested in exploring more modern options—especially ones chambered for the Creedmoor 6.5.

Currently I’m looking at the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator, and considering either a Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56 or 3.6-18x44 (my eyes don’t do iron sights well anymore).

My goal is an flat-shooting and accurate (0-300 yds) sub-$4k setup that will stop elk/deer first shot, in windy conditions, with synthetic/laminate stock, and minimal recoil. Im putting meet in the freezer, happy to wait for the elk to not be quartering toward, and not out to win a beauty contest. Am I on the right track or should I be considering something different?

Edit: Speleng
 
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Sam Roffe said:
6.5 might be a little light for elk. I have a Tikka T3X in 6.5 cm. They’re a great riffle for the money.
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Thanks! It seems maybe 7mm is a better option for a lighter deer and elk round. The 6.5 should have enough power out to about 300 yards, which is about as far a shot as I’ve ever needed to make, but if it were quartering or the shoulder blade got in the way it would have a problem. Ditto a shot to the chest.

All I really knew going into this is that I want something less shoulder-abusive than the .30-06.
 
G_Smolt said:
Another vote for the 7mm / 270 sized projectiles if elk are involved.
I've got a Tikka t3x lite in 270WSM with a Leupold vx-3hd 4.5-14x40 that is a flat-shootin' meatmaker field-ready for under $2k.
If I was buying that cartridge range again I'd probably go for a Christensen Ridgeline in 6.8 western.
YMMV
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Thanks! I appreciate the advice and the suggestion of 6.8
 
I think having an 18x or 25x scope is overkill at the ranges you're talking about. IMO it's better to choose a variable-powered scope by its lower magnification setting matching it to the type of hunting you'll do. Something like a 2x-7x or 3x-9x, will serve you better, especially in heavier cover. I have Leupold 2.5-8x scopes on two different rifles (243 and 6.5CM), they're an excellent hunting scope, lighter weight and good for the ranges where most game is shot.

The 6.5 CM is a great round, but I agree it'd be light for elk. The 7mm Rem Mag and 7mm PRC would be excellent choices, but I think you'll be disappointed in either if you're looking for lower recoil than the 30-06.
 
Hello, this is just my opinion and repeating what some have already said.

I also think that the 6.5 is too light for elk. The 7mm will be an increase in recoil in general over the 30-06. If you’re looking for reduced recoil, it sounds like the .270 may be what you might want to look into more. There are many great rifles out there. Good luck with your search!
 
the 30-06 offers the shooter wide range of bullet weights as i remember from 110grain to 220gr. As you go smaller in bullet diameter from .30 your you will gain choices under 110gr and loose choices up to the 220gr. If you plan on doing a lot of bench shooting those 7mm mag and .30 mag rifles can be a little hard on the shoulder but they deliver great ballistics at longer range.
 
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