10.5 lb rifle for elk hunting

[xsn10s]

I have a Remarms 700 in 7mm RM in a KRG Stock that's a10lbs 11 oz. I shoot 180gr ELDM's at 2800 fps with that setup. My Howa Super lite 7-08 is just over 6lbs with a Leupold 2.5-8x and when handloaded 162gr ELDM's at 2610 fps the recoil is about the same. I think a can with that Howa and I'd be around 7 lbs. For elk the Remarms should be good out to 700 yards and the Howa good out to 500 yards. But with a can I'd expect the Howa to recoil much less and weigh 3 lbs less.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm in awfully good shape for being 66 and there is Zero chance I'd use a 10 lb set up for an elk hunt. Unless it's a drive up to a blind kind of deal or a hay field hunt....but that's just me.

Keep in mind that I'm a very literal person so how does one who's 100% disabled get around? Not being a jerk but I just don't follow that one.

Well, congrats on being 66 and being in that kind of shape. That would be nice.

It is 100% VA disabled. Am I in a wheelchair and eating my meal from a straw, no. Chronic headaches and pain. Titanium rod in neck. Both shoulders torn up and most of the discs in my back are bulging or herniated. Oh, and go to the doctors and they tell you, "We don't know what the cause is. It could be toxic exposure or, based on your field, radiation exposure. Here are some pills. Oh, and here are some pills to help with the side effects of those pills. Oh, and here are some very painful shots that may or may not work." Meanwhile, on a good day, you can function. On a bad day, you can hardly get out of bed.

 

[USAFRet]

I have a Remarms 700 in 7mm RM in a KRG Stock that's a10lbs 11 oz. I shoot 180gr ELDM's at 2800 fps with that setup. My Howa Super lite 7-08 is just over 6lbs with a Leupold 2.5-8x and when handloaded 162gr ELDM's at 2610 fps the recoil is about the same. I think a can with that Howa and I'd be around 7 lbs. For elk the Remarms should be good out to 700 yards and the Howa good out to 500 yards. But with a can I'd expect the Howa to recoil much less and weigh 3 lbs less.

Good info. I think with my neck and shoulder issues, the extra 2 lbs will make the 280 much more pleasant to shoot. Plus, the chassis adjustability helps a lot.

 

[USAFRet]

It's heavier than I like but should be doable with your described condition if you're not covering a lot of ground!

I prefer to stay at or under 9.0 lbs if I'm doing quite a bit of walking…..especially with age starting to take it's toll! memtb

The good thing about this hunt is it is set up for the least amount of physical exertion as possible. I think the most would be to make a stalk. If I am only carrying the rifle, it should be doable.

 

[USAFRet]

I also have a 308 that fully rigged is about 8 lbs. I can hunt with that as well, but I like the 280 giving a bit more punch and extended range, if needed. Thanks everyone for the inputs. I used to do backpack hunts in my younger days when all I did was archery. I almost feel like I am starting over trying to figure things out. I always appreciate people's experiences, when I don't have any of my own to lean on based on my current situation.

 

[xsn10s]

Good info. I think with my neck and shoulder issues, the extra 2 lbs will make the 280 much more pleasant to shoot. Plus, the chassis adjustability helps a lot.

Eveyone's body is different. For my shoulder injuries the weight comes into play. So the recoil absorption of weight doesn't offset the pain increase of carrying a heavier weapon or trying to offhand shoot one. But everyone's pain due to range of motion is different so you gotta do what's best for you. All I can say is side by side the 7-08 is more pleasant to shoot.

 

[USAFRet]

Eveyone's body is different. For my shoulder injuries the weight comes into play. So the recoil absorption of weight doesn't offset the pain increase of carrying a heavier weapon or trying to offhand shoot one. But everyone's pain due to range of motion is different so you gotta do what's best for you. All I can say is side by side the 7-08 is more pleasant to shoot.

Do you like the 7-08 for elk? I have a custom 7-08 and it is lightweight and pleasant to shoot.

 

[dogz]

Well, congrats on being 66 and being in that kind of shape. That would be nice.

It is 100% VA disabled. Am I in a wheelchair and eating my meal from a straw, no. Chronic headaches and pain. Titanium rod in neck. Both shoulders torn up and most of the discs in my back are bulging or herniated. Oh, and go to the doctors and they tell you, "We don't know what the cause is. It could be toxic exposure or, based on your field, radiation exposure. Here are some pills. Oh, and here are some pills to help with the side effects of those pills. Oh, and here are some very painful shots that or may not work." Meanwhile, on a good day, you can barely function. On a bad day, you can hardly get out of bed.

Gotcha, makes sense. I've had 7 knee surgeries (2 replacements), a shoulder replacement as well a ear implant to regain some hearing. I get around well but have zero desire to tote a 10 lb rig anymore. I used to a lot but that wasn't much in the mountains and was mainly in the plains country for lopes, deer and yotes.

This is just me but I'd be all over working on finding a rifle that would be in the 8-9 pound range "all up" (sling, rounds, scoped).

Most importantly thanks for your dedication and service!

 

[xsn10s]

Do you like the 7-08 for elk? I have a custom 7-08 and it is lightweight and pleasant to shoot.

I haven't got to hunt elk with it yet. But I was sold on it by pharmseller on RS. He and his family shot some dandy bulls here in Oregon with 150gr ELDX.

 

[xsn10s]

Here's some good threads on 7-08. My buddies have taken plenty of elk here in Oregon with 308 Win. I see no reason why a well placed shot with a 7-08 wouldn't work.

7mm-08 for elk?

Thanks, ssimo good post. (y) I have been fortunate to have success on game with the 280 Rem and 7mm STW with respect to the 7mm bore size. They have done a good job covering the bases with deer, elk and pronghorn brought to the table. Primarily for the elk woods, I hunt with a 35 Whelen...

rokslide.com

7mm-08 users, what are your loads for elk?

I’m more of a 140 partition guy but I’ve dipped my toe in the 120 ballistic tip water, and can’t complain. I think it’s too light to recommend for elk but not because it hasn’t worked for me. I’ve thought about going 160s in a lower drag format but 140s just hammer

rokslide.com

 

[USAFRet]

Here's some good threads on 7-08. My buddies have taken plenty of elk here in Oregon with 308 Win. I see no reason why a well placed shot with a 7-08 wouldn't work.

7mm-08 for elk?

Thanks, ssimo good post. (y) I have been fortunate to have success on game with the 280 Rem and 7mm STW with respect to the 7mm bore size. They have done a good job covering the bases with deer, elk and pronghorn brought to the table. Primarily for the elk woods, I hunt with a 35 Whelen...

rokslide.com

7mm-08 users, what are your loads for elk?

I’m more of a 140 partition guy but I’ve dipped my toe in the 120 ballistic tip water, and can’t complain. I think it’s too light to recommend for elk but not because it hasn’t worked for me. I’ve thought about going 160s in a lower drag format but 140s just hammer

rokslide.com

Thanks boss. Much appreciated. While I don't have anything lined up perfectly, I want to have the rifle and loads ready to go.

 

[xsn10s]

Thanks boss. Much appreciated. While I don't have anything lined up perfectly, I want to have the rifle and loads ready to go.

I'm just giving up options. I'm a vet so just trying to give a brother vet options. I've seen plenty of posts with smaller calibers/ cartridges. Heck a nurse near here has taken all of her elk with a 243 win (Eastern Oregon/ West Idaho). I was leaning towards a long range shot with a 7mm RM. But with recent shoulder injuries I got a 7-08. To me it was a compromise in recoil reduction, but still really effective on elk. It's about as small a cartridge I want to go for now.

 

[Greatgrandad]

I'm in awfully good shape for being 66 and there is Zero chance I'd use a 10 lb set up for an elk hunt. Unless it's a drive up to a blind kind of deal or a hay field hunt....but that's just me.

Keep in mind that I'm a very literal person so how does one who's 100% disabled get around? Not being a jerk but I just don't follow that one.

I had an uncle who was 100% disabled, and as a paraplegic, he had a modified van for driving, a modified 3 wheeler and then 4 wheeler ATV for hunting and fishing, and even had a small, trained horse he rode for hunting. Often, he hunted with friends and always carried a radio (before cell phones became everywhere), but he also hunted by himself while carrying his radio with his wife and/or kids always close to the home base station. That man was a true inspiration.

 

[lchaber]

I have a HOWA 1500 280AI in a Stocky's carbon stock. It is a nice setup, but not adjustable. I have neck and shoulder issues and need all the adjustability I can get. I ordered a chassis system for it. The current weight with scope is 8.5lbs. The change in stock will add an additional 2 lbs.

I am 100% disabled, so no backpack hunting. It would be a disabled hunt, but would be some stalking involved. I think this is a good weight, plus soaking up some additional recoil.

Anyone in that situation or who can empathize? Anyone with an elk or mule deer rifle in the same weight range? Is 10.5 lbs fairly good for a setup with some stalking, but no backpacking?

Another vet here. I have a Browning A bolt titanium mountain rifle in 7WSM. Bare rifle is 5.5 pounds. The 7WSM is stiff but not unmanageable. I put a Burris Signature 3-12scope on it. Total weight 7.8 pounds. I know it would work well on elk.