Caliber for medium range Elk

[nksmfamjp]

I have a 7-06 Ackley shooting 143gr Hammer Hunters at 3100fps I would be confident using on elk. Using a brake very little recoil

How is that different than 280AI?

 

[Terry Balding]

Whatever happened to the low recoil part of this question?

Most of the post here are not low recoil.

 

[Hespco]

Low recoil is another definite plus for the 6.5.

 

[Philward]

Any of those out to 300yds, beyond that I'd want Magnum cartridge for the extra initial velocity and flatter trajectory. 30-06 out to 300 and 7mmRM for further shots.

 

[johnmyers]

How is that different than 280AI?

280 brass is I think around .2 longer than 30-06 brass. I did the 7-06 in order to use Lapua 30-06 brass. Really not much ballistic difference

 

[elkaholic]

280 brass is I think around .2 longer than 30-06 brass. I did the 7-06 in order to use Lapua 30-06 brass. Really not much ballistic difference

.046" shorter for '06

 

[SilverbulletMAG]

you are a medium range 0-600 yd elk hunter. You are looking for a rifle with moderate(light as possible without a brake) recoil, under 10lbs with scope and on a model 70 action.....

the real question is what caliber?

Sticking to the "rules" of this hypothetical, I would be reaching for the trusty 30-06. However, if that is considered too much recoil in this scenario (I disagree) then the .308 Win.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I guess that is the question....does 300 Sherman break the moderate recoil rule?

 

[memtb]

Whatever happened to the low recoil part of this question?

Most of the post here are not low recoil.

Terry, I guess that there is no definitive value for low recoil! I see many "braking" rifles that a 12 year old could comfortably shoot! memtb

 

[Terry Balding]

Thanks

The OP did not want a brake, and requested low recoil. Most magnums don't meet that request.

This was simply ignored.

 

[memtb]

Terry, you are correct.....many did ignore the "no-brake" requirement. However, magnum "does not" automatically eliminate many magnums. Many folks, my wife included, shoot magnums quite well without "brakes"......she's only good for 6 or 8 rounds from the bench! However, "non-braked" magnums will likely substantially decrease your bench-time! That said, the OP was looking for a "hunting rifle".....not a bench-gun! So, if the OP can tolerate a bit of recoil......many magnums are "back on the table"! memtb

 

[Terry Balding]

I'm surprised I don't see the 7-08 being offered.
Very well known for low recoil.

 

[tim_w]

I really like the idea of having plenty of capacity if needed as you can always download or use lighter loaded ammo. I have found 7RM 270 W or WSM anything in that range like the Sherman shorts or SST to work great. Load lighter for less recoil covers all the 280 and 08 stuff. If you need more you can step up to full pressure heavier higher bc bullet loads. It gives you more configurability.

To me nothing lighter than 8lb ready to hunt. I tried one super light 6.5 with scope etc and it was just too twitchy feeling for me. But that's likely a personal thing to some extent.

600 yd leaves you plenty of room and choices with good shot placement.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Small update.....I have acquired the Win M70 L/A in 30-06 for this build. The barrel will go, so likely the caliber will change.....

im half way between 30'06 AI, 280 AI and 300 Sherman....