Solution for elk hunting delema - 338 Lapua?

[SRHeer]

I am new to this forum and also to long range hunting but I will be needing to head in that direction since now that we are empty nesters and my wife wants to join me but with the reality that she is not as mobile.

I have in the past really loved to hunt - especially elk.
And I want to get back into it as a means to so provide for some of the healthiest read meat on the planet.

We - 2 sons and daughter have shot elk with mostly 7-08, 270, and 308. These calibers are good for deer but I would say in my experience they are a bit on the smaller size for elk.

So I am wanting something that will tend to drop an elk rather than result in me wondering if I shot them or not. I have actually heard the whack of what I thought was bullet hitting without them dropping and or finding them later. A bullet hitting snow covered hillside doesn't sound close to the 'whack' of an elk being hit - does it? On several occasions that could have been it but I don't think so.

So I want to up the felt shock - one might reload using Berger VLD hunting bullets - I would choose the 284Win or 6.5X284 Norma but even at that it has me wondering if its the best solution - what do you all think that have had actual experiences hunting with these 'shock' Berger smaller caliber type bullets? - Would they be enough to tend to drop elk or does one really need to move up to a bigger bore like in 338 Lapua?

The problem with these big boys for me is combination of the blast of extra noise and felt recoil. Even the 'boom' of a 3006 tends to make me want to start flinching after about 3 shots and 7Win Mag also - I have always had better than normal or 'sensitive' hearing and like to keep it that way.

Now if I do move up to like say a 338 Lapua I could install a suppressor or recoil/silencer - what are some good 338 Lapua type suppressors and where can they be ordered from? That 300gr Berger 338 bullet is a screamer if I can only keep it from making me scream ( : - I really would like to buy a Savage LRH 111 in 338 Lapua and add a suppressor - any suggestions as to my situation and possible viable solution?

A 300gr Berger VLD should let me know if I hit my mark or not!

Thanks for any insight - info - and imput!

 

[jrsolocam]

Just my opinion, but if you don't really like shooting a 7 RM you will hate shooting a 338 Lapua. I've never shot one but I have a good idea what it would be like...6.5-284 and 284 won't be any different than a 270 or 7-08 in "killing" power at moderate ranges.

I would stick with with something between a 280AI and 300 Wby, and find a rifle heavy enough to absorb some recoil and light enough to carry around all day. With the right bullets these will kill elk all day.

I have only killed deer, no elk, with VLD's and they have been mostly DRT, they worked great. Many on this forum have killed dozens of elk with these and they seem to work well. I'm sure some will chime in...

Just my opinion again, but I would rather hit an elk in the vitals with a 7 or 300 mag than shoot 'em in the guts with a 338 Lapua.

 

[Broz]

Don't tell my 5'2" wife that the 338 LM kicks or is too loud. She hasn't noticed and all her elk have been one shot kills.

 

[ishootkittens]

Cuz your wife is a freakin' bad ***! I suggested one of the high powered 300's and I have to say that I am a little biased when it comes to the .300wsm. It doesnt recoil nearly as much as the .300wsm and in a compact short action what can a man ask for when he is popping the 200gr accubond pill into the shoulder of a bull elk?!

 

[SRHeer]

Even if I consider a 300WSM I would want to get a blast or noise suppressor - who makes a good muzzle break/suppressor combo? I don't care about the looks or length - it would be nice to be able to remove and install when needed or not - right now I am leaning on buying a Savage 11/111 LRH - and I like the balistics of the 7WSM for 140-160wt bullets which are great for antelope and deer and maybe elk - don't really know if the 300 bullets are that much better. How much better are the 300 bullets in 180 to 200 range compared to the 140 - 160s of 7mm for one shot elk kills? - is there that much difference when it comes to LRH for elk?

A few years ago I too had a Tika T3 300WSM and it was just too much - too loud and kicked too much - Chad my son and the best shot of all couldn't handle - so I sold it but I may consider buying another and putting a muzzle break and noise suppressor on it to be able to effectivly LRH elk! My son Chad is now in the Air Force and he shot his second elk with a 7-08 at 450yrds but it was a head shot and of course dropped it - very impressive! It make me feel better to drop game with one shot because I really dont want them to suffer! I don't want to shoot if I am going to wound and not kill right away!

 

[angus-5024]

The 300 WSM is going to have more "umph" than a 7mm of similar capacity (as long as you compare apples to apples). A 160 in the .284 dia is more like the 200grain bullets in the .308 cal.

That being said, no one likes a gun that they cant shoot, and it seems like you like lighter recoiling guns. I would look at the 7WSM, and go no further. It really has some awsome ballistics and has about the most managable recoil that you'll find in an elk worthy caliber.

I would have a look at the Win model 70 coyote light in 7WSM. I think that the weight of the gun will help will recoil and overall shootablility. You probably wont need a break or supressor (though supressors are pretty cool).

I wouldnt look into the .338's if I were in your position. They are the top of the heap in the LR elk areana, but you gotta be able to shoot them and pack them (most are heavy). It can be done, I have a .338 RUM thats right around 9lbs, but few care to abuse themselves like that.

Good luck on finding the one that fits!

 

[jrsolocam]

Don't tell my 5'2" wife that the 338 LM kicks or is too loud. She hasn't noticed and all her elk have been one shot kills.

Congratulations to her on making a great shot, I bet she knows what she is doing and 7mag recoil doesn't bother her either....

SRHeer said he was new to LRH, doesn't like recoil and noise much, and wants instant one shot kills... I guess we don't know what long range is to him, 300, 600, 1,200?? What he chooses should depend on his self imposed limits.

I've watched a few whitetail bucks run for miles on 3 legs with only half their guts still intact with 300RUM's pounding away, my point was find a rifle you can shoot well, know your limitations, pick your shot, and for most people starting out in LRH thats not a 338 Lapua. I hate it when it sounds like I'm preaching cause I'm really not.

I got nothing against the 338L it is a fantastic round for the right people.

 

[angus-5024]

I got nothing against the 338L it is a fantastic round for the right people.

that's a perfect way of putting it!

 

[ishootkittens]

that's a perfect way of putting it!
..
I would have a look at the Win model 70 coyote light in 7WSM. I think that the weight of the gun will help will recoil and overall shootablility. You probably wont need a break or supressor (though supressors are pretty cool)

Speaking of a perfect statement.... This is about as good as it gets Stephen. I would take this advice and run with it.

 

[bigngreen]

Congratulations to her on making a great shot, I bet she knows what she is doing and 7mag recoil doesn't bother her either....

SRHeer said he was new to LRH, doesn't like recoil and noise much, and wants instant one shot kills... I guess we don't know what long range is to him, 300, 600, 1,200?? What he chooses should depend on his self imposed limits.

I've watched a few whitetail bucks run for miles on 3 legs with only half their guts still intact with 300RUM's pounding away, my point was find a rifle you can shoot well, know your limitations, pick your shot, and for most people starting out in LRH thats not a 338 Lapua. I hate it when it sounds like I'm preaching cause I'm really not.

I got nothing against the 338L it is a fantastic round for the right people.

Having shot Broz 338 Lapua I can assure you the recoil is no where near a 7mag, I shoot 270's that will thump you more than the 338's I shoot. I experience very pleasant recoil, zero muzzle blast with a little bit more noise with the 338's I shoot but a good set of ear muffs and the sounds is easy going. A set of ear plugs and a set of quality ear muffs and a guy would burn through a lot of ammo shooting a properly built 338 Lapua!!! A suppressed 338 Lapua and ear muffs would be about as awesome as it gets!

 

[Greyfox]

Having recently added a 338 Lapua to my stable, I'd agree with prior posts that the 338 is an "acquired taste'. While its incredibly accurate, with tolerable recoil, based on your comments you could be better served with one of the 300 magnums. Sitting on top of a ridge with a 15 pound rig all day is one thing but lugging it around to any extent...... it gets old fast. 10 bucks a shot is an added bonus IMHO

 

[ishootkittens]

Having recently added a 338 Lapua to my stable, I'd agree with prior posts that the 338 is an "acquired taste'. While its incredibly accurate, with tolerable recoil, based on your comments you could be better served with one of the 300 magnums. Sitting on top of a ridge with a 15 pound rig all day is one thing but lugging it around to any extent...... it gets old fast. 10 bucks a shot is an added bonus IMHO

I am sorry.. did you mean .10 bucks a shot? I am confused at that last part. Maybe I am having a *"Duh"* moment but I am confused! haha

I know the .338 is about 1.40 a shot if you handload for it!

Im sorry guys, I just dont see why a high powered .30cal wouldnt do ANYTHING a .338 would do under 1000 yards. I love the cartridge and most guys live and die by it but in terms of cost and recoil..I just dont understand picking the .338 over one of the 300 mags. 300Win Ammo is just as plentiful (if not more plentiful) as .338 ammo if he does not hand load. If he does then he will still pay less to load one of the .300's.

He is over 50 (if I understood your PM's correctly, Stephen. I am sorry if I got that wrong) and doesnt want something thats going to break his shoulder whether it be carrying the rifle or shooting it. He also doesnt like the BLAST so he wants a suppressor to stick on the end of it instead of a brake.

 

[Greyfox]

I am sorry.. did you mean .10 bucks a shot? I am confused at that last part. Maybe I am having a *"Duh"* moment but I am confused! haha

I know the .338 is about 1.40 a shot if you handload for it!

Im sorry guys, I just dont see why a high powered .30cal wouldnt do ANYTHING a .338 would do under 1000 yards. I love the cartridge and most guys live and die by it but in terms of cost and recoil..I just dont understand picking the .338 over one of the 300 mags. 300Win Ammo is just as plentiful (if not more plentiful) as .338 ammo if he does not hand load. If he does then he will still pay less to load one of the .300's.

He is over 50 (if I understood your PM's correctly, Stephen. I am sorry if I got that wrong) and doesnt want something thats going to break his shoulder whether it be carrying the rifle or shooting it. He also doesnt like the BLAST so he wants a suppressor to stick on the end of it instead of a brake.[/quote

Yes, my error, a buck a shot, sorry, I shouldn't type after midnight! Anyway, i like to shoot a lot, and the 338 racks it up pretty quick.I agree with your logic. Don't get me wrong, I like the the 338, but I'm over 60 and lugging a crowbar around gets old. I like it for stationary shooting at the extended ranges.beyond 1000 yards. I also think that it takes a lot more skill, with a smaller margin of error in the way of shooting technique to achieve top accuracy over the lighter calibers, even with a brake. My primary rifle is a 6.5x284, but I hunted for years with the big 30's. Put that bullet on the right place and they do the job on the larger animals like elk just fine. IMHO,

 

[Broz]

Guys its like this. I love my 300 win. You all have read my posts. We have taken many elk with it, several last season including a large bull of my own. The 300 win did a great job with the 215 Bergers. That said I know what kills elk fast. If you want them DRT your odds are better with a large fragmenting bullet. I watch elk fall every year, some years up to 2 dozen. The smaller caliber will kill them just fine with good placement. But if you want to increase your odds that they won't take a step hit them with a .338. There is no way a 168, 180 or 200 gr bullet will hammer them like a 300 gr. will.


As for my wife being tough,,, You couldn't be more wrong there. She worries about everything and hates the thought of a kicking rifle. She has taken 3 elk. First one was the 300 win with a 210 Berger, second was the pictured one with the 338 LM and last season she took another with the 300 win and a 215 Berger as I sold the Lapua to build a bigger 338. All her elk were one shot kills. She had no complaint of recoil, and no hearing protection was worn. If you are out in the open the noise is simply not that bad. If you are next to a truck or rock or something I would be putting in some plugs.

My wife does not practice much. But she listens to me and she knows the importance of a solid rest and breaking the trigger. It she can shoot a 338 LM with a 300 gr bullet anyone can.

Jeff