Trying to decide on caliber

[Salmonhead]

My thoughts are the 280 AI and 7 Saum are very close to each other and basically neck and neck in the field on actual game with the 6.5 PRC./ I think the 300 WSM is the only real step up in performance of the ones listed. Yes, I know the 7s have more energy etc than the prc, but in the field they are all really close when using the same make bullets. The 300 WSM is a decent step up in bullet diameter and weight at the same basic velocities as the others.
If you are open to other suggestions, the fast 33s like 338 RUM, 340 Weatherby, 338 Lapua etc, are pretty noticeable when they smack an elk.

 

[jimss]

I love my Sako Finnlight in 300 WSM. Super nice for packing up and down hills. I only put 1 shell in it because I know what I shoot is going to die with 1 shot! I use 150 Nosler partitions for every species I hunt (sheep, goat, elk, deer, antelope, bear, moose).

 

[JAYgs8163]

I love my Sako Finnlight in 300 WSM. Super nice for packing up and down hills. I only put 1 shell in it because I know what I shoot is going to die with 1 shot! I use 150 Nosler partitions for every species I hunt (sheep, goat, elk, deer, antelope, bear, moose).

That kind of sums it up.

THE END!

 

[OG-danimal]

Now that you have been overwhelmed with recommendations outside your parameter, what have you decided?

Haven't decided yet. But probably the 300wsm

 

[B-LOT Banga]

Haven't decided yet. But probably the 300wsm

Thanks for your reply @djprice91 … I tell you what, since "I" would also choose a 300 wsm given the choices you made. If and when you do buy a 300 wsm shoot me a PM and I will give you a box of ADG 300 wsm brass and a box of Hornady 212 eldx because this is the combo I use and I will put my components where my mouth is.

Good luck!!

 

[Idaho Lefty]

Haven't decided yet. But probably the 300wsm

Haven't decided yet. But probably the 300wsm

For, a Mountain/ Carry Rifle, I'd seriously look at, the Tikka T-3, SS, NON Fluted, 24" bbl. in .300 WSM and put, a Brake on it.
Should be, Sub 8 Pounds and a pleasure, to carry ! My tikka, in .270 WSM weigh's, 7 lbs, 10 ounces.
Tikka's ARE, accurate and you will Save, enough Money that, you can afford to put, a Great Scope on it !
The ADG Brass and ELD-X Bullet combo, should be,.. a GOOD one !
Real NICE of, B-Lot Banga, to offer them !

 

[outdoorlife602]

6.5cm would work fine for elk. If availability of ammo is a concern, I'd consider 7 mag or 300wm.

 

[OG-danimal]

Thanks for your reply @djprice91 … I tell you what, since "I" would also choose a 300 wsm given the choices you made. If and when you do buy a 300 wsm shoot me a PM and I will give you a box of ADG 300 wsm brass and a box of Hornady 212 eldx because this is the combo I use and I will put my components where my mouth is.

Good luck!!

****! That's a screaming deal! Thanks so much, I'll definitely let you know. Thanks!

 

[jimss]

If I didn't buy my 300 WSM in Sako my 2nd choice was Tikka. You may want to go take a look at each before deciding. It's tough to beat the quality of Sako Finnlight for a production rifle. Take a look at the details and how it feels in your hands!

 

[cabelasken]

If I didn't buy my 300 WSM in Sako my 2nd choice was Tikka. You may want to go take a look at each before deciding. It's tough to beat the quality of Sako Finnlight for a production rifle. Take a look at the details and how it feels in your hands!

I've shot 3 tikka's in the 300 WSM and all were sub MOA with no real tuning. I've been using 168 TTSX bullets at close to 3135 FPS and either H 4831 SC or H 4350. Perfect elk and deer load. Sako's and Tikka's are a great choices.

 

[Winfwt338-06]

I have a 6.5prc for antelope and deer, next is to get an elk specific rifle. Looking at 300wsm, 280ai, or 7saum?? Thoughts?

The cartridges you listed are all great choices. The 7SAUM, is it if the 280AI is an option. Nearly equal performance with less powder and recoil with the AI. If you are building a rifle and handload don't overlook the 338-06. Only loose 150-200 fps to the 338 Win mag. Animal doesn't know the difference, again, less prefer less recoil. I finished a 338-06 build on Win 70 Fwt and shoot a 200 gr Hornaday SDT at 2800fps with 24" Fwt contour bbl. If you shoot a 185gr, you can closely duplicate 300 Win, or WSM ballistics with a 10% heavier and 5% heavier bullet. Just my thoughts. Good luck!

 

[rootacres]

I personally went the custom 7 SAUM route. With you already owning a 6.5 PRC the 7 SAUM might be a little redundant. Id go 300 WSM. Ive owned one, wouldn't hesitate to own another. My next build may even end up being in 300 WSM. For an elk rig I am a believer in the 30s. I went on a hunt in 2020, we went 3 for 3 on bull elk. Two of them were taken with 300 wm's and the third was with my 7 SAUM. While none of them made it further than a few steps the impact energy with the 30s was noticeable (we got them on film).

 

[Berzurker]

300 win mag can't be beat. Just make sure you have at least 3.6" or so in the magazine for longer, heavier bullets.

 

[Dooner]

300 win mag can't be beat. Just make sure you have at least 3.6" or so in the magazine for longer, heavier bullets.

Or, get a CA Traverse in 300PRC. Then you'll have a gun that was made from the ground up to shoot those longer, heavier bullets, including a one in eight twist.