cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys


Guest HOOP

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hey fellas just looking for some advice on suggested rounds for a trip out to colorado this fall.gonna be goin after elk ,muleys,bear.first time to venture out that way,been here in west by god all my life shooting whitetails,shooting a savage 7-08 with 140 grain,just got a heck of a deal on a browning a-bolt in 30-06 cal,haven't got to shoot it yet still needing scope on it,probably gonna go with a burris fullfield 4.5x14x42,just put one on the 7 and love it.well sorry for the rambling just looking for some recommened loads for what i'm goin after,probably using the 30-06 as primary weapon,cause of weight of it and 7 as backup .well thanks for any and all advice,

HOOP

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Re: cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys

Between the two.....with elk on the menu, it is no contest in my book. The 06 wins hands down. I'd use a 180 grain min & be ready for either animal when the opportunity arrives.

Scope wise, I'd back off the high power for the 06. I'd use a Standard 40mm 3-9x tops. Save on weight, and keep it set on low powerer. My persoanl favorite elk hunting scope is the Leupold 2.5-8x. Elk are HUGE animals. And mulies are also big enough that you do not need varmint scopes to see & shoot them.

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Guest Colorado Bob

Re: cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys

Hoop-----The 30/06 hands down. Ammo---180 grain bullet---factory ammo-- Federal's 180 Nolser Partitions are never a bad choice. My handload is 56 grains of IMR 4350, 180 Hornady Spire point, Win primer. Scope---2.5 x8 Leupold VarX-III is on my 30/06 Remington 700-----but I just got a Tikka in 30/06 & have put on it a VX-II 3x9 40MM. Elk are often found in heavy dark timber---close quick shots are common a low power is needed IMO. Long shot a 9x is plenty of power.

Guns, scopes, bullets are the easy & fun part of elk hunting, IMO it's more important for you to get in good physical shape. It doesn't matter what you shoot if the elk are on the next ridge & you are too pooped to get to them. Plus the real works starts after you pull the trigger. I've packed elk out on my back more times than I want to count.

Ever year the mtns get a little steeper & the elk are always in the steep nasty stuff where you don't really want to go.

CB

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Re: cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys

Yep, like everyone else has stated, I too would be using the .30-06 with 165 or 180 gr bullets, which ever the gun shot best. A for the optics, I too prefer the higher magnification scopes.

Take Colorado Bob's advise as gospel about getting in shape. If you have not yet started getting in cardio shape, you had better start after you read this.

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Re: cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys

thanks fellas,was also looking at the nikon buckmaster in a 3x9x40 which actually would be a little easier on the wallet.as far as the getting in shape been checking out some fitness programs on the net, for sure gonna be firing up mommas treadmill and putting it to use . will the 7 be a good backup with a heavier load than what i'm using for whitetails?

thanks again

HOOP

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Re: cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys

[ QUOTE ]

will the 7 be a good backup with a heavier load than what i'm using for whitetails?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sure, even with the loads you use for deer might work. I would look at the 150 gr bullets and not hesitate to use it on an elk.

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Guest Colorado Bob

Re: cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys

Hoop---the treadmill is good make sure to put on on a good steep incline. Everything out here is up hill. Plus a good idea would be to go on some hikes in good ole West (by God) Virginia. Go uphill with a good backpack & some weight in it. 30lbs would be my pick. Also drink lots of water when you are here. Forget the beer till after you've got your bull in camp.

Another word of warning---Elk hunting is addictive & it's only known cure is advancing age.

Good luck & post a photo of your bull. CB

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Re: cartridge recommendation 7mm-08,30-06,elk,muleys

Definitely bring the 7mm-08 along. When loaded with a Nosler partion, trophy bonded bear claw it'll be more than enough to do the job if you put it where it belongs. If your gun likes the high energy loads out there it will out perform the .270 that has been a good elk cartridge over the years.

The .30-06 will be a better option if it's as accurate as the 7mm-08 and you shoot it as well. There's no substitute for accuracy.

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