Elk Hunting Rifles, What are you Using?

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Checked my zero. Should've saved those three for hunting season. 🤣 I had to go look to make sure the other two bullets didn't disappear.
 
I usually shoot for 10-11.5# all up to hunt. I have some that are much lighter, but those require a lot more attention to detail when shooting at distince in improvised field positions.
The 8 pound 7PRC I posted above with a TBAC ultra seven is a real bear to shoot, especially off a bench for strings, but there’s something about shooting it off of a really right stuff tripod that absorbs 80% of the recoil and you don’t even notice it.
 
My first full Custom build for my first Elk hunt.
Built by Fritz at BlackCanyon Customs!

I've not had the opportunity to Elk hunt yet so I figured I'd have a gun built while I wait to get drawn. I drank the 7PRC Koolaid and went that route since I didn't have a 7 in my quiver.

I'm at around 12lbs wo/ optics. I took the hit on weight with the action.

Action: Terminus Zeus LA
Barrel: 24" Bartlein 400 ModBB CF 7PRC
Trigger: Triggertech Diamond 2stage
BM: Hawkins Hunter DBM
Stock: Manners LRH Swamp Camo
Brake: SRS 4Port Ti
Optics: TBD
Rings: GrayOps 36mm


I know this is heavier than what most would consider for a hunting rifle. I need an optic, any recommendations for it is more than welcome.
Hope Berger comes out with some factory loaded soon!
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My first full Custom build for my first Elk hunt.
Built by Fritz at BlackCanyon Customs!

I've not had the opportunity to Elk hunt yet so I figured I'd have a gun built while I wait to get drawn. I drank the 7PRC Koolaid and went that route since I didn't have a 7 in my quiver.

I'm at around 12lbs wo/ optics. I took the hit on weight with the action.

Action: Terminus Zeus LA
Barrel: 24" Bartlein 400 ModBB CF 7PRC
Trigger: Triggertech Diamond 2stage
BM: Hawkins Hunter DBM
Stock: Manners LRH Swamp Camo
Brake: SRS 4Port Ti
Optics: TBD
Rings: GrayOps 36mm


I know this is heavier than what most would consider for a hunting rifle. I need an optic, any recommendations for is more than welcome.
Hope Berger comes out with some factory loaded soon!
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Beautiful rifle. You elk hunt with that one once and you’ll be building another between 1/2 and 3/4 the listed weight. I bet it shoots lights out.
 
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Winchester Pre-64 FW shipped from the factory in 1954

Caliber: 300 Holland and Holland Magnum

Barrel: Winchester Featherweight OEM 26”

Action: OEM

Bottom Metal: OEM

Trigger: OEM

Stock: OEM Walnut with some internal tweaks.

Optic: Leupold Mk5 HD 3.8-18

Ammo: Handloaded (because factory loads aren't a thing) Barnes TTSX 180gr MV 2995 fps



With this load, it shoots like a custom $5k rifle. Nicknamed it Bug Spray. . . . . . . It kills on contact.
PORN. /thread
 
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I usually shoot for 10-11.5# all up to hunt. I have some that are much lighter, but those require a lot more attention to detail when shooting at distince in improvised field positions.
I shoot for the same. My 6.5CM is right at 10 and my 7PRC is a few ounces above 11. I just prefer them at those weights. Much more shootable, and don’t impact carrying for me.
 
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“Elk rifle”. What does that mean? Something you can kill an elk with? That would be too nonspecific - HMFIC Frank can kill an elk with any rifle you hand to him. I’m pretty sure.

Is it a backpack hunting rifle? A day carry rifle? How many miles are we carrying it each day with or without an overnight backpack? Is it a spot in your truck and hump it to the nearest shooting location rifle?

Depending upon the scenario, a different rifle might be optimal for a different scenario.

I will stake my claim that a backpack overnight hunting rifle needs to be a lot lighter than the other varieties.

because hell , I can shoot an elk with a twenty two and kill it , and I can shoot one with my 36# 50 BMG and kill it too In different scenarios.
 
Beautiful rifle. You elk hunt with that one once and you’ll be building another between 1/2 and 3/4 the listed weight. I bet it shoots lights out.
Haha, kind of like when I first started doing multi-day backcountry backpacking. I had everything and the kitchen sink while at 11k elevation. Next few trips I went ultra-light!

Thanks for not busting my balls, I grew up 2 min from the water surfing and fishing. Real hunting is foreign territory for me. I'll most likely hire a guide to show me the way.
 
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My first full Custom build for my first Elk hunt.
Built by Fritz at BlackCanyon Customs!

I've not had the opportunity to Elk hunt yet so I figured I'd have a gun built while I wait to get drawn. I drank the 7PRC Koolaid and went that route since I didn't have a 7 in my quiver.

I'm at around 12lbs wo/ optics. I took the hit on weight with the action.

Action: Terminus Zeus LA
Barrel: 24" Bartlein 400 ModBB CF 7PRC
Trigger: Triggertech Diamond 2stage
BM: Hawkins Hunter DBM
Stock: Manners LRH Swamp Camo
Brake: SRS 4Port Ti
Optics: TBD
Rings: GrayOps 36mm


I know this is heavier than what most would consider for a hunting rifle. I need an optic, any recommendations for it is more than welcome.
Hope Berger comes out with some factory loaded soon!
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I’m not seeing how that could be anywhere close 12lb without optics. Even with the ckye pod. Looks like it would be 9-10 tops. You have pretty lightweight stuff, except the bipod. Unless it’s a steel arca rail
 
I’m not seeing how that could be anywhere close 12lb without optics. Even with the ckye pod. Looks like it would be 9-10 tops. You have pretty lightweight stuff, except the bipod. Unless it’s a steel arca rail
Manners w/ mini chassis isn't that light, carbon Bartlein isn't that light, that action is almost 2.5#. However a 12# number, dang near has to include the S&B.
 
Manners w/ mini chassis isn't that light, carbon Bartlein isn't that light, that action is almost 2.5#. However a 12# number, dang near has to include the S&B.
Mine is pretty similar. manners LRH, 24” proof carbon sendero, Nx8 4-32 with nf rings, silencerco scythe, and tricer bipod (w/long legs) is 10.5lbs all in ready to roll.
Im not calling him a liar, I’m really just curious where the weight is

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“Elk rifle”. What does that mean? Something you can kill an elk with? That would be too nonspecific - HMFIC Frank can kill an elk with any rifle you hand to him. I’m pretty sure.

Is it a backpack hunting rifle? A day carry rifle? How many miles are we carrying it each day with or without an overnight backpack? Is it a spot in your truck and hump it to the nearest shooting location rifle?

Depending upon the scenario, a different rifle might be optimal for a different scenario.

I will stake my claim that a backpack overnight hunting rifle needs to be a lot lighter than the other varieties.

because hell , I can shoot an elk with a twenty two and kill it , and I can shoot one with my 36# 50 BMG and kill it too In different scenarios.

Elk Hunting Rifles, What are you Using?​


Should I have rephrased it for you to say “What are you using to elk hunt with?” I felt like it was pretty obvious what I meant but perhaps not.
 
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7-300NMI
Manners MCS-NightStalker
Benchmark Carbon 1:8 Sendero
LP Fuzion
Khales 3-28x50 DLR mounted on Area419
TT Diamond
Botnia Maxi
Hawkins Hunter DBM
 

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Mine is pretty similar. manners LRH, 24” proof carbon sendero, Nx8 4-32 with nf rings, silencerco scythe, and tricer bipod (w/long legs) is under 10.5lbs all in ready to roll.
Im not calling him a liar, I’m really just curious where the weight is
My 300nmi is a 26in proof sendero, manners eh1, bdl, gunwerks bipod, nx8, right at 11# with the bipod. It's a handful. I wacked a few cows near 600y with a 6cm, they died just as fast as ones I shot with my 338 rum. Put a hole in the vitals it doesn't matter if it's an 88 eldm, or a 300 Berger, shit dies.
 

Elk Hunting Rifles, What are you Using?​


Should I have rephrased it for you to say “What are you using to elk hunt with?” I felt like it was pretty obvious what I meant but perhaps not.
That wasn’t my point to nitpick about the question it was rather to say that your L hunting rifle needs to be well it doesn’t need to be, but maybe some people want to make it specific to their hunting scenario so some people need a 8 pound rifle where others can lug a 15 pound rifle
 
That wasn’t my point to nitpick about the question it was rather to say that your L hunting rifle needs to be well it doesn’t need to be, but maybe some people want to make it specific to their hunting scenario so some people need a 8 pound rifle where others can lug a 15 pound rifle
To extend on this........there are many different types of elk hunts. Some climb 4-5k of vertical every day, some walk flat ground to a meadow and call. Some cover vast amounts of relatively flat undulating country. There is a multitude of variables that go into what a guy chooses, or what works for them. From a short carbon titanium/Magnesium chassis or hnt26 setup to a full on target rifle that weighs 16#. Hunting conditions are kinda like golf, if you have several different clubs in the bag, pick the appropriate one for the task.

Suppressed hunting has major advantages post ignition, but has its handicaps in recoil and spotting shots. A brake mitigates a ton of recoil, provides less disruption to sight picture, but animals react vastly different, and decibels are there for all to endure. This is another situation where you're choosing what you feel is best for the job.
 
My NRL open light 6.5 creed is probably coming with this year mainly 147 ELDMs at 2650 and suppressed. I’ll probably mix in my semi custom tikka 300 WSM custom throated for 212 eld-x too. 212s at 2770ish. Both around 11lbs loaded and with a bipod
 
Jumped on the low recoil train

Cartridge: 6 Creedmoor
Barrel: 18” Hells Canyon Armory CF-wrapped… chamber/muzzle work by Jaden @ West Elk Precision
Muzzle device: Abel Co Theorem S w/ Brake
Action: Impact Precision 707r
Trigger: 2 stage Trigger Tech Special
Stock: XLR Element 4.0mg w/ Carbon Folding Stock
Optic: Trijicon Tenmile 3-18x44


Total weight is 8lbs 10oz… Sending 108 ELDMs at 3020fps should be great medicine for the mountains this year.
 
Jumped on the low recoil train

Cartridge: 6 Creedmoor
Barrel: 18” Hells Canyon Armory CF-wrapped… chamber/muzzle work by Jaden @ West Elk Precision
Muzzle device: Abel Co Theorem S w/ Brake
Action: Impact Precision 707r
Trigger: 2 stage Trigger Tech Special
Stock: XLR Element 4.0mg w/ Carbon Folding Stock
Optic: Trijicon Tenmile 3-18x44


Total weight is 8lbs 10oz… Sending 108 ELDMs at 3020fps should be great medicine for the mountains this year.

3020? You using the butter knife method?
 
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On the edge of pressure with the summertime temps using Peterson SRP brass with a healthy dose of Shooters World Precision.
I'd say! My 2960 load with 112s using rl26 is a bit spicy. You're running that way up top shelf node.

I really like my theoremS. With the brake it's pretty loud tho, likely not hearing safe. I'm running it on a 22in 65saum tho, 6cm probably slightly less dB.
 
I'd say! My 2960 load with 112s using rl26 is a bit spicy. You're running that way up top shelf node.

I really like my theoremS. With the brake it's pretty loud tho, likely not hearing safe. I'm running it on a 22in 65saum tho, 6cm probably slightly less dB.
I really like the size, weight and recoil reduction of the Theorem S for a hunting, but it’s gotta crack to do it.
 
I wacked a few cows near 600y with a 6cm, they died just as fast as ones I shot with my 338 rum. Put a hole in the vitals it doesn't matter if it's an 88 eldm, or a 300 Berger, shit dies.
True for sure. About 8 years ago I inadvertently stumbled on the 6 Creed/108 ELDM combo long before the Rokslide dudes made it cool. I grabbed my comp gun for a late season cow hunt and lugged it around one day before I found a cow to shoot. Distance was probably around 500, maybe a little less. The combo worked great and I have used it ever since for cow elk and just about everything, besides my mountain goat. Only downfall of it can be that it does wreak havoc on the inside and you find some bullet fragments in odd parts of the animal even with a behind the shoulder hit.
 
Too many choices. I hunted all last season with my Gunwerks Magnus 7 SAUM shooting the 145 LRX. Killed this bull at 420 yards.

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Have a new 300 PRC Kelbly Nanook I picked up from Preferred Barrels last year. It's shooting the 215 hybrids pretty well right now, so this will probably get the nod this season.

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