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Post by gd357 on Mar 21, 2021 1:02:01 GMT -5
Just to create some chatter, I have a question for you all. First, I'm heading to Colorado this fall, and bull elk are on the menu. Getting tuned up will be a bit of a challenge given my time constraints (work won't co-operate), but I'm feeling good with everything so far... Last time took a I bow, got tired of seeing elk across canyons.
Primary rifle will be a 7mm Rem Mag. Trying to line up reloading components is currently an issue, although I have some on stand-by. Have some nosler Accubonds, and excellent results from the same weight nosler ballistic tips in this rifle.
Would be open for making a scope change as well. Currently running a Burris 3-9 with a ballistic plex reticle. I know things get long out west.
Also have a very generous offer from a fellow board member for some range time (thank you Mark).
So just curious on your experience with elk hunting and bullet reccomendations. I know that what I have will do the job, but curious as to your experiences in the field. Will have sometime to play with loads, but am looking for your experience. I know they're not tanks, but I've only had real world experience with deer and black bear. Looking to expand my own experience. LOL
Would appreciate any input from those of you who have been lucky enough to score on a bull.
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Post by elkman1310 on Mar 21, 2021 8:59:18 GMT -5
First I hope you have good luck with the trip. The 7mm Mag is a decent choice for elk with all the good bullets avaible or should I say have been avaible. A 160 to 175gr bullets would be the right combo. Elk are big and they can take a lot of lead some die quick others seems to hang on for ever. All the elk I have killed have all been taken at extreme long distances with a .338/378 long range rifle.
There is nothing wrong with a 3x9 scope as long as it has quality glass. Like I said elk are big so even at 500 yards you will have no trouble aiming on a elks vital area. I doubt if you will be taking shots at elk that far especially if its a guided hunt. Hunting along timber edges and high parks you will probably have shooting between 100 to 300 yards.
The key will be to practice at distances you can accurately shoot. Practice shooting in different positions and definitely practice off hand and leaning up against a tree or fence post or over a log and laying on the ground shooting over a day pack and then shooting sticks cover all the bases and when the moment comes you will be ready to fill your elk tag.
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Post by rojo23 on Mar 21, 2021 18:31:19 GMT -5
I have killed 2 bulls, both with 300wsm 180 grain accubond. First one was about 150 yards, I shot him broad side and he spun and was facing me and then I shot him again in the neck. He landed about 5' from the original shot.
2nd one I shot at 560 yards, hit him in the spine (of course he dropped in his tracks), second shot was in the heart.
depending on where you hunt shots can be very close to as far away as you can imagine. Some areas are very thick with oak brush, and you can't see buy a short distance.
The guys I know that hunt out there mostly use 270, 7-08, 308, or 300 win mag. make sure you get comfortable shooting off sticks or how ever you plan on shooting.
I have hunted unit 70 a few times, and used 62 last year. Both in SW colorado. let me know if you have any questions, I still have not figured out if I am going back this year or not.
Good luck
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Post by bowhunter836 on Mar 22, 2021 17:52:32 GMT -5
In 2017 I shot a bull elk at 356yrds with 180gr Berger out of a 7mm mag he took 2steps also shot a cow on that trip she made it 20yrds!! I was very pleased with the performance
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Post by buckeye68 on Mar 22, 2021 22:24:32 GMT -5
In 2017 I shot a bull elk at 356yrds with 180gr Berger out of a 7mm mag he took 2steps also shot a cow on that trip she made it 20yrds!! I was very pleased with the performance Good shooting but the big question is, how was your performance packs all the meat out? |
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Post by gd357 on Mar 22, 2021 22:58:09 GMT -5
Thanks guys, appreciate the input. Kinda rolling a scope change around in my head, but I've shot a long distance (by my estimation) with the one that's on it now. Just need to re-establish a good comfort level.
Agree the main problem may be packing out if I'm lucky enough to put one on the ground. In the wrong business to maintain good hiking skills. LOL
Have a lot of kills racked up on this rife with deer, but I've been relegating it to second place lately. Will just have to get in the trigger time, and hope that components work out, or more become available.
If nothing else, just want to be ready for any opportunity without lugging the 50 bmg up and down the mountains...
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Post by bowhunter836 on Mar 24, 2021 4:33:52 GMT -5
Packing meat out took 2 days we had a pack horse but we were about 8miles back and hunting at 10,000’ ! Shooting was the easy part..
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Post by dennis on Mar 24, 2021 6:37:14 GMT -5
Packing meat out took 2 days we had a pack horse but we were about 8miles back and hunting at 10,000’ ! Shooting was the easy part.. I agree that after the shot the work begins. Only in the hunting sport have I ever had the excitement and fulfillment that is in the whole of the sport. Providing food and getting to see the awesomeness of creation that the woods and mountains and fields reveal each time I am blessed to be out there. Harvesting game is just another reward for the experience. |
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Post by bowhunter836 on Mar 24, 2021 19:53:56 GMT -5
Well said Dennis!!
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