New rifle question

[scjeeptx]

Changed hunting goals have me looking for a better(for lack of a better term) "do-it-all" rifle. I recently found out I will have my first opportunity at rifle elk next year.

Rifle would be used for elk and below, and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking more than a 3-400 yd shot with my eyes these days, even with quality glass.

I think I'll have a $1500ish all-in budget for gun and glass, and I'm not scared of Ruger Americans even! I have one in 308 and shot a .75 in group this weekend with crap HSM ammo. Great guns "for the money."

I do not reload, and would prefer a factory rifle that shoots factory ammo vs a custom wildcat.

My initial research has me interested in the 280 Rem, 257 Wby, and may be even the ole 25-06. Am I too light in ther .25-26 range for elk? Heck, would the Ruger American 308 I already have suffice??

All input is appreciated, just please don't say 6.5 Creedmore is the answer.

[Drycreek3189]

Your .308 will kill any elk alive if you do your part.

[forced-2-work]

Im a fan of the good ole 30-06. Reliable caliber and you can get a variety of different bullet weights for the different game you want.

[zr2chevy22]

For a max of 300 to 400 yard shots your 308 would suffice just fine as long as you know your rounds ballistics. I love my 308 round and it will take everything I plan on shooting and then some.

Andrew

[Shane]

7mag is a great choice.

[Jakesfish]

I have to agree w/ 308, a retired buddy of mine has taken several w/ such a gun..

[Artos]

I like your .280 / 257wby choices...they are making bullets so tough these days to where you can consider guns that once seemed on the low side, are adequate & not overbearing for smaller game. I'm not a fan of the 243 for whitetail, but todays bullets actually give that round a slight improper shot an edge. The same can be said for the 25cal & elk. The bonded & solid Barnes pills going really fast don't have the bullet failures of past. You can actually take that .280 & push a 120gr solid to where it will perform of a heavy 7mm pill of yesteryear.

I wouldn't get too hung up on searching for the perfect round vs. a gun that gives you confidence in placement & fits your bill for a true all around gun...think of the size / weight / build that you want to grab out of the safe for most all your big game situations. Confidence in your weapon is what will kill game.

[tigerscowboy]

7 Rem Mag will do whatever you want on this continent.

[Cajun Blake]

7mag is a great choice.

7 Rem Mag will do whatever you want on this continent.

x 3

[slomo]

6.5 creedmoor is the answer.... or 308 or whatever you feel like lugging around the mountains. .308 will do the job for sure.

[kae006]

I have one in 308 and shot a .75 in group this weekend with crap HSM ammo.

Crap HSM ammo?

[Lawhorn]

Most are going to tell you that the .25-.26 caliber is too light. Other will say that a well constructed well placed bullet will do the trick out of those calibers. If this is a once in a lifetime hunt I wouldn't leave it to chance and would hunt with a larger caliber 300 WSM or 300 WM. Many an elk have also been killed with a 7mm Mag. Your 308 will do the trick with the right bullet. Practice at distance and you should be fine.


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[randal]

Crap HSM ammo?

It is to me..

[randal]

I wouldn't take a .308 especially at 400 yards.. at a closer distance yes it will work "if you do your part" but Imo why take a chance? I would get a 7mm mag or 300WM and leave a little room for error..

[tdwinklr]

.30-06 and be done with it, get a good scope. You don't need a $1500 budget for it all either, less than $1000 would be plenty and a good outfit. Could get a nice Savage or Remington outfit for that with change left. Good luck on your trip!