Weight of equipment

[brent.wheaton]

I am new to elk hunting. My brother and I are planning a trip next year. My question is this: Would you use a lighter (weight wise) 30-06 or a heavier 300 win mag if you are planning on doing a lot of hiking. Both of them shoot fine, I am sure the 300 win mag would be the preferred, but it is probably 1.5lbs heavier.

Thanks

Brent

 

[mcseal2]

Depends on the situation. A lighter gun is definitely nicer to carry but harder to shoot well especially when you are winded. Also range of shots should be considered, the 300 will shoot flatter and again be easier to shoot well. I'd likely take the 300 but try putting a lightweight synthetic stock with a real good recoil pad on it and maybe switching to Talley aluminum rings and bases to drop weight. According to my postage scale I dropped over 5oz off my rifle by going from my steel 1pc Leupold rings and bases to the Talleys. My mountain rifle I'm having built will have the Talleys and a Mcmillian Hunters Edge stock to keep weight down. I also have a heavier laminate thumbhole stock for the same rifle I can put it in around home if I want.

 

[Chippy Hacky]

Shoot whatever you shoot better and are more confident in. If they are tied, carry the lighter one.

 

[sjsmallfield]

Shoot whatever you shoot better and are more confident in. If they are tied, carry the lighter one.

I would have to agree. Take what you are most comfortable with.

 

[Conrad8899]

I agree to. Take whats comfortable for U.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Those are two great elk cartridges. Add me to the "whichever you shoot best" crowd.

 

[adbowhunter]

Proficiency is more important than knock down power!

 

[NorthT]

You wont feel the recoil as bad when your staring through the scope at that big boy anyway. Go with what you shoot best.

 

[Muleys 24/7]

I know it hasn't been said yet.......but go with what you shoot best. LOL

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

You guys crack me up!!! Oh yeah, got with what you are most comfortable with and shoot the best. Nothing compares with confidence!!!

 

[ThreeTikkas]

You have time to get in shape so the added weight isn't enough to worry about. If the 300 isn't the winner in the accuracy dept,get working with it. Heck you own it,why not take it elk hunting? If not for elk,who needs a 300 anyway. Oh I shoot whistlepigs with my 300 Ultra,but I'm not normal. So they say. If you want to lighten it up a bit,the Bell & Carlson stocks are nice for the money. I worked my Ultra down to under 10 pounds field ready with one.

This is her on a breather in Colorado. My point is,if you own a 300 mag of some sort. Are planning an elk hunt. Why not put a little effort into it and make it the deal closer. I've had a few of each over the years,and wouldn't take anything away from the 30/06. But, the 300 is just tailor made for elk hunting.

 

[brent.wheaton]

Thanks. I am going to take your advise. Deep down I new the 300 was the one!

 

[Muleys 24/7]

Good choice, I like to go with more knock down, and a farther reach, myself. Thats why I love my .300 Weatherby. With my muzzle brake it kicks like a 30.06, so I get the best of both worlds

 

[WYcoyote]

I'm a big fan of the classic .300 Win Mag for elk. That's what I take.
All the previous advice is spot on however.