Author Topic: G2 carbine for elk (Read 1321 times)

azmike · « **on:** March 11, 2007, 07:32:54 AM »

I bought a new (to me) G2 carbine in 30-30 last fall, and I love it. I'd like to set it up for elk hunting, with something with more oomph to it than the 30-30.

I'm looking for a caliber in a Contender/G2 with enough power and good trajectory to take elk cleanly out to 300 yards maximum (just in case a long shot is all I get). I don't know if there is an offering in the G2 that will meet this.

I was hoping to stick with a factory barrel, but a custom barrel isn't out of the question entirely.

Any ideas as to what might work? Or, should I just stick with my old 7mm mag Ruger

?

Thanks in advance.

NONYA · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2007, 08:59:51 AM »

There are many calibers that will do the job as good as the 7 mag but none that kill them any better,unless you have to have a new gun I d stick with the one you have.

azmike · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2007, 09:47:59 AM »

I know the 7 mag works well, as I have been using mine since 1992. I'm not looking find something better than the 7mm. I simply would prefer to build a G2 carbine that is stout enough for elk, because I like the way my G2 handles. If it doesn't work out, no big deal. Just thought it would be a nice little rifle.

swampthing · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2007, 09:51:01 AM »

If you don't mind practicing 300yd shots, a 45-70 with some good hardcasts will be something that gets there attention.

azmike · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2007, 10:04:36 AM »

Don't mind a bit. I'll look into it. Thanks.

Keith L · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2007, 10:13:01 AM »

SSK has some of their JDJs that will get the job done as well. So will a 30-30 if you get close enough.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2007, 11:45:27 AM »

Sounds like the .309 JDJ (custom barrels) or the .375 JDJ (available in factory barrels) are what you are looking for. They are both handloading propositions, although T/C does have a .375 load available with the Hornandy 220 grain flat point, I think.

hunter5325 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2007, 11:49:57 AM »

I don't know about you guys, but I wouldn't shoot at elk @300yds with a 45-70. This would be an awesome gun, I would just limit the range a little more. But to each his own.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2007, 12:14:05 PM »

It would all depend on the load. Remington, Winchester, other wimpy loads, no way. Use the Hornandy Leverevolution, Garrett, Buffalo Bore, Corbon, all of which are pretty hot, then yeah, I'd take one at 300 yds with the right bullet. As long as the ammo, gun, and more importantly, I, are up to it. Lots of practice..... The problem with some of these loads is that you can't use them in the Contender, due to pressure and backthrust on the face of the action.

Keith L · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2007, 12:42:30 PM »

Lets not forget that in a Contender 45-70 should not exceed trapdoor levels. So 300 yards may be quite a long shot.

Quan Toi · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2007, 07:02:00 AM »

Just my 2 cents worth, but if you got an accurate .30-30 barrel, just send it out to SSK and have it made into a .309JDJ. I've had several in both handgun and rifle configurations and all my friends who see how they shoot, usually talk me out of them. I think its a great caliber, but you got to handload for it. And no, I don't work for SSK.

swampthing · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2007, 01:33:24 PM »

A good 350g LFN @ 1400fps, {can be loaded faster}, is still going over 900fps @ 300yds, more than enough for total penetration. Though 80" of drop will require that you aim a little high for those 300yd ranges, simple with practice. 6lb. carbine with plenty of power for a bear that tries to take you game.
The .358 or .375 JDJ's are also excellent choices.

NONYA · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2007, 01:44:02 PM »

80" OF DROP?!?! Thats a crap shoot at 300 yards!

Lone Star · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2007, 05:08:09 PM »

Quote

80" OF DROP?!?! Thats a crap shoot at 300 yards!

I loved the comment "simple with practice"! NOT. With that amount of drop, if you miss-judged the range by just 30 yards - easy to do in the field - you'd miss the elk; the difference in drop between 250 and 300 yards is 34".

I love the .45-70 and have killed deer out to 225 yards with 300 grain bullets at 2200 fps in an M98 - but a lighter load out of a Contender carbine is not a good 300 yard hunting load. I shoot a .300 Savage in a 15" Contender, which gives ballistics similar to the .309JDJ. It is a wonderful long range cartridge. The .45-70 kills great......but you gotta hit with it first.

.

azmike · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2007, 05:57:31 PM »

Thank you all for your feedback. I think I'll contact SSK, and see what info I can gather on thier various wildcats between .308 and .375 cal.

Taking the family camping in NE AZ soon, will see exactly what I can expect should I get drawn this year.

Regards,

Mike

tom ga hunter · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2007, 02:28:51 PM »

I'd go for a 375 winchester with light/pointed 375H&H bullets...

Selmer · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2007, 02:40:40 PM »

You're all missing the point of the 300 yd/80 inch drop shot. If you range it right, you'll get the spine AND at least one lung because of trajectory. We may have stumbled on to the perfect shot/caliber/bullet for elk!
Couldn't resist guys, all in good fun.

Selmer

iiranger · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2007, 06:27:59 AM »

Two points:
Many, many years ago, Mr. Ackley among others improved the .30/30 and got it up to almost .300 Savage preformance. Of course the .300 Savage is the .308 with a shorter neck and the WW I pressure levels. 45K CUP approx. Quick. Easy. Fairly common dies.

Mr. Brown, eabco.com, has a .30 BR that, in his opinion, improves on all this with a fast twist barrel. You don't have the velocity of a magnum, but a medium heavy bullet penetrating well, will certainly put "elk" in the freezer if you do your part.

"Contender" family is supposed to be limited to the .30/30 rim for high pressures and not all that high pressure. .375 WCF is the newbie. Heavy bullet, but alot of drop. No doubt, someone has improved the 7mm Waters (BR there too). Equalling the 7Rem Mag is probably not doable within reason (there are some freeky long European cartridges on the .30/30 rim and that is no big deal in a single shot), but .300 Savage... awful close. How "hard" is that 300 yd requirement? How good a shot are you? luck.

southern utah · « **Reply #18 on:** March 14, 2007, 09:32:56 AM »

azmike, I have both G2s and Encores. I use the G2 as a small carbine for small game maybe a deer with the 30-30. Anything bigger I use the Encore. Take the money you would spend on a custom barrel and buy a Encore in a goodbig game caliber. If you watch the forums you can find a complete riifle for $500-600 . Custom barrels can be as much as $300-400. Now that you are using the T/Cs you will be buying more barrels so you might as well have both size frames.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 14, 2007, 09:51:02 AM »

I would say that southern utah has given the most practical solution to the dilema yet. And it would open a world of new possibilities for other cartridges and barrels.

azmike · « **Reply #20 on:** March 15, 2007, 02:28:29 AM »

Quote from: southern utah on March 14, 2007, 09:32:56 AM

azmike, I have both G2s and Encores. I use the G2 as a small carbine for small game maybe a deer with the 30-30. Anything bigger I use the Encore. Take the money you would spend on a custom barrel and buy a Encore in a goodbig game caliber. If you watch the forums you can find a complete riifle for $500-600 . Custom barrels can be as much as $300-400. Now that you are using the T/Cs you will be buying more barrels so you might as well have both size frames.

The purpose of my original post was to verify if anybody with experience with Contenders knew of a chambering that would meet my needs for elk hunting. Seems like there isn't much, aside from possibly a few customs.

Of all my options, it looks like short of sticking with my old 7mm, the post by southern utah is very practical advice. Might as well stick with old reliable.

Thank you all for your input. You have helped me make this decision, and as always, I learned something from you.

Regards,

Mike