Author Topic: NEW Barrel for ELK HUNT. SUGGESTIONS? (Read 1340 times)

utahman · « **on:** May 31, 2007, 12:02:54 PM »

NEW Barrel for ELK HUNT. SUGGESTIONS?

Needs a new barrel for the elk hunt later this year. Let me know what you think I should get. I may have to do some shooting at 200+ yards. I currently have a .204 and am interested in getting one of the following for the elk hunt.

I need information on each, like the weight differences between the reg. and stainless steel barrels, bull barrels etc. Let me know you thoughts and ideas! Thanks for your help.

Here are my options:
25-06 Rem., 26"
270 Win., 22"
270 Win., 22" Stainless
7mm-08 Rem., 22"
280 Rem., 26"
30/06 Sprg., 22"
30/06 Sprg., 22" Stainless
308 Win., 22"
308 Win., 22" Bull

utahman · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2007, 12:04:44 PM »

Also accuracy is important. So what do you think?

Bill3006 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2007, 12:47:03 PM »

That's easy, 30/06 shooting 180 gr Nosler partition bullets. Regular and stainless are same weight as far as I can tell.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2007, 01:09:06 PM »

Barrel weight differences are negligible between the 22" and 26" except the 308 bull barrel which would be a tad more noticeable. Any of those with the exception of the 25-06 would be more than enough to 200yds, even the 25-06 with good shot placement would be fine. I'd recommend 165gr or bigger for the .30 cals and 150gr for the others cept for the 25-06, 120gr partitions or equivalent good bullets for it.

Tim

burntmuch · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2007, 01:42:06 PM »

Id go with the 26 inch 280. 2nd choice 30-06. Ive already got the 30-06 so Id have to buy a new 280. (break my heart) or you could try 45/70

handirifle · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2007, 02:34:32 PM »

Seems to me there's been too much hit or miss with the 280 (mine was a miss), I'd go with the 30-06. it's consistently accurate in the handi.

burntmuch · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2007, 02:38:22 PM »

So the 280 handi isnt all it was cracked up to be?

BANG_OW · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2007, 02:57:00 PM »

165 gr. bullet in .308 or 30-06.
It wasn't on the list, but the .35 Whelen is my go to elk gun.
Just be sure to practice and good luck.

ken2222 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2007, 03:02:55 PM »

the 280 can be everything and more...IF you get a good one.....

BANG_OW · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2007, 03:48:20 PM »

Check that e-place, every now and then one, (a 26" .280) will show up, like now. It appears to be an extractor barrel, if that matters to you.

wtroger · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2007, 04:25:44 PM »

35 Whelen if you can find one. I consider the Whelen the the finest elk round there is.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2007, 04:34:06 PM »

There is also the 38/55 , 444 Marlin and the .450 Marlin

Mac11700 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2007, 05:21:48 PM »

Quote from: rrwilliamson on May 31, 2007, 12:04:44 PM

Also accuracy is important. So what do you think?

Well...depending on how much you want to spend...You could have one of these...When I get to go ...I'll be carrying this one...

BTW...it's pretty accurate too..

180 grain Ballistic tips

180 grain Accubonds

Our you could just get a 30-06 and not worry about it

Mac

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2007, 05:28:47 PM »

Mac very nice.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #14 on:** May 31, 2007, 06:34:58 PM »

I got mine with the .280Rem Handi...dropped in its tracks. What more do you need?

Jim

trotterlg · « **Reply #15 on:** May 31, 2007, 07:14:57 PM »

I know it is boring, but a 30-06 is really hard to beat. Larry

dw06 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 01, 2007, 01:51:32 AM »

Like Quick said any of them would work out to 200 yards.Myself I'd go with 280rem or the 06.But that 338-06 looks mighty tempting!

wcf3030 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 01, 2007, 05:45:09 AM »

Its already been covered, but the old 06 would be the best choice.

Dusty Wheeler · « **Reply #18 on:** June 01, 2007, 06:08:56 AM »

First choice is 280 Rem punched to Ackley Improved-
Second choice is split between 270 and '06...
Where are you hunting?

BANG_OW · « **Reply #19 on:** June 01, 2007, 06:40:51 AM »

Well, I think you probably have it narrowed down. All of the suggested contenders seem to be necked up or down variations of the good ole 30-06. (.25-06,.270,.280,.338-06, .35 Whelen) Do like they do in the Olympics, throw out the high and low and take the average, you end up right back at the 30-06.
Seriously, while on the road, you can stumble into almost any gas station, bait shop, quickie mart, etc. and buy good 30-06 ammo.
Good luck!

handirifle · « **Reply #20 on:** June 01, 2007, 07:19:13 AM »

Quote from: BANG_OW on June 01, 2007, 06:40:51 AM

Well, I think you probably have it narrowed down. All of the suggested contenders seem to be necked up or down variations of the good ole 30-06. (.25-06,.270,.280,.338-06, .35 Whelen) Do like they do in the Olympics, throw out the high and low and take the average, you end up right back at the 30-06.
Seriously, while on the road, you can stumble into almost any gas station, bait shop, quickie mart, etc. and buy good 30-06 ammo.
Good luck!

I like the math, but it DOES make a lot of sense.

The ammo is always a good point, plus all sorts of factory premium/non-premium loads are out there. Not as true of the others. I could forget finding local ammo supplies for my Savage 338-06. $:-\$

Sourdough · « **Reply #21 on:** June 01, 2007, 08:09:17 AM »

No question, the standard all others are judged by. 30-06 with 180gr Nosler Partition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The one gun that will take anything in North Americia.

I have a .35 Whelen Handi, a .243 Handi with a 45-70 barrel also, but the 30-06 is on my machine 90% of the time. While I would not want to go after Brown Bear with it, I do carry it in Brown Bear country. I've dropped many Deer, Caribou, Wolves, Black Bears, and Alaskian Moose with it, and if it will drop a Moose it will put down an Elk.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 01, 2007, 08:16:55 AM »

Quote

The ammo is always a good point, plus all sorts of factory premium/non-premium loads are out there. Not as true of the others. I could forget finding local ammo supplies for my Savage 338-06

To my way of thinking..this really isn't a un-surmountable issue...If I was worried about my ammo supply because of 1 reason or another..I would make sure I had an adequate supply shipped to my destination prior to my arrival..This way I would have plenty to pack for the hunt..Hunting out of country might pose some problems..but still not as much as some might imagine..If I was driving to my hunt..it really isn't any issue at all..and there is plenty of quality premium ammo available for it...Here's a good place to start..http://www.cpcartridge.com/338-06-P.htm

There are many great cartridges to choose from..from standard ones to custom rigs...and like I said..most will depend on how much your willing to spend..Which ever one you go for...don't skimp on the optics...Buy a good one and enjoy your elk hunt..

Mac

Buckman · « **Reply #23 on:** June 01, 2007, 08:36:57 AM »

30 06 enough said.

aflineman · « **Reply #24 on:** June 01, 2007, 05:35:17 PM »

I would also have to say the 30-06. I have plenty of other calibers, but the 30-06 is my deer and elk caliber.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #25 on:** June 01, 2007, 06:05:33 PM »

I still have not shot it yet but the 450 Marlin should knock the snot out of them to 300 yards with practice.

nomosendero · « **Reply #26 on:** June 01, 2007, 06:08:25 PM »

I hear this ammo in the General store argument alot, not a problem really.

Like Mac said, you can ship ammo to your destination. What I do when I go on Western trips is I pack
the ammo in at least 2 locations. I may even have a few rounds under the seat, as I don't have to travel through one of those funny States like NY, Mass, CN or something to get from AR to WY. Seriously, packing 2 places work fine. Besides, even when I use a std. round like a 06', I reload & that would mean I would have to sight in again for factory stuff, so the not taking a load like the 338-06 because of not much ammo at a Walmart is irrelevant to me. Yes, an Africa trip would be differert.

I am glad I don't use this same logic about std. stuff with my hunting boots. Should I wear size 12 because a store in podunck USA stocks that size. I think my feet might hurt, nay I will pack 13-14 since that is my size, but I do pack 2 pair.

The crap that gun writers have started!

PartsMan · « **Reply #27 on:** June 02, 2007, 04:13:36 AM »

They never have the load you or your gun likes anyway.
Buy what you want.
PS I love my 7mm-08

Busta · « **Reply #28 on:** June 02, 2007, 06:57:14 PM »

For a standard out of the box handi, the 30-06 would be my first choice in center-fire. I hunt big game with muzzleloaders, and the .50 caliber Huntsman works just fine.

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #29 on:** June 03, 2007, 07:32:43 AM »

Why not get a 357 barrel and re chamber it to 358 Winchester. that should do nicely to 200 yds.