Low recoil, flat shooting deer, sheep, elk gun?

Rackmastr

Rackmastr

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Hey Guys,
I'm sure this has already been 'debated' to no end, but just wanted some quick input on a few calibre choices. I dont want a heated discussion, only some suggestions and why you suggest them. I'm looking for a new gun that my girlfriend can shoot and I can use as a mountain gun. I'd like to have something big enough that handle deer, sheep, and the occasional elk, while maintaining a moderate recoil level. Currently thinking .270, .270WSM, 7mm-08, or open to any other suggestions. Would like something relativly flat shooting as well.....
 
The calibers you list will still have a stout kick in a light rifle. Maybe consider the .260 Remingon or the 6.5x55 SE.

Do you reload? If so you can make light loads for your girlfriend and heavier ones for yourself.

An example with the cartridges you list would be a 7mm-08 with 120gr TSX bullets loaded to ~2700fps. It would be suitable for deer.

Does your GF have lots of shooting/hunting experience?
 
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1899,
Yea I reload....I have a .284Win and she handles it alright currently with a max load, so I figured she'd be fine....touch choices tryin to find the 'perfect' combination......thanks for the suggestions....
 
I don't think you can go wrong with a 270, easy recoil and you can buy shells anywhere if you have to
Good luck Gord
 
Rackmastr said:
1899,
Yea I reload....I have a .284Win and she handles it alright currently with a max load, so I figured she'd be fine....touch choices tryin to find the 'perfect' combination......thanks for the suggestions....
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Why not another .284 then? You are set up and ready to go. You probably have an idea about loads too.

There is very little practical difference between your .284 and the calibers people, including myself, are advocating.
 
Well, for a selection, how about something different. A Remington Model 7 re-barreled to .250 Savage in an ultralight stock. A couple of extras like an aluminum shroud, Talley 1 pce mounts, lightweight fireing pin and a 3-9x33 Leupold compact and you have a 6lb rifle that is still managable in the recoil department and with 100gr TSX bullets will do the job on just about anything. Although it is light for Elk, but you need a draw in Alberta anyways so deer will, I assume be the main quarry.
 
Because elk is in the picture,I would go no smaller than a .284" bullet.The 280rem would be a fine choice.As for having to draw a tag to hunt elk in Alberta,that is simply not true.Elk can be hunted in a large portion of the province with a general tag.
 
stubblejumper said:
As for having to draw a tag to hunt elk in Alberta,that is simply not true.Elk can be hunted in a large portion of the province with a general tag.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. I just glanced at the regs.
 
Rackmastr said:
I'm looking for a new gun that my girlfriend can shoot and I can use as a mountain gun. I'd like to have something big enough that handle deer, sheep, and the occasional elk, while maintaining a moderate recoil level.
Click to expand...

Buy her a Stevens 200. They weigh 6 1/2 pounds, are very accurate right out of the box, and won't break your bank account. :D

You can get one right now in 7mm-08 for $319 at Wholesale Sports.

............or in 270 Win for $299 from SIR.

Either one will do everything you are looking for.

Ted
 
Hi Trevor,

Hope your hunting season with the 284 was a good one!

For what you are thinking re artillery for the GF, I'd probably get a 7-08. Simplifies your inventory a bit as both take 7mm bullets, and more importantly I can't imagine a better all-around cartridge for her. Low recoil and it works of course in a short action, and a 20" barrel is fine. Easy to load for and responds well to reduced loads for practice, and a 140 NP or X is great for elk and moose.
 
RickF said:
Hi Trevor,

Hope your hunting season with the 284 was a good one!

For what you are thinking re artillery for the GF, I'd probably get a 7-08. Simplifies your inventory a bit as both take 7mm bullets, and more importantly I can't imagine a better all-around cartridge for her. Low recoil and it works of course in a short action, and a 20" barrel is fine. Easy to load for and responds well to reduced loads for practice, and a 140 NP or X is great for elk and moose.
Click to expand...

Yeah... what he said (hate it when he is right):D
 
Rackmastr said:
Hey Guys,
I'm looking for a new gun that my girlfriend can shoot and I can use as a mountain gun. I'd like to have something big enough that handle deer, sheep, and the occasional elk, while maintaining a moderate recoil level. Currently thinking .270, .270WSM, 7mm-08, or open to any other suggestions. Would like something relativly flat shooting as well.....
Click to expand...

In short I think from the calibers you mentioned the 270 WSM will give you the most punch and flatness of trajectory. The problem is the Elk you threw into the equation! If you were looking for an Elk gun I would say these calibers are marginal that will work under "good conditions". If only an occasional elk hunt is your concern then they will do if caution is excersized in proper bullet placement and distances are on the shorter side, of coarse with premium bullets only. The weight of the gun will be a factor in recoil but only for the load development because under hunting conditions none of these calibers have bonecrushing recoil. A good 150gr bullet will cover all your bases.
bigbull
 
there are general elk tags avaliable in most of the Alberta foothills and northern areas......I've bought one every year since '91....:)

I like your idea of a rifle though.......:)
 
Any light sporter in that old sweetheart 6.5X55 SWEDE. Minimal recoil and performance that belittles the paper ballistics. With 156 NORMA fodder no deer (whitetail to moose) is safe. Just my two cents....
cheers Darryl
 
Thanks guys for all the responses.....only makes the decisions more fun!
Rick, The .284 performed great and managed to take 4 animals this year.....now I'm working on a light load to blast some coyotes this winter and keep it shooting......
Thanks guys...
 
I just got the wife a stainless 7.62x39 Ruger M77 mk2 a short while back. I know that it's not the best hunting round but I don't forsee her shooting over 100m to start with on game anyway and it will give her lots of cheap practice at the range... hell I was just sorting ammo today and found that I've got a little over 3000rds of different 7.62x39 here so it seems like a good buy right now :D

Once my bank account recovers, if ever that happens, I'll likely get her a Ruger in 260rem or is that I'll get myself a 260rem that she can borrow? ;)
 
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