Wife wants a cow elk - need input

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bordr69

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Hi Guys,
So my wife says she wants to go for a cow elk next year and its my job to find a rifle for the task. She currently shoots a 243 and handles it well. She fired a 308 and it seemed a bit much for her(shes 5'flat and about 110lbs) What would be the lightest recoil round you would take a cow elk with? I was thinking 260rem or 6.5x55 but its a pain to find in a budget rifle.
 
Those cartridge choices are great. The 7mm-08 may be an option as well, especially as it is easier to find in a budget rifle.
Savage rifles are avail. in .260; they are fairly inexpensive.
I realize it sounds a bit cavalier to say so, but I think this is one time to spend the extra three hundred or so and buy a Tikka or something in that price range, or look for a decent used 6.5 from the exchange. Get something your wife really likes, and she'll have a great hunt. And so will you.
 
You could be right on the budget. I have never taken a cow elk but my bull took two in the chest from my 300wsm and kept truckin for 200yards so I am just concerned she may be under gunned.
 
bordr69 said:
You could be right on the budget. I have never taken a cow elk but my bull took two in the chest from my 300wsm and kept truckin for 200yards so I am just concerned she may be under gunned.
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Well if that's the case, would taking the rifle to a smith and having it fitted with a muzzle brake also be an option?
 
Nothing wrong with a .243 with 95gr-100gr premium bullets. Keep your shots inside 150 yards, put one in the right place and voila, freezer full of elk :) If you want a bit more pop, a .250 Savage, .257 Roberts, .25-06 etc. will work fine without beating her up also.
 
243 w/ 85gr Barnes TSX or 100gr Nosler Partition (either handload or Federal premium ammo)

I've seen this combo on a 5x5 bull elk before and it performed well. Also seen a 100gr Nosler Partition do the job on a big 6x6 bull elk.

Shot placement is #1!
 
Yep, .243 with 100 grain Nosler Partitions or Speer Grand Slams will do the trick. Now, we all know that we will get flamed for even talking about such a thing, so use this as an excuse with your wife for buying another rifle. The 6.5x55 is a classic and modern loads with premium bullets will work more than fine. A 260 is about the same thing. 7-08 is definitely good enough and a good 140ish grain premium won't kick the tar out of your lady and be great for everything.
 
here's what a 100gr Partition in the heart will do

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I value a majestic animal like an elk far to much to risk wounding it with an insufficient cartridge/cal/bullet I'm not saying that a 243 won't get the job done if everything is perfect and with a skilled shooter like
TB I'm saying it isn't enough gun/bullet when everything isn't and yes I know that shot placement is important for larger cartridges/bullets as well... ;)

I'd get her a budget/used 308 Win or 30-06 before I would not set her loose with the 243 even with the most premium bullets available.

If my wife would go hunting with me and yes I am dreaming because she won't I would give her the rifle that I have been setting up for her a shortened to 20" barreled Rem 700 LSS in 30-06 loaded with 180gr Partitions or A-Frames @ 2600fps and if she could handle it 200gr Accubonds 2450fps - 2500fps.

Yes I am old school I prefer heavy over light bullets for hunting big game like elk/moose/bears and for smaller game hunting I would load reduced velocity 150gr bullets (probably Rem bulk 150gr Core Lok's) @ 2650fps for her basically = 300 Savage ballistics but your wife has the 243 so she is already set for deer.

CC
 
bordr69 said:
Hi Guys,
So my wife says she wants to go for a cow elk next year and its my job to find a rifle for the task. She currently shoots a 243 and handles it well. She fired a 308 and it seemed a bit much for her(shes 5'flat and about 110lbs) What would be the lightest recoil round you would take a cow elk with? I was thinking 260rem or 6.5x55 but its a pain to find in a budget rifle.
Click to expand...

What other rifles do you have available?


.
 
I'd try the Remington Managed Recoil loads for the 308. Install a premium recoil pad like Limbsaver, Pachmayr Decelerator or a Kick-Eez(best,IMO) if it's not on there already.

If that's still too much recoil, opt for a 7x57 or 7-08 in a heavy rifle, maybe something like a Ruger Hawkeye/M77 MK II or Winchester 70 Sporter.
 
As mentioned a 243 with Premium Bullets with perfect shot placement will work say under 100m...but IMO a 243 is a bit light for an elk...

My wife has taken 3 cow elk , a bull moose and a couple of mulie bucks ince 2005 with her Tikka T3 LS 270WSM with 140gr Accubonds. I too have taken 2 cow elk with my 270WSM and 140gr AB's reloads. Very impressed with this caliber.

7mm-08 in a Remington model 7 for your wife with 140gr Accubonds or TTSX. Maybe a Savage Axis of Edge XP(camo) in this caliber for under $450 with scope..black about $399 or less.
 
Do you handload? Any one of the bigger 3 loaded with a light for caliber ttsx will do well on a cow elk, or most any other game for that matter. I have shot a few 130gr out of my 300wsm, big difference in recoil, and you could go with starting book loads and drop the recoil a little more.
 
I'd consider a .308 Semi-auto and upgrade the recoil pad, should shoot soft on the shoulder but have the bullet weight that is preferable for tough big game.
 
bordr69 said:
I rarely see the benefit of a muzzlebrake and wow are they loud!!
Click to expand...

Fixed it for you;)

I would join the 7mm-08 bandwagon. I've always thought of the 243 as a specialist's rifle and really would limit it to whitetails, mulies and caribou with good bullets. The 7mm-08 is just better in all ways. 6.5x55 would be a good option as well.
 
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