Which rifle and optics for Elk and Deer?

[ProTiller]

In a year I'll be going on my first (hopefully many) elk hunts to Colorado. Friends have told me to go with the 7mm over the 30.06. They feel it's a little faster, more accurate and has a little more punch than the odd 6. I myself like the versatility of the 30.06 as I can use it for deer hunting too. So, I'm leaning toward the 30.06. The next thing is to choose a company. This is where I need your expertise.
I like the feel of Remmingtons 700CDL 30.06 with a Leupold Vari-XII 3-9x40. I also like the drop down magazine. What I don't like about it is the 90 degree bolt. This appears to interfere with the scope when ejecting a cartridge. Do any of you have this setup and how do you like it? Do any of you have this set up but in the mountain rifle (It's a little lighter)? How is the recoil of the lighter rifle?
Another firearm I've looked into is Winchester's model 98. I like the way this rifle is machined. I also like that they still model their bolt after the military rifle. Again I believe this rifle has the 90 degree bolt. What I don't like about it is the it doesn't slide as easily as Remmington's.
The final rifle I am considering is Browning's A-bolt. The reason for this is Browning uses a 60 degree bolt and I don't think it will interfere with the scope while ejecting a cartridge. I also like the smoothness of Brownings bolt when ejecting a cartridge.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
tiller

[Matt D]

Tiller,

I have 4 or 5 Remington 700's. They all have Leupolds on them. I don't think you could find a better all around combo for the money. I also have a few Weatherby's with Leupold scopes. They have a 54 degree bolt lift. I can't say as I have ever noticed a difference in the field working either of the two even though there is a difference.

Don't have a mountain rifle but a buddy has a 280 Rem. in the mountain rifle. Very good shooter and if I was doind a lot of mountain hunting I would not rule that caliber and model out as it is very siomilar to the 7mm balistically.

As far as caliber it really isn't going to matter much as they are very similar and both would also make great deer guns. I have never owned a 06 and probably never will as I like owning sorta odd ball or less popular calibers. That's why the 280 interests me so much. Since I wanted a 30 caliber I went with a 300 Win Mag. Still have the bullet selection but a little more speed out of it.(A little more kick also though if that is a concern to you)

Hope this helps some in your decision.

Good Luck,

Matt D

[FishHawk]

Has anyone ever used a 270 for Elk. I am going on a hunt in October and would like to use my 270 that I use for deer here in the Northeast. Is it possible.

[walleye guy 88]

30.06 is great for elk, deer, decent for moose, any big games animal like deer, elk, boar etc... a 30.06 will be good for

[RANGER]

I'll put it this way - even the guides out West are partial to the .338 Win. It has more "reach" then a lot of other guns.

The .30-06 is a fine rifle, and I have my own - Love it!

However, in the West, distances are far geater then you might think and you may need that "reach" in order to be successful. I have two rifles for the West - a Remington 700 BDL 7mm Ultra Mag and a Browning Medallion .300 Ultra Mag!

Optics? - what ever you feel confident with! They range all over the place but your thinking along the line of Leupolds' is excellent!

I wish you well and have fun while you're out there but you really need the "reach"!

[Buzz]

I think too many people put to much weight behind what caliber they are shooting instead of the bullet type. The difference between many calibers is marginal at best under normal hunting conditions at normal distances. Shoot the right caliber and the wrong bullet and you've got troubles, especially on larger game in elk. Today's outdoor writers have to talk about something and it often centers around comparing one caliber to another.

An '06 is an excellent all around choice. It's a choice that does everything pretty dang good. Are there better choices for specific applications? Yes, but few that are as versatile. With the right bullet placed in the proper spot and it's serious elk medicine. Secondly, in most guns, the recoil is very tolerable from an '06. Most guys won't admit they are recoil sensitive but few can shoot a magnum caliber as well as one with less recoil if they admit it or not.

I own and have owned a number of Remington 700s (currently three, one of which is an '06) and have yet to have one that doesn't perform well right out of the box. You will have no problems with bolt clearance with a 3-9x40 scope. There are too many '06s mounted with a 3-9x40 scope in the deer woods to count.

A 700 Mountain Rifle is a neat little rifle. I own one in a 7mm-08 and it's one of my favorite deer rifles I own. I have not shot one in an '06, but I think it is safe to say, recoil will be greater than that of a standard BDL or CDL, due to the light weight of the rifle itself. Would it be unmanageable? No. Keep in mind, light weight rifles are more difficult to shoot accurately, at least from a freehand position. Weight is not necessarily a bad thing, to a degree.

Pick a rifle you like, based on your personal preferences, in any number of adequate calibers, shoot the right bullets designed for the purpose and game you're after and go have fun.

Two last points. You will be well served if with any rifle you choose, you take it to a qualified gunsmith and have the trigger worked on. For liability reasons, most manufacturers produce triggers that are too heavy. Your shooting will improve with any rifle that has a lighter, more crisp trigger. Lastly, do not skimp on optics. There is a reason that good optics cost hundreds of dollars more than lesser models or brands. Better durability, edge to edge clarity, low light performance (huge difference), and general quality comes at a price. I would rather spend less on a rifle and more on a scope (and good scope mounts) than the other way around.


Buzz

[SoDakMac]

This is rather late in responding but – yes, I have shot two elk with my Browning A-Bolt .270. I use 150-grain bullets for elk and 130 for mule deer. The cow went down with one shot and my 6x6 bull took two but I think the second shot was one of those panic rounds since he only moved about 10 feet and dropped. Both kills were fairly close at about 100-150 yards. I think the .270 is probably the smallest I would go for elk but if the bullets are placed correctly, it is a devastating round.

[Stu]

You got alot of good advice and for once, everyone tended to agree. I have two Remingtons, both in 308. One has a detachable box magazine and one has a trap door. The detachable mag is nice but the only real advantage is reloading (I keep a second mag in my pocket). The rifle holds 4 rounds and I don't know of anyone who has needed more than that on a hunt. I also think that the 30.06 is the best choice because of the loads available. Remember, if you change bullet weights/loads, you will have to re-zero your rifle. Good luck - Stu

[Stu]

Just one more thought. Make sure you mount your scope with dual dove tails and not the mounts with the rear windage screws. These have a tendancy to move during recoil.

[ProTiller]

Thanks everyone for your posts. I think I'm gonna choose a Remmington 30.06 with a Leupold VariX-II 3-9x40. I think this gun and optics will soot me best as far as versatility goes. Who knows I havent purchased anything yet, maybe when the time comes I'll end up changing my mind a half dozen times or so and finally in the end choose a .270. But again thanks for everyone's advice.
-tiller