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flatapple
08-15-2008, 07:47 PM
My daughter has never shot a hunting rifle. Her boyfriend who is on duty at Iraq wants to go elk hunting when he returns. I have been absent from hunting for a number of years. Is there something new out there or just stick with the basics of picking a rifle cailber? I am thinking of a rifle caliber with low recoil. She does like the looks of the Remington 700 synthetic stainless. Please give advice of the calibers she should be looking at.

dougwg
08-15-2008, 08:54 PM
For Elk, nothing less than a .308

Because you mention recoil as an issue you should have her try a 30-06 before purchasing one it may be too much for her.

Maybe have a gunsmith add a larger recoil pad?

The heavier the gun the lighter the recoil.... but does she want to lug a heavy gun around all while scouting for elk?

SweetTooth
08-16-2008, 12:09 AM
I've never hunted elk but from what I hear a good lower recoiling caliber is the .270 winchester. The 270 with a 150gr. bullet kicks a little lighter than a 308 winchester with 180's. I've heard of guys using the 25-06 with a good heavy bonded hunting bullet. Shot placement will be critical with such light calibers.

bacco
08-16-2008, 08:29 AM
Go with a 30-06. The gun has more than enough knockdown power, the ammo is relatively cheap, goes on sale often, and you can find it at any gunstore.

Happy Hunting.

bacco
08-16-2008, 08:30 AM
They make 30-06 in reduced recoil (it'll cost more).
Also, if recoil is an issue, stay away from the really light guns. They kick more.

MINISFORME
08-16-2008, 09:49 PM
You want a elk killer caliber with low recoil and is very accurate?

The answer is 7mm-08. I have one in a Ruger M77 MKII rifle and it is the "ticket"!!!

Jeff

T/C Hunter
08-17-2008, 02:35 AM
The .260 is a soft recoil cartridge that packs a wallop, very good for the large beasties. ( As mentioned, shot placement is crucial)

sullyxlh
08-23-2008, 12:18 PM
30" Carbon Express Maxima 350 with a Montec 100Gr head...... ;)

Rolex Dr.
08-23-2008, 12:55 PM
30" Carbon Express Maxima 350 with a Montec 100Gr head...... ;)


i agree im a fan of the thunderhead 100s and 125s on a 28" gold tip at 74lbs out of a mathews


on a side note the only time she will feel the recoil is at the range, when she shoots at a deer, elk the recoil is gone (until next day LOL)

i shot a deer with my ML this year and i crept up the stock in the rain and wham the scope bit me hard, bloddied my nose (cut is not broke it) knocke my glasses off, teared up my eyes it sucked

but never felt it till next morning then it felt like i got beat up

remingtondude58
08-23-2008, 03:29 PM
on a side note the only time she will feel the recoil is at the range, when she shoots at a deer, elk the recoil is gone

I agree with that. The excitement of seeing a deer makes you not feel and not worry about recoil