Best gun for hunting elk

[royinidaho]

Starr,

From the sounds of your neighborhood, Id suggest a rifle that is light, say somewhere around 9 or 9 and a half pounds.

I've been "sucked in" by those back pasture elk. They've been in my back yard for the past two years and I still don't have one. Its only about & 1/2 square miles back there and upwards of 100 elk.

Between dumb neighbors, stupid cowmen (not all just these guys) and getting a tag for the area its been zip, zilth, zero for me.

Thus the 9 lb or so rifle. May as well enjoy the walk. Having said that, I'd figure if you're starting out with a new rifle for the purpose, I'd go with the 270 or 280. Use 140 gr Hornady SPBT iif the 270 likes them.. Go with a bit heavier bullet in the 280, I'd still stick with the Hornady bullet if the rifle likes them. Note I'm talking like you will sooner or later get pulled into the reloading thing also. Till then factory loads are a better deal for either of those rifles than something larger.

I use the 270 and have no qualms with elk sized animals though I do carry a 338 Win when all I'm hunting is elk.

The 280 may be a bit better choice but I doubt the elk will notice.

I have a Win Mod 70 Featherweight that is around 7 lbs but thumps a bit when loaded up decent.

Join the club and get some shootin' in, itll be a hoot.

But geez don't trust those elk. They are good at hiding.