Need advice on a combo Deer/Elk rifle to purchase without the kick that would sent me into next week.?

Question

I was using a Savage 243 for this past season, but have not used it for Elk. I was told I need a beefier rifle for combo deer/elk

BTW, I am 6ft, fairly strong female.

Answer 1

In my opinion the Benelli R1 with the ComforTech System, in the 30-06. Benelli has the Inertia System that reduces recoil up to 49% . I have one in the 300 Win Mag and it shoots like a 270.
The 30-06 is a readily avaiable round so you can fine it anywhere you go to hunt. You can get factory loads (Federal Premium 160gr. BallisticTip Boatail) this round is VERY reliable and will out preform most handloads. It will also knock a Bull off his feet with the right shot placement, and it is not to Big for white-tail. This is a simi-auto weapon and is as accurate as any of my bolt-actions at long range (350-400 yrds.)
Although the Benelli maybe a little pricy for your budget, that I don't know, but as they say, Performance worth the PRICE!
Remember Buy a Benelli and you'll have it for LIFE!

If it is to pricy for you, here is my second and only other choice:

Browning
Model A-Bolt Eclipse™ Hunter with BOSS®
Item Number 035005326
Caliber 30-06 Spfld.
Action Type Long Action
Magazine Capacity 4
Barrel Length 22"
Nominal Overall Length 42 3/4"
Nominal Length of Pull 13 3/4"
Nominal Drop at Comb 3/4"
Nominal Drop at Heel 1/2"
Nominal Weight 7 lbs. 8 oz.
Rate of Twist 1 turn in 10 "
Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System BOSS
Metal Finish Blued
Wood Finish Satin Finish
Stock / Grip Gray Laminate

The BOSS System on this rifle will reduce the recoil also. You can also shoot the same Federal Ammo discribed above.

Remington 700 BDL = to light of a frame, will kick the @#$% outa ya.
Savage/Stevens/Winchester Model 70 = SAME AS ABOVE.

Custom made guns may not be what your looking for so I won't mention any.

Good Luck!
HUNT HARD & HUNT SAFE
TIM

Answer 2

I would suggest the 7mm mag in Remington 700. The kick is not much more than most large caliber rifles if you shoot 150 grain. It has a little more range than some calibers suggested. A friend of mine has taken 25 elk with it, one at a range of 500 yds. I have shot many small Texas hill country white tails with it without loosing a lot of meat, of course with the accuracy of this rifle I make a lot of head and neck shots.


Geez... I didn't read all the posts, seems the Remington 700 is popular in lots of calibers!
Whatever you choose, borrow one and shoot it first to see for yourself. They are right, you do need something heavier than 243 for elk.

Answer 3

Remington makes a reduced recoil load for the 30-06. Start with this until you are comfortable with the increased recoil over your 243. Try a good recoil pad fitted by a gunsmith. 30-06 factory ammo is available from 110 grain to 220 grain making it suitable for many types of game. It would be perfect for a deer and elk combo gun. Whatever you decide good luck and happy hunting.

Answer 4

Your 243 is a bit light for deer, and way light for elk in my opinion. Most of the 30-30's kick like a mule, 30-06 has killed at least one of all the land walking animals on this planet (stings), the 270 is a heck of an all-around caiber with a smaller punch on the back end (stings a little), 25-06 whacks deer but needs precise placement on elk (sweet shootin). Either cal you decide on please have the firearm fitted to ya by a pro gunsmith!

REMEMBER
1. Any gun that doesn't fit you I.E. too long or short will kick the **** out of ya.
2. Stay with the common calibers for ease of finding ammo.
3. Shot placement rules!! (practice)

Answer 5

i would get a 30.06 bolt with a limbsavers recoil pad. that pad helps alot. your 243 should be fine for elk too if you are a good shot. i know someone who shot a 300 class bull with a .243. my dad has shot an cow elk with a .220 swift. if you want a new rifle i bet that you could go under 400. if you want used check gun shows and pawn shops. if you don't reload, factory ammo is really cheap like $10 for 150gr. SP fedral ammo. if you do reload there is so much data on this round. reloading is the way to go.

Answer 6

A .270 would be a great choice. I have taken many mule deer and 3 elk with my remington model 700. If you are worried about recoil, you shouldnt worry. when it comes time to make the shot you wont feel a thing. if your still worried about it, try a semi-automatic rifle. it should take some of the kick out of it... hope this helps..

Answer 7

300 Win Mag is a good choice,get an 8-10 pound rifle to help with the recoil,you said your strong so I'm sure you can handle it,T/C Encore is an excellent rifle,it has change able barrels and is a single shot ,you can get practically any caliber under the sun for it,243 is to light for elk,good luck and happy hunting

Answer 8

30.06 would be my choice. I use a 7mm mag. for elk, but I think that's a little too much for dear and maybe kicks a little more than you would like. Your 243 is an excellent choice for deer, but I have to agree with those that told you that you need a beefier rifle for deer/elk combo.

Answer 9

You would need at least a .30 cal for elk.
There is a new cartridge called the .338 Federal,
it is not a magnum, it is a necked up .308.
Recoil ? More than your .243,
but not enough to knock you over.
Consider a well-made bolt action and a good quality scope and you're in business.
Try a local search of your gun shops and see if they have one in stock. You can then look it over and see if it's right for you.
Here is link for you.

Answer 10

Model 700 Remmington 30-06. They don't call it the GameMaster for nothing.

One thing these other people aren't taking into affect is the distance that you might have to shoot to get your elk. I wouldn't go below a 30-06 and the kick isn't bad at all.