Good rifle for Elk(in the timber)

[HAYMAN]

I have decided to buy a new long gun. A lever action for Elk. A good one for hunting Elk in the thick stuff. I read an article about the subject while traveling home from my latest(unsuccessful) elk hunt.
The writer used a Lever(marlin?) in a .444. What do you guy's like for this kind of hunt? I own a couple 30-30 Win.'s but am not so sure this would be the best cal. available. I know the history. The 30-30 has killed many elk. But, I already own a couple and it wouldn't be nearly as much fun dusting off one of them and denying myself the oportunity to fill another slot in the guncase..................Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Eddie

[YANK N CRANK #2]

Lever: marlin XLR in .450 marlin or 45-70.....

or

The Anti Tank Gun:
Weatherby Mark V in .340 weatherby magnum.... .250 gr. Noslers
(not a lever gun.. I know)...
^^^^^
More Balls than the 300 and 338 Ultra Mag too!!!!

[Mergrath]

You wouldn't have to leave the campground!

[Luhr'd Away]

300 Ultra Mag

[bajadan2000]

When diving into our very thick timber here in the NW I do have a special weapon I carry. It is an old beater 303 British Enfield with open sights..

The version I have has a barrel that is a couple of inches shorter than most. Someone told me it was a Calvary version.. The 303 is supposed to be the fastest bolt action made. Not sure if that is true or not but it is very fast to operate. And this beast is a cannon. I do not shoot it much, boy does it kick, 3 target shoots and my shoulder is done...It uses the same round many of the British Spitfire fighters used in WWII. I never had a single critter I have hit with it do anything but flip and go tits up. I hate tracking a wounded animal through thick stuff, you never know what you might run into up here. Our bear and cougar population has exploded.

It isn't pretty, but it gets the job done right now. And that is all I ask of my toys.

[omartish]

Hayman did you have an encounter that makes you think you should change your rifle?

I go elk hunting every other year for the most part. I hunted thick timber, but i yet have to shoot an elk in it. My buddy Deno is always fucking around in the timber and he has shot elk in the stuff. He uses his remington 700 300 win mag with a scope. As of today he has not expressed any reason to have a different rifle.

He hunts the timber alone with a cow call. He will chirp every so often as he is slowly walking through. So far it has worked for him.

[HAYMAN]

Dan,
Thanks for the reply. I will check it out when I head over to go shopping. I have heard of the 303 but have never really had any reason to take a look. Thanks again.

Eddie

[HAYMAN]

Omartish,
No, I like my .270. I have shot a few deer I the heavy cover but never an Elk. I know the M-77 in the .270 I have would probably be fine for all conditions, but, I am looking for a niche gun that I could enjoy. It would be lighter to carry and that is a very big plus for me. I have titanium rods holding my back together and a lighter weapon could make a big difference.
This purchase is probably 95% I want a new toy, and 5% nesessity. I have an open slot in the safe and I am itching to fill it. Thanks.

Eddie

[exhunter223]

I have a Savage ss, all weather stock heavy barrel , fluted with comp. .338 Rem Mag. Gave it to my dad to hunt elk. 1 shot. Drop them where they stand.

[marlyn]

jason has it for sure,lever marlin in 45-70 govt(i have the guide gun in stainless)

[icscommand]

.308 lever action shooting the Federal Premium Vital-Shok 180 grain nosler partition. Fast action and fits in the scabbard well. There are even break down models out there.

[el Toro]

Browning BLR in .358 win. would be my #1 choice, but I also like guns that are a bit more unique.

Aside from that my choice would be a Marlin in .450 marlin or 45-70 if you reload.