AZ Elk Hunt (Area 1) - Rifle Recommendation

[4895]

I have never hunted Elk in Arizona or anywhere else for that matter. Now that my disclaimer is up, I can continue. I am putting in for Elk and Antelope this year (don't know where to go) and have thought about this issue a bit. First, what I do know, is that a light rifle in a magnum caliber is hard on the shoulder. It may be of no consequence, but I would pick something in a wood stock. Second, if you can kill an Elk with a bow from 40 yards away, you can kill one with a .308. I just loaded up some 180 grain Barnes X bullets for a coworker and he shot a cow at 200 yards with .30-06 with a clean pass through (2011). The animal dropped dead on the spot (neck/spine shot). I plan on taking either my Mosin Nagant M38 carbine length rifle, or my 8mm mauser for elk this year. If you desire another caliber, get it. You only live once. I don't feel underpowered with a 7.62x54r or 8mm mauser. If I had a .308, I would pick a premium, heavy bullet and learn to shoot it very well.

P.S. I live in Tucson, where are the elk in Az? What hunt numbers are good for a newb. I would like to work in snow. Thanks.

 

[sixgunner455]

4895 - There are lots of elk in Arizona. They mostly live in the White Mountains near Payson, and in the mountains around Flagstaff. Look to the higher elevations.

Look in the antelope and elk regs flier that is out right now. The areas that they have draws for are the areas you may find elk in. Don't waste time, though - the entry deadline is coming up quickly.

 

[1goodshot]

I think I would use the 308 and spend some money on a lite wieght game chart, I packed an elk out last year by my self and wont do it again.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Yet another vote for the .308 being a dandy elk killin round. Folks in general are seeming to focus more on latest, greatest gear and not on improving general woodsmanship. Mountains of elk have fallen to .30-30's, .300 Savages and the like...both considered not enough gun by those same folks mentioned above.

For places to hunt, I'm only helpful regarding a few select hunt units. Units 10, 7w, 6a are all fine, popular units. I'd like to think there's similar opportunity that's closer, but you only have 4 days left to submit for the draw, so ya best get crackin'.

 

[NelsErik]

you only have 4 days left to submit for the draw, so ya best get crackin'.

I have bonus points galore! My dad put in for me every year I was in the service but couldn't go, so getting drawn should be pretty easy.

I am still looking for glass though. I really like the Steiner 210 Military Marine 10x50G Binoculars. They are a little on the heavy side, but I am planning on going very, very light on everything else. They are awesome in low light conditions.

 

[wombat13]

Hey Guys,
Chuckhawks.com has an article on .358 Winchester the data looks good.

.308 Winchester, 150 grain bullet at 2820 fps
.308 Winchester, 165 grain bullet at 2700 fps
.308 Winchester, 180 grain bullet at 2620 fps
.358 Winchester, 180 grain bullet at 2700 - 2800 fps
.358 Winchester, 200 grain bullet at 2500 - 2600 fps
.358 Winchester, 225 grain bullet at 2400 - 2500 fps
.358 Winchester, 250 grain bullet at 2200 - 2300 fps
.300 Winchester Magnum, 150 grain bullet at 3290 fps
.300 Winchester Magnum, 180 grain bullet at 2960 fps
.338 Winchester Magnum, 200 grain bullet at 2950 fps
.338 Winchester Magnum, 250 grain bullet at 2660 fps
.45-70 Government, 300 grain bullet at 1810 fps
.45-70 Government, 350 grain bullet at 2100 fps
.45-70 Government, 405 grain bullet at 1330 fps

.308 Winchester, 150 grain at 2820 fps - MPBR 264 yards
.308 Winchester, 165 grain at 2700 fps - MPBR 260 yards
.308 Winchester, 180 grain at 2620 fps - MPBR 250 yards
.300 Winchester Magnum, 150 grain at 3290 fps - MPBR 300 yards
.300 Winchester Magnum, 180 grain at 2960 fps - MPBR 284 yards
.338 Winchester Magnum, 200 grain at 2950 fps - MPBR 289 yards
.338 Winchester Magnum, 250 grain at 2660 fps - MPBR 265 yards
.358 Winchester, 180 grain at 2700 fps - MPBR 255 yards
.358 Winchester, 200 grain at 2500 fps - MPBR 237 yards
.358 Winchester, 250 grain at 2300 fps - MPBR 227 yards
.45-70 Government, 300 grain at 1810 fps - MPBR 164 yards
.45-70 Government, 405 grain at 1330 fps - MPBR 130 yards

I'm no expert, but those velocities look a bit high for the .358 win.

Hodgdon Load Data

The highest velocity listed in Hodgdon's online data for 180gr. .358 win is 2,603 fps.

 

[NelsErik]

Yes, all the data out there is different. I'm just going to go with some Double-Tap @ 2,800 or Buffalo Bore until I get a load figured out.

Here is the LoadData for my actual rifle. It shows a high of 2,669.

 

[H&Hhunter]

.300 Winchester Magnum, 180 grain at 2960 fps - MPBR 284 yards

.308 Winchester, 180 grain at 2620 fps - MPBR 250 yards

Isn't it amazing how we let ourselves be talked out of our favorite rifle in .308 or .30-06 because we need something that shoots "flatter"? yet the real world difference is a range advantage of 34 yards for the .300 WM! 34 YARDS.

I love to show that to people.

 

[NelsErik]

I went with the BLR for the heavy bullets of the .358 Winchester and because the rifle is a takedown model and is very lightweight. I don't want to be chasing an injured elk all over the mountain and like the idea of putting the rifle in my pack after the kill. I'm notorious for banging my scope on every tree and rock on the way back to the car.

 

[jehu]

Get a Sako Finnlite in 7mm RM and put a Swarovski Z3 4-12X50 on it. Then get a pair of Swaro 12X50EL Bino's and you will be set. I've been down the Steiner road and Swarovski blows them away.

 

[NelsErik]

What didn't you like about the Steiners? I really like them in low light conditions. With the 50-mm objective lenses they are very bright and easy on the eyes. They are relatively affordable too. The Swarovski binoculars are almost double the money. These things are going to be around my neck will probably take a beating when I climb steep hills, rocky areas, and while walking through the trees. I figured the Steiners would be a good compromise.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Steiners are just that a "good compromise". I've had two pair of Steiners go gunny sack in the field. I won't use them ever again. However I have friends who've had great luck with them. I have a pair of Lieca 8x32 BN that I've used for over a decade now.They are flawless. Of course at todays prices I'd probably never have bought top end euro glass its simply getting stupid expensive now!