New elk rifle

[John3]

I am going elk hunting in Colorado this fall and while I don't technically need a new rifle, I am thinking of using it as an excuse to get one. Just looking for input on a lightweight set up and some high quality glass. Hoping to go ahead and get it soon to be very comfortable with it before the trip. Just wondering what others have and like so I can do some research and shopping.
Thanks

 

[TNRifleman]

Check out my rifle I have listed in the Classifieds. Bergara Premier Mountain rifle in 270. It weighs 6.3 lbs without a scope and mine weighs in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. with bases, rings and scope. Even if you don't like a 270, I would still check out their other Mountain rifles or possibly the Wilderness Hunter line.

 

[John3]

Thank you. The 270 is beautiful, but not what I'm looking for. I am very interested in Bergaras but would like to see them in person. Who carries them in west tn?

 

[TNRifleman]

Thank you. The 270 is beautiful, but not what I'm looking for. I am very interested in Bergaras but would like to see them in person. Who carries them in west tn?

I am not sure what local shops may carry them but Sportsman's Warehouse in Southaven has a few. If you are ever near Collierville, hit me up and you can check mine out. I have a fair number of them and it would give you an idea of what to look for.

What specifically are you looking for in a rifle? Caliber, weight, stock type, threaded.....etc????? I can probably point you in the right direction in regards to the Bergara models.

 

[John3]

Thanks, and I might do that. I have always liked the 300 win mag but was wanting a shorter barrel, say 22". I don't think they make a 300 wsm and I don't know much about the 300 prc. On weight, I am not going to be overly picky on that over 1/2 lb or so but I don't want to lug around a lead weight either. I guess all of that to say Everything is still up in the air.

 

[TNRifleman]

They don't make a 300 WM with a 22" barrel unfortunately. If you are wanting to stay under $900, look at the Wilderness Hunter or Wilderness Ridge if you want a threaded barrel. If you can spend $1500 or so, the Premier Highlander in 300 WM is an awesome rifle.

 

[clwg97]

I have the Ridge in 300 win mag, but is a lot closer to lugging around a lead weight. Definitely one of my favorite rifles though!

 

[Pinwheeled]

I just bought a Tikka T3x in 300WSM for the same purpose. I dropped it in a Bell and Carlson stock, swapped out the plastic bottom metal, and put a vortex Razor LHT on top. It is an absolute tack driver with handloads and still very light.


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[EastTNHunter]

Tikka T3x is a great rifle. That will likely be my next rifle. But find what fits you best.

Unless you have shot a 300WM and like it, you may want to consider a 30-06 due to recoil. Don't underestimate the 270 for elk either. You don't need a magnum for elk.

 

[MUP]

I just bought a Tikka T3x in 300WSM for the same purpose. I dropped it in a Bell and Carlson stock, swapped out the plastic bottom metal, and put a vortex Razor LHT on top. It is an absolute tack driver with handloads and still very light.


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I have a Model 70 300 WSM and I got it for the same purpose as well, if I ever get the chance to go out West on a hunt. So far I've been able to shoot under 3" groups at 500 yds with it, using 150 gr Nosler accubond bullets and AA 4350 powder. I also now have a Model 700 300 WinMag Remington Sendero that I've been able to shoot a 4 shot group of 2.310" at 600 so far, using 180 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips over RL 22 powder. The difference in recoil is pretty noticeable, and I don't have a brake on either, yet, but the WinMag will definitely be getting one as soon as I can swing it. The WSM, a pleasure to shoot for me.

 

[Pinwheeled]

I just bought a Tikka T3x in 300WSM for the same purpose. I dropped it in a Bell and Carlson stock, swapped out the plastic bottom metal, and put a vortex Razor LHT on top. It is an absolute tack driver with handloads and still very light.


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I have a Model 70 300 WSM and I got it for the same purpose as well, if I ever get the chance to go out West on a hunt. So far I've been able to shoot under 3" groups at 500 yds with it, using 150 gr Nosler accubond bullets and AA 4350 powder. I also now have a Model 700 300 WinMag Remington Sendero that I've been able to shoot a 4 shot group of 2.310" at 600 so far, using 180 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips over RL 22 powder. The difference in recoil is pretty noticeable, and I don't have a brake on either, yet, but the WinMag will definitely be getting one as soon as I can swing it. The WSM, a pleasure to shoot for me.

That's some dang good shooting. I'm with you on the recoil. I'm pretty recoil shy but I find mine to be very tolerable.


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[GOODWIN]

What's your budget? That would be my deciding factor. You also don't need a magnum caliber to kill an elk. Recoil can be harsh in a lightweight setup without a brake. Then that's rough on the ears. You also don't need a large 30mm plus large objective scope to shoot 500yds. Just something to think about if you truly want to go "light weight ".

 

[RikkiV]

I wish bergara would offer the hunter model with a threaded barrel. May not have enough on it to thread but I think you can with a no. 4 taper

 

[TNRifleman]

I wish bergara would offer the hunter model with a threaded barrel. May not have enough on it to thread but I think you can with a no. 4 taper

The B14 Ridge is just slightly heavier but has the same stock as the hunter and it is threaded. They are both great rifles for the price.

 

[Pennywise67]

I just picked up a new Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 300 win Mag. Will have it out at the range next week, to see what it does. But as any Bergara its built nice. Price was below $800 from my local gun store.

-Larry

 

[MUP]

I just picked up a new Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 300 win Mag. Will have it out at the range next week, to see what it does. But as any Bergara its built nice. Price was below $800 from my local gun store.

-Larry

What ammo do you plant to shoot in it?

 

[TNRifleman]

I just picked up a new Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 300 win Mag. Will have it out at the range next week, to see what it does. But as any Bergara its built nice. Price was below $800 from my local gun store.

-Larry

Keep me posted on how it shoots. The new Wilderness series give you a ton of bang for your buck. How do you like the new 2.0 trigger?

 

[Pennywise67]

I just picked up a new Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 300 win Mag. Will have it out at the range next week, to see what it does. But as any Bergara its built nice. Price was below $800 from my local gun store.

-Larry

What ammo do you plant to shoot in it?

I will handload for it, but will probably look to shoot a 165 gr Acuubond or Partition for elk. will see how it likes 165 BT for long range deer. Will step up to 180's if I cant get a 165 load I like. For years I shot a 308 Norma Mag with 165 partitions, took a lot of elk with it growing up.

 

[Pennywise67]

I just picked up a new Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 300 win Mag. Will have it out at the range next week, to see what it does. But as any Bergara its built nice. Price was below $800 from my local gun store.

-Larry

Keep me posted on how it shoots. The new Wilderness series give you a ton of bang for your buck. How do you like the new 2.0 trigger?

I will! I havent even had a chance to take it out. I am off a few days next week so its range time :super:

 

[MUP]

I just picked up a new Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 300 win Mag. Will have it out at the range next week, to see what it does. But as any Bergara its built nice. Price was below $800 from my local gun store.

-Larry

What ammo do you plant to shoot in it?

I will handload for it, but will probably look to shoot a 165 gr Acuubond or Partition for elk. will see how it likes 165 BT for long range deer. Will step up to 180's if I cant get a 165 load I like. For years I shot a 308 Norma Mag with 165 partitions, took a lot of elk with it growing up.

I'm loading 180 gr NBTs for my 300 WinMag Sendero, and will interchange NAB's for hunting since they have the same BC and have performed the same for me in two other rifles. Best grouping so far has been a 4 shot group of 2.310" at 600 yds. Good luck and post up how you're coming along with it.

 

[RikkiV]

I wish bergara would offer the hunter model with a threaded barrel. May not have enough on it to thread but I think you can with a no. 4 taper

The B14 Ridge is just slightly heavier but has the same stock as the hunter and it is threaded. They are both great rifles for the price.

I agree. I had a ridge in 6.5 cm and it was very nice. I am not crazy about that round for hunting so I got rid of it. I am going to try a Christensen ridgeback and see how I like it. Otherwise I would have bought another ridge in a different caliber

 

[tickweed]

Number 1 ruger 7 mag