Greatest Elk Looking Rifles of 2022

Elk are massive, powerful animals and any elk searching rifle you choose must be chosen with that truth in thoughts. On the subject of the very best cartridges for elk, the .30-calibers nonetheless rule the roost, however there are many good elk rifles chambered in smaller choices. The magnum guys discuss up the flexibility of the massive boomers to deal with less-than-ideal shot angles, whereas the smaller-caliber camp factors to the higher precision and recoil administration that lighter cartridges supply. Either side have advantage.

The opposite issue when choosing an elk rifle is the nation the place you hunt and your model of searching. Backcountry hunters on foot will gravitate towards gentle rifles, whereas these on horseback or who hunt non-public floor can have a broader area to select from. Whereas I like ultra-light rifles, there’s one thing to be mentioned for a gun with ample heft. They are usually extra correct and deal with higher than the sub-6-pound weapons. If that you must reduce weight to your hunt, you’re higher off giving up the Doritos and IPAs than making an attempt to shave each final ounce out of your rifle’s barrel.

It doesn’t matter what, nonetheless, elk rifles should be powerful, as a result of they are going to be banged round and uncovered to the weather. This record of the very best elk searching rifles covers the gamut of value factors and cartridge choice, so regardless of the specifics of your subsequent hunt, you’ll discover one in all these elk rifles solutions.

How I Picked the Greatest Elk Looking Rifles

I’ve gone on numerous elk hunts through the years. I’ve chased them within the excessive desert areas of New Mexico, within the coastal rainforests of the Cascade mountains, on horseback within the Canadian Rockies, and everywhere in the intermountain West. I got here up with this record of the very best elk rifles—and cartridges—based mostly on these experiences. I needed to focus on what’s labored for me, in addition to showcase rifles which might be presently out there.

Browning has been including variants to their X-Bolt line at a superb clip, and that is one my favorites thus far. The X-Bolt Mountain Pro includes a carbon-fiber inventory that’s been stuffed with light-weight foam so it’s each gentle and quiet. That mixed with the fluting on the bolt physique and barrel brings the burden of the Mountain Professional down to six kilos, 2 ounces.

Chambered in the new 6.8 Western, this rig is prepared for prime nation bulls. The 6.8 Western is a reasonably stout cartridge, much like the .270 WSM, however higher engineered to reap the benefits of heavy-for-caliber .277-inch bullets with excessive BCs. Typical bullet weights are 165, 170, and 175 grains at between 2,835 to 2,970 fps.

To tame the cartridge, the Mountain Pro comes with Browning’s massive and efficient Recoil Hawg muzzle brake. Like different X-Bolts, the rifle’s ergonomics are wonderful. The three-round journal masses simply and feeds with none fuss. The tang-mounted security is straightforward to govern. And the rifle’s 60-degree bolt throw makes for snappy follow-up photographs. The rifle is available in Browning’s burnt bronze Cerakote end to maintain the weather at bay.

The Nosler 21 is a honey of a hunting rifle. It received the best accolades throughout our 2022 Gun Take a look at with an Editor’s Selection award. I’ve hunted with them in .375 H&H, 6.5 PRC, and 6.5 Creedmoor. But when I had been to get a Mannequin 21 devoted for elk, I’d go to the 33 Nosler, which is arguably the very best of the proprietary Nosler cartridges.

I’ve seen what the 33 Nosler can do first-hand in Africa, and it’s a devastating spherical. It launches a 225-grain Accubond at 3,025 fps, inserting it notch above the .338 Lapua and 275 fps sooner than the .338 Win. Magazine. For elk hunters who subscribe to the “extra is extra” philosophy of cartridge choice, the 33 Nosler can’t be beat.

The rifle itself is a fantastically constructed searching instrument. The Shilen barrel, Mack Brothers motion, and Nosler carbon-fiber inventory are all premium elements and so they work collectively in good concord. The Model 21 is correct, fast-handling and manages even heavy recoil extraordinarily nicely. If the 33 Nosler is greater than you care to shoot, the Mannequin 21 can be out there in .280 Ackley Improved, which is a milder however nonetheless totally succesful elk spherical.

The Weatherby Vanguard strikes an awesome steadiness between efficiency and worth and is likely one of the finest elk searching rifles you should purchase for underneath $1,000. The Bronze mannequin includes a burnt bronze Cerakote end on the receiver and barrel and is mated to a black artificial inventory with a little bit of bronze webbing—it’s a color-coordinated marvel.

Extra importantly, it comes chambered in all kinds of cartridges together with the enduring .300 Weatherby Magnum, which is the preferred of Roy Weatherby’s creations. The belted magnum, based mostly on the .300 H&H, with its signature double radius shoulder has been dropping massive recreation because it was launched in 1944.

To get essentially the most from the cartridge, this Vanguard comes with a 26-inch barrel that’s threaded ½-28 to accommodate a brake or suppressor. The hinged floorplate journal holds three rounds and as with all Vanguard rifles, it comes with a 3-shot sub-MOA accuracy assure.

The inventory on the Vanguard is nicely designed, with textured panels on the grip and fore-end for a safe buy in moist and slippery circumstances. The grip additionally has a slight palm swell on the correct aspect, which fills the set off hand properly. One other characteristic I like is the three-position security, which permits the bolt to be opened with out placing the rifle in “hearth” situation.  

This helpful rifle is a high-country elk-killing machine. With the inventory folded, it stows away simply in a pack for max portability and luxury, making it an awesome selection for hauling into the mountains, particularly because the naked rifle solely weighs 6.8 kilos.

I let a superb good friend of mine “borrow” my Sig Cross in 6.5 Creedmoor, and he’s proceeded to kill six elk with it prior to now few years. He’s made it clear that I received’t be getting the rifle again any time quickly. However that’s nothing in comparison with one other good friend of mine who hunts and guides for elk. His Sig Cross has accounted for 18 bulls over the past three seasons, one-shot kills all.

One factor the Sig Cross has going for it’s excellent accuracy. Once I bought mine, I used to be amazed on the bug gap teams it churned out, which is exceptional for a lightweight rifle and a chassis folder as well.

However Sig bought it proper with the Cross, and in case you don’t thoughts the rifle’s tactical aesthetic it’s a hell of a selection. Sig additionally presents the rifle in .308 Win. and within the .277 Fury. The .277 Fury is an intriguing possibility, although ammo availability is a matter. The .277 Fury is a .308-sized cartridge that develops spectacular muzzle velocities. The cartridge case has been modified to deal with greater chamber pressures and is able to driving a 140-grain Sierra Gameking at 2,950 fps.

The Mossberg Patriot is an everyman’s elk rifle, a completely succesful searching instrument at a cut price value. I’ve hunted with Mossberg Patriots from Alaska to Mexico and have had nothing however optimistic experiences with the platform.

The rifle’s accuracy has been good, in my expertise, together with with the heavy hitting .375 Ruger I took on a couple Alaska bear hunts. I’d anticipate the identical from the .338 Win. Magazine., which is likely one of the all-time nice massive recreation cartridges. For many years, the .338 Win. Magazine. was one of many high two or three picks for hunters searching for one cartridge to hunt the world. Although the cartridge isn’t as common because it as soon as was, it’s one of many best elk hunting calibers, and it’s nonetheless worthy of consideration for a hunter searching for a do-it-all massive recreation spherical.

The Patriot comes with a removable field journal that’s easy and idiot proof. All rifles within the collection sport Mossberg’s user-adjustable LBA set off, which might be set from 2 to 7 kilos, although why anybody would set the set off above 3 kilos is past me.

In .338 Win. Magazine. the rifle has a 24-inch barrel threaded 11/16-24, and the barrel and motion are Cerakoted for cover in opposition to the weather. This explicit mannequin additionally comes with open sights that may be adjusted for windage and elevation. Having backup iron sights on probably the greatest elk searching rifles is a consolation in case your scope goes down on the mountain.

Although the Patriot lacks a few of the refinements discovered on the dearer rifles on this record, it nonetheless manages to be engaging, dependable, correct, and rugged—all at one of the aggressive value factors you’ll discover.

The Seekins Precision Havak Pro Hunter 2 is likely one of the finest values in a high-end technical elk rifle. Glen Seekins, who designed the rifle, is an avid mountain hunter and precision shooter and the Havak PH2 is a good expression of these two passions.

The carbon-fiber composite inventory is gentle and powerful and contains some options carried over from the precision rifle world. The grip angle is almost vertical and it has a big palm swell which fills the hand. The waffle-pattern cross hatching on the grip and fore-end provides a safe buy, and the fore-end itself is pretty broad with a flat backside. This inventory design permits the rifle to be shot nicely from each supported and unsupported positions within the area.

Seekins makes the PH2 in two motion sizes, brief .308 size and .30/06 lengthy motion size. Seekins opted to run the 6.5 PRC within the brief motion. For some rifles that presents a problem as a result of the shooter is restricted when it comes to the cartridge general size that can match within the journal, however Glen designed a pleasant carbon fiber journal that holds three rounds of 6.5 PRC and may accommodate a 3.14-inch cartridge general size (COAL). (A regular .308-sized AICS journal is restricted to a 2.96-inch COAL.) This offers the shooter some leeway with handloads and manufacturing facility ammo working longer, heavier bullets.

Two of the very best 6.5mm searching bullets that pair nicely with the 6.5 PRC are Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X and the Berger 156-grain EOL Elite Hunter. They’re each extraordinarily correct, have nice terminal ballistics, and hit more durable than .300 Win. Magazine. at 500 yards and past. I’ve shot extra recreation over the previous couple of years with the 143-grain ELD-X than some other bullet and have had nothing however wonderful outcomes.

Different good options on the PH2 embody the engaging spiral fluting on the barrel, a 20 MOA Picatinny rail that’s secured with 5 8-32 fasteners, a 5/8-24 threaded muzzle, and a Timney set off set to 2.5 kilos.

This budget hunting rifle is one other nice possibility for elk. The Ruger American may not have a lot in the best way of visible frills, however underneath the hood it includes a shocking variety of cool improvements.

One of many extra notable is the dual-cocking cams on the bolt, which is likely one of the causes the 3-lug motion runs so easily. The 2 cams distribute the trouble of the 70-degree bolt carry making for a smoother experience. The American’s full-diameter bolt physique additionally helps on this effort. The integral bedding block is one other intelligent characteristic that creates a stable help for the motion and contributes to the American’s high quality accuracy.

The set off is person adjustable and might be set to interrupt at about 3 to five kilos. The tang security is straightforward to govern and slides between “hearth” and “secure” in a optimistic vogue. It comes with a Picatinny rail that runs the size of the motion making the mounting of an optic a easy affair. Unscoped the rifle weighs about 6.2 kilos, loads gentle for rigorous hunts.

In gentle of its patriotic identify, you couldn’t go flawed getting it chambered in essentially the most American of cartridges, the .30/06. I’ve used the .30/06 on quite a lot of elk and moose hunts through the years and it is a superb choose for large recreation, particularly while you go along with heavier bullet weights. The 180-grain Accubond is an ideal selection, however even one thing lighter just like the 165-grain Federal Fusion will get the job achieved. 

It doesn’t take a lot for a hunter to fall underneath the sway of Tikka rifles. These Finnish bolt actions have a well-earned repute for his or her accuracy, reliability, and good ergonomics. And among the many finest elk rifles they stand out for his or her budget-friendly value.

Tikka has no less than 17 completely different fashions of their T3x line, a number of of which might make a high quality elk rifle. I’ve shot the T3x Lite Roughtech and may attest to its sterling qualities, although you’ll be able to’t go flawed with any of the T3x rifles in Tikka’s lineup.

The three-lug motion on the T3x collection is easy and simple to run. Cartridges feed flawlessly from the T3x’s wonderful removable field journal. The journal is rugged, simple to load, and might be inserted and eliminated with out trouble even when carrying gloves.

In .270 Winchester, the Roughtech might be had in two barrel lengths—20 and 22.4 inches. The printed weights are 6.6 and 6.8 kilos respectively. Until you’re searching in numerous dense timber, I’d go for the 22.4-inch model. A caveat is in case you hunt with a suppressor, then the 20-inch mannequin will deal with higher. The barrels are threaded 5/8-24, so they’ll accommodate most muzzle gadgets. The T3x Lite Roughtech ships with a radial muzzle brake.

Different good touches on the Roughtech embody a modular grip system to customise the grip profile and a receiver drilled with further holes to mount a Picatinny rail much more securely.

Amongst old-school hunters, the .270 Win. is taken into account gentle as an elk cartridge, however with the broad collection of premium searching bullets out there, it’s greater than as much as the duty. Nosler’s 150-grain Accubond Lengthy Vary, and Barnes’ 140-grain TSX BT are each wonderful choices.

Along with making the world’s finest carbon-fiber barrels, Proof Research additionally cranks out excellent full rifles. The eye to element and fit-and-finish of each their barrels and rifles has no equal amongst manufacturing facility produced firearms.

Situated in northwest Montana, it’s little shock that Proof has a superb really feel for what constitutes an awesome elk searching rifle, and so they have a number of choices value contemplating, relying in your finances.

Essentially the most attainable is the Proof Elevation, which has a feature-set that justifies the three-grand-and-change value. It’s constructed on a Zermatt Arms Origin motion, which is likely one of the best-made bolt-actions on the market. The manufacturing tolerances on Zermatt’s merchandise are extremely exact, to the purpose the place corporations doing builds on their actions don’t even have to do QC checks on the size. When mated with Proof’s carbon-fiber barrel and positioned in Proof’s carbon-fiber inventory, you find yourself with a decent, stiff, and dependable searching rig that stacks bullets on high of one another.

In 7mm Rem. Magazine., the Elevation comes with a 24-inch barrel with a 1:8.4 twist and 5/8-24 threaded muzzle, and weighs about 6.5 kilos and not using a scope. It has a hinged-floorplate journal, rocks twin swivel studs on the fore-end to mount a bipod, has a TriggerTech set off, and is on the market in a pair completely different coloration choices.

The 7mm Rem. Magazine. has a protracted historical past of success on elk and different massive recreation, and is likely one of the consummate western searching cartridges due to its flat-shooting trajectory and fabulous terminal ballistics. I’ve used 140-grain bullets on elk prior to now with good success, however with the Proof’s sooner twist price (the SAMMI normal is 1:9.25) you’ll be able to have a look at a few of the heavier .284-inch bullets too. Hornady’s 162- and 175-grain ELD-X bullets can have no bother stabilizing with the 1:8.4 twist and can knock the tar out of any elk you hit within the vitals.

For the traditionalist, this is likely one of the finest elk rifle and cartridge mixtures out there. Right this moment’s Mannequin 70s are constructed to a stage of high quality higher than something Winchester has achieved in a long time and are worthy heirs to the M70’s legend.

Whilst you can nonetheless get a Mannequin 70 in walnut with blued metal, the Excessive Hunter is healthier suited to onerous use and severe searching. It comes with a Cerakoted end on the barrel and motion and has a rugged Bell & Carlson artificial inventory achieved up in True Timber Strata camo.

This model features a radial muzzle brake and—chambered in .300 Win. Magazine.—has a 26-inch barrel with gentle fluting in a sporter contour.

The rifle has a hinged journal floorplate and holds three rounds of the venerable .300 Win. It contains Winchester’s constant and crisp MOA set off, a three-position security situated on the bolt shroud, controlled-round feed and extraction, and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.

Amongst all of the cartridges included on this story, the .300 Win. Magazine. is the usual by which all different elk rifle rounds are judged. The .300 Win. Magazine. has continued to evolve through the years—largely on account of requests from the navy to squeeze extra efficiency from it as a sniper spherical—and these adjustments have saved the cartridge as correct and lethal as something on the market.

FAQs

Ultimate Ideas

What qualifies as an awesome elk rifle has shifted through the years. Advances in bullet know-how, cartridge design, rifle accuracy, and taking pictures expertise have broadened the spectrum. Fifty or 60 years in the past we compensated for awful bullets, mediocre rifle efficiency, and basic lack of taking pictures savvy by insisting that finest elk searching rifles ought to be fire-spewing magnums, .30-caliber and up. Something much less could be foolhardy. We now know higher—no less than most of us do. The basic boomers nonetheless carry house the venison, however we stay in an period the place loads of rifles, and cartridges, are legit instruments for searching elk.