I got the same deal, I think it was like .22/bullet. Gave the mailman a hernia putting them in the mailbox. Switched from Nosler BT. I run them with 41.5 gr Rel15 and make them as long as will fit/feed in the magazine. One hole groups. Rel 15 isn't the fastest, but always the most accurate in...
The higher grain, higher bc bullets need more twist. 1:9 is fine for most 140-160 grain bullets. I have had a hard time getting the 155 gr terminal ascents to group well with a 1:9, but shoot fine in a 1:8. Might be the twist, might be that particular rifle. And if norma ever releases their...
Get a guide, or resident. Go to the wildnerness area. Other than that, there is usually lots if water near rivers annotated on maps. Lots of people on trails/roads with numbers. Good luck, might see you out there. I have that tag too.
If you are handloading copper, you might want to look at the 150gr badlands bullet.
https://badlandsprecision.com/product/308-150gr-bulldozer-2/
If you need factory ammo, the 180gr Norma Bondstrikes have been good for me. Quick kills, lots of meat damage though. They seem to be in stock most...
I like Q, even though you are limited to 96, 97, and 98. Lots of public, far from any town, easy to draw despite few NR tags, and you have to shoot a 'big' one (4 pt rule). Has mountians and sage so you can pick the type of hunt you like best.
I would save your 5 point and do an OTC hunt. If it is your first elk hunt you will make many mistakes and learn a lot. Not just about finding elk, but gear choices, fitness, terrian limitations, etc.
Howa mini action 6mm arc. Has a better rate of twist than the 243 for heavier bullets. Brownells has barreled actions and you can get whatever stock best fits the shooter. Bell and carlson sells stocks for the mini.
I use one. I like it. I also use the spartan head and adapter for the rifle. Makes a very stable tripod for shooting. Just pop the binos off and add the rifle.