Sons First Elk Rifle - Poll

[npaden]

Well it looks like my 13 year old son drew his first elk tag. Youth any bull tag in Utah. This will be a rifle hunt during the rut so hopefully it will be a pretty close shot and a fun hunt.

He has shot 4 whitetail deer here in Texas so far. All with a .223. The farthest shot was just under 200 yards which is the maximum distance I set for him to shoot.

He is a little recoil sensitive but getting better. I've been debating between a 7mm-08 and a 6.5 Creedmoor for a couple years for his first elk rifle and it looks like I'm going to actually have to make a decision now rather than later.

These 2 are very close from a ballistics standpoint, generally the 7mm-08 has a slight advantage at 200 yards and closer and the 6.5 Creedmoor catches up around 300 yards from a foot lbs of energy perspective.

I am leaning toward a Christensen Arms Ridgeline which is nicer than any rifle I have ever had but hopefully it will be a rifle he would keep for the rest of his life. It is also available in Left Hand which is what I'll be getting him since he is left eye dominant.

I was surprised when checking a few online stores how many more options there are in factory ammo for the 6.5 than the 7mm-08, generally about twice as many. Both offer a 120 grain TTSX and a 140 grain Accubond. The 6.5 has a 127 grain Long Range TTSX that the 7mm-08 doesn't have.

Oh well, long introduction just for a simple poll that is really splitting hairs between 2 calibers that are almost identical.

The best price I've found them is at Eurooptic at $1,795 for the green stocked version. For some reason the black stocked version is more expensive which of course my son thinks looks better.

Thanks for voting in the poll.

 

[MTLabrador]

I voted 6.5, but honestly flip a coin between the two. Either way that will be a pretty sweet setup for him. Very nice rifle choice.

 

[choc dogs]

Either would be great, and btw, if that’s a first rifle you wanna adopt me? I’ll settle for either color. I voted 7-08, even though it’s not the flavor of the month. Sometimes a slightly larger hole, even with the same energy, is a good thing.

 

[ida homer]

Congrats, that will be a blast.

I bought a ridgeline last year, I absolutely love it. I've tried 5 factory ammos with it, it shoots 4 of them sub MOA every single time.
It shoots 2 of them better than 1/2 moa. Which is incredible for an off the shelf rifle.

My one critique is that it's just a touch lighter than I prefer. It's a little harder to "settle" those crosshairs with an all CF, lightweight setup.
To me there is a sweet spot for rifle weight, but some guys want light light light. I would have bought the Mesa but I wanted
a 26" barrel. But I think you guys would be very happy with either.

 

[cahunter805]

Nathan
I would go with the 7-08. You can start him out with some reduced recoil loads and let him get comfortable with the rifle for a while. Then switch to full loads and get him dialed in before the hunt.
What scope are you planning on using?

 

[Kiwi]

Only voted for the 7mm08 as I have one and it’s been good for me.

 

[dk88]

I have shot my last 3 elk with a 7mm-08 with a 139 hornady GMX shooting around 3000 fps and it has worked flawless.

 

[1_pointer]

I voted for the 6.5, but they are really peas in a pod IMO. Not much one will do that the other won't assuming like bullets. I'd ignore "energy" as it's moot IMO. With the bullets you've mentioned I"d not have a worry.

That level of rifle will make my two LH shooting boys jealous! Well done!

 

[Pucky Freak]

The real question is, does he have a man bun, er “young man” bun? You wouldn’t want to mismatch the caliber to the look

 

[Buckyranger42]

Congrats to you and your son! I bet that will be an awesome experience for both of you. My oldest turns 13 in a few weeks. He’s been using a .243 compact rifle for deer but we also had the convo of moving to a more versatile deer/elk/moose cartridge. He selected the 30-06 when he grows into a full size rifle, but I’ll get to that in a bit...

Effective shooting is very much a mental game. It’s all about confidence.

I think people of all ages get psyched out about recoil, but from my experience recoil is very dependent on the rifle. For me, managing recoil is about maintaining sight picture with a smooth rearward recoil that can be controlled but the rifle design, including barrel weight, stock fit and recoil pad. Follow-through is a critical factor for accuracy. My 7mm Rem Mag (Rem 700 Sendero) is more comfortable to shoot, and more effective relative to maintaining sight picture, than my 7mm-08 (Browning X-Bolt Hunter) because of the rifle design. I have a nice straight-back recoil with my 7mm Rem Mag vs the barrel jump I experienced with my 7mm-08. Same goes for my 30-06s - slightly heavier barrels and/or with recoil pads that control the recoil better.

Optics play a huge role as well, specifically the eye relief. I prefer to maximize eye relief, relative to the shooter being able to naturally hold the rifle comfortably. 4” vs 3” can make a huge difference in feeling like you’re going to get scope-eye.

My son selected the 30-06 using what I call my “Cartridge Confidence Test”. I set a variety of options on the table: 20 gauge, 12 gauge, 22lr, 223, 30-30, 243, 7mm-08, 308, 30-06, 7mm Rem Mag. I asked “What cartridge do you feel you will shoot best and will be effective on any game you will hunt?” Without hesitation he selected the 30-06. I asked him again after making a few comparisons, including that the 7mm-08 has the potential for less recoil but will shoot just as flat and with enough energy, and the 7mm Rem Mag can have the same recoil but will shoot flatter and potentially with more energy. He stuck with the 30-06 without a thought. I can tell he has confidence in that cartridge and will shoot it well.

My 7mm-08 is now owned by my buddy’s 13 year old son, who specifically wanted a 7mm-08. We’ve taken a deer with it the last three seasons. He loves the 7mm-08 and I know he’ll confidently use it on everything from deer to elk for the rest of his life.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I voted 7-08 due to bullet mass an diameter. I could be wrong, but I think that it would have just a little more horsepower at reasonable ranges for elk if you had to take a less than perfect broadside shot. I’m sure that the 6.5 would work with the proper bullet, though.

 

[D4570]

There is no replacement for displacement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7mm

 

[ccc23454]

If you give that boy a creedmore i am calling CPS, you need to raise that boy right! Get him a 08....lol

 

[Addicting]

7mm08, shot 4 elk with a Creedmoor and had enough. I had it rebarreled to a 260 ackley.

 

[Flatrock]

Reading through these should keep you busy for awhile:

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?273498-Suggestions-for-a-good-Elk-cartridge

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?273215-Talk-me-out-of-the-308

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?272504-Caliber-Choice-Kimber-Mnt-Accent

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?272180-New-rifle-New-caliber

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?271365-308-or-7mm-08

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?273498-Suggestions-for-a-good-Elk-cartridge

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hun...-and-round-to-get-next-270-7mm-08-7mm-Rem-Mag

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?278042-7-08-or-6-5-creedmoor

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?278761-Rifle-and-caliber-question

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?279858-Yes-another-which-caliber

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?285066-2-gun-do-all-battery-suggestions

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?285581-What-caliber

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?286449-not-this-again

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?286825-6-5-Creedmore-or-7mm

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/whats-your-elk-rifle-and-cartridge.288465/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/7mm-vs-300-wm.289232/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/if-you-had-to-choose-just-one-caliber.289349/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/i-hate-to-do-it-but-i-have-to-help-me-pick-a-caliber.288881/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/300-ultra-mag-or-300-win-mag.289757/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/whats-your-elk-rifle-and-cartridge.288465/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/300-win-mag.287594/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/6-5.290090/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/7mm-08-vs-25-06.290715/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/new-rifle-suggestions.290691/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/whats-your-elk-rifle-and-cartridge.288465/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/new-7mm-08.291448/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/do-it-all-caliber-and-bullet-weight.291070/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/6-5-300-weatherby-mag-worth-it-or-not.292718/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/best-antelope-mule-deer-caliber.293756/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/30-06-vs-300-wm-in-the-real-world.295940/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/best-all-around-caliber-for-the-tikka-t3x-lite-in-montana.296860/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/300wsm-150gr-for-elk.259279/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/which-caliber.297612/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/6-5-creemoor-120-hornady-gmx-load-on-elk.297827/

 

[Elliot1987]

I was going to say which bullets are cheaper, but i checked and they are comparable in price. What is ingrained into my head is, the weapon you will shoot the best is the one you can shoot the most. So, here I sit a, great shot with my glock 17 from college and an average shot with what a consider one of the most beautifully designed pistols, the Colt 1911. If only I would have dedicated more money to .45 ACP ammo... If I had to pick I would go 7mm-08. I wouldn't get too wrapped up into ballistics, most errors and under performance are done on the shooter's part. Provided you buy decent ammo and are shooting it out of a decent rifle the bullet will do what it is designed to do. Becoming proficient with the bullet and rifle you are using are the most important factors. I wish your son the best on his Elk hunt and I hope you guys have many more great memories like this to come! Please keep us posted how the hunt goes! I would love to hear how it went.

 

[utah400elk]

I got my 12 year old son a 7mm-08 and we are working up a load for his hunts this fall. Mellow recoil and fun to shoot.

 

[SFC B]

Another HT-08 vote here. I built my daughter one when she was 12 and, as mentioned above, started her on the reduced recoil rounds. She loves it and it is nicer than my rifle. Howa 1500 action, Boyd's stock, upgraded recoil pad and a Vortex on top. Here it is ....

 

[npaden]

Reading through these should keep you busy for awhile:

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?273498-Suggestions-for-a-good-Elk-cartridge

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?273215-Talk-me-out-of-the-308

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?272504-Caliber-Choice-Kimber-Mnt-Accent

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?272180-New-rifle-New-caliber

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?271365-308-or-7mm-08

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?273498-Suggestions-for-a-good-Elk-cartridge

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hun...-and-round-to-get-next-270-7mm-08-7mm-Rem-Mag

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?278042-7-08-or-6-5-creedmoor

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?278761-Rifle-and-caliber-question

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?279858-Yes-another-which-caliber

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?285066-2-gun-do-all-battery-suggestions

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?285581-What-caliber

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?286449-not-this-again

- https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?286825-6-5-Creedmore-or-7mm

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/whats-your-elk-rifle-and-cartridge.288465/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/7mm-vs-300-wm.289232/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/if-you-had-to-choose-just-one-caliber.289349/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/i-hate-to-do-it-but-i-have-to-help-me-pick-a-caliber.288881/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/300-ultra-mag-or-300-win-mag.289757/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/whats-your-elk-rifle-and-cartridge.288465/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/300-win-mag.287594/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/6-5.290090/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/7mm-08-vs-25-06.290715/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/new-rifle-suggestions.290691/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/whats-your-elk-rifle-and-cartridge.288465/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/new-7mm-08.291448/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/do-it-all-caliber-and-bullet-weight.291070/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/6-5-300-weatherby-mag-worth-it-or-not.292718/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/best-antelope-mule-deer-caliber.293756/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/30-06-vs-300-wm-in-the-real-world.295940/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/best-all-around-caliber-for-the-tikka-t3x-lite-in-montana.296860/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/300wsm-150gr-for-elk.259279/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/which-caliber.297612/

- https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/6-5-creemoor-120-hornady-gmx-load-on-elk.297827/

LOL. I knew there were a lot of threads on it, heck, I think I've even posted a thread about this before. It's a paralysis by analysis thing for me. I should have bought something for him last year but we kept the .223 one more year for deer.

One guy I talked to had a .243 Kimber Montana for his son and he had a .300 WSM Kimber Montana with the exact same setup. On the elk hunt he handed the kid the .300 WSM and the kid didn't even realize it even after he shot it.

That won't work for me if I keep him with a left handed setup.

Probably going overboard on getting too nice of a rifle, but it would be a great rifle for deer, pigs, etc. for the rest of his life even if he upgrades down the road for a better elk and bear rifle.

 

[npaden]

Nathan
I would go with the 7-08. You can start him out with some reduced recoil loads and let him get comfortable with the rifle for a while. Then switch to full loads and get him dialed in before the hunt.
What scope are you planning on using?

Probably a Leupold VX-5 or VX-6. About to start that decision process as well. I take forever to make these kinds of decisions but I think getting something to put in his hand and get him shooting with sooner rather than later is going to be better than splitting hairs on a decision.