Day dreaming of Elk hunting again in OR and pondering potential rifle purchases

[Just Duke]

Post recovery the medical mess at my place;

My wish list of potential purchases for bringing down Elk is:

505 Gibbs Montana Rifle Company with a 600 grain cast.
458 Winchester Magnum with a 500 grain cast
50-110 Winchester 1886 Take Down with a 600 grain cast
405 Winchester 1895 Take Down with a 350 cast.

I am aware that these caliber are a bit overkill but they are down loaded 30 percent. I'll also add that at my age, I don't feel like tracking wounded animals. ;)






Stock pics from the net

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/2jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/2jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/11jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/11jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/12jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/12jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/9jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/9jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/10jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/10jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/8jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/8jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/5jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/5jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/3jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/3jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/505%20GIBBS/4jrs_-sundra.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/505%20GIBBS/4jrs_-sundra.jpg.html)

[Area Man]

Nice list. I'd be glad to own any of them. If it was me I'd go 458 but that's just my personal preference.

[Lonegun1894]

Just based on the caliber list, I would be most tempted by the .50-110, especially if chambered in a Sharps action if I had the money, but that is the dinosaur in me. If I was looking at common molds though, I'd probably have to say the .458 WM. Did you have rifle types in mind to go with the calibers, cause that could make a difference.

[bdicki]

They all sound too heavy to haul up and down a mountain.

[ammohead]

Saturday Oct 3 I harvested a cow elk just outside of Ely NV. Not far from you if you still reside in Lost Wages. I used my 338-06 and a barnes triple shock. You pose a fine list to pick from, but that kind of killing power isn't all together necessary. From your list I would pick a nice quick pointing Winchester model 95 in TR's big medicine. Nevada offers tons of elk opportunities in the form of cow tags for a beginner to cut his teeth on while waiting for a bull tag draw. Now you can apply for a cow tag and a bull tag in the same year. That makes getting bonus points for bulls easier. Another option for a cast boolit shooter is a muzzleloader tag. They have much better odds for drawing and some are even during the rut making the job a lot more fun.

[randyrat]

I like your Dangerous game cartridge choices, big chunks of lead flying thought the air knocking down even the toughest of game.
Go for it!

[Silvercreek Farmer]

I vote for the 405, but would also be alright a 358 win, 35 whelen, 375 H&H, or the 45-70, too. Oh sorry, that's my list!

[Just Duke]

Saturday Oct 3 I harvested a cow elk just outside of Ely NV. Not far from you if you still reside in Lost Wages. I used my 338-06 and a barnes triple shock. You pose a fine list to pick from, but that kind of killing power isn't all together necessary. From your list I would pick a nice quick pointing Winchester model 95 in TR's big medicine. Nevada offers tons of elk opportunities in the form of cow tags for a beginner to cut his teeth on while waiting for a bull tag draw. Now you can apply for a cow tag and a bull tag in the same year. That makes getting bonus points for bulls easier. Another option for a cast boolit shooter is a muzzleloader tag. They have much better odds for drawing and some are even during the rut making the job a lot more fun.

That's great to hear. I believe this would be your third score up that way. My Elk hunting days ended in 2002 (start date 1976) due to having to come to Vegas for an engineering job. (I have also lost complete interest in working on flying junk made from future beer can material and high grade French lawn chair webbing.)

Here's a few stock pics of the Legendary Winchester 1895 Take Down in 405 Winchester.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn57/Pathfinder09_album/HPIM1126-1.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/EBRSOPMODS/50%20CALIBERFORUM/534127l.jpg

[Just Duke]

I vote for the 405, but would also be alright a 358 win, 35 whelen, 375 H&H, or the 45-70, too. Oh sorry, that's my list!

The 405 Take Down is a good choice also seeing it would be horse packed in, behind the cantle of the saddle, in a "Leg O' Mutton" leather gun case. Basically a back up gun.

[Beerd]

I'm with bdicki on this one.
If you don't feel like tracking them, then hauling 10 or 12 pounds of iron around won't be much fun either.
..

[Just Duke]

I'm with bdicki on this one.
If you don't feel like tracking them, then hauling 10 or 12 pounds of iron around won't be much fun either.
..


The 405 Take Down is a good choice also seeing it would be horse packed in, behind the cantle of the saddle, in a "Leg O' Mutton" leather gun case. Basically a back up gun.

I'm with you there. I'd actually be carrying them only a few hundred yards from where the horses would be tied up.

[Just Duke]

Pics added

[tygar]

Hi Duke, I lived in OR in the Tioga area & hunted there for several years. It was a trophy area so had to take big Elk only.

That area is all mountains but have lots of long shots cross canyons etc or point blank in the pucker brush.

After being disappointed in .338 Moose killing capabilities I tried both the .300 Win & .375 H&H. Shot a nice 5pt with the .300 at kissing distance about 35yds so didn't get great results since the Partition pretty much went right thru the the heart/lung area & he ran down hill a couple hundred yards.

Conversely I shot 2 with the .375, one about 75yds & one 200yds. 300gr Partitions, DRT.

THe point is, as you know, a lot of places in OR you can get a point blank shot or 500yds. All those you mentioned are not by any means "long range" rifles. Now, I have shot moose in the Alders with .458 & .450 Watts & just hammered them. I have also shot them with the .375 with almost as good effect but I could also shoot one to 350yds with the .375 & be assured of a good kill. In all the "big" big game I've shot, the .375Mag of any flavor is my choice & it kills everything great & out to a good distance.

Now if you just want to use any of those for grins, great, go for it. I've done it & have toyed with the idea of a 505 myself, as well as the .405 which I owned in an 1895. If you go for the 505, it would be nice if you had someone with a movie camera so we could see that sucker get pulverized! Kinda like the .450 Watts with the 600gr. Always wanted to see what that would do to a Buffalo or similar. So if you have to go with one of those, go with the 505 cause I just want to see what that mother will do.

[elk hunter]

First off I love big bore rifles. I've shot the 505 and the 50-110 but don't own either one. I do own a 458 on a 98 Mauser and a Mdl 95 in 405, haven't shot elk with either one but, do hope to use the 405 on one some day. I've taken one spike bull with my 416 Rigby. I'll just say it was way overkill. My all time favorite elk rifle has been my 375 H&H. It has the range and horsepower to do the job at any sporting range. The last few elk have been taken with my Chapuis 9.3x74 double. Out to two hundred yards or so it is hard to beat as it is light, fast handling and quick pointing plus it has plenty of power to anchor a bull with any decent hit.

My recommendation would be to take a rifle that you shoot well that is appropriate for the range and cover. My wife has taken several elk mostly with her 7x57 so it doesn't take a cannon to get it done, just a well placed shot.

[tygar]

Thats the nice thing about .375s, plenty enough gun for most anything but is less destructive of meat than a lot of the other big bores. I've flat destroyed animals with even a 300 but that 375 seems to be much kinder to meat yet just flat kills.

But, I still want to see some pics & major destruction from that 505. Might get me off my butt & make one with that big az ol action I have sitting around.

[Just Duke]

Day dreaming is free today

[tdoyka]

i'd take the 405.

its one of them daydreaming cartridges like the 257 roberts ai.

i use a 444 marlin in tc encore with a 23" MGM barrel that uses a 280gr ranch dog, thats as close to the 405 win i can get.

[onceabull]

The best advice I think of for you is that you buy my T/C Encore 405 W.--Less weight than the 405 Mdl.95, even easier to take down, and fits in softside daypack.. It WILL get your attention quickly when you pull the trigger,,, :evil: Onceabull

[MT Chambers]

At close range the Ops choice is ideal, any shots over 100 yards may leave him guessing about where to hold.

[shtur]

I've never asked anyone what rifle I should buy for hunting. Buy the one you like. I only have a wimpy 30-06, that has taken many game in several states.

[tygar]

151543
4 of them were basically one hole. With the Lott shooting 500s is pretty pleasant with the CZ cause it's plenty heavy. (oops 420 & 500)

[softpoint]

I'd probably go with a .375 Ultra Mag . Good for close or long shots..

[Just Duke]

151543
4 of them were basically one hole. With the lott shooting 500s is pretty pleasant with the cz cause it's plenty heavy. (oops 420 & 500)



Outstanding Sir!!!

[flint45]

Go big or go home get the .505 gibbs been dreaming of one of thouse sense I was a kid.Elmer Keith style brother!

[khmer6]

I'd love a giant over bore one day but the cost of a specialty rifle and everything else has kept me at bay. For now. Recently I picked up a 375 ruger. OAL fits in 30-06 sized actions. Regular magnum bolt face like 7mm 300wm etc. And it can be had in 20 and 22" barrels with little effect in velocity! A shorter but fatter 375 HH magnum with a little more oomph. Impressively quite flat shooting as well. Rifle is fairly light for humping it around canyons

[ArcticGoose]

I have to put a vote in for the Winchester 1886 in 50-110. For me, nothing is finer the. Trekking through the woods with a fine old Winchester. The 50-110 is a good one.

[craig61a]

Well FWIW, I like the Winchester 1895 Take Down in 405 Winchester...

[wmitty]

That .505 is what we use on armadillos down here... nearly always get full penetration but they hardly ever go down with just one shot. Have to shoot for the offside shoulder joint to break 'em down.

[CLAYPOOL]

It appears I will get to elk hunt after all. I will go in Sprit with "DUKE NUKEM". I have bad knees and both shoulders from a life of working, but I sure have been buying guns since the Divorce. DUKE you can borrow one of mine and Me and my hunting partner will go with. He's in the hospital for more foot surgery (Sugar) so he will ride with me and you. We will offer guns , advice, and a HI _DEE _ HO...! from ILLINOIS (Southern) Man those horses would be the deal... Saddles creaking, smells for a life time, camp fires, fall leaves..... Bears.. Elk, Birds, Eagles... cooking over a fire. Me and "The Fat Man", wish you the luck......... IT would be great if we only could... Maybe when we cross over... SEE YUW there Boys..

[Just Duke]

It appears I will get to elk hunt after all. I will go in Sprit with "DUKE NUKEM". I have bad knees and both shoulders from a life of working, but I sure have been buying guns since the Divorce. DUKE you can borrow one of mine and Me and my hunting partner will go with. He's in the hospital for more foot surgery (Sugar) so he will ride with me and you. We will offer guns , advice, and a HI _DEE _ HO...! from ILLINOIS (Southern) Man those horses would be the deal... Saddles creaking, smells for a life time, camp fires, fall leaves..... Bears.. Elk, Birds, Eagles... cooking over a fire. Me and "The Fat Man", wish you the luck......... IT would be great if we only could... Maybe when we cross over... SEE YUW there Boys..



Sound like a good idea to me.

[Just Duke]

Miss Barbie just suggested the Marlin Guide gun with the big loop lever and the 6 round magazine in stainless.

[Just Duke]

Also stainless might be a better option for the Montana Rifle CO 505 Gibbs if we decide to wander up to Vancouver BC for Moose and Bear.
I'm not a big fan of shiny guns but I could do KG Coating Baked On paint on it in semi gloss black.
We would also be eligible for the once in a lifetime WA Moose hunt.

[Just Duke]

The wife just informed me I'll be 70 in 12 years so I should forget about the Winchester 1886's and a
1895's and go with Marlins that I can put a scope on.

I like this one also. Leupold 3X9X40 would be great.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/images/Zoom1895LimitedRight.jpg

I still want a couple 1886 50-110 just because though.

[atr]

I will stick with my 35 Whelen....that is until I find a .375 that I like

[Lonegun1894]

The wife just informed me I'll be 70 in 12 years so I should forget about the Winchester 1886's and a
1895's and go with Marlins that I can put a scope on.

I like this one also. Leupold 3X9X40 would be great.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/images/Zoom1895LimitedRight.jpg

I still want a couple 1886 50-110 just because though.

That is EXCELLENT news! Sounds like she's not planning on killing you at least til then if she's planning on you turning 70. You must be doing something right.

[BrentD]

As and elk and moose hunter, I don't know that I'm a big fan of any of those choices you listed initially. You can, however, build a Winchester highwall with a new or original thin-side action a #2 octagon barrel in a, say, .38-72 or 40-65 that will weigh about 8.5 lbs and still have a 32" barrel. This is one of three elk rifles that I use. You can build a Sharps well under 10# or go with a Ballard of several configurations for about the same weight.

I'd avoid takedowns due to all the extra weight they incur and I don't trust them for accuracy- though that might reflect my ignorance more than anything.

Otherwise, a marlin 95 (new or old, but i prefer old) in .45-70 and call it good.

I like to shoot way too much to go with anything that has a .50 or a 110 in its name.

[tygar]

With all the talk about being "too" heavy, my Browning Safari's & FN Safari 458s aren't much more than 8#s & are not unpleasant to shoot plus never had a Safari that didn't shoot good. Of course, you only want pre-67s due to salt wood. And my .450 Watts is made on a FN action & is around 9#s, so you can still go big & not go "heavy".

But... still want you to do the 505 lol.