Heading elk hunting - WWYD

Colorado trip coming up early next month and I can decide which rifle to take.

Weatherby in 270 Winchester (24” barrel)
Or
Remington 770 in 7mm Remington mag (24” barrel)

Scope will be a Meopro 4.5-14x44 that currently rides the Weatherby.

I’ve got 130, 140 accubonds, 150 swift A Frames, 150 SSTs for the 270 that all shoot well
Or
140/150 ballistic tips, 150 core locks, 168 Bergers, 160 A Frames for the 7 that all shoot well

The 770 is a beater but shoots good and is lighter while the 7mm is heavier and a bit smoother. Energy is pretty dang close with the barrel length as it is.


What would you do? Which combo would be on your shoulder as your walk into the mountains?

If you shoot both equally well, go with the lighter one. You’ll feel every extra lb of equipment after a few miles.

I’d go with the 270.

Both. Always good to have a back up.

Razor take the 270 and A frames.

You shot them more than anybody - what does your gut tell you?

Good luck - I hear elk hunting is like turkey hunting on steroids

Personally, I never go on a long trip with only one rifle. If I absolutely could only take one I would take the .270 with 140 gr. round. Just my .02

I'd take that 7 mag with BT's or bergers.

I would take both guns if you would have access to them. If you are going into a camp on horseback ask you guide about bringing both.

I would shoot the Swift A frames in both rifles if that's what you have and know they shoot reasonably well.

I would take the .270 since it already has the scope mounted on it. The 150 A Frame would be my first choice, 140 Accubond second. Leave the SST at home .

I'd take the new 338 win mag you should buy before attempting to take a big animal with a 270 Ghey.

All right Elmer next you'll suggest the long out of production 285 grain .338 for those raking shots.

I agree with the others who suggest you take the rifle you shoot best, or all things being equal, the lighter of the 2. Great choice of scope too. I'd zero it using vital zone size for a lethal impact at whatever distance the data gives you. Good luck and I look forward to pics of a successful hunt.

You can get a 300 gr Accubond. 👍👍

I’d love to find a cheap big bore rifle to add to the stable, but not a lot of cheap happening in the firearms world right now.

Gonna go do some shooting out to 300 this weekend and see where things fall.


At this point I think y’all have convinced me to take both. The 7mag has a Meopro mounted on it too so it will be ready.

A little worried the 270 is too heavy but we will see.

Thanks for the comments gents!

The elk won’t know the difference.

Take the one you’re most comfortable with.

Both. Never know when one might decide to not work or lose zero after you step in a hole and fall on top of it.

I'd take the 7mm Mag with 150gr core lokt PSP personally. Mine kills 3-4 per year minimum on the farm cause most guys use it for damage tags. The 270s fine but I can tell a difference on the animals reactions. Both will do the job

I'll rock one in a few weeks with it to fill the freezer. Good luck on ya hunt

Take both. But if I’m going to be pounding the dirt I would choose the lighter of the two if you are comfortable it can get the job done. Not sure of your age but I got rid of a weatherby 270. Got tired of carrying that heavy SOB

Take the lightest one with the best constructed heaviest boolit. And, if you can take a back up just for insurance, do the same on boolit choice too. Murphy is always waiting just around the bend. Been there, done that.