I grew up in WY and started hunting in the late 60’s. Several things were essential other things were do-dads and extra weight. 1. Proper/accurate rifle (I used a Model 70, 30.06, fixed 4X scope). 2.Warm clothing and boots, including a change of socks. 3. Good knife and possibly a small hatchet. 4. Accurate ammo. 5. Food/water. 6. Full fuel tank. 7. Quality binoculars. Basic hunting rule was if you had to shoot longer than 250, you didn’t know how to hunt. Don’t shoot an elk where you couldn’t drive to in order to load it.
19:25 warmed my heart to see my gun on here too. A Savage 110, reliable, accurate, and affordable, for the blue collar working man. Mine is a Savage 110 Storm Left Hander with a Leupold VX-FREEDOM with a 4-12x50 power. Not an Elk Gun since I cant fit that kind of meat in the freezer. But i do use it for black tail.
Man I was thinking the same thing. I want to go to that class maybe next year but my po boy ass gunna show up with my 10 year old savage 111 30-06 with scratches all over it and be standing next to everybody's thay has 2500-3000k wrapped up in there stuff. Lol my gun shoots good so I ain't worried I just need the other skills
I got best results with Leupold and Burris. But Bushnell has never done me wrong either. I could experiment with others but I already have these 3 brands that I know work well for me. So I don't fiddle with any others.
Agree. I have a 10x max, but its a Zeiss Victory. I was shooting alongside some PRS shooters, one of them wanted to try my little mountain rifle. The look on his face! He was blown away by the image quality.
To clarify your statement, 05xlt, you mean a fixed power scope has more clarity than a variable (zoom eyepiece) scope? Or do you mean a quality scope has more visual clarity than it has zoom range? I would say a high quality zoom has better resolution, contrast, and flare control than a lower quality scope. But variables can be and usually are every bit as sharp as fixed power and a lot more versatile.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors I wasn’t really speaking to, or of fixed power scopes. I was trying to say that quality glass (clarity, contrast, light transmission, etc ) is more important than high magnification if that choice had to be made. I would choose a 2-7x with high quality glass over a 3-15x with subpar glass. Hope that better clarifies (pun mildly intended) what I was trying to say previously.
I carry heavy rifles (10-11lbs) for elk because I shoot them better than my lighter rifles. I save weight elsewhere. The rifle and scope do the work, so my concern is taking the rifles I shoot best, not the ones I carry best.
On the subject of the pencil thin barrels --- they will certainly lighten the rifle for your hunt, but how in the world do you practice with it, if it heats up by the third shot? Shoot three rounds, wait 30 minutes, shoot three more? It seems like you risk going out into the field with a nice, light rifle that you can't hit squat with. It's becoming increasingly clear to me that I've bought into a lot of marketing, and most of my rifles are "over-scoped". I just purchased a 7mm PRC in a chassis - about 7.5 pounds field-ready. My elk up to this point have been taken with the venerable Winchester M70 in .30-06. Absolutely classic, and a rig I really trust. There's a lot to be said for that confidence.
The tikka T3x veil alpine with a leupold vx5 3-15x44 is my absolute favourite combo for a do it all.. it’s light, smooth, durable and accurate and doesnt completely break the bank.
I got a new ruger American, it’s light, shoots sub moa, and CHEAP. All these new cheap hammer forged barrel guns are amazing. It’s like we’re in a golden age.
I love these talks relating to the tradeoffs of the various aspects of a rifle. It seems like there is a big trade off between weight and long distance precision shooting. Barrel length affects trajectory, energy on target, weight (which also affects accuracy), velocity (which can affect accuracy due to windage). Stock affects weight (of course), recoil (which can affect accuracy). Action affects reloadability and limits cartridge choices (and usually barrel length). These effects can be mitigated by having multiple rifles configurations for different situation, for more money of course. Or one can get a carbon fiber barrel for more money. One can get a lightweight optic and rifle that has limited engagement distance, but is easier to stalk with, or a heavier rifle that is easier to fire accurately at longer distances. Options, options, options. I love the free market!
My old Sako Finnbear in 30-06 and Redfield 3x9 has never let me down, it has put lots of meat on the table! It’s not light, but still incredibly accurate after all of these years.
Many times I’ve wished I had my Remington 742 rather than my model 70. Both in 30/06. When you are in thick forest where you smell them before you see them, a scope is a liability. The peep sight on the 742 is plenty adequate for out to 200 yards. I hunt, not shoot. I stalk, not blast away. It’s hunting, a six hour stalk? Yes! Please! That’s the real deal, the trigger squeeze is the end of hunting and the beginning of work. No snowmobiles, ATV, trucks. My feets are my carriage. Im cool with a bicycle. Most folks can’t shoot well at 200.
My elk rifle is my R700 Classic in 338WM. I've had it over 35 years and now im too old to start thinking about modern chassis setups. The only thing I ever did was move from Nikon to Leupold when Nikon left the scope business.
I think a really important thing for gun setup is to have your scope mounted higher than you think, and have a raised height buttpad/cheekrest. This puts your shoulder and the center of recoil in line with the gun, making it kick straight back, instead of back and up. This makes follow-up shots, even when you zoomed in more than you should’ve, much easier as you can keep your sight picture
Ron, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you (give my love to Betsy!) Thanks for featuring my Savage in 308 Win - I know how hard that must have been for you! 😉
Outstanding choice. You know your maximum yardage and the 308 is capable. The Savage 110 is one of the most accurate out of the box factory rifles, IMHO. I built a $2500 rifle in 7mm-08 for hunting about everything I will hunt. It's a nice rifle, but not as accurate as a Savage.
I rather carry my heavier 7mm mag rifle with a 26 in barrel 1/8 twist and a muzzlebrake. It shoots the 175 gr nosler 3/4 MOA. I own this rifle for the last 30 years and is my go to rifle.
I'm with you but according to every UA-cam gun guy and gun Rider and gun nut on planet Earth in the last few years, what you want is 6 or 6.5 mm with a super highly frangible Target bullet that you can kill an elk with a 2000 yards! Good reliable hunting bullets I've gone to the wayside in favor of high BC bullets... Ron has jumpEd ship and is preaching the same crap everybody else is! -- if muzzle energy didn't kill elk, why does Ron use a 7 mm mag, why doesn't he use a little 264 that he's so fond of?
I went Elk hunting once. I got an Elk on day one before noon. Action type was muzzle loading; no optics, open sights; angle, quartering towards; the elk took zero steps after the first and only shot. I used A T/C .58 cal “Big Boar” model rifle with a 535 grain hollow point.
@@markdstump black powder works nothing wrong w big and slow New Mexico south west. Is bp only dropped bulls and cows where they stood 300 gr Barnes hp 3x50 grains pellets of rs select fed109 primer 80 125 yards
We just got back from South Dakota. The top selling calibers/rifles there are the 270 , 30-06 and 7 mm Rem. mag. for elk, deer, antelope, etc. Forget the hard kicking 300 magnums and 338's. Some also like the 25-06, which surprised me because I did not think it could do the job on elk.
Another thing to keep in mind when getting those higher power scopes is that you start to lose you minimal view. Where i hunt is a range of usually 250-800 yard shots. I had a 4 point i was after all season and had a 5x25 mounted on the rifle i was using. Kept jumping him at around 30 yards in the thick and couldnt get a shot. Finally got him when i was able to jump him and have him run out in the open. Hit him at around 200 yards, on the run, only because with the 5 power i had to wait that long to hold him in my field of view in the scope. Yeah, the scope is back in a box now and being saved for a open desert hunt with super long shots.
Tbh I kinda defeated the purpose of the savage axis being lightweight when I bedded the stock Epoxy front and rear and added bb’s for weight to center the weight and added 4-16x44 Arken weighing 24 3/4 oz but it shoots like a dream and weights 10.5 lbs but I don’t typically do much more than mile or 2 hike at a time and that is a useable weight for me to carry shoots amazingly so I persally for my usage love the 8-10 lb gun
Glad to see *6.8 Western* getting some real-world use and some much needed recognition. The more we talk about it - the greater our chances become for new manufacturers to join the Western wagon. We are looking at you - Federal. [Shifty eyes] Nevertheless, I think _6.8 Western_ is one of thee best modern rounds to date. A truly remarkable offering that epitomizes the 'do-all' cartridge, IMHO. Stay classy my friends.
I’m a Colorado native elk hunter, born and raised hunting elk. My rifle (I am 52 y.o.) is a Remington 700 Sendero, 300 Win., Leupold VX3. You’re not going to talk me into anything else.
I am a big big fan of Sendero rifles. I own mine for 16 years , same caliber as yours! Is there a chance to send me your e-mail address, i have some small question to You .
I just took a cow elk earlier this week with my 270 win Weatherby vanguard sub moa (it’s a 2011 model) with a Leupold vx3 4.5-14. I used hornady precision hunter 145 gr eldx. To me that was the perfect setup and i dropped my elk and luckily didn’t have to track it down and you can’t ask for anything better.
Get both, but do not buy the hype that super high BC Target bullets kill elk! I'm having a hard time finding honest UA-cam gun guys that talk about quality hunting bullets!
@@B2quick I wholeheartedly agree unfortunately everybody is on a big kick for super high BC bullets. unfortunately those super high BC bulls are Target bullets not hunting bullets.... Find me a good Nosler partition OR bonded bullet that's sub MOA. Now, you have my attention!
I would love to take an elk one day. I’m a writer who has a character who does elk hunting in British Columbia Canada. I’m definitely gonna be enjoying Elk Week. Learning more “tricks of the trade” that perhaps he might know.
I’d love to get into hunting in general but alas our grand dictator Trudeau makes it hard for us new guys to get into it, espically those of us who are out east here in Toronto.. are there any good national hunting clubs that don’t cost an arm and a leg? I don’t have any exposure to hunting other than these UA-cam videos…
After a lot of hunting with giant optics, long barrels and heavy rifles, my main squeeze elk rifle is a model 70 featherweight in 300wsm wearing a leupold vx3 3.5-10. I still use the long heavy stuff for long distance stuff in open country, but the winchester is the main squeeze
I personally prefer the BLR, but ymmv. Almost anything will do the job. With the right caliber/bullet. Scope, lpvo worked great for me… you just never know the distance. & it’s quick, just like the rifle. You do you , but for me…the lever action, in 270, 30:06, or 7mm rem mag is more than enough … 300 rem mag is overkill… but it’s fine
I have a 1968 Model 70 in .338 Win Mag with a 3 to 9x Leupold scope. Walnut stock. A little heavy for mountains but it will definitely get the job done.
Ron, you are always beating up the poor 308 Winchester. Saw a bull elk, a large mature bull elk dropped with 1 shot at 467 yards with a 175 grain terminal assent with the lowly 308!
A lot of gun experts are hung up on velocity and shooting at long range. Most people hunt within 400 yards. There are a lot of options at those ranges. Shoot what works for you. My dad dropped a cow elk with a 3030 at 150 yards.
Us poors settle for a Ruger American Gen 2 in .308. When loaded with 180 gr, with sling and scope, it weighs 8 lbs 7 oz. My truck doesn't mind the rifle being that heavy.
I usually keep my scope on 3 power. My theroy is if my deer is far off I have plenty of time to zoom it higher and you have more than enough field of view at longer distances to allow a second shot
I went with a Weatherby, but tikka was a contender. Weatherby won because I could order exactly what I wanted directly from the factory to my local FFL instead of having to just search till I got lucky or “close enough” and settled.
All of this talk about 6 lbs. rifles bothers me because I feel that for the average middle age hunter who is worried about a pound or two of rifle weight needs to look in the mirror. The real problem is we are too fat to climb up and down mountains and the real weight that we need to lose is around our middle. Hit the gym and lose 10-15 lbs. ( 20 lbs. in my case) and you will be a lot better off than worrying about getting a lightweight scope.
You are certainly wise to think of health and conditioning first, Lawrence, but regardless one's physical ability, efficiency always contributes to success. Just as a on ton vehicle gets better gas mileage than a two ton with the same engine, a hunter carrying less weight (body, rifle, water, backpack, food, tent, etc.) goes farther on every bite of nutrition. It's a simple matter of efficiency. Serious mountain hunters discover this and apply their knowledge as they see fit. Once I discovered and started hunting with sub-6# rifles, I was convinced. Why drag a 10# rifle up and down the slopes when your 6# hits and kills everything at which you shoot it? But, either way, each of us gets to make our own choices. Enjoy yours!
Ron answered this so politely. There are people in this world with physical conditions that don’t outright prevent them from doing heavy-hiking hunts, but do make it more challenging. Let’s not be tough guys and rather just try to make things easier and more fun for everyone. Excellent health is a good recommendation though. We do want to be fit.
@@jameserickson1330 I agree, I am 66 and a hunting buddy (who is 2 years older) and me just dragged a 150 lbs doe up hill in western PA . I shot it at about 25 yards in a stream thicket. You could only see 20-30 yards and had to look between the bushes.
I do agree with some of what you are saying but i have neck and back issues and im getting older so i now carry my kimber light weight rifle and its alot nicer on my body
Any rifle with a momentum of about 1.5 lb force-seconds and up will do the job nicely. A 270 win has 1.8, a 30-06 has 2.2, a 50 caliber muzzleloader shooting a 430 grainer at 1200 has about 2.3 lbf-seconds and flat out stomps elk (but only has 1380 ft-lbs of energy). I've gotten 'em with all of them at one time or another. Energy figures do not seem to be the way to compare.
I like that Tate built a 7PRC! I really want a rifle chambered in that. I get so tired of people bashing it just because it may not be as fast as the box says!
Can you do a poll to get an estimate on the average distance elk are killed at in North America? I have a sneaking suspicion that like most Cervidae, we think the average shot/kill is at a longer distance than it really is because we factor in the "Western"(also read as extreme range) a little more that we should in the majority of real (non-trophy seeking) elk hunts?
Having backpacked for the last 15 years, I've seen the pitfalls of the ultralight fad. It was obvious to some of us that there's a point at which cutting weight becomes counterproductive. Don't get me wrong, ultralight gear has its place (much of my kit is ultralight gear), but I pick and choose where I save weight, and never fell victim to the worst fads (e.g., frame-less packs). The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle - striking a balance between weight savings and capability. It is precisely for this reason that when choosing my elk rifle, I did not go ultralight. I bought an Alamo Precision Maverick in .30-06 and put a Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 on it. With my bipod (Hatch OutWest) it weighs about 10.5lbs. I have no concerns about carrying this in the mountains at this stage of my life. And guess what? It's a pleasure to shoot, especially with a Dead Air Nomad Ti. When I first shot the rifle unsuppressed - the recoil wasn't bad, but I wouldn't want to spend hours at the range behind this rifle if it weighed say 7 pounds all-in. No thanks. Unless you're hunting sheep or goat, don't obsess about the weight of your rifle, as super light rifles come with numerous downsides: they recoil more and the barrel heats up quickly which makes practice difficult, and they're harder to steady. To compensate for the increased recoil that comes with ultralight rifles, people are resorting to calibers that shouldn't be used for elk (e.g., 6.5 creedmoor), and/or using muzzle brakes. There's nothing more obnoxious than the guy next to you shooting a braked .300 win mag. Also, your rifle weight is a somewhat meaningless metric in comparing yourself to others. What truly matters is your overall gear + rifle weight. If my rifle weighs 2.5 pounds more than the next guy, but his overall kit weighs 7 pounds more than mine - guess what? I'm in a better position, and my rifle is easier to shoot. My humble advice: if this is your first hunting rifle and you're somewhat new to "long" range shooting - do not go ultralight. You will need/want to spend a lot of time behind that gun to learn fundamentals and get comfortable with your optic and adjustments. If you plan to have several rifles for hunting, then sure, throw an ultralight rifle in there as you won't be relegated to just that one rifle.
It’s probably just because I’m still young but I’d rather carry a 12.5 pound rifle than have to shoot a magnum 6 pound rifle. My current elk slayer is about 11 pounds, set up for long range. But I mostly hunt in open areas where a shot under 250 yards is rare. Most are 400-600. There’s been some shots I could’ve taken at 1000+ but I don’t have the skill to do that first shot yet. I can shoot 1200 yards all day long at my range but it usually includes a slighter shot or two for wind
Hunted elk in 2006 through 2009 until CO ramped up the cost of us Limeys coming hunting - US loss annually of $3-5k ever since. Only time I filled my tag was 2008, using my Schultz & Larsen in .270 with 150gr Sierra. Who cares what the rifle weighs? Mine was around 9lbs with scope & I never noticed the weight. How often do these superlight barrel guys come back to camp with a couple of pints of water in their Camelbak, or uneaten food? There's your 3lbs saved on the rifle gone right away. Or you could always lose 5lbs in the couple of weeks before going hunting...
@@jeremypiazza3093 I live and fish coastal rivers in bc canada so I need a magazine for follow up on them bears,never had to shoot one as the sound of a shot usually scares them off,but I want backup if it doesn't.
MINE IS BARELY OVER 7LBS WITH SCOPE & RINGS 7MM-08 WITH UNDERWOOD 150 GRAIN ACCUBOND LONG RANGE. THERE ARE CERTAINLY MORE POWERFUL BUT ITS EASILY ENOUGH OUT TO 300 YDS EVEN 400 YDS.
Once again Mr. Spomer, a good educating show, question: I have picked up a Browning X Bolt 300 WSM and I am trying to learn more about the right Scope for around 350 yards max shot, what power scope would be a good choice? From what I’m hearing overpower is over weight, I was looking at Sig Sauer Options, I would be thankful for any advice, have a wonderful evening.
Just to say Ron, I saw your knives in a drive-bye and took the time to enlarge and look at the Knives of Alaska page. To their credit, they give credit to Loveless credit in their description. No naked mermaids though. LOL I like the stag handle, although Loveless was big on G10/micarta w/red liners. Do you skin your own game? And if so, do you prefer the clip point or the drop point? I bought some mosaic pins to make a drop point skinner, but saw you can order a knive from KOA with mosaic pins!👍
There's the old misconception about how the power of the scope moves the target closer. A 10x scope doesn't make a target at 100 yards look like it's at 10 yards. The distance of apparent change is determined by the square root of the scope's power. A 10x scope will make the target at 100 yards appear to be at about 31½ yards. The change is not applied to the linear dimensions, but rather in the apparent surface area of the target. A 4x scope cuts the distance in half; 9x cuts it to ⅓; 16x cuts it to ¼; 25x cuts it to ⅕; 36x cuts it to ⅙; etc. A 100x scope would be necessary to make a target at 100 yards appear to be at 10 yards.
Is this an example of the inverse square law, honeybadger? Makes sense. Doubts were niggling in the back of my mind when I said this because it didn't quite sound right. I should have know the inverse square law would apply. Thanks!
The older I get, the more I listen to the old hunters. I have a 7 mm REM Mag that weighs about 13 lbs. I get tired fast carrying that straight shooter!
I have a habit of getting my scope on a deer and then zooming all the way in. I try to tell myself not to do that but it all goes out the window once i get a deer in from of me.
Haha, I live in ELK county Pennsylvania. The heart of Pennsylvania elk country, and I'm here to say they shoot them out of peoples back yards and cemeteries. It's not really typical hunting like other areas!😂
@@terryslaton5582 Good thing push ups are free! Only concern is the dude having to lug that 6.5 creed in close enough for it to work sufficiently on an elk.
I’m taking my Tikka t3x superlite 300 WSM with a fixed 10x SFWA elk hunting this year. Mr. Spomer I’ve got .5 moa groups with reloaded 168 gr Barnes at 3030 fps avg and .5 moa groups with factory 200 gr ELDX going 2860 fps. Which bullet would you use?
That was one important part of the video Ron missed. It's kinda beating a dead horse, but sure would like to know what the guides min caliber would be. I'm guessing 7mm 08, or 243?
Can Elk week start a week earlier next week? Would be great content the week before hunters head out instead of the week of. I wont be able to tune in for all of it!
Nice. Personally the RIfle is what ever the Hunter wants n likes. My self If going tomorrow it would be one of 06 with 3x9xscopes . If still had em would possibility be the M70 or Abolt in 300 RUM or most likely m70 in 325WSM.. When you mentioned the lever actions Meet an occasional hunter at the range here from WA OR..thats what they were using.. 336 in 35 n yes one with a 30/30. & a 375. Where they were hunting thick n lucky if got a shot passed 50 to 75 . It aint just feasable for the Elk here in Tn,Ky..
And we forgot to mention the Browning-style lever actions with vertical stack magazine shooting sharp, high B.C. bullets. 308, 30-06, 270, etc. I've gotten sub MOA with them! Henry has them, too.
@@zippy45acp53 A can is hearing protection. You must mean ear muffs or foam plugs, etc. Those are great options, but from vast experience I can tell you not always time to apply. There he is! Shoot! "Wait. Let me get my ear plugs in." With a silencer, you're instantly ready to shoot. It sounds like a little thing, but once you've hunted with one, you "get it." I still don't like the look or weight, but by lopping 4" to 6" off your barrel, you don't add much length or weight (Banish Backcountry can just 7.5 ounces) Yes, you lose MV, but if you memorize your drops and wind deflection, you can compensate for that. It's worth study and contemplation. Many young hunters like Tate have grasped the value and convenience of suppressors. I'm swinging that way myself. Wish I'd started at age 14!
If you are going for a light weight rifle, would you also use a lighter cartridge that will be more manageable? If so what? You wouldn't need a 7mm rem mag in such a light package, or would you?
Good point, elkhunter. Yes, cartridge weight makes a difference, esp. on backpack hunts. I keep weight down by choosing a tough but light bullet such as a TTSX 140 or even 120-grain in short action cartridge like 7mm-08 Rem. or 284 Win. My Rifles, Inc. Strata Stainless in 280 AI weighs less than 5# naked and with 140-gr. TTSC has handily killed big 6x6 bulls from 450 yards. I also limit myself to 10 rounds on a backpack hunt. Makes one shoot straight! 7mm Rem Mag could easily replace the 280 AI. But a 6.5 pushing a 120-gr. copper 3,000 to 3,200 fps would work well, too. Did in a 12-year old bull moose with that setup, one shot. It mainly about shot placement with the right bullet.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Thanks. Great advice. Love your videos. The trend these days seems to be to go with heavier precision rifles and scopes. We probably focus too much on gear and not enough on hunting. After hunting ID for the last 25+ years the last thing I want is a 10lb+ rifle on my pack or shoulder. But the extra long range reach and accuracy is tempting. Would you say you are willing to sacrifice the extra 200 yard of range / energy for a lighter rifle? Do you ever go heavier if you are expecting long open shots on mule deer and need a more magnum cartridge? Would you shoot that magnum in a lighter package, or stick with a lighter rifle with a lighter recoiling cartridge?
At Tate's 2025 Elk Boot Camp! I don't let her out in public much because once folks meet her they ignore me. Betsy is a social butterfly. And brilliant conversationalist.
Hello Mr Spomer. I had a question i was wondering if you could answer? I've been currently looking to buy a rifle in either 280AI or 6.8 western. The western really interest me but the manufacturer support consisting of mainly two brands has me a little put off. I was interested to hear or read your take on weather the 6.8 is here to stay, and eventually may gain more support or will it slowly die off?
Many wonder that, Brandon. My take is "if you like it, buy it." But I'm a handloader and we handloaders can make anything last and work forever. Were I not, I'd likely just buy enough ammo for the long haul. Of course, any cartridge can and eventually will go obsolete, but I'm seeing significant interest in the 6.8 Western, many choosing it over the 7 PRC, 6.5 PRC, 270 WSM, etc. I think it will stick. It's unfortunate that gun and ammo brands are essentially boycotting others in order to sell more of THEIR new whiz bang cartridge. Human nature, but I think the focus should be on customers. Sell 'em what they want! Winchester chambered the competing 6mm Rem. and vice versa. Rem chambered the 300 Win Mag and Win the 7mm Rem Mag, etc.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Thank you for the reply. I'm also a hand loader and would normally not be too concerned as long as I knew i could get mainly the brass i need. However, my location seems to be very short on reloading supplies for almost all cartridge options. I suppose, it is more of a concern that it would stick around long enough to gain other manufacturers support eventually. In which case it could possibly become more readily available for me to stock up on supplies. I appreciate hearing back from you God bless and happy hunting. Ps. I really enjoy your channel weather it's things I already know and understand, or something new i have yet to learn i always find it interesting.
Hey Ron love your content. I wanted to add every man is different I've been an outfitter for 30 years now and I still haven't seen it all lol any way every man is different because I prefer 8-12 pound rifles with 24-26 inch barrels and a few of my rifles have 28in I do not use suppressors I prefer muzzle breaks my self I want all the efincey velocity and energy I can get out of my cartridges . I have noticed in my hunting career men under 160lbs want light rifles men 180 plus ➕️ usually have a heavier rifle and that's been my evaluation over the past 30 years taking hundreds of hunters to the field from little diker deer to moose . I thank it is ignorant to put a short barrel under 24in on magnum cartridges that's just my opinion. Any love your channel keep up the awsome content. God bless you and your family and God bless America 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
Yours was the standard in USA throughout most of the 20th century, Jeremy. European chamois hunters sort of started the light rifle trend with their kipplauf single shots and Mannlicher 6.5mms after WWII. Sheep hunters in N.A. pushed the light rifle trend in the 1980s with the late Melvin Forbes defining the category with his 4 3/4-pound M20 Ultra Light Arms (the one I'm showing in this video.) What a rifle! Once I began hunting with that, my 10# Ruger M77 set up began a long career in the closet. But whatever works for each hunters is best! Oh, as for those short barrels... 25 years ago I would have been with you, but now that we can measure distance within a yard and compensate for drops, not such a big deal. An 18" barrel in magnum chambering is inefficient, but you do get more velocity than a non-magnum in same caliber while keeping length down to add the can. It's a compromise for sure, but your ears will thank you. Cheers and keep up the good work!
I grew up in WY and started hunting in the late 60’s. Several things were essential other things were do-dads and extra weight. 1. Proper/accurate rifle (I used a Model 70, 30.06, fixed 4X scope). 2.Warm clothing and boots, including a change of socks. 3. Good knife and possibly a small hatchet. 4. Accurate ammo. 5. Food/water. 6. Full fuel tank. 7. Quality binoculars. Basic hunting rule was if you had to shoot longer than 250, you didn’t know how to hunt. Don’t shoot an elk where you couldn’t drive to in order to load it.
19:25 warmed my heart to see my gun on here too. A Savage 110, reliable, accurate, and affordable, for the blue collar working man. Mine is a Savage 110 Storm Left Hander with a Leupold VX-FREEDOM with a 4-12x50 power. Not an Elk Gun since I cant fit that kind of meat in the freezer. But i do use it for black tail.
Seems like you need another freezer! Elk are some of the best tasting animals in my book besides moose. Moose are my favorite😂
I'll be purchasing a LH 110 for my daughter's first rifle, too! Since the class, I've gotten even more confident (and more in love) with that rifle
Man I was thinking the same thing. I want to go to that class maybe next year but my po boy ass gunna show up with my 10 year old savage 111 30-06 with scratches all over it and be standing next to everybody's thay has 2500-3000k wrapped up in there stuff. Lol my gun shoots good so I ain't worried I just need the other skills
@@jeremypiazza3093 But some might have $8,000 wrapped up in their stuff. You'll probably outshoot all of them.
A quality scope has more clarity than zoom. It took me a couple cheap scopes to realize that, but it really does make all the difference.
I got best results with Leupold and Burris. But Bushnell has never done me wrong either. I could experiment with others but I already have these 3 brands that I know work well for me. So I don't fiddle with any others.
Agree. I have a 10x max, but its a Zeiss Victory.
I was shooting alongside some PRS shooters, one of them wanted to try my little mountain rifle. The look on his face! He was blown away by the image quality.
To clarify your statement, 05xlt, you mean a fixed power scope has more clarity than a variable (zoom eyepiece) scope? Or do you mean a quality scope has more visual clarity than it has zoom range? I would say a high quality zoom has better resolution, contrast, and flare control than a lower quality scope. But variables can be and usually are every bit as sharp as fixed power and a lot more versatile.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors I wasn’t really speaking to, or of fixed power scopes. I was trying to say that quality glass (clarity, contrast, light transmission, etc ) is more important than high magnification if that choice had to be made. I would choose a 2-7x with high quality glass over a 3-15x with subpar glass. Hope that better clarifies (pun mildly intended) what I was trying to say previously.
No a good scope is reliable. That’s what is most important. Nightforce trijicon swfa.>
I carry heavy rifles (10-11lbs) for elk because I shoot them better than my lighter rifles. I save weight elsewhere. The rifle and scope do the work, so my concern is taking the rifles I shoot best, not the ones I carry best.
Well said
Mine's 16 lbs this year, because I don't own an elk rifle, I'm borrowing, and beggers can't be choosers.
Model 70 Lightweight in 270 Win stoked with handloaded 130gr Speer Grand Slams. All I ever needed for deer & elk.
Grand Slams always performed great
Amen
I hear a lot of seasoned hunters love their 270 rifles.
Too light
Great for deer
@@thomasstahley7795He just said it was all he ever needed…apparently it isn’t too light for him. He may just be a better shot than most.
Always love it when you have Tate stopping by. What a wealth of knowledge with these two.
On the subject of the pencil thin barrels --- they will certainly lighten the rifle for your hunt, but how in the world do you practice with it, if it heats up by the third shot? Shoot three rounds, wait 30 minutes, shoot three more? It seems like you risk going out into the field with a nice, light rifle that you can't hit squat with.
It's becoming increasingly clear to me that I've bought into a lot of marketing, and most of my rifles are "over-scoped".
I just purchased a 7mm PRC in a chassis - about 7.5 pounds field-ready. My elk up to this point have been taken with the venerable Winchester M70 in .30-06. Absolutely classic, and a rig I really trust. There's a lot to be said for that confidence.
I have a Remington pump 30-06. I’ve gotten 6 elk so far with this rifle. Rifles are quite expensive so I think I’ll use what I have.
Remington 760 is one of the best hunting rifles ever made, quick handling, accurate enough, can't beat em.
I agree with Ron on the scope my most go to scope is the vx3 Leupold 3.5x10 with a 40mm objective
No need for anything more in most instances. My 7mm Mashburn Super wears a 4.5-14 Leupold but is mostly an open country rifle.
The tikka T3x veil alpine with a leupold vx5 3-15x44 is my absolute favourite combo for a do it all.. it’s light, smooth, durable and accurate and doesnt completely break the bank.
I got a new ruger American, it’s light, shoots sub moa, and CHEAP. All these new cheap hammer forged barrel guns are amazing. It’s like we’re in a golden age.
Even the improved American Ruger doesn't fit me. Never has probably never will, unfortunately 😏
I love these talks relating to the tradeoffs of the various aspects of a rifle. It seems like there is a big trade off between weight and long distance precision shooting. Barrel length affects trajectory, energy on target, weight (which also affects accuracy), velocity (which can affect accuracy due to windage). Stock affects weight (of course), recoil (which can affect accuracy). Action affects reloadability and limits cartridge choices (and usually barrel length).
These effects can be mitigated by having multiple rifles configurations for different situation, for more money of course. Or one can get a carbon fiber barrel for more money.
One can get a lightweight optic and rifle that has limited engagement distance, but is easier to stalk with, or a heavier rifle that is easier to fire accurately at longer distances.
Options, options, options. I love the free market!
My old Sako Finnbear in 30-06 and Redfield 3x9 has never let me down, it has put lots of meat on the table!
It’s not light, but still incredibly accurate after all of these years.
@@dbryant7040 that’s they way I rigged my finnbear low pro 3x9 wide field red field shot -1 mostly 165 s
Many times I’ve wished I had my Remington 742 rather than my model 70. Both in 30/06.
When you are in thick forest where you smell them before you see them, a scope is a liability. The peep sight on the 742 is plenty adequate for out to 200 yards.
I hunt, not shoot. I stalk, not blast away. It’s hunting, a six hour stalk? Yes! Please! That’s the real deal, the trigger squeeze is the end of hunting and the beginning of work.
No snowmobiles, ATV, trucks. My feets are my carriage. Im cool with a bicycle.
Most folks can’t shoot well at 200.
I have a CZ 557 Lux 7X64 Brenneke with 20" barrel. Amazing rifle! 1/4 MOA groups. Zeiss 3-12X44 scope. Simple Plex reticle.
Agree w/your scope magnification. Nice set up.
My elk rifle is my R700 Classic in 338WM. I've had it over 35 years and now im too old to start thinking about modern chassis setups. The only thing I ever did was move from Nikon to Leupold when Nikon left the scope business.
I think a really important thing for gun setup is to have your scope mounted higher than you think, and have a raised height buttpad/cheekrest.
This puts your shoulder and the center of recoil in line with the gun, making it kick straight back, instead of back and up. This makes follow-up shots, even when you zoomed in more than you should’ve, much easier as you can keep your sight picture
Ron, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you (give my love to Betsy!)
Thanks for featuring my Savage in 308 Win - I know how hard that must have been for you! 😉
I'm still twitching from the stress, Jared! Thanks for the great interview.
Outstanding choice. You know your maximum yardage and the 308 is capable. The Savage 110 is one of the most accurate out of the box factory rifles, IMHO. I built a $2500 rifle in 7mm-08 for hunting about everything I will hunt. It's a nice rifle, but not as accurate as a Savage.
I rather carry my heavier 7mm mag rifle with a 26 in barrel 1/8 twist and a muzzlebrake. It shoots the 175 gr nosler 3/4 MOA. I own this rifle for the last 30 years and is my go to rifle.
I'm with you but according to every UA-cam gun guy and gun Rider and gun nut on planet Earth in the last few years, what you want is 6 or 6.5 mm with a super highly frangible Target bullet that you can kill an elk with a 2000 yards! Good reliable hunting bullets I've gone to the wayside in favor of high BC bullets... Ron has jumpEd ship and is preaching the same crap everybody else is! -- if muzzle energy didn't kill elk, why does Ron use a 7 mm mag, why doesn't he use a little 264 that he's so fond of?
I went Elk hunting once. I got an Elk on day one before noon. Action type was muzzle loading; no optics, open sights; angle, quartering towards; the elk took zero steps after the first and only shot. I used A T/C .58 cal “Big Boar” model rifle with a 535 grain hollow point.
@@markdstump black powder works nothing wrong w big and slow New Mexico south west. Is bp only dropped bulls and cows where they stood 300 gr Barnes hp 3x50 grains pellets of rs select fed109 primer 80 125 yards
308 Winchester. You’re favorite!!
😉
@@jaredstewmelt great bullshit Jared. You seem like someone I’d hunt with. Didn’t get that feeling from the others in your class. Lmao.
We just got back from South Dakota. The top selling calibers/rifles there are the 270 , 30-06 and 7 mm Rem. mag. for elk, deer, antelope, etc. Forget the hard kicking 300 magnums and 338's. Some also like the 25-06, which surprised me because I did not think it could do the job on elk.
Tate for President!!!! Defend our wildlife resources and the 2A!
A vote for Tate is a vote for Kamala. get your head on straight and vote for Trump.
Another thing to keep in mind when getting those higher power scopes is that you start to lose you minimal view. Where i hunt is a range of usually 250-800 yard shots. I had a 4 point i was after all season and had a 5x25 mounted on the rifle i was using. Kept jumping him at around 30 yards in the thick and couldnt get a shot. Finally got him when i was able to jump him and have him run out in the open. Hit him at around 200 yards, on the run, only because with the 5 power i had to wait that long to hold him in my field of view in the scope. Yeah, the scope is back in a box now and being saved for a open desert hunt with super long shots.
Awesome content as usual Ron!
Great video, im old and still learning
Tbh I kinda defeated the purpose of the savage axis being lightweight when I bedded the stock Epoxy front and rear and added bb’s for weight to center the weight and added 4-16x44 Arken weighing 24 3/4 oz but it shoots like a dream and weights 10.5 lbs but I don’t typically do much more than mile or 2 hike at a time and that is a useable weight for me to carry shoots amazingly so I persally for my usage love the 8-10 lb gun
Ive had a Marlin XS7 .308.for 20 years. It's a Savage clone. Barrel nut,floating bolt head etc. Leupold 2-7.👍
I put my axis 2 in a oryx chassis with an athalon 6-25. It is NOT light lol but it shoots like a house of fire.
Thats me with my ruger predator with a magpul stock and vortex viper and bipod. If I run out of ammo I can bludgeon my target.
I also have the savage axis. My problem is the 7.5 pound trigger… absolutely deplorable
My wife has a red dot on her 308 rifle which is a browning youth model. She does well with it.
Glad to see *6.8 Western* getting some real-world use and some much needed recognition.
The more we talk about it - the greater our chances become for new manufacturers to join the Western wagon. We are looking at you - Federal. [Shifty eyes]
Nevertheless, I think _6.8 Western_ is one of thee best modern rounds to date. A truly remarkable offering that epitomizes the 'do-all' cartridge, IMHO.
Stay classy my friends.
I’m a Colorado native elk hunter, born and raised hunting elk.
My rifle (I am 52 y.o.) is a Remington 700 Sendero, 300 Win., Leupold VX3. You’re not going to talk me into anything else.
I am a big big fan of Sendero rifles. I own mine for 16 years , same caliber as yours! Is there a chance to send me your e-mail address, i have some small question to You .
Hope you've changed the trigger out to a Timney or something. Remington 700's like to go off by themselves ya know lol
I just took a cow elk earlier this week with my 270 win Weatherby vanguard sub moa (it’s a 2011 model) with a Leupold vx3 4.5-14. I used hornady precision hunter 145 gr eldx. To me that was the perfect setup and i dropped my elk and luckily didn’t have to track it down and you can’t ask for anything better.
Yes I am doing my first elk hunt this year and am tossed between 7mm or 300 winmag
Both are good options take the one you’re most comfortable with
Get both, but do not buy the hype that super high BC Target bullets kill elk! I'm having a hard time finding honest UA-cam gun guys that talk about quality hunting bullets!
@@jwdundon I'm not hunting with any round not designed for such that be like me using a rock in a gunfight 🤷
@@B2quick I wholeheartedly agree unfortunately everybody is on a big kick for super high BC bullets.
unfortunately those super high BC bulls are Target bullets not hunting bullets....
Find me a good Nosler partition OR bonded bullet that's sub MOA. Now, you have my attention!
I would love to take an elk one day.
I’m a writer who has a character who does elk hunting in British Columbia Canada. I’m definitely gonna be enjoying Elk Week. Learning more “tricks of the trade” that perhaps he might know.
I’d love to get into hunting in general but alas our grand dictator Trudeau makes it hard for us new guys to get into it, espically those of us who are out east here in Toronto.. are there any good national hunting clubs that don’t cost an arm and a leg? I don’t have any exposure to hunting other than these UA-cam videos…
Great to see Evan Siembida! He makes an outstanding outdoorsman’s knife!
After a lot of hunting with giant optics, long barrels and heavy rifles, my main squeeze elk rifle is a model 70 featherweight in 300wsm wearing a leupold vx3 3.5-10. I still use the long heavy stuff for long distance stuff in open country, but the winchester is the main squeeze
I personally prefer the BLR, but ymmv. Almost anything will do the job. With the right caliber/bullet. Scope, lpvo worked great for me… you just never know the distance. & it’s quick, just like the rifle. You do you , but for me…the lever action, in 270, 30:06, or 7mm rem mag is more than enough … 300 rem mag is overkill… but it’s fine
I picked up a used Leupold 2x7x33 Vari- X II. This scope was made in 1975. It weighs 9.9 oz
I like a three-lug bolt action rifle like the Cooper rifle and Browning X-Bolt.
I have a 1968 Model 70 in .338 Win Mag with a 3 to 9x Leupold scope. Walnut stock. A little heavy for mountains but it will definitely get the job done.
My scope is 2-10x42 and weighs 19.6 ounces. I bought it because it’s designed to excel at low light conditions.
Ron, you are always beating up the poor 308 Winchester. Saw a bull elk, a large mature bull elk dropped with 1 shot at 467 yards with a 175 grain terminal assent with the lowly 308!
A lot of gun experts are hung up on velocity and shooting at long range. Most people hunt within 400 yards. There are a lot of options at those ranges. Shoot what works for you.
My dad dropped a cow elk with a 3030 at 150 yards.
Us poors settle for a Ruger American Gen 2 in .308. When loaded with 180 gr, with sling and scope, it weighs 8 lbs 7 oz. My truck doesn't mind the rifle being that heavy.
I usually keep my scope on 3 power. My theroy is if my deer is far off I have plenty of time to zoom it higher and you have more than enough field of view at longer distances to allow a second shot
Good planning
Krico 700 in 7x57. After years now I would like to get a new Weatherby Mark V
Elk week, huh?
Cool, I guess I missed that memo.
Thanks for putting this together
Wes is a real one. I like Wes.
Finally, a cohost I like!!! 😁
When thinking about bolt action rifle you first think, what model tikka do I want.
OR A SAKO! 😜
I went with a Weatherby, but tikka was a contender. Weatherby won because I could order exactly what I wanted directly from the factory to my local FFL instead of having to just search till I got lucky or “close enough” and settled.
great platform, ok stock rifle
@@jaydunbar7538 Never "Settle" For Something You Don't Want! 🫨
Tikka T3x in 7mm-08 with a 2-12x44 optic!
This was awesome!
Ron was really curious about that Savage 110 Ultralight 😂
😉
I like higher magnification for sighting in the rifle, I never remember to turn it up off 3x in the field anyway.
Yes, after the 'cold shot' ,its all follow up anyway !
All of this talk about 6 lbs. rifles bothers me because I feel that for the average middle age hunter who is worried about a pound or two of rifle weight needs to look in the mirror. The real problem is we are too fat to climb up and down mountains and the real weight that we need to lose is around our middle. Hit the gym and lose 10-15 lbs. ( 20 lbs. in my case) and you will be a lot better off than worrying about getting a lightweight scope.
You are certainly wise to think of health and conditioning first, Lawrence, but regardless one's physical ability, efficiency always contributes to success. Just as a on ton vehicle gets better gas mileage than a two ton with the same engine, a hunter carrying less weight (body, rifle, water, backpack, food, tent, etc.) goes farther on every bite of nutrition. It's a simple matter of efficiency. Serious mountain hunters discover this and apply their knowledge as they see fit. Once I discovered and started hunting with sub-6# rifles, I was convinced. Why drag a 10# rifle up and down the slopes when your 6# hits and kills everything at which you shoot it? But, either way, each of us gets to make our own choices. Enjoy yours!
Let the guide carry the gun.....just sayin
Ron answered this so politely. There are people in this world with physical conditions that don’t outright prevent them from doing heavy-hiking hunts, but do make it more challenging. Let’s not be tough guys and rather just try to make things easier and more fun for everyone. Excellent health is a good recommendation though. We do want to be fit.
@@jameserickson1330
I agree, I am 66 and a hunting buddy (who is 2 years older) and me just dragged a 150 lbs doe up hill in western PA . I shot it at about 25 yards in a stream thicket. You could only see 20-30 yards and had to look between the bushes.
I do agree with some of what you are saying but i have neck and back issues and im getting older so i now carry my kimber light weight rifle and its alot nicer on my body
Any rifle with a momentum of about 1.5 lb force-seconds and up will do the job nicely. A 270 win has 1.8, a 30-06 has 2.2, a 50 caliber muzzleloader shooting a 430 grainer at 1200 has about 2.3 lbf-seconds and flat out stomps elk (but only has 1380 ft-lbs of energy). I've gotten 'em with all of them at one time or another. Energy figures do not seem to be the way to compare.
Agreed and neat idea to compare em! It works well too those I just plugged in.
Good video. I almost didn't hit like because it was sitting on 665. I begrudging did though and hit refresh right away! 🤣
I like that Tate built a 7PRC! I really want a rifle chambered in that. I get so tired of people bashing it just because it may not be as fast as the box says!
Everything but hornady reaches the advertised velocities
Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 Ti. Kicks like a mule!
Thumps up from Alberta Canada!!
Thanks Mr Ron !
What a intro! Love it!
Can you do a poll to get an estimate on the average distance elk are killed at in North America? I have a sneaking suspicion that like most Cervidae, we think the average shot/kill is at a longer distance than it really is because we factor in the "Western"(also read as extreme range) a little more that we should in the majority of real (non-trophy seeking) elk hunts?
Having backpacked for the last 15 years, I've seen the pitfalls of the ultralight fad. It was obvious to some of us that there's a point at which cutting weight becomes counterproductive. Don't get me wrong, ultralight gear has its place (much of my kit is ultralight gear), but I pick and choose where I save weight, and never fell victim to the worst fads (e.g., frame-less packs). The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle - striking a balance between weight savings and capability.
It is precisely for this reason that when choosing my elk rifle, I did not go ultralight. I bought an Alamo Precision Maverick in .30-06 and put a Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 on it. With my bipod (Hatch OutWest) it weighs about 10.5lbs. I have no concerns about carrying this in the mountains at this stage of my life.
And guess what? It's a pleasure to shoot, especially with a Dead Air Nomad Ti. When I first shot the rifle unsuppressed - the recoil wasn't bad, but I wouldn't want to spend hours at the range behind this rifle if it weighed say 7 pounds all-in. No thanks.
Unless you're hunting sheep or goat, don't obsess about the weight of your rifle, as super light rifles come with numerous downsides: they recoil more and the barrel heats up quickly which makes practice difficult, and they're harder to steady.
To compensate for the increased recoil that comes with ultralight rifles, people are resorting to calibers that shouldn't be used for elk (e.g., 6.5 creedmoor), and/or using muzzle brakes. There's nothing more obnoxious than the guy next to you shooting a braked .300 win mag.
Also, your rifle weight is a somewhat meaningless metric in comparing yourself to others. What truly matters is your overall gear + rifle weight. If my rifle weighs 2.5 pounds more than the next guy, but his overall kit weighs 7 pounds more than mine - guess what? I'm in a better position, and my rifle is easier to shoot.
My humble advice: if this is your first hunting rifle and you're somewhat new to "long" range shooting - do not go ultralight. You will need/want to spend a lot of time behind that gun to learn fundamentals and get comfortable with your optic and adjustments. If you plan to have several rifles for hunting, then sure, throw an ultralight rifle in there as you won't be relegated to just that one rifle.
Good video, I am enjoying this series. When and where is the elk hunting training class?
It’s probably just because I’m still young but I’d rather carry a 12.5 pound rifle than have to shoot a magnum 6 pound rifle. My current elk slayer is about 11 pounds, set up for long range. But I mostly hunt in open areas where a shot under 250 yards is rare. Most are 400-600. There’s been some shots I could’ve taken at 1000+ but I don’t have the skill to do that first shot yet. I can shoot 1200 yards all day long at my range but it usually includes a slighter shot or two for wind
Hunted elk in 2006 through 2009 until CO ramped up the cost of us Limeys coming hunting - US loss annually of $3-5k ever since.
Only time I filled my tag was 2008, using my Schultz & Larsen in .270 with 150gr Sierra.
Who cares what the rifle weighs?
Mine was around 9lbs with scope & I never noticed the weight.
How often do these superlight barrel guys come back to camp with a couple of pints of water in their Camelbak, or uneaten food?
There's your 3lbs saved on the rifle gone right away.
Or you could always lose 5lbs in the couple of weeks before going hunting...
35 Whelan it's a bit heavy but not uncomfortably so.
I've got a break action single shod .35 and it's light as crap. And short it's grrat to carry around
@@jeremypiazza3093 I live and fish coastal rivers in bc canada so I need a magazine for follow up on them bears,never had to shoot one as the sound of a shot usually scares them off,but I want backup if it doesn't.
MINE IS BARELY OVER 7LBS WITH SCOPE & RINGS 7MM-08 WITH UNDERWOOD 150 GRAIN ACCUBOND LONG RANGE. THERE ARE CERTAINLY MORE POWERFUL BUT ITS EASILY ENOUGH OUT TO 300 YDS EVEN 400 YDS.
Why a suppressor on some rifles? You didn't talk about that in any video that I saw yet.
Great video again!
I noticed you spent more time on optic's. I have more 2-7 x 33"s than the rest combined.
More time on optics because they are important and confusing to many.
People say thin barrels aren't accurate. I have never had this problem with my kimber but I do reload and its probably close to three quarters moa
Lmfaoo. I didn’t know Ron was having Krieger from Archer on as a guest??? *”Yep, yep yep!”*
Once again Mr. Spomer, a good educating show, question: I have picked up a Browning X Bolt 300 WSM and I am trying to learn more about the right Scope for around 350 yards max shot, what power scope would be a good choice? From what I’m hearing overpower is over weight, I was looking at Sig Sauer Options, I would be thankful for any advice, have a wonderful evening.
would a gunsite scout rifle in 308 be a good starter rifle for elk its good out to 300 meters for me
SCOPE: ANY LEUPOLD 2X7 3X9 OR IF YOU MUST 4X12
My Husky 1600 lightweight wears a Weaver 4x in a swing mount. It only weights 7 lbs and is short. 20 " barrel. Tough as hell gun.
How about a hunter that can shoot.
Just to say Ron, I saw your knives in a drive-bye and took the time to enlarge and look at the Knives of Alaska page. To their credit, they give credit to Loveless credit in their description. No naked mermaids though. LOL I like the stag handle, although Loveless was big on G10/micarta w/red liners. Do you skin your own game? And if so, do you prefer the clip point or the drop point? I bought some mosaic pins to make a drop point skinner, but saw you can order a knive from KOA with mosaic pins!👍
There's the old misconception about how the power of the scope moves the target closer. A 10x scope doesn't make a target at 100 yards look like it's at 10 yards. The distance of apparent change is determined by the square root of the scope's power. A 10x scope will make the target at 100 yards appear to be at about 31½ yards. The change is not applied to the linear dimensions, but rather in the apparent surface area of the target.
A 4x scope cuts the distance in half; 9x cuts it to ⅓; 16x cuts it to ¼; 25x cuts it to ⅕; 36x cuts it to ⅙; etc. A 100x scope would be necessary to make a target at 100 yards appear to be at 10 yards.
Get a first focal plane (ffp) scope.
Is this an example of the inverse square law, honeybadger? Makes sense. Doubts were niggling in the back of my mind when I said this because it didn't quite sound right. I should have know the inverse square law would apply. Thanks!
Oh, Ron, the "tacti-cool" crowd is going to hate this video. IMO, the "lawyer trigger" on the Savage is a waste of money. But, I'm 77 years old.
The older I get, the more I listen to the old hunters. I have a 7 mm REM Mag that weighs about 13 lbs. I get tired fast carrying that straight shooter!
I have a habit of getting my scope on a deer and then zooming all the way in. I try to tell myself not to do that but it all goes out the window once i get a deer in from of me.
Ron - Which rifle would you choose between the Browning X Bolt 2 Speed, Weatherby 307Alpine CT or Mark V Backcountry Guide all in 300 win mag?
Haha, I live in ELK county Pennsylvania. The heart of Pennsylvania elk country, and I'm here to say they shoot them out of peoples back yards and cemeteries. It's not really typical hunting like other areas!😂
Ultralight rifles are $4 grand but Pushups are free🔥 Hell ya brother.
That was a funny line, wasn't it?!
He brought the wrong rifle…had to stand by it…did you see the sweat dripping off
@@terryslaton5582 Good thing push ups are free! Only concern is the dude having to lug that 6.5 creed in close enough for it to work sufficiently on an elk.
I’m taking my Tikka t3x superlite 300 WSM with a fixed 10x SFWA elk hunting this year.
Mr. Spomer I’ve got .5 moa groups with reloaded 168 gr Barnes at 3030 fps avg and .5 moa groups with factory 200 gr ELDX going 2860 fps. Which bullet would you use?
Tate, what's your minimum recommended caliber and bullet weight for elk?
That was one important part of the video Ron missed. It's kinda beating a dead horse, but sure would like to know what the guides min caliber would be. I'm guessing 7mm 08, or 243?
That's coming up in our Elk Week video on cartridges and our video on Bullets!
Where did you get that Winchester 70 Featherweight with iron sights?
A delicate man's guide to rifle hunting
Can Elk week start a week earlier next week? Would be great content the week before hunters head out instead of the week of. I wont be able to tune in for all of it!
Nice.
Personally the RIfle is what ever the Hunter wants n likes.
My self If going tomorrow it would be one of 06 with 3x9xscopes . If still had em would possibility be the M70 or Abolt in 300 RUM or most likely m70 in 325WSM..
When you mentioned the lever actions Meet an occasional hunter at the range here from WA OR..thats what they were using.. 336 in 35 n yes one with a 30/30. & a 375. Where they were hunting thick n lucky if got a shot passed 50 to 75 . It aint just feasable for the Elk here in Tn,Ky..
Also know of some used ther 760 n 7600 n 742s.
And we forgot to mention the Browning-style lever actions with vertical stack magazine shooting sharp, high B.C. bullets. 308, 30-06, 270, etc. I've gotten sub MOA with them! Henry has them, too.
Makes me wonder how in the world Brandon Herrera trekked around with his SCAR 20S. Then ended up getting his elk at about 50 yards lol
Would a browning x-bolt in 6.8 western be a good first rifle?
Yup. Real similar to a classic 270 but can shoot heavier bullets.
What's the name of the school/camp?
If compact and lightweight is important than why add length and weight to the rifle with a can?
To save the ears, we only have one set🤷♂️
@@drakeslocum2564 Nothing against cans but it seems like hearing protection would be a lot easier and cheaper.
@@zippy45acp53 A can is hearing protection. You must mean ear muffs or foam plugs, etc. Those are great options, but from vast experience I can tell you not always time to apply. There he is! Shoot! "Wait. Let me get my ear plugs in." With a silencer, you're instantly ready to shoot. It sounds like a little thing, but once you've hunted with one, you "get it." I still don't like the look or weight, but by lopping 4" to 6" off your barrel, you don't add much length or weight (Banish Backcountry can just 7.5 ounces) Yes, you lose MV, but if you memorize your drops and wind deflection, you can compensate for that. It's worth study and contemplation. Many young hunters like Tate have grasped the value and convenience of suppressors. I'm swinging that way myself. Wish I'd started at age 14!
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Do you not use any muffs or foam plugs when you shoot? Does the can reduce the sound to a safe level?
Where are ya’ll located?
What is the brand bipod that's on The savage 110?
If you are going for a light weight rifle, would you also use a lighter cartridge that will be more manageable? If so what? You wouldn't need a 7mm rem mag in such a light package, or would you?
Good point, elkhunter. Yes, cartridge weight makes a difference, esp. on backpack hunts. I keep weight down by choosing a tough but light bullet such as a TTSX 140 or even 120-grain in short action cartridge like 7mm-08 Rem. or 284 Win. My Rifles, Inc. Strata Stainless in 280 AI weighs less than 5# naked and with 140-gr. TTSC has handily killed big 6x6 bulls from 450 yards. I also limit myself to 10 rounds on a backpack hunt. Makes one shoot straight! 7mm Rem Mag could easily replace the 280 AI. But a 6.5 pushing a 120-gr. copper 3,000 to 3,200 fps would work well, too. Did in a 12-year old bull moose with that setup, one shot. It mainly about shot placement with the right bullet.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Thanks. Great advice. Love your videos. The trend these days seems to be to go with heavier precision rifles and scopes. We probably focus too much on gear and not enough on hunting. After hunting ID for the last 25+ years the last thing I want is a 10lb+ rifle on my pack or shoulder. But the extra long range reach and accuracy is tempting. Would you say you are willing to sacrifice the extra 200 yard of range / energy for a lighter rifle? Do you ever go heavier if you are expecting long open shots on mule deer and need a more magnum cartridge? Would you shoot that magnum in a lighter package, or stick with a lighter rifle with a lighter recoiling cartridge?
When can we meet Mrs.Ron your wife? Oh great video with Tate.
At Tate's 2025 Elk Boot Camp! I don't let her out in public much because once folks meet her they ignore me. Betsy is a social butterfly. And brilliant conversationalist.
Bergara MG Lite
Hello Mr Spomer. I had a question i was wondering if you could answer? I've been currently looking to buy a rifle in either 280AI or 6.8 western. The western really interest me but the manufacturer support consisting of mainly two brands has me a little put off. I was interested to hear or read your take on weather the 6.8 is here to stay, and eventually may gain more support or will it slowly die off?
Many wonder that, Brandon. My take is "if you like it, buy it." But I'm a handloader and we handloaders can make anything last and work forever. Were I not, I'd likely just buy enough ammo for the long haul. Of course, any cartridge can and eventually will go obsolete, but I'm seeing significant interest in the 6.8 Western, many choosing it over the 7 PRC, 6.5 PRC, 270 WSM, etc. I think it will stick. It's unfortunate that gun and ammo brands are essentially boycotting others in order to sell more of THEIR new whiz bang cartridge. Human nature, but I think the focus should be on customers. Sell 'em what they want! Winchester chambered the competing 6mm Rem. and vice versa. Rem chambered the 300 Win Mag and Win the 7mm Rem Mag, etc.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Thank you for the reply. I'm also a hand loader and would normally not be too concerned as long as I knew i could get mainly the brass i need. However, my location seems to be very short on reloading supplies for almost all cartridge options. I suppose, it is more of a concern that it would stick around long enough to gain other manufacturers support eventually. In which case it could possibly become more readily available for me to stock up on supplies. I appreciate hearing back from you God bless and happy hunting. Ps. I really enjoy your channel weather it's things I already know and understand, or something new i have yet to learn i always find it interesting.
Hey Ron love your content. I wanted to add every man is different I've been an outfitter for 30 years now and I still haven't seen it all lol any way every man is different because I prefer 8-12 pound rifles with 24-26 inch barrels and a few of my rifles have 28in I do not use suppressors I prefer muzzle breaks my self I want all the efincey velocity and energy I can get out of my cartridges . I have noticed in my hunting career men under 160lbs want light rifles men 180 plus ➕️ usually have a heavier rifle and that's been my evaluation over the past 30 years taking hundreds of hunters to the field from little diker deer to moose . I thank it is ignorant to put a short barrel under 24in on magnum cartridges that's just my opinion. Any love your channel keep up the awsome content. God bless you and your family and God bless America 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
Yours was the standard in USA throughout most of the 20th century, Jeremy. European chamois hunters sort of started the light rifle trend with their kipplauf single shots and Mannlicher 6.5mms after WWII. Sheep hunters in N.A. pushed the light rifle trend in the 1980s with the late Melvin Forbes defining the category with his 4 3/4-pound M20 Ultra Light Arms (the one I'm showing in this video.) What a rifle! Once I began hunting with that, my 10# Ruger M77 set up began a long career in the closet. But whatever works for each hunters is best! Oh, as for those short barrels... 25 years ago I would have been with you, but now that we can measure distance within a yard and compensate for drops, not such a big deal. An 18" barrel in magnum chambering is inefficient, but you do get more velocity than a non-magnum in same caliber while keeping length down to add the can. It's a compromise for sure, but your ears will thank you. Cheers and keep up the good work!
West? The Oregon and Washington rainforest are.lever country. Ron, you need to think past the simple answers.