Rifle for Wife's KY Elk Hunt?

[snood]

My wife was drawn for the KY elk hunt in Oct. She currently shoots a Winchester Model 54 in 257 Roberts for whitetail, but it isn't a legal caliber for elk here in KY. What rifle and caliber would you all recommend? It needs to be light and have managable recoil. I'm considering the Ruger 77 Ultralight in 308 Winchester.

[Feedman]

Good choice but have you thought about a 270?

[Multidigits]

.270 on up will work for elk. 7MM would be my choice but the 308 will work OK.

[trust me]

I think recoil will be more important than caliber. 308 will surely do the job, but will it recoil badly in an Ultralight? 7mm-08 would be legal, slightly less recoil and the elk you'll be hunting will be at closer range than any out west.

[skin_dog1]

I think recoil will be more important than caliber. 308 will surely do the job, but will it recoil badly in an Ultralight? 7mm-08 would be legal, slightly less recoil and the elk you'll be hunting will be at closer range than any out west.It's all about shot placement and bullet selection. This would be a good choice for a woman that is a little fearful of recoil.

[aceoky]

First congrats to her!!!

The .308 is a good choice indeed!

My wife shoots a 7mm-08; and the recoil is quite a bit less (hers is in an Encore Walnut stock BTW) :D

The recoil in a .308 with 180 grain bullets (the min. I'd recommend in "regular cup and core bullets".......however you would be fine with 165 grain "bonded"(interbond, accubond etc.) or "premiums"(Barnes ) also which would reduce the recoil quite a bit) IMHO would be quite "stiff" for many women(you don't say anything about her size; so best we can do is guess) :)

The 7mm-08 with heavy Nosler Partitions WILL kill any elk she'll find with a properly placed shot easily to 300 yards(longer than she'd likely shoot in KY)...(Bull or Cow.....which did she draw BTW?) I'd try to borrow one IF possible, buy a box of 140 grain Nosler Partitions ( I think Federal loads them in their "Premium Line" IIRC; since I reload for hers I won't promise that's correct, but I believe it is).... with this combo *I* think she'll be very happy, not mind the recoil, have a great time, and put some meat in the freezer!!

BTW; my oldest son(soon 17) shoots a .308 and they're a fine choice, nothing wrong , but for a female(average size, recoil shyness etc.,) I think this is about the max power for the recoil they normally tolerate easily.....my wife shoots them all including my /06 with "stout loads" but prefers her 7mm-08 easily over the rest...except for youngest son's .243 which she thinks is "about the same" as hers!!!(hers does "kick more" just not that much more) shhh don't tell her that!!! :D

(she's 5'4" and 115 lbs BTW) ;)

[aceoky]

Well beat to the "punch" TWICE no less!!! :D :D :D

[GSP]

Snood, you ever down to the BGSL? If she wants to try out a 7mm-08 we can meet.

A friend of mine also got drawn for a cow. I think he will be trying a .58 flintlock. Question: Does anyone know if an elk in recent has been killed with a flintlock? How about a M1 Garand?

[aceoky]

Rick(GSP); I don't know about a flintlock in KY; but several are killed "out west" each year by some who LOVE that challenge(well, I wasn't there, but read the posts, and did see pictures...but I didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night FWIW) :D :D

I could see the challenge and fun in doing that; but as hard as it is to get a tag(in so many states now), I would want ALL the advantage I could get; but that's "just me" ...

Now in a state where that's not a problem, (where most of the one's I've read about occur) I can see why that would be a GREAT idea! I'd say not many hunters today can claim they've killed a majestic bull with a flintlock(hey stories are half the fun??) :D

[Mount-N-Man]

My daughter shot hers last year with my Savage 30-06 with a 180 grain Winchester supreme Fail Safe bullet. We put a Simms Vibration labratory recoil pad on the gun and now it doesn't kick as hard as her .243. I suggest you go with a heavy bullet and give on of the recoil pads a try, they cost about $30.00, but they sure do take out the kick. My daughter hunted deer with my 30-06 last year and her .243 stayed in the gun safe.I now use it for a varmit rifle and bought myself another 30-06.

[GSP]

Ace,
The guy I'm talking about is a serious Traditional blackpowder guy. I called him up the other night when the news was breaking about him gettin drawn. He got a cow tag on Starfire. I told him he has to try a day or two with the flintlock. He would need a 50 yard shot with it. He can get a pass through at that range. Bottom line is no critter on Earth can live with a 3/4' hole through both lungs.
We talked some more, his son has taken over his deer rifle (Win 30-06) and he has been hunting with a Garand (of course a 30-06 too, but "special") the past few years.

[snood]

Thanks for all the info guys. I thought about the 7MM-08, but I was concerned about not finding a very heavy factory load. I'm not a reloader. There are several 180 grain 308 Winchester factory loads out there that even have the designation of elk on the box. I went to the winchester.com sight and they didn't list a 7mm-08 cartridge for elk size game. I would love to keep the recoil down to that of a 7mm-08 if I can find the right cartridge - bullet weight. BTW, she was drawn for a bull at large.

[trust me]

I'm pretty sure you can find a 150 gr. Partition load in the 7mm-08. The 140 grain in a partition or similar bullet should do the trick. But I'm armchair hunting here, so take it for what it's worth...;)

[aceoky]

GSP; there is NO doubt that it will kill one(after all many were killed "in the day" with lesser flintlocks):D I didn't mean to imply that it was a "bad idea" or not enough gun at all; it's just for now at least it seems a tag is a "once in a lifetime thing here" ; however; a couple of days is a GREAT idea, and I wish him much luck( I really hope he gets one with the front stuffer; especially a flintlock; that would be SUPER-COOL):)

The Garand is also a "cool elk gun" idea! I was hoping that the flintlock wasn't going to be the "only choice" ...."just in case" Murphy shows up! LOL

Tell him best of luck; and "he's got my support" on the idea( I'm sure that will "do it" lol) Let us know how he does? It would be awesome if he can put one down with the flintlock, hope he gets to do it!

[trust me]

When he poses with the elk in buckskins and fur, have him take that orange vest and hat off first...orange WAS NOT a traditional choice among our ancestors!:D

[aceoky]

Thanks for all the info guys. I thought about the 7MM-08, but I was concerned about not finding a very heavy factory load. I'm not a reloader. There are several 180 grain 308 Winchester factory loads out there that even have the designation of elk on the box. I went to the winchester.com sight and they didn't list a 7mm-08 cartridge for elk size game. I would love to keep the recoil down to that of a 7mm-08 if I can find the right cartridge - bullet weight. BTW, she was drawn for a bull at large.

Check the "gun shops" and look at Federal's "Premium Line"; you should be able to find what you'll need! IF it were me(meaning my wife):D I don't see any need to go over a 140(as in the .308 powder space is limited for the heavier bullets).... (SD is about the same as a 180 .308) as long as it were a premium bullet i.e. a Nosler Partition, or a bonded bullet, or you could reduce recoil even more by using a Barnes 120 IF the rifle will shoot them, (some will some don't seem to "like" 'em) FWIW I'm almost sure Federal loads both; the NP and the Barnes in that line; the 120 Barnes will exit both shoulders(the prefered shot on a big bull as I understand it; since a wounded elk can move a LONG way and fast)...

Those Sims recoil pads are UNREAL!! IF you already have a .308 THAT would be THE plan IMHO!! I put one on my /06 (mainly for the wife to actually like shooting it); and admit it's nice to shoot it now with "stout loads" even from the bench!

Also it's worth mentioning; the newer bullets (premiums) allow you to reduce recoil even more by dropping at least one bullet weight, and still get good penetration, Federal,(TBBC,Barnes, Nosler Partition- IIRC they load all of these) Winchester(Fail Safe)Remington(Ultra Core Loct) Hornady(Interbond) I'd bet some of any would shoot well in what ever you choose, hope this info helps, IF you need any more info please let us know, and please let us know what you decide AND how she does???

BTW PM sent!

[snood]

I've researched this some more and there is no doubt that the 7mm-08 produces less recoil and is capable of dispatching an elk. I think I'm going with the 308 so that we can use a heavier bullet. I'd rather subject the wife to a little more recoil and be sure she has enough gun. I think if I put the Sims/Limbsaver recoil pad on, the recoil from the 308 should be managable. Now I need to decide what gun to buy. The lighter the gun the harsher the recoil, but she has to carry it up and down the eastern KY hills. Looking at Ruger 77 Ultralight at 6.25#. What do you think? BTW - Here is a recoil table I found that some of you might find useful.

http://chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

[Feedman]

Snood,
Have your wife to start walking carring a backback with bricks or weights in it. Make sure she carries it like she would a rifle. This will help build up her muscles so that there will be less problems when she goes hunting.

[kycowboy]

when she see's that bull elk she will not feel any recoil there will be no kick at all

[Yellardawg]

Have you considered a .280 Rem. Cartridge?

http://www.chuckhawks.com/game_range_caliber.htm

[CM12]

Two words..........."Managed Recoil" by Remington. My 7mm Mag. kicks about like my little 20 guage with these loads. My buddys girlfriend used it last year with no problems. Shoots just as good as the regular loads with half the recoil. Best thing going.

[snood]

CM12
I read on the Remington site that the Managed Recoil loads are not recommended for elk size game. Plus the bullet weight is only a 140 grains in the 30-06. How did they perform on the deer you've seen taken with them? BTW, I sent you a PM. Thanks

[killer]

Good choice but have you thought about a 270?


270 would be plenty and its not bad on recoil. I have a .270wsm. And I love it

[deerhunter401]

have any of ya'll stopped to consider that the 7mm-08,and the 308 are not legal by state law.

c) Hunter orange clothing law applies during these periods within the restoration zone. Any equipment legal for deer is permitted on these hunts with a few exceptions noted in the hunting guide (e.g. minimum rifle caliber is .270).

[trust me]

Minimum caliber is referencing the caliber of the bullet, which is the diameter of the bullet. If the minimum is .270, then .308 is legal, and the 7mm is .284 in inches, so it's good too.

You're thinking in terms of cartridge, and while the .308 and 7-08 are short cartridges, you'll find that ballistically they aren't half a step behind. Heavier projectiles actually give them the edge in some cases.

By strict interpretation of the law, the 30 Carbine would be a legal deer and elk round. Nobody could keep a straight face and say they were elk hunting with it, though. While it may be legal, it wouldn't be ethical, and it sure wouldn't be intelligent. Years ago the state dictated that such pipsqueak rounds were forbidden, but I haven't seen that in the guide lately. They just hope that we have enough sense to use enough gun.

[CM12]

CM12
I read on the Remington site that the Managed Recoil loads are not recommended for elk size game. Plus the bullet weight is only a 140 grains in the 30-06. How did they perform on the deer you've seen taken with them? BTW, I sent you a PM. Thanks

I can't tell any difference. Of course an elk is much heavier than a deer. You may want to try a few rounds. It won't matter if you have a cannon if she is afraid to shoot it. People kill elk with arrows. Shot placement is more important to me. I've never killed an elk so I'm not the expert. I do know that you want a load thats gonna drop the elk fast. You don't want to carry it any farther than you have to.

[Xi Bowhunter]

I would use a 30-06 if I was you. They have great distance and even better knock down power. If you are afraid of the recoil it will have on her, get those recoil reducing bullets and a recoil pad, that should do the trick

[aceoky]

Minimum caliber is referencing the caliber of the bullet, which is the diameter of the bullet. If the minimum is .270, then .308 is legal, and the 7mm is .284 in inches, so it's good too.

You're thinking in terms of cartridge, and while the .308 and 7-08 are short cartridges, you'll find that ballistically they aren't half a step behind. Heavier projectiles actually give them the edge in some cases.

By strict interpretation of the law, the 30 Carbine would be a legal deer and elk round. Nobody could keep a straight face and say they were elk hunting with it, though. While it may be legal, it wouldn't be ethical, and it sure wouldn't be intelligent. Years ago the state dictated that such pipsqueak rounds were forbidden, but I haven't seen that in the guide lately. They just hope that we have enough sense to use enough gun.

Thanks for saving me so much typing! :D Although you now have me worried about someone elk hunting with a 7.62X39(SKS) ;)

[deerhunter401]

well i know ballistics wise they are about the same. but i would not take that chance of showing up with one of them guns. i just know how screwy the state can be sometimes. in my suggestion if you were going to take one of them guns then i would take a larger back up wepon just in case

[aceoky]

IF you can't kill one with a 7mm-08 or a .308 then you can't kill one with a bigger one either!

Ever heard of the 7mm Mauser? Jack O'Conner's wife used one for Elk,Moose,tiger,lion, and about anything you can imagine. Mr. Bell used one (with 175 grain solids) to kill several hundred Elephants!!! The 7mm-08 is a "short action" 7mm Mauser(aka 7x57 mauser)....BTW

As a rule "bigger guns" have much more recoil, and are therefore harder to master(especially for women and children) and NOTHING can live with two holes through their lungs!

A 7mm(.284 bullet) in 140 grains has almost the same sectional density as a 180 grain .308 bullet(and that bullet in .308 /30/06 /300 Savage 30-40 Krag etc. etc.) has killed many elk...(sectional density is one way to determine the penetration of a properly constructed bullet for the "task at hand"..) BTW there are MANY elk killed "out west" with the 7mm-08(and some with 120 grain bullets SD about that of a .165 grain .308)FWIW

Also let's not forget that many elk were killed with ML before smokeless powder was invented, much less used, and either one will have MUCH better range/power than the older ML ever had!

When hunting on "special hunts" (as this is) or in very rough areas, the idea of a "backup rifle" isn't a bad one, but it doesn't need to be a "big gun" to serve the purpose IMHO

[snood]

I guess my wife could take a back up gun, but she would have to carry both. No one is allowed to carry a weapon but the tag holder. I'm worried about the weight of just one.

[deerhunter401]

im just saying there is a chance when you get down there and the state officals start checking the caliber of guns and they get to the 7mm-08 there might be some hassle. it doesnt hurt to call ahead and check. thats all im saying. and i know just as well as anyone that a 7mm-08 can kill an elk, thats all i hunt with. but isnt there a proboble chance that she might have to make a three hundred + yard shot on an elk. if that happens there inst a way in hell that i would trust a 7mm-08 or a 308 to make a good kill shot. maybe the guy can get larger caliber gun and sight it in for her. that way the only tim that she has to shoot it is when she is shooting at an elk. and if she insist on shooting the rifle, you can get a very good slip on recoil pad for under 50 bucks.

[aceoky]

First a 300+ yard shot on Elk in KY isn't very probable at all(they're NOT that wild YET) :)

And even so; either choice IS VERY capable of doing it at 400 yards IF the bullet is placed correctly.....

That being said; there aren't many people that CAN place a shot at 300-400 yards; so they shouldn't be shooting ANYTHING that far!

Also one should ALWAYS shoot the rifle they are hunting with, confidence is a BIG factor in success, and without shooting the rifle, there is none IMHO! (so hubby sighting it in for her isn't a "good idea" IMHO)

BTW; check the "energy" figures on them with 140(or 139) gr (7mm) and 180(.308) and while you're at it; check them at 300 then 400 yards, and THEN tell me no way in He77 you'd use one????(on elk or anything else in their "range" of what they're capable of cleanly taking....meaning they're NOT a good choice for Cape Buff for example) :)

Many do come here to learn, and get good advice; and saying neither is a 300 yard rifle(even for elk) without checking on that IMHO isn't a good idea....

Either one is *almost* a "short action" .280 or 30/06; NOW would you say niether of those is a 300 yard elk rifle?? IF those two are then the other two should be??
NO game will notice the difference in a couple hundred FPS when hit(and that's the difference in velocity in those four roughly-as factory loaded) .....And if you include the "light magnum" rounds hmmm. the difference "shrinks" even more FWIW

[aceoky]

I guess my wife could take a back up gun, but she would have to carry both. No one is allowed to carry a weapon but the tag holder. I'm worried about the weight of just one.

IF you have an extra(legal) one to take, why not leave it someplace safe(close by) just in case?? Though I doubt you'll need it on this trip; twould be "awful" to need it and not have it!!! ;) I am always reminded of ole Murphy, showing up on such things, but again, it most likely won't happen, but IF it did.....?????

[aceoky]

Oh, and how can there be a problem with them checking the caliber? Unless they're using some "new math" 7mm is bigger than .270 (.284 vs .270) AND .308 sure is also!

Plus this logic would also not allow the 7mm Mag which is much more powerful than a .270; so I just don't see that being a factor?? I have NO doubt the 7mm-08 is legal for elk, by the Dept's rules since it's a .284 CALIBER, but feel free to find out for yourself....

(you posted the rules that say min for elk is .270, how can you doubt it?)

[deerhunter401]

and all of this aside if your wife cant handle the wieght or recoil of the .270 then ,from a truley honest stand point, she dont have any buisness shooting an elk.

and if you ask me the message the point the state is trying to get acrossed is dont bring a caliber that will be able to put an elk on the ground.

and the only thing that i am trying to say is that it would not be a smart idea to bring a CARTRIDGE smaller than a .270

[Strutter]

Congrats on the tag and good luck to your wife. As far as what gun to use, use any that is legal and she can shoot well. The 308 is a great caliber and will do the job without a doubt. If the shot isn't good, it doesn't matter how big a gun you use. Shoot one in the guts with a 458 or a 270 and odds are you won't find either. Get a comfortable load and let her shoot til she is comfortable with it and can put it where she wants it. That's all it takes. Get one to big and she will develop a flinch and then an accurate shot is hard to come by.

Good luck,
Strutter

[shogan]

A 30-30 is bigger bullet than 270 just not as much velocity. But more than a flint lock or an arrow. As keith says Dead is Dead. Sure if I was going after them I go with my 30-06 or .308 but If I was putting my wife behind the gun it would be the .308 (semi auto with an excellent recoil pad) or a 30-30.

Keep it within 150 yards have the right expansion.

Also remember that a semi auto rifle will absorb a lot of shock.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

[C.L.Button]

My 14 yr old daughter uses her Remington Model 7 in 7mm-08 140 gr NP OR a Browning A-Bolt in .270 150 gr NP to Elk hunt. The Model 7 has a slightly shorter barrel and stock. It was made for short armed guys and gals. Both have worked well. We wish her good hunting.

[aceoky]

and all of this aside if your wife cant handle the wieght or recoil of the .270 then ,from a truley honest stand point, she dont have any buisness shooting an elk.

and if you ask me the message the point the state is trying to get acrossed is dont bring a caliber that will be able to put an elk on the ground.

and the only thing that i am trying to say is that it would not be a smart idea to bring a CARTRIDGE smaller than a .270

You know what? I'm finished with this debate!!!!

You have NO point(s) to make, and in fact YOU posted the regs, then want to debate what YOU .... THINK they're trying to say.

According to you; it would NOT be SMART to shoot an elk with a 30/30(many dead elk would like to argue that point...but they couldn't even if they could talk.....since THEY'RE DEAD!)

I won't bother to list the "CARTRIDGES" smaller than a .270 that kill elk EACH year(and do it fine BTW).

BUT to tell someone "if your wife can't handle a .270 then she shouldn't honestly shoot an elk" is NOT based on any facts(BTW how many have you killed, seen killed, and with what?.....

IF you'd do some research; you'd see "just how far off base your comments really are"...) Now *I* haven't killed an Elk(never shot at one either), but I do know several people who hunt them EVERY year "out west" and have eaten quite a bit of the meat they get; so having had many discussions about killing them, plus knowing they've been killed with ML for years, tells me a "little bit" about them e.g. they're NOT bullet-proof; again two holes through both lungs=dead, no matter how big the CARTRIDE is;

BTW the CARTRIDGE doesn't kill anything, the bullet does! :) Being able to put a bullet(a properly constructed one) in the vitals is MUCH more important than what CARTRIDGE one is using, and shooting "too much gun" isn't a good way of doing that! "Too much gun" causes "flinching"(as has been stated), which doesn't help in bullet placement...

IF you draw a tag; use a .338 mag IF you feel you need to, and can shoot it well, BUT trying to say a female hunter HAS to shoot a "bigger gun" isn't based upon any facts, nor is it accurate,(in fact several are killed out west with the .243, which isn't legal in KY, but it does kill them DEAD)...(and NO I wouldn't recommend one for elk, but they have worked)...an Elk can carry a great deal of lead, which is why they like the shoulder shots; but our elk aren't real wild YET, but either of these two will penetrate both shoulders with the proper bullets even on a record elk...

BTW the two top elk/moose rounds used in Canada(the last report that I've seen; and it's been those two in the top posisiton for decades) are: the 30/30 and the .303 British. BOTH of these are much smaller/less powerful than a .270, but being and staying on top, must mean they work???

Again 200 (or even 300) FPS makes NO difference in the field as far as terminal affect; this is a PROVEN FACT; the research has been done, so IF a 30/06 or a .280 IS a good elk rifle than so are a .308/7mm-08,regardless of the CARTRIDGE size or the headstamp on the case!!

Also IF that's what the Dept. WAS trying to say; I'm quite certain they could have said that; but they didn't (and again YOU posted the regs) .

BTW; I'm not trying to "come down on you", but like I said, some people read these to learn, and by NOT knowing what is fact, they can get confused. That doesn't help anyone, so it's my intent to be certain they do know what is correct, and what has worked in the past; there is no reason to believe what's worked for decades suddenly isn't "enough gun" today. The Elk aren't wearing Kevlar(not that I know of anyway), ;)

Have a nice day

[Rob]

FYI,

They now have "Managed Recoil" cartridges in .308.

[aceoky]

FYI,

They now have "Managed Recoil" cartridges in .308.

Yes that's true; BUT *I'd* be "leary" of them, since they use a "light for caliber" bullet(IIRC a 125 grain in .308) which wouldn't be a good choice for Elk IMHO(fine for deer though) :)

I think the Sim's Recoil pad(limbsaver) is the "best" way to go for the situation "at hand"; (those things are awesome.....the ONE product that does better than advertised IMHO....and that's saying something today!) ;)

But to get her used to the rifle; that is a good option, then move up to the heavier Elk bullets to sight in and hunt with; now there's a great idea!(which may have been where you were going) :)

[snood]

Fellas I didn't mean to set off such a firestorm about something as fun as purchasing a new rifle. Let me see if I can put this to bed. My wife and I visited several gun shop and she's been fitted by every so-called professional in the Lexington area. She (and I) have decided on a Remington Model 7 in 308 Winchester. If the recoil is too much, we think there is enough play in the length of pull to add the Limbsaver recoil pad which is an inch thick.

Thanks for all the input.

[daking]

You have swerved into the right direction. Any of the 30/06 or 308 variants (30/06, 270, 280, 7mm/08, .308 and the like) will (forgive me) git 'er done. FIT is the issue. A friend once had a Browning B78 single shot in 25/06. Damn thing had a funky stock. Even the mild 25/06 would give me a headache if I put a few downrange. Conversely, a .338 that fit correctly was no problem to shoot. Make sure when you consider adding a recoil pad you have your better half wear the clothes she will likely wear when she hunts. You can add some serious thickness with just a few layers. We're talking about .1 inches here. Not only will a good gunsmith be able to install the pad, with a little judicious looking he can decide if you need any cast from heel to toe (angle of the buttplate to the shoulder) or any other tweaking that will make her rifle as much a part of her as her arm. THEN, look out. She'll be able to shoot where she points without any pain. It's going to cost you double. When you see how happy she is with a correctly fitted rifle, you'll be taking old loudenboomer in for a retrofit to your frame.


Terry

[GSP]

Fellas I didn't mean to set off such a firestorm about something as fun as purchasing a new rifle. Let me see if I can put this to bed. My wife and I visited several gun shop and she's been fitted by every so-called professional in the Lexington area. She (and I) have decided on a Remington Model 7 in 308 Winchester. If the recoil is too much, we think there is enough play in the length of pull to add the Limbsaver recoil pad which is an inch thick.

Thanks for all the input.

Good choice, I would follow up on several of the other suggestions about the
pads, dress etc.
Hope to see the pictures of the success story.:cool:

[aceoky]

Yes! Pictures please! Best of luck to her!!

[mwezell]

put a muzzle brake on as big a gun as you like and she will not be bothered by the recoil so badly. makes the gun a little louder but cuts the kick almost in half. i get $125.00 on most brake installations.----mike ezell
p.s. turns 300ultra mag into 30-30!!!

[maxcam]

I've researched this some more and there is no doubt that the 7mm-08 produces less recoil and is capable of dispatching an elk. I think I'm going with the 308 so that we can use a heavier bullet. I'd rather subject the wife to a little more recoil and be sure she has enough gun. I think if I put the Sims/Limbsaver recoil pad on, the recoil from the 308 should be managable. Now I need to decide what gun to buy. The lighter the gun the harsher the recoil, but she has to carry it up and down the eastern KY hills. Looking at Ruger 77 Ultralight at 6.25#. What do you think? BTW - Here is a recoil table I found that some of you might find useful.

http://chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm


I think shooting a 308 in the ultralight Ruger is going to punish her. And im speaking from first hand experience. Now you might get away with the sight in and let her shoot her .257 then let her be surprised by the 308.

But I have shot the ultralight in several calibers and it gets a bit punchy with a hot 130 grain 270 and up. Just some friendly advice......

The best advice I would give you is find a 308 standard rifle and see how she handles it.....Unless she likes abuse I would go the 7mm-.08 route.

I wouldnt hesitate using that cartrige on elk.

[snood]

Check out my earlier response. She shot a Browning BAR in .308 and took an 800# 6X6 bull. She made two clean hits on a moving bull at 80 yards and didn't even remember the gun going off. Thanks for your help.