model 70 300 wsm?

[Lund6771]

Hi guys...first timer in posting and elk hunting....going this fall..here's a bit of back round info

Grown up in MN and only been exposed to slug hunting for deer...I think I've shot a rifle twice in my life and that was at a range....my recently passed father-in-law (cancer) left me his model 70 300 wsm....this fall a few family members booked a guided hunt in Montana in his honor since it was a dream of his to one day go....but unfortunately he never was able to make it since the cancer/treatments hit to hard and to fast

So my question is will this gun be able to take a bull down from 300-400 yards without it being a perfect kill shot?.....I really hope it is, because it would be extra meaningful to use!...also this gun does not have a scope....so if the gun is a solid option, can someone shed some insight on a great scope?...and of course loads?

Thanks a lot in advance....sooo excited as it may be only a once in a lifetime trip for us

Have a great weekend!

 

[Cliff]

There are a lot of guys with lots more experience than I. But my 2 pennies would be shoot and shoot as often as you can prior so you know your limitations.  A 300 yard shot is a long way and unless you shoot that distance  comfortably don't    We owe it to our game and ourselves not to take shots we r not comfortable with. I am sure I am preaching to the choir.  .  As far as scopes how much money do you want to spend because we are real good at spending other people's money lol. Leopold makes good scopes and reasonably priced or Schmidt bender if you r made of money.  Montana is beautiful and I am sure it will be a lifetime of memories for you.  Best of luck


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[Cliff]

Oh and here is an article on varying calibers it is sure to stir the pot. Lol. chuckhawks.com/myth_busting_calibers.htm


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[cowboystl1]

im no fan of a SWM unless you have a bull barrel  they burn hot and can cause inconsistent shots.

 

[Lund6771]

thanks for the responses guys...I most definitely plan on spending a lot of time this spring and summer at the range to figure out my comfort zone....I definitely don't want to wound any animal

I'm trying to go from a starting point of having the right gun, scope, and load....and than practice practice practice....

Sometimes I feel like magazines are biased to advertisers....so I like going to forums to discuss these types of things where its more real

 

[cowboystl1]

that what were here for im no gun guru but i have a lot of experience with the subject and this forum will help where it can thats why i love it

 

[hank4elk]

: If it's that sentimental,stick it on a wall.
I'd look at trading for a 300WM or a 30-06,but then I'm a -06 guy.lol
Either one will drop most any NA big game,and at a fair distance,400 yrds or so. Same as the wsm.
Both much more useful in the field if you want MHO. Easier to get ammo or reload.
I've only shot one once,but I wasn't impressed. 

 

[montanaelk31]

Yes you will be fine. Use 180 grain bullets and watch em fall. (I've watched a half dozen fall in the last 3 years with all of my hunting buddies shooting 300 wsms with 180 grain accubonds at varying distances to 400 yards. Damn fine rifle for elk.

 

[montanaelk31]

Forgot to mention I load up all of my hunting buddy's' ammo. They seem to prefer short actions wsms over traditional long actions b/c of reduced recoil and faster follow up shots. IMHO 300 wsm is a great rifle for your adventure.