[Big Tom]

:grin: I will be going on my 1st Elk/Mule Deer hunt in Colorado next fall and know I will be doing a lot of hiking in mountainous terrain. I've decided to get a light weight accurate rifle that has good energy out to possibly 400 yds.
I have a 7 STW but the rifle weighs in at almost 10#(w/scope).

An area dealer has 2 last years NIB Weatherby Ultra Lightweights w/brakes on closeout for $1139 in either .270 Wby or .300 Wby. They also have a 100$ rebate on a 3x9x42 Kahles scope with the purchase.

I have the $$$ saved, any experienced Elk hunter's comments on this rifle/combo and which caliber would be appreciated. I'm guessing with muzzle brake installed recoil shouldn't be an issue in such a light (6 1/2#) rifle, even in the mag calibers? :biggun:

 

[Zachary]

As for the rifle, it is indeed lightweight, but its accuracy, from what I have been told, is not as great as the Accumark. Nonetheless, the price that you were quoted, with brake, is a good one.

As for the scope, Kahles are good scopes, and a $100 rebate is great. HOWEVER, as you will be hunting elk/mule deer, and as the weather can change in a matter of hours, I STRONGLY recommend that you get the Bushnell Elite 4200. Trust me, although the Kahles is a good scope, the Elite 4200 is MUCH BETTER and has RAINGUARD which literally could make the difference in the hunt. I would recommend the Elite 4200 2.5x-10x-40mm. Go to dnrsports.com or theopticzone.com (two of our sponsors). You will see that they have some of the absolute lowest prices.

As for the cartridge, as you will be hunting elk and mule deer, I would recommend the 300 WBY over the 270 WBY. Granted, the 270 WBY would work on elk, but the 300 WBY is a much better choice. I would use stout 180 grain bullets such as the Partion, Barnes X, which is loaded by Weatherby, or the Trophy Bonded, which is loaded by Federal.

Zachary

 

[JBabcock]

I had one in 300 Weatherby and it worked great for the Grizzly I shot with it. Used Remington 200 grain A-Frames. Recoil however was something else and I ended up selling it. It didn't have a break on it. Very accurate though, wasn't uncommon to shoot one inch groups with it. It really liked 200 grain bullets. One inch groups aren't awesome in a varmit rifle, but in a hard recoiling rifle thats pretty good in my book.

 

[tominboise]

Big Tom,

Let me first say that I have no experience with either caliber. However, based on the hunting I have done in Washington, Idaho and Montana, using a .270 WCF, 7mm Rem Mag, .30-06, and .300 WIn Mag, I would choose the .270 wby over the .300 wby, in the ultra lightweight rifles. I base this on the fact that you can load a 150 Nosler Partition in the .270, and end up with the spittin' image of the 7mm mag with 160 Partitions. You certainly should be able to kill a mule deer and an elk with that combo. SHoot in the lungs and go collect your animal. Let me add that I am gradually moving to lighter calibers such as the 6.5 Swede.

I recommend the smaller caliber because the lightweight rifle will kick you, and you don't need to take anymore beating then necessary. I, personally, would rather not have a brake on the rifle, as it will increase the shredding off your ears when you touch one off.

Also, I would get the Kahles scope. The B&L's are good scopes, but so are the German makers. I would not say that the elite 4200's are much better scopes. Maybe as good, but not better.

Just my two cents.

Tom