Thread: Wapiti Rig

Originally Posted by MSL

I carried a 7mmsaum titanium last year, and swore if I got a block next time I’d be taking my Kimber Montana .308, with 14” barrel.


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Because of weight or the opportunity’s you found yourself presented with?

Originally Posted by Kelton

Because of weight or the opportunity’s you found yourself presented with?

Combination of both, plus the length. But mostly, I just enjoy my stubby Montana.


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You're overthinking it mate, the wee Howa .308 will be fine.
We shouldn't get hung up on ft/lbs it should be what the low end in velocity for the projectile we are using is going to not be as reliable in what it does ie upset reliably going through the skin, muscle and tissue of the animal. So keep the distance less then the minimum impact velocity for reliable expansion.

I'd personally be carrying the lightest most convenient rifle in there, 308 will do the job

I would take the .270. Why else have a .270 if you're not going to take it to shoot wapiti?

Originally Posted by John Duxbury

I would take the .270. Why else have a .270 if you're not going to take it to shoot wapiti?

Read Tinsley's book. He used one. Graeme Sinclair his mate also became a convert. Read Holdens book which states a local rascal in Te Anau used to sneak into the wapiti block with a 222.

I've pondered this many a time and I think I keep coming back to a bushpig or super bushpig.

I can see the thinking completely on your end but honestly I don't think you'll go amiss with you're current 308. Hope this helps.

I can offer you my Weatherby Vanguard in 308 with a 24" barrel, if you wanted basically (very basically!) the same rifle with more legs. I'm assuming you could just swap your scope and stock (to keep the weight down)? I'm not too precious about it, its been well used by previous owner so you wouldn't have to worry about knocking it around. If I'm doing any hunting around the same time I'll be taking my Bergara single shot anyway... but you might miss your stumpy barrel!

Originally Posted by bjp

I can offer you my Weatherby Vanguard in 308 with a 24" barrel, if you wanted basically (very basically!) the same rifle with more legs. I'm assuming you could just swap your scope and stock (to keep the weight down)? I'm not too precious about it, its been well used by previous owner so you wouldn't have to worry about knocking it around. If I'm doing any hunting around the same time I'll be taking my Bergara single shot anyway... but you might miss your stumpy barrel!

lovely offer but Ryan's Howa is a superlight and the stocks are not compatible

Originally Posted by dannyb

lovely offer but Ryan's Howa is a superlight and the stocks are not compatible

@dannyb I have offered him that 7rm I bought from you

I think the 308 be fine mate, thats a 150grn pill still going pretty quick. Will do the job.
Welcome to borrow my 300wsm if you want tho since i am just down the road.

Carried a few rifles in there. Shot my bull with my Forbes 308 which was nice to carry, 150bt at 120m from memory did the job nicely. Must of been good luck as the other 6 trips or so the rifle has been a walking stick only as nothing big enough seen

He really only asking so he has excuse to purchase that single shot 7mmremmag that Akaroa1 has for sale....now that would make complete sense lol

Ryan, you should hung onto that .375 Hurt and Holler, that would have been perfect, plenty of power and legs, likely a bit heavy thought.
I’ve seen both Samber and Elk (wapiti) take multiple hits, and still keep going when in full rut or alarmed, sumtimes they just have a toughness, and a will to survive, A Samber. Stag that took 3 rounds, in the chest with a .270 win 150 gr, left a lasting impression. An Elk bull the same, but first shot want a bit far back.

I prefer heavy for Cal, at moderate speed, and to break both shoulders.
And good luck, hope you have an enjoyable trip.

Id take the howa, fiordland is a beautiful nasty beast and a small light rifle will be far more enjoyable