+1

Who said they're trying to dictate? I don't like sharing a range with them, I understand why there used, it doesn't change the fact that they're obnoxious. If I were guiding I'd just wear my electronic muffs.

If I had the energy, we could spin this to the level of the high fence debate. Life's too short.

I've shot one more elk with the 7mm RM than the .300 WM (3 vs 2). Both rounds did the trick with no fuss. I've never owned nor used a .300 WSM.

The OP wants to build a dedicated elk rifle, so I'm assuming he owns a lighter gun for whitetails and smaller game. I'm also assuming that he doesn't own a heavy rifle like a .338 WM or .375 H&H. So, I recommend he get a rifle chambered in .300 WM, which would be darn-near perfect for elk, and it would also give him a little more upside should he choose one day to pursue a moose or big bear. FWIW, I'm toting a .300 Winny with 200 gr Partitions for a coastal grizzly on the Seward Peninsula later this month ( and I'm a big fan of the .338 and 250 bullets for Alaskan bears).

It is true that guides dislike muzzle brakes. I don't care for them either. I always use a sissy pad like the PAST pad when at the bench or practicing. And when making the shot in the field, I never notice recoil because I'm caught up in the excitement of the moment.

But the OP has written that he will opt for a brake, so I suppose his mind is firmly made up. And unless the OP is hunting alone, a 15% tip to his guide will easily square things up with him and his ringing ears. A compromise would be a MagnaPort system. The MP reduces recoil somewhat and is very effective in mitigating muzzle jump, which is a significant factor in perceived recoil. And unlike a typical brake, the MP won't blow up a dust storm should the shooter choose a prone shot. And the MP is quieter than the average brake, at least to my ears.

I would use my .270 and never look back. It's all about shot placement and confidence.

300 Win Mag
7 Rem Mag

In that order.

I'll go to Montana in November and I'll take my .338 WM (with brake) and my 30.06 as my back up rifle. .338 will have Barnes 225 gr TSX-FB and the 30.06 will have Barnes 180 gr TSX BT. I'm sure my .270 would be sufficient, it just didn't make the cut this year.
Any of the choices on your list will be fine. Just put em in a hat and draw the winner.

300 win mag followed closely with 7mm mag.

Guides cover their ears as the client starts to shoot. It would only be a problem hunting dangerous game, where they have to keep their gun at the ready.

For a dedicated elk rifle, why not go with a braked .338 Win. Mag? I'd opt for the regular weight Tikka T3 over the Lite, though.

Tikka T3 Hunter Stainless

Guide should have both hands on a pair of binoculars and helping look for impact to know how to proceed. Behind a spotter they can cover ears though.

What kind of COAL does the tikka mag afford? That would help make my decision.

No where near touching rifling. My notes are not with me or I could tell you how much of a jump it is to rifling on the particular 300 Win Mag my friend has.

I don't jam, but I like to be close to the rifling. Sounds like the 7mag or wsm, in a long magazine, may make more sense.

It all depends on tikka's throating.

Carbon Express

As i keep snooping on here but don't get into discussions this is one topic I have been around allot here in British Columbia. Which round would you pick? the one you can shoot the best. If your not recoil shy I really do love my 338 wm loaded up with 250gr nosler partitions. I've shot elk at 20 yards and shot my last bull at 580. Elk are tough but shot placement is everything.

That's a good point, and another reason I'm no fan of brakes. But if the OP is going to have one, he might as well use it and get the .338 WM.

I will say I love 338s they do big work! Aside to this the 300 win mag is a good option, and at sub 8lbs a brake is a Necessity. I have met very few that could take 60 foot pounds of recoil and not develop a flinch. I have a 338 ultra, and a 340 WBY....they kick!!! I also have a 500 Asquare, 505 rimless mag, 404 rimless, and owned 3 different 577 doubles...they all are more pleasant to shoot than my light weight 340. Any of the option you put up with wack an elk , no problem. I would get a load one likes with a good 165 + grain bullet, and practice shooting....and I mean a bunch!!! That will pay off, and the guide will not same a damn thing about your brake if you can shoot out to 300 with ease...have fun on your elk hunt

Why? 300WM is more Than enough. Why get the 338?

X2

Any of the 3 choices the original poster suggested will do just fine. The bullet or projectile used is a much more important choice.

Well, the .270 is enough, too, but more won't hurt, and it might help. My thinking is that with the brake he might as well go with more gun to take full advantage of it.

Then why not a 338 RUM?

Because the Tikka doesn't come in the RUM, but it does come in .338 WM.

There's nothing wrong with the 300 WM a lot depends on what other caliber rifles the OP has. I have a 30-06, it lauches a 165 at 2900 fps, the 300 will launch a 180 at 2960. While both are a step up, a 338 WM will launch a 225 at 2960, a really big step up in performance. The question is is the increase in performance enough to justify a new rifle and caliber? I personally would go with the 338 in a heavier weight rifle or get by with my 30-06 YMMV.