« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Which Elk load....  (Read 745 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline mattparliament

  • Trade Count: (38)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 503
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« on: April 01, 2006, 01:59:36 PM »
I took a hike today in some nice elk country until it started raining and I got to thinking, what should I use this coming fall???  Let's say I'll do my part and accuracy isn't an issue, here's the loads:

270 with a 150 gr premium bullet at 3000 fps - synthetic handi scoped
45-70 with 300 grainer at ~2500  32" BC barrel synthetic Scoped
or order  35 Whelen barrel and get a 200 grainer going about 2800 fps synthetic and scoped

distance will be anywhere from 50 to 250 yards

or just pick one and put the bullet in the right place!
Logged
Life is tough, it's tougher if you're stupid.  ~John Wayne

Offline sbhooper

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 43
Which Elk load....
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2006, 02:47:18 PM »
The Whelen wins the contest.  It will step on them pretty heavy no matter what the range.  Haul the .270 as a backup as they have killed tons of elk.
Logged

Offline mt3030

  • Trade Count: (5)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 939
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2006, 02:48:01 PM »
Matt:

I am a 45-70 and 35 caliber fan. Of those three you mentioned, I'd vote for the 35 Whelen/200gr. Myself, if I make it after elk this fall, I'll be carrying a 358 Winchester with Hornady 200 grainers.

Like you stated, put the right bullet in the right place.

Wally
Logged
Great Falls, Montana
_________________
NRA Life Member
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ducks Unlimited

Deceased 6/2/2007

Offline Haywire Haywood

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1230
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2006, 02:52:57 PM »
If I were to use the 45-70 I'd opt for a heavier bullet.  I like more penetrating power than those 300s would offer.  JMO..

Ian
Logged
Kids that Hunt, Fish and Trap
Dont Steal, Deal, and Murder


usually...

Offline Mac11700

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (34)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6875
Which Elk load....
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2006, 07:48:15 PM »
I would go for the 270 and use a 150 grain Partition..or a 140 grain fail safe..Your talking 250 yards and under..I think either one of them should do the job....or order a 280 barrel instead of the short Whelen..and kick it up a notch with handloads..

Mac
Logged
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline DakotaElkSlayer

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 898
Which Elk load....
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2006, 01:48:17 PM »
Not a real choice...  Although the .270 and .45-70 will work for elk, the .35 Whelen is a real elk cartridge.

Jim
Logged
He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.

- Albert Einstein

Offline mitchell

  • Trade Count: (8)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2067
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2006, 06:32:42 AM »
a hot loaded 45-70 will still shoot flat at 250 yards, but what happens when that bull of a life time comes out at 350 yards???? get a 270 or 280 (i'ld go with 280) and load it hot with a bonded bullet.
Logged
curiosity killed the cat , but i was lead suspect for a while

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #7 on: April 03, 2006, 06:38:14 AM »
Quote from: mitchell
, but what happens when that bull of a life time comes out at 350 yards????


Get closer!! :grin:
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline mitchell

  • Trade Count: (8)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2067
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #8 on: April 03, 2006, 06:48:34 AM »
wimp


its makes the story better when you put long range into it too.
Logged
curiosity killed the cat , but i was lead suspect for a while

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2006, 07:03:59 AM »
Using hunting skills instead of shooting skills puts the hunt into hunting! :wink: If you wanta be a sniper, you need a lot more than just shooting skills, same goes for hunting!!!
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline mitchell

  • Trade Count: (8)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2067
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2006, 07:06:46 AM »
fun sucker :P
Logged
curiosity killed the cat , but i was lead suspect for a while

Offline Sourdough

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8150
  • Gender: Male
Which Elk load....
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2006, 07:25:53 AM »
Personally, I'd opt for the .35 Whelen.  A trophy Elk is a big animal, takes a lot to put him down.  If not the .35 I'd take the 270, ranges can sometimes be far.  And sometimes there is no way to stalk closer.  Better to drop him with a well placed long shot than to come away with nothing but a memory.
Logged
Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.

Offline Couger

  • Trade Count: (77)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1652
rare 350-yd shot?
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2006, 07:57:30 AM »
It easy to say "get closer" when you aren't there.  Tain't always possible!

My average big game shots have been 150-250 yards (mostly in Utah's mountain canyons), altho a couple have been out out to 400 yards (one particular pronghorn immediately comes to mind).  Sometimes it can't be helped!

If you're up to the task, your Whelen or a 150 grain .270 behind the shoulder will put 'em down.

I've taken 4 elk - two with the .270 Win, two with the .338 Win shooting 225-grn Partitions.  Nosler makes several great bullets for the .35 Whelen - if you're a reloader.
Logged

Offline aulrich

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 678
Which Elk load....
« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2006, 10:00:08 AM »
I think all three would work and work reasonably well, but my choise would be the 35 Whelen (not too much different than my 338 wm. Though the choise for the 35  seems to be light for caliber and might be constucted more as a deer bullet, unless it was something like a tsx.  With a 250 grainer @ 2400-2500 you should still be able to get 250 yards but you would be hitting with a stouter bullet.
Logged
The second mouse gets the cheese

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Elk load....
« Reply #14 on: April 03, 2006, 10:43:33 AM »
Quote from: mattparliament
I took a hike today in some nice elk country until it started raining and I got to thinking, what should I use this coming fall???  Let's say I'll do my part and accuracy isn't an issue, here's the loads:

270 with a 150 gr premium bullet at 3000 fps - synthetic handi scoped
45-70 with 300 grainer at ~2500  32" BC barrel synthetic Scoped
or order  35 Whelen barrel and get a 200 grainer going about 2800 fps synthetic and scoped

distance will be anywhere from 50 to 250 yards

or just pick one and put the bullet in the right place!


Matt,

Any of those will do fine, I've been huntin elk since I was 12 or so and I've killed em all with an '.06 or a .308, dunno how many total, but 14 since 1989 that I can recollect, all have been 250yds or less with most of em tween 100 and 150yds, a fella can pick his type of hunting environment to take advantage of his weapon of choice. I've hunted deer several years with a .50 cal flintlock and patched round balls during the modern rifle season just to add a little hunt to my hunting, knowing full well that I wouldn't be hunting any clear cuts or open areas by choice, anyone can kill at long range with some shooting practice, but choosing a weapon with limited range can make for higher quality hunt that adds some fine memories.  Just hunt those areas where shot opportunity is equal to your weapon. Even the 35 Whelen isn't considered a long range elk gun, for your 250yd limit, just pick the one you enjoy hunting with and can shoot good and hunt those areas that fit. :wink:

Tim
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline safetysheriff

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1439
Which Elk load....
« Reply #15 on: April 03, 2006, 11:49:01 AM »
.270 winchester with a proper bullet that is accurate out of YOUR rifle.

i'd go with a 130 gr' Hornady spire point, or a 140 gr' Hornady btsp, or a 150 gr' Hornady ---- as long as the rifle is very accurate with any of them.

Hornady sponsors this site in some degree --- and they make an excellent hunting bullet.

but that's just my opinion.

good hunting to you,

ss'
Logged
Yet a little while and the wicked man shall be no more.   Though you mark his place he will not be there.   Ps. 37.

Offline RemingtonMagnum

  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 487
Best Rifle for me
« Reply #16 on: April 03, 2006, 12:34:13 PM »
Get a 30-06 and it will never let you down. In fourty years mine has held strong and true.

Don Jackson Remington Magnum/Ultramag
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »