Author Topic: What is a good rifle caliber for elk? (Read 4435 times)

270hunter · « **on:** April 04, 2005, 01:10:07 PM »

What is your favorite rifle for elk hunting?And performs the best and does the job.

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2005, 03:57:45 PM »

270hunter,

My all time favorite Elk rifle is my old friend that has been with me for over 40 years - a Weatherby Mark V .300 Weatherby Magnum. I have taken more Elk(20+ and counting) with this rifle/cartridge than any other I own. But for the bare minimum, I wouldnt use anything smaller than a .270 Win. loaded with good, premium 150 gr. bullets. The .30-06 would be even better choice in my opinion. Lawdog

while99 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2005, 04:09:48 PM »

I haven't killed as many elk as Lawdog but I have shot 4 bulls and 1 cow with a pre-64 Model 70 Winchester chambered for the .338 Winchester magnum. I only use Nosler partition bullets for elk hunting. I mostly use the 250 grain or the Partition Gold variation thereof. The thing I like about this combination is that I've never wounded and lost and elk with it.

270hunter · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2005, 04:19:20 PM »

Yea....I'm not Taking my .270 this hunting trip. I'm taking a remington model 7600 30-06 i just bought. I think that will do the job. What do you think. This will be the first time I've ever went elk hunting.

Frankie

Don Fischer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2005, 04:49:58 PM »

I shot my last elk with a 6.5-06 using a 140 gr Hornady. I've also used the 7x57 w/154 gr Hornady, 7mmRem mag w? 160 gr Speer hot core and a 308 win w/ 180 gr Hornady. Have had 2 338 win mags and I'm sure they work but never used them on anything larger than deer. the 30-06 will work fine if you use a good 180 gr bullet. It's more about bullet's than bore dia or case size.

while99 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2005, 06:28:06 PM »

If I were to use a .30/06 for elk hunting, I'd load 200 grain Nosler Partitions in it.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2005, 06:28:44 PM »

300 Win Mag and 165 gr. Barnes X bullets. :-)

gwindrider1 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2005, 11:40:06 AM »

.270 and larger seems to be the concesus around here, but use a bullet that won't blow up!

1911crazy · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2005, 11:48:45 AM »

I wanted something larger than the 30-06 to hunt out west someday and I chose the 338win.mag mainly because of its 4,000ft.lbs at the muzzle and it still has the muzzle energy of a 30-06 at 200yds. Its definitely more boom but its got the power in the distance too. Thats why i chose it. The specs are very close to the 300win.mag. but the 338win.mag. has a higher weight bullet. You just can't argue with the 250grs. @ 4k of energy the blackbears don't like it either. Ya it maybe big but i never had to look for a wounded bear yet for some reason they just drop where i poke'm. BigBill

I'm not built for speed nor running, i never ran from anything in my life.

Spyro Andes · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2005, 02:36:34 PM »

Quote from: 270hunter

What is your favorite rifle for elk hunting?And performs the best and does the job.

The 340 Weatherby is tough to beat.

Any of the 300 Mags do darn good as well.

My favorite right now is a 358 Norma Mag. It shoots 250 grainers at just over 2800 fps.

freddogs · « **Reply #10 on:** April 11, 2005, 01:47:18 PM »

I've used the 30.06 and it worked fine, but I think my 35 Whelan would work well on elk if I get the chance to shoot one with it.

crow_feather · « **Reply #11 on:** April 16, 2005, 09:24:33 AM »

270hunter,
Be advised that you need to sight in with at least one bullet in the magazine when you shoot. You also need to remember that the last shot will not hit where the other bullets strike. Just a quirk of the rifle.

C F

SAWgunner · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2005, 05:39:18 AM »

7mm Rem. Mag. with Barnes X Bullet.

aulrich · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2005, 02:00:19 AM »

I agree with the others that the 30-06 should work just fine, just us a good bullet.

But really the end all be all elk rifle is 338win mag (i don't know why people even bother leaving elk camp without one :-D ), any partition, my pref 225 but there's nothing wrong with the 210 or 250. The 225 accubond would be a good option as well. Actually I am not sure if there is a really bad 338 bullet for elk, short of maybe any 200 gr standard construction or the Noslor BT's and that's, just may be.

JD338 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2005, 06:51:39 PM »

338 RUM with a Nosler 210 gr PT is a hammer for Elk. 3200 fps shoots flat and hits hard both near and far.
I've only been elk hunting once but I did take a 5 pt bull with 1 shot at 350 yds in CO.

I shot 20-25 rounds every week over the summer and early fall at 200 and 300 yds prior to my hunt.

Regards,

JD338

147 Grain · « **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2005, 06:57:54 AM »

* Remington 700 SPS Synthetic in 30-06 shooting 180-gr. Federal High Energy Partitions at 2,890 fps MV. Comes with 24" barrel and Limbsaver Pad.

* Remington 7400 Autoloader in 30-06 shooting 180-gr. Winchester Supreme AccuBonds at 2,750 fps MV - or - standard 180-gr. Federal Premium Partitions at 2,700 fps MV.

RYE_TYLER · « **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2005, 09:39:48 PM »

Its all about shot placement. I'd take the .270.....RYE

TexasNimrod · « **Reply #17 on:** August 08, 2005, 01:44:44 AM »

Quote from: JD338

338 RUM with a Nosler 210 gr PT is a hammer for Elk. 3200 fps shoots flat and hits hard both near and far.

Doesn't a 338 RUM hit hard at both ends? :eek:

idahoelk101 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 12, 2005, 10:48:53 AM »

everybody is ignoring the BEST elk caliber 375 H&H, plenty of bullet weight and not super velocity so it doesnt wreck the meat. Best of all you can use the "cheap" Hornady 300 grn boat tails and worst case senerio it splits in two (150 grn per) not a bad deal. Recoil is way easier than the win/rem mag line and if you cant get within 300 yards it isnt hunting its snipeing (and you said you wanted a hunting rifle)

crow_feather · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2005, 08:34:51 AM »

The 416 uses 300 gr bullets and you can load them down to 375 ballistics. If you need more power for emergemcies, drop in a 400 grain Nosler and drop a charging water buffalo. You see them every once in a while in those high elk ranges.

Jimi · « **Reply #20 on:** August 18, 2005, 08:28:36 AM »

Following up on Idahoelk's comments regarding the .375 H&H... If someone wants to go past the .30/'06 and .300 magnums I honestly have no rational understanding why someone would stop at the .338 instead of the .375. "The .338 shoots flatter," they'll tell you... but if you load 235gr bullets you will see otherwise. I haven't loaded a 210 grain bullet but I have to believe it would get you out even farther. I've taken a pronghorn at 500 yards with the 235 grain... and of course it was more firepower for such a small animal, but it was pretty cool to be able to reach out there. And of course I have used this rifle on several occasions in Africa where the .338 would not have been allowed.

The .375 H&H is a helluva elk killer.

james · « **Reply #21 on:** August 24, 2005, 09:40:44 AM »

In the past 15 years, the dozen elk I have taken all fell to a 50 cal. TC Hawken. I am going to Montana this year, which doesn't have a muzzle loader season so I'm taking the biggest centerfire I have. It is a 30-06 and compared to the smoke pole, I have all kinds of energy and range. I will be deer hunting at the same time so I probably wouldn't take a larger caliber if I had it. I prefer to use a .270, 6.5 x 55, or 7mm08 for deer. It's the hunter, and not the gun that bags the game.
james

Lee · « **Reply #22 on:** August 24, 2005, 02:34:46 PM »

james

I found your comments interesting. If you would care to elaborate on your
hunts with the 50 cal Hawkin I would like to know how the elk react to that, how far they go after the shot, what ranges you have taken shots from ect. What loads you use, also, thanks.

I like my 308 blr and would use that on elk if I was hunting them.

james · « **Reply #23 on:** August 25, 2005, 02:19:08 AM »

Lee, I hunt in black timber and aspens at about 10,000 ft. so most shots are relatively close. The longest I can remember was 75 to 80 yards. The norm is 40 yards. The best shot is broadside thru the lungs. Often the 385 gr Hornady would be just under the skin on the opposite side. Most ran less than 50 yards. I had a couple of neck shots when the animal was lying down and they never got up. I shot one 5x5 peeking over a log between the eyes at about 30 yards. He didn't get up either. Once I was backed up to a spruce tree waiting out a rain storm and I noticed a cow standing facing me at about 40 yards.. Since she had me spied I knew the alternative was going to be a running shot. I guess I was a little over confident in my gun and ability to take the shot. The bottom line is she went down at the shot but bounced up and was gone. There was only a few drops of blood and I tracked her about a half mile by the tracks before I lost them when she got mixed in with other elk. I have conclude if you make a lung shot, you have the animal and if you don't you run the risk of losing it.
Good Huntin
james

Bear Wallow · « **Reply #24 on:** September 06, 2005, 06:08:11 AM »

7mm Remington Magnum, and 270 Winchester

ThomasB · « **Reply #25 on:** October 05, 2005, 02:43:34 PM »

I use a .270 with Rem. 150gr Core-Lokt bullets. I feel comfortable shooting this rifle and bullet placement is the key. I've read about people using a .243 for deer and elk and never loosing them. I guess its whatever you are comfortable shooting, not flinching from "expected recoil" and can put the round where it does the most good.
Here in Washington State alot of hunters use the 30-06 or .300winmag.,
(my son shoots the .300winmag - but too much recoil for me so its his rifle now) or the .270.

xraze · « **Reply #26 on:** October 11, 2005, 07:08:16 AM »

I have been using 165's in a 300 winny for a few seasons and like them. Initially, used grand slams and or interlocks with reasonable accuracy off the bench. Last year went to the Interbond; huge improvement in the accuracy department :eek: Grand slams have accounted for 2 cows. Can't complain about bullet performance at all. Haven't scored with an Interbond yet; Maybe this weekend :-). I load 150 grain TBBC's in 7mm WSM for my partner. Last year he stoned a nice cow at about 250 yards. Neck shot. I was witness to the shot as we were standing side by side. He says he hit where he was aiming :shock: He's stickin' with TBBC's. Me, I'll probably hang with the Interbonds for awhile. :roll: I do however have some 180 grain Woodleigh's I need to "test on paper" Sorry to ramble and I hope all of you who go after 'em this fall stay safe and have a good hunt!

kudzu · « **Reply #27 on:** January 24, 2006, 09:11:10 AM »

My Choice for my first Elk hunt is a 300rum with 180 gr swift scirroco.
Also have a 7mmRUM, 270wsm. 30-06, 270, 300saum, and 308.
Will probally take the 270wsm as my backup gun loaded with the 140 gr Accubonds. These are very accurate in my gun. Any Comments on my choices.

Also my buddy will be carrying a reg 7 mag. Any bullet suggestions for him. thanksDM

kudzu · « **Reply #28 on:** January 24, 2006, 09:19:48 AM »

My Choice for my first Elk hunt is a 300rum with 180 gr swift scirroco.
Also have a 7mmRUM, 270wsm. 30-06, 270, 300saum, and 308.
Will probally take the 270wsm as my backup gun loaded with the 140 gr Accubonds. These are very accurate in my gun. Any Comments on my choices.

Also my buddy will be carrying a reg 7 mag. Any bullet suggestions for him. thanksDM

kudzu · « **Reply #29 on:** January 24, 2006, 09:22:46 AM »

My Choice for my first Elk hunt is a 300rum with 180 gr swift scirroco.
Also have a 7mmRUM, 270wsm. 30-06, 270, 300saum, and 308.
Will probally take the 270wsm as my backup gun loaded with the 140 gr Accubonds. These are very accurate in my gun. Any Comments on my choices.

Also my buddy will be carrying a reg 7 mag. Any bullet suggestions for him. thanksDM