I am headed out to Mescalero Apache Reservation to Elk hunt this September. I only havea .270 rifle to hunt with. They usually call the Elk in close at Mescalero. I really do not want to have to purchase a new gun just for this trip. I will also have an opportunity to shoot a bear. Question: Would the .270 be ample to hunt with on this trip?
The permit alone for an elk hunt at that reservation is $8500. If I were you I would try to "scrape up" the money for a .338. I'm not being sarcastic, just jealous.
As is usually the case, the .270 will do the job, with the right load, at the right range, with good shot placement. If you want something with a bit more umph to it, get a bigger gun.I've never shot an elk with a .270, but have helped haul a few out and they seemed as dead as the others. The ones I've shot with the 30-30, .308, and .06 also seemed as dead as those killed with the .300 mags. No doubt the .338 will take a lot more killing energy to the animal. Just make sure you shoot well with whatever you take and make sure you are confident in--and not afraid of--shooting the thing.
Your going on a True Elk Dream hunt ! Top dollar hunt so spending extra $600-700 for for 300 or 338mag rifle isn't bad advice, only if you know you can shoot a magnum riflewell ? Where your hunting no one is going to steal your elk, if it runs away wounded and die's, your guide will find it no public land there. You can sell the rifle after the hunt, you shouldnever lose more the $100.00 if thegun is bought right. Example sayyou hunt withWin model 70 now, pick up a another one in Magnum Cal, swap over the scope and mounts, go elk hunting shoot that 370 class bull or better. Come back home, swap back the scope and mounts to the 270win and sell the magnum rifle. ....If you like it,keep it.
Plenty of elk have been killed with the 270, and more will be killed this year by hundreds of hunters, so you don't NEED a different rifle. However, you way WANT a different rifle, and considering the cost of the tag/hunt, I'd say a new/bigger rifle is small change. Have a great hunt!
not to be curt, but if you can afford to hunt the mescalaro indian reservation you can afford a new rifle. I wouldn't go on that hunt with a 270 but thats just me. 300, or 338 win mag at a minimum.
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"Well, If'n I had me a horse pistol like that.... I wouldn't be afraid of no bogger man." Rooster Cogburn
As per above, get a bigger caliber and worst case, sell it when you get home. Beauty of guns, they don't lose their value much, especially just aftera few weeks!
If you are spending that much on a hunt.. then i think you should be able to treat your self to a new gun if i were you, i would get a .300 win mag congrats.
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(='.'=) <------------------ Bunnny!!!
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"If you ever go into the bush, there are grizzly bears lurking behind just about every bush, waiting to pounce, so you need a powerful gun with huge bullets" - Gatehouse ~ 2004
Need advice! Elk gun
