.270 for elk

Paradude54 · 01-10-2007, 09:18 AM

I'm considering building a .270 for elk and I'm wondering what your thoughts might be on this. I've never hunted elk before. I"ve always hunted in the east where whitetail deer are the game of choice, but now I'm moving to Colorado and the land that I bought has an abundance of elk on it.

So what are your thoughts on it and what bullet do you prefer? I am a handloader, so please take that in mind when you answer as I almost never use factory ammo. Also, how important is penetration on an elk? By that I mean are they a tough animal in this regard or not.

Thanks in advance,
Robert

deerslayer223 · 01-10-2007, 09:59 AM

worked great for me. Stick with a premium bullet in 150gr like the nosler partition,barnes triple shock,trophy bonded bear claw,fail safe,accubond. If i was going to build a rifle just for the soul pourpose of elk hunting though I may think about something just a shade larger. The 270 works well but elkcan be extremly tough.

Wolf killer · 01-10-2007, 10:38 AM

I recommend .30-caliber or larger.
My magnum choice for elk,either a 300 or 338-winchester magnum.
My non-magnum choicefor elk, either a30-06 or 338-06. Only because you handload. The 30-06 would be the smallest round I would use/recommend for elk.
IMHO the 338-06 would be a tough non-magnum choice to beat.

I live & hunt in Wyoming. I carry a 300-winchester magnum when I elk hunt. I have other rifles, 7mm.STW, 30-06, 270 & 25-06.
The reason I choose to carry a 300-win mag over my other rifles? Human error. Elk are tough critters & if/when I make a bad shot?I what agun/caliber I can depend on, to help me put that critter down.

seattlesetters · 01-10-2007, 10:51 AM

I've personally witnessedwell over a dozenelk being harvested. The single most devastating kill I've ever seen was on a 5pt bull at 275 yards...the damage being done by a .277 cal 150gr Nosler Partition.

The .270 Win is plenty for elk. Maybe not my choice for an "elk only" rifle, but plenty, all the same.

Howler · 01-10-2007, 04:11 PM

elk are a tough animal and you'll want all the penetration that the .270 can give. Use a high quality, well constructed bullet!
Although I shot a lot of elk with my .270, I also concur that if you're starting from scratch, building a rifle with a little more punch would be better, especially if you plan on hunting year after year!

hunter xpy · 01-10-2007, 05:33 PM

i have acually never been elk before i am only 12 but
i plan on buyin a 243 or 270 right now i use my grandpas 308 for
whitetail huntin

team: BIG GAME MASTERS

gotlost · 01-10-2007, 05:59 PM

I've taken 9 elk with thw 270 and it will do the job. but if your going to build a gun just for elk huntingthere are better choices.

madmax83192 · 01-10-2007, 06:42 PM

ya 270 works great for me i shoot 150gr

npaden · 01-12-2007, 08:43 AM

A Bow and Arrow will work for elk but it wouldn't be most people's first choice. If you are buying a rifle specifically for elk I would choose a different caliber.

BareBack Jack · 01-12-2007, 09:58 AM

The 270 will work and has worked,no bones about it.I have seen it fail and seen it succeed.Shot place dose matter alot on elk,they have a heavy boned front shoulder,strong legs and mass of muscle.There is no other animal in the lower 48 that has more will to survive when shot,or hit bad regardless of caliber.
If you were buying "A just elk rifle" I would lean to a heavy caliber.I have used maycalibers to take elk,includng the 270 win.
My go to rifle for elk anymore is a .300 Win mag,just cause it fits nice and carries well.My all time favorite is the .338 win Mag.When in a clutch situation,when the season is long and there is a full count and two outs my .300 RUM steps up.
BBJ