Really on the fence .270 or .300 for Elk

shooter1966 · 01-14-2009, 05:29 AM

Ok...I realize there is a considerable knock down differance...no argument there. BUT....here is the BUT...I own the .270 setup now (Encore) typically I dont hunt Elk (first time)...I hunt Deer and Coyote (live in the midwest). A .300 is a little overkill for those 2

...I know there are 2 different thoughts on this like asking what brand of golf driver...but in all reality would my .270 with a 150 or 160 grain get it done or am I asking for trouble?

I did offer up my .270 barrel for a trade or sale....because I have a feeling I know the anwser already...but Im looking for some REAL WORLD not theory on the subject.

Thanks Scott

Desert Sheep · 01-14-2009, 07:37 AM

I started out hunting deer and elk with a .270 because that's what my brothers and dad used.After having a bad experience with a quartering away shot on a cow elkat about 100 yards, I switched to the .300. That and I just wanted one.

Of course, now the disclaimer. A .270 shooting a good bullet, the right placement and a reasonable range will kill any elk on earth. If you can shoot the .270 well, I would say use that. Especially if you haven't shot a .300 before. The difference in recoil is not insignificant.

I currently shoot the .300 with hand loaded Nosler Partitions. My rifle likes the combination and if I do my job, it is very accurate.

habitat · 01-14-2009, 07:48 AM

I like the 7mag or the 300wsm and put a SVL pad and you won't notice the recoil,keep your 270 and buy another barrel thats what you got the encore for wasn't it

salukipv1 · 01-14-2009, 08:00 AM

get one of each.

If you already have a .270 and only plan to hunt elk occasionaly? if you plan to hunt elk a bunch I might get a .300 but if only 1 or 2 times...you may just keep your .270, since that'll be used alot more for deer.

finnbear · 01-14-2009, 09:13 AM

Here it is again!!!! LOL!!!!!!! Folks seem to think U need a magnum for elk....what a crock!!!!!!! shooter1966, the .270 has killed 10's of thoushands of elk and quite handily at that!!! folks on here keep up with the words bullet placement and range!!! well I would hope that, that would go with out saying!!LOL!!!! BUT I know that there are some out there that DO rely on the extra little ummpf that they get from the magnum,s to make up for their short comings as shooters!!! bigger is not allways better!!! keep U're .270 and go kill an elk!!!!!

beech18 · 01-14-2009, 09:40 AM

Desert Sheep is 100% correct in my view. 270 is just fine as noted that round has many kills under its belt. However, find yourself in a sinerio quarting away shot just as Desert Sheep can verify too. You may want the extrapunch so you dont have to 2nd guess if you should pass the shot or take the shot.

Champlain Islander · 01-14-2009, 10:37 AM

I will chime in and echo the other posts. .270 is fine for elk providing a good quality primium bullet is used and shot placement is OK. I am using an 06 and have gone2 for 2 with 1 shot kills. Having a mag caliber is great but since you rarely hunt elk use the tool that you are good with...the old trusty .270.

npaden · 01-14-2009, 11:46 AM

Bullet choice is almost as important as cailber choice on elk. Even if you end up with a .300 don't overlook the bullet choice.

RaghornHS · 01-14-2009, 02:19 PM

I shoot a 300 WSM but a .270 is more than capable of killing Elk.

Scott Gags · 01-14-2009, 05:04 PM

The 270 is a solid performer up to 350 yards with the right bullet. A 270 firing a 160 grain NP will penetrate every bit as well as a 180 grain NP from a 300 WM. Its wound cavity will be narrower than the 300 but that also keeps meat damage down on some shots. Penetration is a function velocity, frontal area, and retained weight for the most part not Kinetic Energy. In fact increased velocity often reduces penetration in many expanding bullets.Going with aslower heavier round with good weight retention and modest expansion will give reliable kills with the 270.