From: Killed Elk With Which Cartridges
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1536904&mpage=1&key=poll?
By BrushChimp:
Killed 3 elk with .243 and 1 with a .30-06. I'd have to say my favorite cartridge that I have shot an elk with would be the .30-06. The .243 is just too small. For clean effective kill EVERYtime.
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Also the poll results from "Poll Elk Cartridges Preferences" at
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1536904&mpage=1&key=poll?
What is your current favorite elk cartridge
that you personally have actually used to take elk?
You post, I'll run the tally:
1 - 7mm-08
8 - 270 Winchester
12 - 30-06 Springfield
1 - 270 Winchester Short Magnum
11- 7mm Remington Magnum
1 - 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum
5- 300 Winchester Short Magnum
12- 300 Winchester Magnum
1 - 300 Weatherby Magnum
4 - 300 Remington Ultra Magnum
2 - 30-378 WeatherbyMagnum
7 -338 Winchester Magnum
4- 338 Remington Ultra Magnum
1 - 340 Weatherby Magnum
1 - 350 Remington Magnum
1 - 358 Norma Magnum
2 - 375 Holland & Holland Magnum
1 - 416 Remington Magnum
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75
[Stick Flippers: 4]
[Smoke Poles:2]
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If money is that scarce then an elk hunt is going to be a stretch....
IMHO, 30-06'sARE as common as leaves on trees so borrow one, sharpen up, get after them, and leave the 243 at home.
If no upgradeto your firearm can be arranged, then CDOW will glady refund your license fee via internet prior to the first day of the season; for the sake of these majestic game animals, please ask for the refund rather than take a pop gun.