ORIGINAL: HEAD0001
I joined this website to make friends, not enemies. However I do enjoy a spirited debate. I was recently injured, and now find myself in a physically handicapped position, but not a mentally handicapped position. And you are right about one thing I did have a hard time with physics in college, but I did end up with a B.
I find myself with Cascadedad, and I am not buying it either.
I have only shot 5 elk. 2 with ML, 1 with 45-70, 1 with 340 WM,and 1 with 30-06. All were shot at less than 150 yards, and none went 100 yards after shot.
I have discussed calibers with elk guides a couple of dozen times in my life time. You are the first guide that I have talked to who recommends a smaller caliber and bullet. I know quite a few elk hunters, and again you are the only one who says the smaller bullet is better. I have probably read 100 articles in my life about elk cartridges, again you are the first one who seems to think that smaller is adequate. I do agree with you that if a hunter can not handle a larger caliber or bullet that he should stay away from it, but what does that have to do with your charts.
I envy your position as a guide who gets to kill alot of elk, it must be a fun life. I am sure your "spring" comment was just a typo. I hope you get to shoot a monster, and do it for me, because my elk hunting days are probably over, but I can hope. Fortunately for me I have alot of good friends that will help me in my deer hunting endeavors. I am currently having a Kawasaki Mulemodified so that I can getback into the woods as soon as possible. Tom.
Sorry I do get a little fired up at times.
That wasn't a typo, I'm not a guide I'm an agent more like. And yes, it's a blast!
Don't mistake me: I'm not saying a smaller bullet is better but neither am I saying a bigger bullet it better. They will do damage just the same and as far as the "ballistic ideal" it's an accepted fact that the 7mm is closer to ideal.
Good luck to you. No matter what you want to do be it hunting or whatever you can find a way. I hope you get out there soon.