cherokee_outfitters

If you shoot a 270win then do yourself a favor and use that rifle on your hunt. I see alot of people saying run out and buy a 338mag and use it. For one your not used to the recoil and very unfamiliar with the tragectory's until you shoot it enough to know the rifle. Buying a rifle to go on a special huntmay actually to cause you more harm than good. (Trust me I've seen it a hundred times over). And don't let them fool you there isn't a elk on this continent that won't fall to a 270win. Make the shot.

CTOGuide

I agree with Cherokee, take the 270 and make the shot count. Spend your time and money and get in at least 100 to 200 rounds of ammo fired in the rifle in as many positions as you can. Practice offhand, at a bench, kneeling or on a rest. I would get a set of shooting sticks and practice with those.

If you are not a hand reloader then I would look up Federal Ammunitions Barnes Triple Shock in 150 grain for the 270 and shoot those.

If I spent that kind of money for a tag, I would let them know you are looking for nothing less then a 400 class bull and hold out every day until you see one. Just for the record they have several!!!! As well I would really start thinking about interviewing a couple of great taxidermists and look for artistic types that win awards for what they do and spend your money on that.

GOOD LUCK, every person on this board is more then jealous!

TomFromTheShade

I would get your .270 out and grab a box of failsafes and a box of barnes-x and head to the range to which shoots better. Elk are big critters and your little bullet is going to have a hard time finding the boiler room if you have to pass through a lot of bone etc. I would just practice with a premium bullet like one of those and enjoy your hunt. Elk are tough, not bullet proof.

Bear Wallow

Don't listen to all the city slickers, who've been on a couple of elk hunts. Practice shooting in hunting positions with the 270 and you'll have a bull. Also listen to your guide.

I liveclose by the Mescalero, you'll see some beautifulbulls and country.

NVMIKE

If you go on this hunt w/ a 270 your a fool. period. It is obvious that you dont have full confidence in the caliber, and w/ good reason. The 270 IS light for elk, look at some of the posts on the subject. the jist of them will be that the 270 will kill elk, but its less than ideal. W/ the money you've put out just go buy the same model as your 270 in a 300mag or up. You can and I would recommend going through a reloading manual and finding a caliber/load combo that comes close to matching the trajectory of your 270 that you already know. For example, I use loads in my 6mm and 300win mag that have similar trajectories so that I dont have to worry about how much drop this one has or that one has, they'renearly the same. For example, i looked up real quickly and it looks like a 180gr @3000ft/sec out of a 300win will shoot almost the same but slightly flatterthan the 130gr @3000ft/sec out of the 270. w/ a 100yd zero -the 300 will shoot .1" higherat200yds -and only .7" higher at 300yds. .7inches difference at 300yds isnt much. As far as loosing an elk, my experienve has been that very few elk are claimed by other hunters, but rather most that are lost are hit and run offnever to be found period. With the chance of a lifetime on the line, get a caliber better suited to the game. Best of luck, if you should have to cancel by the way I would be more than happy to go in your place

OakmanMS

I agree with Wyomingtrapper; while I have never shot an elk with a 270, I have hauled out many that were just as dead as the ones I shot with my 30-378. You simply have to consider the limitations of the round on elk-sized game and bevery aware of shot placement and distance (any ethical hunter with any weapon should take these factors into consideration before touching a trigger or release). You also mentioned that you have the opportunity to take a bear. Again, if you know the limitations of your 270 with bear, it can be an adequate round.

Now, with that being said...in my opinion,if I had time to get comfortable and proficient with a new weapon before thehunt, I would certainly consider somethinga bit larger, possibly the .300WSM or the .325 WSM.I would recommend that you find something that has as much the same size, weight, and overallfeel as your 270.With a good recoil pad, like the pachmayr decelerator, the recoil shouldn't be significantly stronger. Just realize that it is your choice, your comfort zone, and your $14K. Have a greathunt and post pics when you get back.

apmaurosr

I'd go with a bigger caliber with all that's riding on your hunt. Sure a perfect shot placement would bring the elk down (along with proper bullet, distance, etc..) but will you be guaranteed perfect conditions to make the perfect shot? How well do you know your rifle? How composed are you when making a shot? How composed are you when you have to make a shot in an instant? Uphill? Downhill? Your bullet drop? All these variables and more could very well be factors as you prepare to shoot.

The difference could be a 30 caliber bullet breaking the shoulder bone and dropping the animal with less than a perfect shot - or the .270 sliding off of the bone and an injured elk moving on. Only you know the answers to these questions.

My vote is with most of the other posts - get a larger caliber.

Ant

Sniper151

You're fine with the 270 for elk. As with any caliber shot placement is the number one priority.

heeze gutshot shortee

For the money youre spending whats a few dollars more?? to insure a clean 1 shot kill with no mileage spent tracking in rough terrain disturbing the spirits of earths people. I hope youve talked this over with your loved ones.... I know for fact my wifey would give me a BIG HELL NO!! AUSTIN3:16

Dont forget to stop at the casino and hey could you pick me up some marlboro lights Only in America and Only at the CASINO

stubblejumper

If you have that much cash riding on the hunt a new rifle in a more powerful chambering, might be a good investment.