Need advice! Elk gun
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location:
Posts: 5
Need advice! Elk gun
I am headed out to Mescalero Apache Reservation to Elk hunt this September. I only havea .270 rifle to hunt with. They usually call the Elk in close at Mescalero. I really do not want to have to purchase a new gun just for this trip. I will also have an opportunity to shoot a bear. Question: Would the .270 be ample to hunt with on this trip?
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 612
RE: Need advice! Elk gun
As is usually the case, the .270 will do the job, with the right load, at the right range, with good shot placement. If you want something with a bit more umph to it, get a bigger gun.I've never shot an elk with a .270, but have helped haul a few out and they seemed as dead as the others. The ones I've shot with the 30-30, .308, and .06 also seemed as dead as those killed with the .300 mags. No doubt the .338 will take a lot more killing energy to the animal. Just make sure you shoot well with whatever you take and make sure you are confident in--and not afraid of--shooting the thing.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Vermont
Posts: 77
RE: Need advice! Elk gun
Your going on a True Elk Dream hunt ! Top dollar hunt so spending extra $600-700 for for 300 or 338mag rifle isn't bad advice, only if you know you can shoot a magnum riflewell ? Where your hunting no one is going to steal your elk, if it runs away wounded and die's, your guide will find it no public land there. You can sell the rifle after the hunt, you shouldnever lose more the $100.00 if thegun is bought right. Example sayyou hunt withWin model 70 now, pick up a another one in Magnum Cal, swap over the scope and mounts, go elk hunting shoot that 370 class bull or better. Come back home, swap back the scope and mounts to the 270win and sell the magnum rifle. ....If you like it,keep it.
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location:
Posts: 109
RE: Need advice! Elk gun
Plenty of elk have been killed with the 270, and more will be killed this year by hundreds of hunters, so you don't NEED a different rifle. However, you way WANT a different rifle, and considering the cost of the tag/hunt, I'd say a new/bigger rifle is small change. Have a great hunt!
#7
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,429
RE: Need advice! Elk gun
not to be curt, but if you can afford to hunt the mescalaro indian reservation you can afford a new rifle. I wouldn't go on that hunt with a 270 but thats just me. 300, or 338 win mag at a minimum.