James B

30-06. Still a great lower 48 BG cartridge.

375LVR

Quick story that kind of sums it all up. 4 of us went to Utah last January on a quick cow elk hunt. The airline managed to lose 2 gun cases that contained a Kimber 8400 7mm-08, Browning A bolt SS stalker375 H&H, Tikka T3 300WSM and a Weatherby Mark V 7mm Rem mag.We called the guide and he said no problem, he could scrounge up some rifles. When we met him, he handed us each a rifle in guess what chamber??? wait for it !!! 30-06.4Elk later. Does that count for 4 votes ???

homers brother

Yah, it's kind of disconcerting being relegated to the "populist" crowd.

What have I shot elk with? Hmmmm....

.243 Win(x2 - okay, but I can't in any conscience recommend it for the average populist)
.375 H&H (x1)

ButI guess the hands-down winner is:

.30-06 (x5)

drs1961

300 Win. Mag, everything you've always wanted in a cartridge and more.

EKM

Favorite "populist" elk rifle:

1 - Assorted BS Weapons, Military multi-ton equipment, etc.
2 - 270 Win
1 - 7mmWSM
3 - 7mmRemMag
1 - 308 Win
6 - 30-06
5 - 300WinMag
1 - 300 RUM
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20

shdwlkr

I haven't gone elk hunting yet because I have a set of bad legs that won't let me go places I want and it just costs to much to hire a guide. But if I could I would take either my 270 vanguard with 140 or 160 grain bullet, 30-06 165 or 180 grain bullet, 375 winchester on my 26 inch barrel and 280 grain bullet or my 45-70 with 340 or 450 grain bullet. I have no need for horns so would hunt cow elk as every knows they fall dead easier then the bulls do. I don't shoot much past 200 yards anymore so I have a large choice in firearms. I had a magnum many years ago in 264 and never found anything that didn't fall dead if I did my part. I can't shoot the larger magnums as I am long waisted and they turn me when fired so I went back to the standards and have no problem. I have seen 98 pound women fire the 460 weatherby and do great with them but me I would need a barn door in order to hit the darn thing. OH before someone says I haven't hunted much I have had firearms around for 48 years and I am still learning as we age things jus plain change in what we can and can't do. I might also take my 54 caliber black powder with me.
I am also a newbie here and looking to learn more about elk hunting

A11en

I can't believe no one has said the .300WSM so I'll be the first

.300 WSM! For all the reasons one would choose the .300 Win Mag just in a short action with equal ballistics and slightly less recoil.

CAelknuts

When I elk hunt with a rifle, I only carry my .338 win mag these days. In the past I've shot elk with a 7mm mag, .30-06, .300 win mag, all good choices, but I use a .338wm for about 90% of my rifle shooting these days, and only use that for elk.

Actually, I prefer to carry a bow when elk hunting anymore. Just returned from twelve great days of elk bowhunting in Monroe, Utah.

Colorado Luckydog

I've only killed elk with a 30.06 and a 300RUM. This year I will be carrying the 300 RUM for sure, but I plan on mixing t up. IfI don't get my elk opening morning, I'm gonna try my 375 H&H the next day. I'm also gonna try my 12 ga slug gun, and my 44 mag, in the dark timber after it gets hot.

The rut is not in full swing as of yet. The longer it waits to start, the better thay come to the call in first rifle season! Come on October!

Kopfjaeger

300wsm Sako with a Leupold 3.5X10 mark 4 scope and a 180gr Accubond!