I agree if you are going to buy a special gun for elk why stop at a 200 yard gun. Lots of great calibers out there for elk with easy to find factory ammo.

DeerandbearhoG makes a very valid point regarding cartridge availability. For years I elk hunted with my 280. After a "bad day" at the zero check range in Colorado, I found myself needing/wanting cartridges. NONE anywhere. As it turned out, I didn't "need" any and killed a bull the next day.

I now hunt with a 30-06 and the 280 goes along as "spare". The point is, ALL stores stock 30-06, 270, and 7mm Rem Mag.

Yep, I agree get a 30/06 for elk. It's what I've been using for years, worls great with 180 grain factory loads. But I understand the "itch" to get a lever gun. I got myself a 444 Marlin----great for black bears & whitetails. It's fun to shoot. I doubt if I'll use it on elk-----I like the fact I can go out to 300 yards if needed. Out of the 2 dozen or so elk I killed, it's @ 125 yards. Several at 25 yards, several @ 225 yards---but the majority were between 100 to 150 yards. CB

maybe I'll hae to do a lil research for my own curiosity...

but how's a .338marlin compare to a .338win mag? the latter which would be more commonly available...and still shoot 200-250gr bullets well. and in a bunch of rifles probably, though not a lever if you're dying for one of those.

Hope this helps




http://www.chuckhawks.com/338_marlin_express.htm

Most of the elk I've killed have been in the 100 to 200 yards.
However, I've killed 1 elk at a measured 400 yards with a .300 Win Mag and 1 at a ranged 460 yards with a .338 Win Mag.

I also agree with the idea of using a caliber that is readily available in any store.

200 yds. Good luck.

Thank you guys for all the advice! i'll check back in when i bring which ever i decide home.

In the area I hunt elk, they are moving off agricultural fields (private land) in the morning heading back into the mountains (BLM). There is no cover so 200 yards is consiered short range. If you get into the hills mid day, you're looking at 100 yards or so.