How far is an avg shot distance for elk?
08-03-2009 | 04:26 PM
#11
Dominant Buck
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,836
Likes: 10
From: On an Island in Paradise
08-03-2009 | 04:33 PM
#12
Spike
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Brookhaven, Ms.
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.
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.
08-03-2009 | 05:07 PM
#13
Typical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: durango Colorado USA
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
08-03-2009 | 05:16 PM
#14
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,574
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From: IL
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.
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.
08-03-2009 | 06:13 PM
#15
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,130
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From:
08-03-2009 | 06:35 PM
#16
Spike
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming
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.
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.
08-04-2009 | 05:08 PM
#19
Typical Buck
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 585
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From:
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.
08-07-2009 | 08:56 PM
#20
Typical Buck
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
skb2706's experience reflects mine. I've killed 15 elk. The longest two shots were about 125 yards. The closest about 40 yards.
That being said, I've passed on some long shots. I'm not sure how long, but long enough to know they were beyond my competent range.
That being said, I've passed on some long shots. I'm not sure how long, but long enough to know they were beyond my competent range.