OK, maybe someone can help end an argument.
I hope, (if i win the draw) that I will be hunting elk for the first time this year. I was planning to use my 12 gauge rifled slug gun. I found a sabot 3 inch magnum slug that gets almost 1800 feet per sec. Is this enough stopping power. My friend insist I will need to get a rifle like a 30-30 or something similiar. Even though I can always use a new rifle, I hate to get another one right now.

Any Help?

Thanks

The Coach

The 12 gague will be a heck of a lot better that the 30-30. The 30-30 would never even enter my mind as an elk rifle.

A 12 gague slug will essentially be like a muzzle loader shooting full bore bullets. You will be limited to 100 yards or less. It will also depend on the exact type and weight of the slug that you would be using. Don' t bring a 30-30 elk hunting.

Do you have any other rifles of your own or that you can borrow?

I will agree with bigbulls on this, but if I were you, I would go buy a new rifle. 30.06 on up. Most elk that I' ve shot while rifle hunting haven' t been inside 100 yards. Your really limiting yourself.

It looks like your on the right side of the argument. a 12 gauge would work better than a 30-30, but if you where to buy a new gun I would get a .270 or up. be sure to mount a good scope on it!

I would buy a 300 Mag. if I was in your situation. Good luck.

Not sure where you' re from Coach, but one thing to consider is that most non-resident elk tags cost anywhere from $450 to $750. It would be a shame to come home with that tag in your pocket because you limited yourself with a gun that' ll only shoot accurately about as far as you can throw a baseball. Granted that it' ll probably kill ' em if you can get that shot, but hunting out west more often than not offers up shots that are 150 yds +.
My recommendation would be to buy, beg, borrow or steal yourself an elk gun in .270 or bigger.
Don' t forget to get your hands on that shooter in time to practice with it!!!!

Good luck!

My 2 cents is 30-06 or larger for elk. Leave the shotgun for the birds, an animal as majestic as an elk deserves the respect of a high powered rifle that is very effecient at harvesting them(I' ll include muzzleloaders in this category for the sake of this topic). They are very strong and have earned the respect of a " elk rifle" not a " bird gun" .

If I had to pick between the 2 the shotgun at 20yds would be better than the 30-30 in a hold up. Please don' t bring a 30-30 elk hunting, its like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

I agree with DreaminBoutElk............Except I would opt for a 30.06 or better.(Oh wait a minute...there is no better)

Theres no sense in spending that kind of money on a tag and limiting yourself!

You ARE in need of a new rifle and it does not have to break the bank!
I bought my model 70 for $300 then added a scope.It does not shoot " Minute of angle" But it does not miss!!!!!!!!!!!

PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S
And get in shape!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While he may not be able to take a shot at 300 yards he isn' t that limited. A one ounce (438 grains) slug traveling at 1800 fps is every bit as good as a magnum in line muzzle loader. Winchester also makes their Nosler Partition Gold sabot slug at 385 grains traveling at 1900 fps. These weights and velocites are right on par with most all 45-70 loads available.

I have only taken one elk that was farther than 100 yards and it was only 130 yards out there. With either of these slugs going down range I would have been comfortable taking the shot provided the gun was accurate to that distance. Elk are not that dificult to get within about 100 yards.

Ok, thanks for all the info. Maybe I should clear some things up. I live in Michigan, and thats is where I will be hunting Elk. If I am lucky enough to win the drawing. I also want to point out that Michigan is mostly hardwoods, where I will be hunting. I still think taking everything into consideration, a rifled shotgun with scope would not be a bad way to go. A shot at over 100 yards would be a very rare event in my opinion. Does anyone at all agree with me? I am interested in your opions.

Thanks,

The Coach