Min caliber for Elk?
08-08-2002, 12:06 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 163
Min caliber for Elk?
I've read on here that a 270 is the min caliber for Elk. Well, I'm gonna be in Gunnison this October to see if I can fill my either sex tag and I'll be taking my Sako 270. Should I use 180 Noslers or bigger? Is this adequate to drop a bull without having to track him for seven counties? Should I chance a shot through the shoulder blades or should I just try and hit him behind the blades?
I've always shot whitetails throught the front shoulders and I've never had to track deer for more than a couple hundred ft. But, I imagine that an Elk's shoulder blades are probably a little tougher.
I've always shot whitetails throught the front shoulders and I've never had to track deer for more than a couple hundred ft. But, I imagine that an Elk's shoulder blades are probably a little tougher.
08-08-2002, 12:10 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
RE: Min caliber for Elk?
The largest bullet I have ever seen with a 270 was 160 gr. I would recommend 150 grain unless you are an accomplished handloader. I would limit shots to 200 yards (250 max if coditions perfect) and I would wait for a broadside or slight angling away shot and shoot half way up the body just behind the shoulder (double lung shot). I would not want to try a shot through the shoulder with a 270. Good luck
08-08-2002, 12:32 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 163
RE: Min caliber for Elk?
Thanks for the response. Your right about the 180grn, I've used them before on my 30-06 and just assumed they were available for a 270.
Another question I forgot to add to my last post, is it worth haulin my stand on the airplane to hunt in CO or should I stick to ground huntin?
Another question I forgot to add to my last post, is it worth haulin my stand on the airplane to hunt in CO or should I stick to ground huntin?
08-08-2002, 02:26 PM
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cedar Valley Utah
Posts: 977
RE: Min caliber for Elk?
If it were me I would try and find another rifle. Your 06 would be fine for elk. The 270 would be alright within 200 yards and a perfectly placed shot but you definitely would not want to hit bone in an elk with it, like the blade. If you know the area and animals real well and can count on a somewhat close shot you might be alright, but if your closest shot is at 300 yds the rifle you carry may be the difference in success and going home empty handed.
As far as the tree stand, I would only use it if I knew pretty much where the elk are gonna be, otherwise I'd want to be more mobile.
As far as the tree stand, I would only use it if I knew pretty much where the elk are gonna be, otherwise I'd want to be more mobile.
08-08-2002, 05:58 PM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: fort mcmurray alberta canada
Posts: 5,667
RE: Min caliber for Elk?
With premium bullets the 270 will do the job in most situations.I would only take broadside shots though and avoid quartering shots that I would not hesitate to take with a larger cartridge.
08-08-2002, 06:08 PM
#9
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: durango Colorado USA
Posts: 567
RE: Min caliber for Elk?
The 270 is enough gun. The key is to hit "em" good good with the 1st shot. Just behind the shoulder. I would probably use the 150 grain bullet in the 270. I use 180 grain "Core-lokts" in my 30/06 for elk. I agree that you should leave the 35 Remington at home.
08-08-2002, 06:30 PM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Elizabeth Colo. USA
Posts: 4,413
RE: Min caliber for Elk?
.270 is enough! I've used the partition on several elk, and tryed the 140 gr. fail safe also. I recovered every 150 grain partition, but the fail safe went all the way through, including the far shoulder on a quartering away shot. And leave the tree stand at home, be mobil, don't carry any more than you have too. Good Luck!