Elk gun
 

270, 30-o6, 7mm.....etc. what bullet launcher do you prefer for big game like elk?

All of them would kill an Elk sized animal way out.

Tom

.300 Win mag but then I have a whole bunch of other favorites.

Personally, I would like to have a .338 Winchester Magnum for elk hunting. I hear a lot of people extolling its virtues. On the other hand, I don't have a .338 Win Mag now, and most of my money is going to college tuition money for chilrden these days and not to adding guns to my cabinet. My .30-06 shooting 180 grain bullets dropped a 4x4 elk in its tracks this past October -- as well it might given the shot was at less than 100 yards and the bull was oblivious to what was in store for him. I would feel no insufficiency going elk hunting again with my .30-06. I think the .338 Win Mag may give greater authority at long range -- say 300+ yards -- but I'm not sure my shooting skills qualify me for taking such long shots. Thus, the .30-06 probably is fully sufficient for my needs. Additionally, I'm not hunting for trophys and am not likely to run across a really big bull elk that might take more killing.

I guess I would say that if I were to buy another rifle for elk hunting, I would try to find a .338 Win Mag that pleased me. But this is in the context of already owning two .30-06 rifles, which I'm not planning on letting go of.

.284s or larger would be my choice. Plenty of heavy-for-caliber bullets available from this point on up, especially in premium array. Though I would like to see what a fast, heavy .264 would do.

.340 Weatherby 250grs@2950fps, pretty nice...

So many options though, any of the .300 magnums would work great, many others would get the job done too.

300 wm with a 180 or 200 gr bullet would be my choice.

all 3 cal. are deadly if the hunter does his part ..

i only have a 300wsm and thats all i need when game is hit with the 180 gr. accubond bullet they are down ...

bears,moose,caribou and deer they hate the 300wsm

300 Win Mag with 200 gr Accubonds or Partitions

I think the three you mentioned are great. For most people, including myself, their trusted deer rifle would suit them fine for elk, they just need to pick the proper bullet. A well manufactured, heavy for caliber, and well constructed bullet from your average deer rifle will do great on elk.

Elk, like deer, are getting tougher and tougher as the earth warms, so your gonna need a minimum of a .375 H&H... :poke:

My go-to elk rifle is my Sako chambered in 340-Weatherby.

338 Win Mag is first choice but my 270 Win would do. Now that I have Granpa's gun back in the family I might have to use it if for nothing else the sentmental value, 375 H&H Mag w/ 270 gr bullets.

I use a 338 WM with 250 grain bullets and have never had a problem with elk or moose. Out of the 3 you mentioned, I'd say 30-06. Most hunters will tell you something 30 caliber although there are quite a few that use deer caliber guns with heavy bullets and do just fine. In the end, it depends on what you can afford, what you like and what type of hunting you're going to be doing.

As a former guide and longtime resident/hunter of the Rocky Mountains, I think way too much is made of which caliber is the best elk cartridge.
My first gun of choice is the one I have the most faith in. The one I am the most cionfident in. That is what is supremely important. Sure, a large magnum will knock 'em down at farther distances, but how good a hunter are you to not be able to get "within ethical range". And how much flinch can you subdue when it comes down to the rubber hitting the road? Besides, I tend to think that the large guns tend to give a hunter false hope.
So use the rifle you are most comfortable with and don't fall prey to "how big is your gun?" Capice?
Naturally, you don't want to go after a rhino with a fly swatter either. The biggest gun you can trust and comfortably shoot, that's the gun you take. Also, Launch a bullet that penetrates bone and flesh well and then opens up to do damage.

Then you practice, practice, practice!!!!

Thanks guys!:biggrin:

There is no better answer to your question. Stop at this post.

Tom

A .270 will put him on the ground, but you might want that .338 to insure you can get out of grizz country with your game.

plain simple savage 30-06 with redfield scope.not fancy or expensive but i like it

ya know maybe a 416 rigby,dont wanna be undergunned:lolabove:

recently read an article that more and more guys are using 375's and 416's to elk hunt!

I've been selected for an Elk hunt in Michigan for this year. Actually in about two months. I feel very fortunate as I know guys that have been trying for 30+ years and haven't been selected.

While I'm happy that I was selected, the fact that it's a once in a lifetime hunt, means that I've had to sign up with a guide, which is basically going to put me right in front of an animal. Kind of cheapens the thing.

Anyhow, I plan on taking my .30-06 shooting a handloaded Nosler Accubond. I have zero worry that this won't put an Elk down in an awful hurry. No super boomers necessary.

Tom

Just thought you would make us all green with envy !!! LOL J



Good for you !!!

Thanks. I feel pretty lucky. Just wish I could hunt them my way without risking never being able to take a wild Elk in Michigan.

Tom

Give your guide part of his tip when you first meet him and thank him for his time and effort he has put in prior to your arrival.

Let him know what kind of experience you hope to take away from this hunt.


I think he will appreciate your willingness to work for your game.


Take full advantage of the entire experience !!!

I chose an 06. I like 30 cal especially on elk sized game. 06 ammo is priced the same as 243, 308, 270 etc but it is a more powerful round.

I can tolerate the recoil even at the bench yet it delivers enough energy to anchor an elk out to 500 yards with the right bullet, which is probably farther as I have any business shooting any way.

Not to mention ammo is readily available etc.

Sako 7mm STW. chad

I use the .30-06 but wouldn't feel handicapped with a .270 either.

sorry to invade the thread with a noob question but i see a few of you suggesting "heavy for caliber" rounds. why? heavy=slower=more knock down power? does penetration factor in or is it a non issue with any caliber you would be shooting at an elk with anyway? thanks

Generally speaking penetration is a non issue on soft skin game. Other than highly frangible bullet when the hit game at short distance I've never had a bullet not pass through.

Yes heavier bullet have much more energy. They also have higher BC's and buck the wind better so less drift.

Tom