im a new hunter and am tring to go on an elk/deer hunt at my friends ranch and i dont know what calibure gun to use some if someone could give me some tips on what to use that would be great?

You won't regret owning a 308 or a 30/06. There are many cartridges that will do the job, but everyone should have one (or both) of these.

Great advice. While there are definitely cartridges that will be viewed as superior for elk, any .308 and/or 30/06 with proper bullets/loads and bullet placement can be a very good tool for dispatching an elk. Plus, both the .308 AND the 30/06 can and will serve you well for countless other tasks.

I used to lean towards the 30/06, but recently I'm getting the short-action bug. I love short, lightweight rifles for the kind of swamp, short-range hunting I mostly do, so I'm shopping for a .308 or one of it's variants.

Good advice from the previous posts.

Great advice, I would also suggest a 7-08, it will do the job and it is more plesant to shoot for a beginer.

Several questions to answer this properly...

1. Are you recoil shy? If so, the 308 will be more pleasant than the 30-06. If you don't know if you are recoil shy...spend some time at the range with a variety of calibers.

2. Why type of hunting environment...there's a difference between hunting say Western WA/OR where you will be in heavy thick timber with short shooting distances...or in Eastern Oregon where one is hunting mainly field with long (500+ yards) distances. A different rifle is required for these different environments. Heavier bullets/calibers on quick handling rifles for the thick stuff....flatter/longer shooting rounds for the plains!

3. Choose a rifle you are comfortable shooting is just as important than caliber.

4. While 308 and 30-06 are both great calibers (I have taken Elk, Moose, Deer and black bear with a 308...I have also been successful with Deer, elk, moose, caribu and bear with a 270 and 270 WSM...my personal favorites!)...there are many others one might consider based on their hunting environment....ranging from 270 WIN, 270 WSM, 7-08, 284, 7mm Rem Mag, 308, 30-06, 300 WIN 300 WSM....and on and on and on...options are unlimited. Basically, as long as you do your job...anything 270 or larger will take an elk or deer down...but remember to keep in mind the laws of the state you intend to hunt in...many states require 30 cal minimum for elk hunting.

I like a 30 caliber bullet. I have no experience with elk. Mule deer, white tail and feral hogs only. I have used a 30/30 Win., 308 Win., 30.06 Spr and 300 Win. Mag. My No.1 choice for the past 40+ years has been the 308 Win. A 165 gr. quality hunting bullet out of a 308 Win. is a fine medium game killer. A 30.06 Spr. would be a fine choice as well .... and a I suspect a great all around choice of bullet weight would be 180 gr.

As far as taking 400-500 yard shots in the field? That's a tough shot. So many variables, not the least of which is an intimate knowledge of the arc of your rifle's load. I'd say get darned good to 300 yards and the overwhelming majority of your ethical shot opportuities will be covered.

You need to start practicing now! How much shooting experience do you have with a rifle? If new, start with a .22 Long Rifle to get the proper form. After your form is sound, move up to your center fire cartridge.

Something else you will need to know for a clean kill are the proper zones on the game animal for shooting and the proper angles. The angle, distance and shot presented will determine the proper POA.

Know your shooting limitations before you go hunting, and stay within those limitations.

300 win mag, 180 gr. Great for deer, bear, & elk. A good all around cal....