Elk calibers

[leclairk]

While I understand my .270 can kill an elk, I also understand that being winded, adrenaline, and stress will decrease my accuracy significantly. I subscribe to the idea that a large caliber will increase my odds. So what should I get? I want a lightweight gun, something that won’t blow my shoulder off, and something that won’t break the bank. I’ll be hunting Roosevelt’s in pretty dense forest so most shots will be less than 100 yards.

 

[leclairk]

Tikka in 300WM?

 

[JRS]

While I understand my .270 can kill an elk, I also understand that being winded, adrenaline, and stress will decrease my accuracy significantly. I subscribe to the idea that a large caliber will increase my odds. So what should I get? I want a lightweight gun, something that won’t blow my shoulder off, and something that won’t break the bank. I’ll be hunting Roosevelt’s in pretty dense forest so most shots will be less than 100 yards.

Accuracy is your number one concern. A killing shot is a killing shot. A poorly placed shot is a poorly placed shot.

 

[leclairk]

Accuracy is your number one concern. A killing shot is a killing shot. A poorly placed shot is a poorly placed shot.

Completely understand, however if for some unforeseen reason my shot is poorly placed, what’s a rifle that will increase my odds.

 

[Nature Boy]

Completely understand, however if for some unforeseen reason my shot is poorly placed, what’s a rifle that will increase my odds.

Isn't that obvious? It's the Six Five Creed you silly man!

Will kill everything on this planet, plus Venus and Mars

 

[JRS]

Completely understand, however if for some unforeseen reason my shot is poorly placed, what’s a rifle that will increase my odds.

I suppose that would depend upon how far you are prepared to track that wounded animal. Elk are tenacious. They can also travel long distances whether gut shot, or running on 3 legs. You will increase your odds by practicing with the rifle and caliber you are comfortable with. A bigger caliber is not necessarily going to increase your odds. It might, however, shorten the distance you have to track that animal, if there is a blood trail.

 

[Bc'z]

While I understand my .270 can kill an elk, I also understand that being winded, adrenaline, and stress will decrease my accuracy significantly. I subscribe to the idea that a large caliber will increase my odds. So what should I get? I want a lightweight gun, something that won’t blow my shoulder off, and something that won’t break the bank. I’ll be hunting Roosevelt’s in pretty dense forest so most shots will be less than 100 yards.

Your 270 with a 150 partition WILL kill.
But if your seriously looking for another
Look at a 416 Rigby, 458 Lott, 50 bmg.
Yeah I'm being a smart ass.
Shoot what your accustomed to shooting.
Getting winded, Adrenaline all that is going to happen no matter what caliber your shooting.
If you need an excuse to by a new rifle just go buy one. A misplaced shot is just that no matter what you shoot.

 

[Mulligan]

While I understand my .270 can kill an elk, I also understand that being winded, adrenaline, and stress will decrease my accuracy significantly. I subscribe to the idea that a large caliber will increase my odds. So what should I get? I want a lightweight gun, something that won’t blow my shoulder off, and something that won’t break the bank. I’ll be hunting Roosevelt’s in pretty dense forest so most shots will be less than 100 yards.

30-06
CW

 

[TC260]

While I understand my .270 can kill an elk, I also understand that being winded, adrenaline, and stress will decrease my accuracy significantly. I subscribe to the idea that a large caliber will increase my odds. So what should I get? I want a lightweight gun, something that won’t blow my shoulder off, and something that won’t break the bank. I’ll be hunting Roosevelt’s in pretty dense forest so most shots will be less than 100 yards.

I had an opportunity to go on an Elk hunt 3yrs ago before an unexpected divorce squashed the plans. Anyway, it was a little more open area than you're describing, shots were said to be rarely over 200 yards so I settled on a 35 Whelen. Figured it'd make a little bigger hole and recoil is very manageable (I'd deer hunted with a TC Encore 35 Whelen). Since I didn't get to make the hunt though my opinion on the matter is worth what you paid for it

 

[Doug Beach]

.30-06 or .308 will kill them from 0-400 yards, with no drama or difficulty. 165 & up bonded bullet.
I’ve killed 3 with an -06/180, from 250-350 yards, 1 bullet each, one went 20’.

 

[JFrank]

Your 270 with a 150 partition WILL kill.
But if your seriously looking for another
Look at a 416 Rigby, 458 Lott, 50 bmg.
Yeah I'm being a smart ass.
Shoot what your accustomed to shooting.
Getting winded, Adrenaline all that is going to happen no matter what caliber your shooting.
If you need an excuse to by a new rifle just go buy one. A misplaced shot is just that no matter what you shoot.

Brother B
I was thinking about setting out some clamor mines then sit back(way back) have a cup of coffee

 

[Bc'z]

I use to instruct set up n deployment of said device, also instructed on law rocket.
Expert w grenades and m16 also.
So yeah pour a cup for me too.

 

[JFrank]

I use to instruct set up n deployment of said device, also instructed on law rocket.
Expert w grenades and m16 also.
So yeah pour a cup for me too.

We are good !

 

[Brians356]

While I understand my .270 can kill an elk, I also understand that being winded, adrenaline, and stress will decrease my accuracy significantly. I subscribe to the idea that a large caliber will increase my odds. So what should I get? I want a lightweight gun, something that won’t blow my shoulder off, and something that won’t break the bank. I’ll be hunting Roosevelt’s in pretty dense forest so most shots will be less than 100 yards.

More elk have been killed with the 270 Winchester than by any other cartridge not named "30-06 Springfield".
-

 

[Kermit in Va.]

That was before the "CREEDMORE" era...
I've heard if you load "pixie dust" ...it don't matter
what bullet or distance it is...it's DRT...


Kermit

 

[Jdne5b]

You probably just need a 6mm and a target bullet for anything under 900.

 

[ryanjay11]

and marksmanship... Seems like that might be a factor....

 

[Bc'z]

I'm beginning to see that being able to shoot long range trumps actual hunting abilities .
Or should I say the lack there of.

 

[ryanjay11]

Here we go again.....

 

[Kracken McGraw]

You probably just need a 6mm and a target bullet for anything under 900.
View attachment 1073335

Well, congratulations to that hunter. But there was a lot of high percentage things there that could have went south real fast!