Elk calibers

[JRS]

You might want to refer to the Killing Power chapter of Ackley’s book where Paul Von Rosenberg states “In fact, I will go so far as to argue that velocity, per se, has absolutely nothing to do with wounding capability!”

Of course, velocity plays a role in the calculation of energy, but that is the extent of its consideration. Energy kills not velocity.

With penetration, in any type of material, energy is not a predictor. Velocity and bullet construction are the predictor. Quoting energy work well for comparing different loads. The problem with measuring wound potential cannot be done with energy. After all, Newton's law describes forces, not energy, and velocity the important aspect because it drives the bullet. We've come a long way with modern bullets and their construction. A faster and smaller diameter bullet penetrate easier and deeper when impact velocity is equal to a larger diameter bullet. Times and bullet construction has changed. This isn't the 1950's.

 

[ttfreestyle]

Practice in the summer shooting and you will know your comfort zone. Everyone’s is different, shoot from different positions like off your pack from the ground and not all from a bench then you will have a better understanding of YOUR level of accuracy and at what distance you are comfortable with taking a shot. Shoot in the wind and messy conditions as well. Shot placement trumps all else so be honest with yourself. I can cold bore steel at 1000 on my range at times but I’m not comfortable taking that shot on animals even though my caliber will carry the energy. Practice. Troy

 

[ratbuster]

Nobody wants to hit an elk in the shoulder but anyone can miss in the field. Planning for worst case scenario is a good thing. I realize energy is foot pounds is not a definitive way to measure killing effectiveness but I believe it can offer a reasonable prediction of bone penetration.

 

[Bc'z]

Practice in the summer shooting and you will know your comfort zone. Everyone’s is different, shoot from different positions like off your pack from the ground and not all from a bench then you will have a better understanding of YOUR level of accuracy and at what distance you are comfortable with taking a shot. Shoot in the wind and messy conditions as well. Shot placement trumps all else so be honest with yourself. I can cold bore steel at 1000 on my range at times but I’m not comfortable taking that shot on animals even though my caliber will carry the energy. Practice. Troy

I'd like to add, when the line goes hot, step back to your vehical n do some exercises get your heart rate up , now mount your rifle and take a few shots. I think everyone will be surprised at how poor of a shot they are.

 

[JRS]

Though it has nothing to do with firearms, we can look at archery equipment the same way. You will shoot a compound bow with much more velocity than I can with a longbow shooting the same weight arrow with the same draw weight. Even though they leave the bow with essentially the same amount of energy. Due to the increase in velocity, the compound bow shoots flatter, faster, farther and the arrow impacts with much more energy due to the velocity at impact.

 

[Bc'z]

Though it has nothing to do with firearms, we can look at archery equipment the same way. You will shoot a compound bow with much more velocity than I can with a longbow shooting the same weight arrow with the same draw weight. Even though they leave the bow with essentially the same amount of energy. Due to the increase in velocity, the compound bow shoots flatter, faster, farther and the arrow impacts with much more energy due to the velocity at impact.

Now let's add aluminum vs carbon arrows.
Aluminum hits harder due to the mass for correct spine. Whereas a carbon can give better penetration do to its slender design.
Just as the bullets mentioned above.
And yes I shot aluminum until a couple years ago. Thinking I needed that extra 12-15 ft lbs
Of energy. When in reality its penetration I want.

 

[ryanjay11]

 

[Bc'z]

View attachment 1072698

If you use a pistol to get your point across you could be missing a few elk seasons.

 

[ryanjay11]

whoosh

 

[JRS]

If you've ever been hit with a baseball and softball, you'll quickly realize just how much difference there is in impact velocity even though the softball is bigger in diameter and heavier.

 

[Bc'z]

whoosh

Ryan
I studied the picture couldn't tell which direction it was pointed.
It's not just elk hunting ethics boss.
Hunting ethics in general.
Nice bull in your avitar.

 

[rayporter]

I see person after person advocating getting closer time after time.

since I don't know where you hunt or how I will just say that where I have hunted elk [ since 1983] getting closer is usually a pipe dream. you either shoot em where they stand or kiss em good by, cause they aint staying around for you to put the sneak on them during rifle season. they already been fooled by every sound a call can make by then.

 

[Bc'z]

Generally Cascades to the coast. Steep n thick. Getting on em is tough enough.
Getting all the stars to align even tougher.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I dont find energy numbers too useful. A light bullet traveling fast has a lot of energy but will blow up on impact. A 500 grain slug going slow wont have a lot of energy but will punch through both shoulders on an elk. To me an "elk rifle" will make it through a shoulder at the max distance you plan to shoot, because we are not perfect and the bullet very well may end up there. If you plan to use a rifle that cant do that, your range should be limited as well as the shots you take, because you want to be 100% sure you stay out of the shoulder. Thats my opinion. And for those of you not out west, we have wind, a lot of it. There is nothing wrong with a 6.5 or .243 or any other small gun, just plan to either get close or pass on shots. The open country I live in does not always let you get close, so I like to have a little bigger bullet.

 

[ryanjay11]

Ryan
I studied the picture couldn't tell which direction it was pointed.
It's not just elk hunting ethics boss.
Hunting ethics in general.
Nice bull in your avitar.

Wow
That picture in your profile is very impressive! The hunt of a lifetime I would assume.

J

Thanks guys! I shot him at 750 yards after jogging up a hill for about a mile to cut off the herd. I got setup and put two shots 3" apart right behind the shoulder. It's the current episode on Petersen's TV if you want to watch it.

I know my own limitations of fitness, marksmanship, and equipment are different than other hunters. Everyone is different. I would never push someone to take a shot they are uncomfortable with, and I also would expect others to show the same courtesy on setting limitations on what isn't possible/ethical/etc.

 

[ryanjay11]

Muzzleloaders are a great option.

This is smokeless build that shoots Parker 270s at 2950. My longest kill with it is a Whitetail doe at 406 yards. I'm sure it would work fantastic on Elk as well, depending on the state's regulations. I'm probably going to take it to Nebraska this year for Mule deer.

 

[Bc'z]

Muzzleloaders are a great option.

This is smokeless build that shoots Parker 270s at 2950. My longest kill with it is a Whitetail doe at 406 yards. I'm sure it would work fantastic on Elk as well, depending on the state's regulations. I'm probably going to take it to Nebraska this year for Mule deer.

View attachment 1072760

I believe you could use it in Oregon during regular rifle season, I'd have to check regs.
Muzeloader here is open ignition.

 

[spencerhenry]

I'm not as old as many on this forum, but I have been hunting elk for 29 years. I have killed my share of elk, not sure of an exact tally and most were taken with a bow. However, I have killed a few with firearms. I have used 270 winchester, 7mmbr, 475 wildey, 300wsm, 45-70, 405 winchester. I have been with others who have used 338 win mag, 300wsm, 270.
I have also killed a few moose, a few caribou, moutain goat, bighorn sheep, antelope, a few bears, quite a few mule deer, and a few whitetails.
One thing I can say with certainy is that NO animal ever hit through the chest with both lungs and or heart shot, ever ran more than around 150 yards, the vast majority never running more than 80. The only times I saw an animal make it any real distance were shots that got only one lung, or barely nicked the lungs or were far back and actually got liver.
My 7mmbr xp100 has taken more elk than any other of the firearms I have used. 130gr bullet at around 2300fps IIRC.
But, if you want a bullet to kill them instantly with a Texas heart shot, use something big.

 

[Bc'z]

Well it's looking like next weekend is gonna be filled with listening to guys snore,fart and telling hunting stories.
Got invited to go with family for good times elk hunting. I'm going for the comradery, spotting, but most of all God willing a pack mule.
To me it truly is about the hunt.

 

[JimT]

Thanks guys! I shot him at 750 yards after jogging up a hill for about a mile to cut off the herd. I got setup and put two shots 3" apart right behind the shoulder. It's the current episode on Petersen's TV if you want to watch it.

I know my own limitations of fitness, marksmanship, and equipment are different than other hunters. Everyone is different. I would never push someone to take a shot they are uncomfortable with, and I also would expect others to show the same courtesy on setting limitations on what isn't possible/ethical/etc.

That was a very entertaining episode! Tell us more about your rifle setup. What were specifics of the load you were using? Very windy, how did you determine your hold off?
That camera zoom was amazing, I can’t believe how clear it was zooming at 750 yards!!