BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

rather_be_huntin · Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Posts: 369 Location: Utah

Can't argue with you there SWILK. I mentioned the same thing about bullet selection also in one of my earlier posts. Welcome to the board.

Captain_Obvious · Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 891 Location: Missouri/Arkansas

That's a very good point, EJ65, people that can shoot well are often the ones that favor 270s, 280s, and 308s over the larger magnums. A lot of the big bore guys wouldn't admit it, but odds are that they would shoot a lot better with a 270 than with the cannons they seem to prefer. A .416 Remington Magnum is hardly idiot-proof. Besides, when an elk shows up at a checking station and it's only got three legs, this doesn't paint a very flattering portrait of the hunter. Plus, three-legged elk don't make good full-body mounts.

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2649 Location: Colorado

Hey EJ,

Good thing I don’t need any friends around here… Hey, I’m not such a bad guy, though, I swear!

Most everybodies ok around here. You just stepped in a do-do pile with the 270/elk stuff...

I have a 1 year old who things I a wise 38 year old….

That's great, I hope when they are 13 they feel the same way. :wink:

mister_venison · Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 134 Location: Wisconsin

Yeah, EJ. Everyone has an opinion, that's the whole purpose of the forum. Doesn't mean that there's any dislike going around. It can be an enlightening experience, seeing what others think and feel.

NYBOWHUNTER · Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 7

Well i decided to go with a 7mm mag for my elk hunting trip and for some other deer hunting i have and will be doing. I dont consider it to be a real big bore gun as it really isnt that much bigger than the the 270. I enjoy shooting it and it doesnt kick like a mule either. I am a firm believer in making one shot count as i am a T/C encore user. I shoot a lot at long distances and contiunually shoot clays through out the year just to keep the edge. If you are not shooting your chosen weapon regularly i dont think you have any reason to be trying iffy shots on game animals. Just my 2cents. i will shut up now.

Captain_Obvious · Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 891 Location: Missouri/Arkansas

Well, in caliber its not much bigger than a 270. It's a lot more powerful though. The closest match, performance-wise is the 300 Win. Mag.

NYBOWHUNTER · Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 7

i agree captain

Captain_Obvious · Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 891 Location: Missouri/Arkansas

An interesting detail I should have added, a lot of shooters don't know this, is that the .270, or .277 caliber, is a true 7mm. The somewhat larger .284s are actually a smidgeon bigger than 7mm, they're actually about 7.2mm.

rather_be_huntin · Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Posts: 369 Location: Utah

The caliber of a 7mm isn't much bigger than a 270 but your buffet of elk bullets is opened up with the 7mm. And its got a lot more punch without much more kick. I think the 7mm is a great elk rifle. I agree with Captain that performance wise is matches up with the 300 pretty close.

Craig · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 5

I've been reading these posts to learn about elk hunting, as I am signing on for one this October. If the collective wisdom is that a .308 is OK, would the 180 gr. Core-Lokt bullet be better than the 165gr. Remington Scirocco?
Also for a second question, I know that hunting is different than bench shooting, but I'm thinking of buying the Remington 700 P with a 3.5x10 Leopold scope. I know that it is going to be heavier with the 26" heavy barrel than the 22" typical rifle. I also don't know how much different the accuracy is compared to a 700 BDL or ADL.
I'm also told that about 60% of the shots are less than 100 yards. What do y'all think?

[ This Message was edited by: Craig on 2004-03-28 21:07 ]

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2649 Location: Colorado

I'm also told that about 60% of the shots are less than 100 yards. What do y'all think?

100% of your shots will be whatever you want to take. It is true that there is an "average shot distance", but this means little to an individual hunting style.

That being said it seems that most people take shots at or below 100 yards.

Never used a 308, but it probably is fine, especially if you don't plan on shooting longer than 100 yards.

Good Luck!

donmillion · Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 394 Location: Colorado

Elk terrain is high altitude, rugged, and steep. If you're getting a rifle specifically for elk hunting, I would get one that is LIGHTWEIGHT! More importantly, if you're coming from the flatlands, get into shape and plan at least a day or two to adjust to altitude.

I would also recommend the heavier bullet over the lighter one.

I agree with bitmasher about shot distance. Personally, I hunt with a muzzleloader and 100% of my shots have been under 100 yards. I have only very rarely been in a situation where an elk was out of range of my muzzleloader, but would have been in range for my centerfire rifle.

rito5280 · Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 5 Location: Jerry

I am always somewhat amused by these topics, but its what keeps the world turning. I have been hunting Elk with the same guy for 25 years. I have taken 8 bulls and two cows in that time. the only rifle I own is a 270 and handload 150Gr Noslers. All the elk are still dead to this day ! My friend has not shot as many as me, but he uses a 30/06 loaded with 180 Hornady. Amazingly, all the elk he has shot at are dead too. It would probably be best if all of us practiced and become intimatly familiar with our weapon, than worry if one bullet in the boiler will kill an animal any more dead than another. I will preface all this with the fact that i have never taken a shot over 300 yards and if you do, I would suggest something bigger, like a 300 mag if you can handle it. Best of luck in the field to you all

JTapia · Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 717 Location: Florida,USA

First, welcome Rito5280.

While I am inclined to agree 100% with you that there is nothing wrong with a .270 for Elk, it should be noted that most of these post ask 1 of 2 questions...and that is Minimum elk cartridge and Best cartridge for begginer. Fact is a .270 is a minimum cartridge and probably not the best choice for a begginer.
As with every cartridge a line has to be drawn somewhere that you can say "this is the limit for this cartridge". Sure that cartridge may perform adequate past that line but is it the best choice?
You are correct though, whenever you mention .270 and Elk in the same sentence...back up and watch out. Battle lines are drawn, tobbaco spit flies, and chests' begin to bulge out. You have to admit....it makes for some great reading !! :smile:

rito5280 · Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 5 Location: Jerry

JTAPIA,
Oh yes, I do admit when you mention 270 and Elk, things happen with just about every concievable argument to be made both for and against. In my case, the limited success I have had, I just saw no reason to ever change based on seeing animals fall over and not get up. I would never say they went down with a THUMP, they generally just ran in a little circle and piled up like they were having a very bad day ! What is amazing to me is how visceral hunters get on this subject. Whats the difference? I use what I use because I have great confidence in it and in myself with it. If someone else wants to use a rocket launcher, its fine by me if he can hit something with it.
Until I see something about the 270 fail, I will use it but within the confines of what my experience says are its limitations.