BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[caveman]

Many shots are inside 100yds at elk. I shot a cow elk running through the poll patches this winter at 65 yds. Two shots, one in the lungs and one in the shoulder, she went 25yds. using a 308.

[caveman]

Many shots are inside 100yds at elk. I shot a cow elk running through the poll patches this winter at 65 yds. Two shots, one in the lungs and one in the shoulder, she went 25yds. using a 308.

[Keepitsimple]

My uncle is an outfitter in Idaho and see's many hunters come and go and many guns in different calibers. He is a firm believer in a rifle that can be shot at ranges in excess of 400 yards accurately. In addition to flat trajectory, the bullet has to have long range energy. Magnums have been around for years and doing an admirable job, ultra mags are the hottest thing going. I just purchased a 7mm RUM for an elk hunt this fall. I would have gone with either the 7mm or .300 in the ultra mag, as it was the 7mm was a better deal. .30-.30 no way. Not unless your planning on short shots. 30/06 would be fine, .264 and .270 are good too, but once you get out over 200 yards the energy decreases dramatically. I guess the way I look at it, if your going to invest in a western hunt don't go cheap and undergunned. I plan on using my 7mm RUM for whitetails after the Idaho hunt.

[fisherprice]

How about the Rem 300 ultra short mag?

[caveman]

It depends on the hunting you do. For deer, why do you need all that recoil and energy. A 308 or 30.06 cartridge will do anything a magnum will do inside 250 yards to a bull elk or a deer, they'll never know if they were hit with a magnum or a 308. Look at youself and ask, "can I really hold on a deer's chest at 250yds. or more under hunting conditions," I can't and won't try. You are a good shot if you can hold consistantly at 200 with a tight sling at a sit.

[rather_be_huntin]

Hi gentlemen. I am a member on another board and found this one by accident but I am an elk hunting addict and I talk about it whenever I can so I thought I'd join.

My 7mm mag gets the nod on my elk hunts with 175gr partition handloads. My opinion is nothing less than a 30-06 should be used on elk. Why? Because I feel that although lesser cartridges have killed many elk they have also wounded many elk. The quickest kill possible is what we owe the game we hunt. And yes if hunting the west you should be able to shoot out past 300 yds accurately if you want to consistantly be successful.

[stanlh]

My Smith and Wesson in .300 win mag. with 180 grain Speer mag tips at 2900 fps does the job nicely, but I am warming up to the idea of a BAR in that same caliber. If any out there don't reload their own ammo yet you should try. The little tricks for accuracy gains are worth it.

[donmillion]

.54 caliber muzzleloader shooting 430 grain conicals is my favorite. I have also used a .30-06 with 180 grain Hornady "light magnum" loads.

As for the lever action, it will work fine as long as you limit the range. I wouldn't go beyond about 125 yards or so. This is very reasonable distance for elk if you're willing to work at it and not expect an easy shot every time you go out.

If you're on a once-in-a-lifetime elk hunt, then I would not use anything less than a .300 mag, simply because you're not going to want to pass up on shots that would be "iffy" with a lesser gun.

[breding223]

I would recomend a 180grain 30-06. My fisrt choice manufacturer is ruger.

[BlueStew]

Sig SHR 970, 7mmMag, 160 partitions. Has performed flawlessly for me. I consider it my "meat" rifle. If someone came to me to go hunting that very moment, that'd be the one to come.

[bullhunter]

I think my favorite all around caliber would have to be the .270. I own a .270 Weatherby Mag and it is an excellent deer hunting rifle and a good elk hunting rifle if the shot is placed properly. I suppose that is true with about and gun though, say your shooting a .308 or bigger, if you don't make that killing shot, your gonna be chasing Wapati:) I also have a .300 that I like a lot also.

[BeaverJack]

This really gets my goat. ITS CARTRIDGE, NOT CALIBER!!!!!!!!!!!! Caliber means diameter. A 30'06, 308 Winchester, 300 Win Mag, 300 Weatherby, and 300 Savage are all THE SAME CALIBER for cryin' out loud.

You gotta learn the lingo if yer gonna dance with the big dogs.

[ This Message was edited by: BeaverJack on 2003-12-06 11:04 ]

[Slider]

Parker Stealth Hunter (70)lb and a 100 Grain Ultamate Steel Broadhead

[Slider]

I have used a 1963 Remington Model 700 264 Win Mag 140 Grain Bullets to take 9 Elk.Longest shot apr 450 Yards. One shot each.Ave shot 275 yards.Old Mister Remington is a well oiled Killin Machine!!!!!! Also have a Remington Model 700 7 Mag.But I went back to Archery Hunting.Took two Bulls last two Years!!!

[Slider]

Remington Model 700 in 264 Win Mag or 7 Mag!!!