Elk Rifle

While there are many opinions I have to disagree with a few. I have limited experence, having been an elk guide for only 9 years. However I live in elk country and have either shot or seen shot over 100 elk. For me THE rifle and cartride is a pre 64 model 70 Winchester in 30-06. I have seen elk taken with such a varity of calibers and rifles that I came to the following conclusion. If you can shoot it well, use the Nosler partition bullet, in heavy for caliber weight, most anything will kill an elk IF you can place your bullet in the vital area EVERY shot. However if the question is what is the BEST rifle and cartrige combo, the above mentioned is the standard all others are judged by.
 
I use either my .270 or my .45-70, and they've both worked just fine. The poster above who said his dad always used a .30-30 on elk and a .22lr on deer was right on. Placement and hunting skill is more important than caliber.

Now if you're going to hunt just once or twice in your life, maybe a .300 Wby or .300 Win Mag or larger would be the ticket. On the other hand if you want a more versatile cartridge, anything from a .264 Mag on up will do fine, and you could use it for other game as well.

Just my opinion of course.
 
One gun, one load, all game. M700 .30-06 with 165gr Hornady BTSP's, loaded with with H4350SC powder which is an ADI powder. As soon as I am out of this powder, I will be going to Varget as it is usable in all my rifles, lower pressure and maintains velocity. 2850 to 2900 fps.
 
Most mentioned very good calibers. Mine would be a 30-06 with a heavy Nostler partition, just because I have one. But no matter what you are using or shooting, I believe in shot placement. It is key. A good sportsperson will pass on a shot that they are unable to get good shot placement. That is a very hard thing to do, but it is the right thing.
 
I agree with FALPhil:

That .35 Remington is definitely hard to beat on Elk. (providing they are not too far away). I love the Marlin 336 in .30-30 and .35 Remington for all game that I hunt. However, if it is long distance, it is a Blaser R93 in .280 for me.
 
If you want to reach out and touch them then it's a 300 Weatherby Magnum.
If I was only going to shoot Elk that's what I would get.
If I was only going to shoot deer a 270.
If I was going to shoot all large game with one caliber a 30-06, but I wouldn't put up much of a fuss if you choose .308 or 7mm.
 
I've got two, both with a .30-06 Winchester M 70, one with a 150gr Hornady, the other with a 180gr Corelokt.
But I've come to a point where I don't think the caliber is as important as the hunter.
 
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I grew up in Park County, Wyoming on my Grandad's cattle ranch. He and his friends hunted elk with a variety old older rifles that fired moderate velocity but heavy bullets. 300 Savage was easily the most popular rifle among his group. For those unfamiliar with the 300 Savage, it is slightly less powerful at 175 yards than either .308 or 30-06.

I killed my first 3 elk with Grandad's Winchester 30-30 and none got away.

My favorite elk cartridge is .308 in a short carbine. But 30-06 is easily the most popular among my friends that hunt elk. You can't go wrong with a good 30-06 and 180 gr ammo. Nosler Partition and the modern bonded bullets have good reputations.

My best advise is to practice shooting twice at a 8 inch target about 200 yards or so. Two quick shots into the chest organs will topple the elk quickly. Far too many new elk hunters fire once and watch the animal bound away where tracking/recovery can be difficult.

My sister-in-law has taken many elk with her 7mm-08. My wife has taken 7 elk with her 6.5mm Swede. My son toppled 3 bulls with his Marlin in 35 Remington. My eldest daughter killed one large cow elk with her husband's 270. In summary, accurate shooting with modern Premium bullets within reasonable shooting distances will get the job done. Shoot twice!

1) Top photo was taken at Elk Mt., South Dakota near the Wyoming line. My cousin has a grazing lease on a large parcel of private land. 2) The second photo was taken after a long stalk just before opener of archery season. The bull did not notice me until a breeze carried my human scent to him.

Good hunting to you.
Jack
 
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Browning A-Bolt SS .300 Win Mag (no BOSS), Leupold Vari-X III 2.5 x 8, Nosler 180 gr Partition Protected Point over a near max charge of IMR 4350.

Although I had intended to get a 7mm Rem Mag, I was talked in to buying the .300.

The synthetic stock and stainless steel minimize my concern about damage from rain, snow, ice, rocks, trees, etc.

The rifle is very accurate at longer (for me) ranges. When I do my part, the rifle will produce MOA or better groups at 100, 200 and 300 yards from a bench with my hunting load. This was a wonderful surprise - I had feared difficulty in getting the accuracy I wanted because I am small and the recoil was intimidating when I first shot the rifle. Although I shot my largest elk at only 25 yards, I also took a 130 lb black bear at 400+ yards on the same hunt. The hunt was fully outfitted in the Bob Marshall Wilderness - high, rugged country. I've used the same rifle on all of my elk hunts and all but one have been in fairly similar rugged mountains.

Today, I would probably prefer a shorter barrel, lighter weight .30-06 for the same hunting.
 
Daaanng, those are some big 'ole bullets.

I've only been hunting elk for 7 years, but have killed 4 in those years (and one bear) with my .308 Weatherby Vanguard.

It's very accurate, Uncle Sam saw fit to train me to shoot (USMC 0311, then 8541 scout sniper) and it's all I have ever needed.

Tom
 
Take a look at Remingtons .300 ultra mag. Comes in different power levels and there are many different choices. I own a 700 CDL in 300 ultra and love it.
 
Elk

I have Weatherby Mark V in 30-06. Very accurate, not too heavy. plenty of gun for the job. I wouldn't change a thing.
 
i finally gave up the chance at a bull in South Dakota this year and applied for the cow tag...which of course i got!

not sure if i will carry the 300 H&H or the 375 H&H....tough choice for me as both will do the job...the 300 is my old faithful and the 375 is new and has yet to put meat in the pot...hmmm decisions decisions.


JACK OCONNER: were practically neighbors! so when you hear those loud cracks this October...one of them will be mine!
 
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Jesus Christ, How many times does this have to be answered, 30-06 in what ever model or make you what it to be , or to make sure it,s down or done a 300 win mag in any model or make , if you can,t get it done with that ,then please stay at home ,watch the hunting shows on tv ,and let the real hunters take elk.
 
Why we discuss these things...it often brings different perspectives and different ideas into the realm. 30-06 and 300 Win Magnums are time tested and proven rounds that have taken their fair share of animals over the years, but they're not the only rounds, and other people have reasons for choosing other rounds.
If you read through, you'll find some advocates of the 35Rem, the .270Win, and the 45/70. One of the other calibers that has taken quite a few elk that hasn't been mentioned yet...the .300 Savage. Keep in mind, out to about 250yds its a deadly shot, with, I'm sure, many old timers still carrying Savage model 99's chambered in this round. [and for anyone whom misses this caliber, Savage does have a production rifle chambered in 300 Savage.] Its a great round, near 30-06 performance and comparable to the .308 when handloaded.
 
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