What caliber for deer, antelope or maybe elk?

[taylorce1]

You can elk hunt with any bullet that makes you happy.I would tend to pick 150 or heavier for elk in 7mm.

I'd kill elk with a 120 grain Barnes bullet since it'll probably retain 100% of its weight and penetrate just as deep if not deeper than your 150 grain. Mono metal and bonded projectiles have changed the game for hunting we are now able to do more with less than we used to. Staying stuck in the past doesn't mean it won't work, it's just not the only option.

The research I just did to answer you,from Hogdon,satisfies me I was correct.

Research from only one data sources is skewed at best. I love Hogdon powders but they don't always give the results I want. There is a lot more data out there that gets 150 grain 7mm bullets to 2800 FPS out of the 7-08 with other powders and even some with Hogdon/IMR/Winchester powders.

Looking at over 30 powders,one just touched 2800 with a 150 gr bullet

7mm-08 Data
Hornady load data 154 grain bullets.
RL-17 2800 FPS
H414 2800 FPS

Nosler Data 150 grain
Ramshot Hunter 2801 FPS
RL-15 2802 FPS
H414 2800 FPS
RL-19 2862 FPS

if we return to Hogdon and look up the 6.5 CM with a 130 gr AccuBond (a reasonable elk bullet)not one max load exceeded,or reached,2700 fps

Why not go to Nosler's online resource for 130 grain data for your reasonable elk bullet?

Nosler Data 129 gr ABLR & 130 gr AB
RL-15 2810 FPS max load, most accurate load tested!
Varget 2812 FPS
W748 2822 FPS
Big Game 2839 FPS
H4350 2865 FPS
W760 2906 FPS
H100V 2800 FPS

For the 308,on another 308 for elk thread,general concensus is 165 to 180 gr bullets Wyosmith leans toward 180s.

Barnes #4 data 165 grain
W748 2839 FPS
BL-C(2) 2850 FPS
CFE 223 2877 FPS

Alliant Data
PP 2000 MR 165 Speer TBBC 2830 FPS
PP 2000 MR 165 Speer SPBT 2840 FPS
PP 2000 MR 165 Federal Fusion 2910 FPS

Hornady Data 165 grain
PP 2000 MR 2863

Nosler Data 165 grain
RL-15 2820 FPS
Big Game 2910 FPS
Varget 2820 FPS

Swift Data 165 A-Frame
RL-15 2815 FPS
IMR 4064 2811 FPS
IMR 4895 2810 FPS

I find Hogdon's online resource good as well but not my only resource. Plus I really tend to like the bullet manufacturers data a bit better, since it is specific to the bullet I'm actually going to be shooting. However, I do have to rely on data from the powder manufacturer at times just because the bullet company may not have data on that powder yet. Just because I find data that says I can get there doesn't mean my rifle will allow me to, just like some factory ammunition is as fast as advertised and some isn't. A lot just depends on the rifle.

 

[gw44]

270 for me too, hands down !!!!

 

[huntinaz]

284 Win?

If you handload

 

[Nathan]

Thanks for all the feedback and help. I went with a 6.5x55 on a Ruger action. My second choice was 7-08....6.5 creed is also in the hunt.

On a positive note, my nieces just went through hunters’ safety and I maybe helping the family look for a suitable rifle....6.5 Creedmoor handloaded might be a great choice.

So, the old school side of me says these rounds don’t make 1500 ft lbs at distance, but it seems like velocity is how bullet makers judge if the bullet will perform. These high bc rounds really carry!

 

[gw44]

I am crushed, you mean the 270 did not make the cut it not even on the list, how could this happen ??

 

[Tallest]

Thanks for all the feedback and help. I went with a 6.5x55 on a Ruger action. My second choice was 7-08....6.5 creed is also in the hunt.



On a positive note, my nieces just went through hunters’ safety and I maybe helping the family look for a suitable rifle....6.5 Creedmoor handloaded might be a great choice.



So, the old school side of me says these rounds don’t make 1500 ft lbs at distance, but it seems like velocity is how bullet makers judge if the bullet will perform. These high bc rounds really carry!

Excellent choice!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rodwhaincamo]

7mm-08 AI. 280 Rem performance with less pressure, powder, and recoil. Meets all of the requirements but is a handloaders job. But even the standard 7mm-08 is plenty for what you are asking of it. Commercial velocity figures might not always quite meet your specs but can still certainly meet the need.

I’m fond of the various 308 based cartridges. They’ve proven themselves. I’d opt for a .260 Rem over the Creedmore. And the .308 Win is a great caliber too, but just needs a heavier bullet to achieve the same BC. I’m one who appreciates efficiency and so I’ve gravitated towards many short action cartridges, Ackley Improved, and high BC’s for sectional densities. You just get more for what you started with.

.264” is a little bit small for large game like elk. Not to say it doesn’t or can’t work. Even the 6.5mm Grendel has been used for elk around 400 yds.