what caliber do you all use?

[Jpmiller]

When I purchased my first rifle I went 308 cause I figured with practice and good shot selection I could use it on anything. I made the mistake of telling my wife that when we were dating and now it's really hard to buy a new rifle so whatever route you're doing just make sure to mind your words around the missus.

[Magnum_Willys]

Can we all agree on two simple, timeless truths:
1.   There are lots of good calibers out there that will do the job nicely.
2.  The 7MM Remington 338 Win Magnum is by far the best of them all.

Fixed for ya! 

[White Pass Outfitters]

Go with the one you are most comfortable with, to many guys think they need a cannon to kill an Elk. Shot placement is everything. In my opinion the 7mm is one of the best all around guns and cheaper to shoot.   

[high country]

I'm just lucky I guess. I've killed a dozen with inadequate rifles without issues and another dozen with the recommended rifles......and I continue to use inadequate rifles because I shoot them well and stuff dies on contact.

[jrebel]

I'm just lucky I guess. I've killed a dozen with inadequate rifles without issues and another dozen with the recommended rifles......and I continue to use inadequate rifles because I shoot them well and stuff dies on contact.

I've even killed a few with a stick and string....LOL.   

No one is trying to talk him out of a new rifle.......matter of fact, I would reccomend a rifle for East side elk, west side elk and possible even a different rifle for when you draw the cow elk permit.  I vote for a 300 win mag (or variant), 338 or 416 rigby (because it's cool).  Maybe all three. 

[nwmein199]

In our elk camp we have 4 guys with .270s. Many elk have gone down with one 150gr .270 round

[Magnum_Willys]

i think when you start taking shoulder shots you can really start going lighter on the choice of rifle.  Ive seen a noticeable increase in stopping power as you increase bullet size for behind the shoulder shots.  Most stop in tracks with .338, some run aways with .300 and further with .270 but when you hit shoulder, neck, spine results even out.   This is from my small sample of two dozen elk but I've read colorado ranch guys shooting 150 a year voice similar stories.   At long range I've switched to shoulder point of aim.

[high country]

I'll take a high lung and get guaranteed results. Nothing lives without lungs and the bullet trauma 99% of the time upsets the spinal cord enough to cause loss of motor skills to the rear. Elk don't travel well in front wheel drive without lungs.

[Wacenturion]

Bought a nice Browning Medallion Grade III back a few years ago in .325 WSM.  Plan on using it the next time out for elk.  Yeah, I know, limited ammo, etc., but appears to be a heck of an elk caliber according to some good articles that found it to be excellent on elk.

An old timer, like I ain't one told me one time the best elk gun he ever hunted with was a .375 H&H.  He said it never failed him with shots that would have been doubtful with other calibers in the terrain he hunted in.....for what it's worth.

Father in law has a 375 h&h.... If it don't kill the elk, the recoil will.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[JDHasty]

I use my old 300 Wby.  It has almost exactly the same trajectory as my 22-250s, 243s & 17 Rem that I shoot rockchucks with in the summer.  That or my Model 71.  I wouldn't be too concerned about a 270 not being large enough caliber. 

[Roperfive88]

I'm just lucky I guess. I've killed a dozen with inadequate rifles without issues and another dozen with the recommended rifles......and I continue to use inadequate rifles because I shoot them well and stuff dies on contact.

I've even killed a few with a stick and string....LOL.   

No one is trying to talk him out of a new rifle.......matter of fact, I would reccomend a rifle for East side elk, west side elk and possible even a different rifle for when you draw the cow elk permit.  I vote for a 300 win mag (or variant), 338 or 416 rigby (because it's cool).  Maybe all three. 

If your going with a 416 rigby why not the 338 lapua same case with a 338 bullet.

[kball4]

7mm rem mag for all big game in WA.

[AdnaHunter]

325 wsm elk 243 wssm deer

[Woodchuck]

Anything less than a GAU-8 is unethical for elk. 

[Natas5150]

Thanks all for the replies. Sounds like I opened up a pretty good debate on the matter. One thing I have learned over the past is never discuss religion, sports or politics and now I can add what caliber should I use for elk hunting. In all seriousness though thanks for the help. As of right now I think maybe I will stay with my .270 and go with a 150 gr bullet. If I do get the itch to buy another I won't go with a 30-06 as I would not gain much from my .270. So if anyone has a good idea of a bullet I can use for elk in .270 I am all ears. Currently I am using 130 gr Federal ammo for deer.

Thanks.