what caliber do you all use?

[NW SURVEYOR]

If you don't hunt elk with a .338 WM you're a loser.

[Skyvalhunter]

loser I guess then

[huntingfool7]

I was thinking maybe air rifle for elk ,ya that would be awesome.I wonder if you would hunt modern,or muzzle,with a air rifle or is it even legal in washington,off topic a bit , but on topic with elk hunting .watch and enjoy.

Not legal in Washington.  Big or small game-no air.

[Duckslayer89]

anyone hunt with a 30/40 krag? I really like mine

[bod]

Use your Tikka 270 and a bullet designed for elk, it will kill them farther that most guys can shoot.

[Okanagan]

Haven't plowed through the whole thread but re the original query:  if I were going to move to a larger bullet from .270 for anything, including elk, I'd go up to at least a .338.

The .30-06 etc. are not enough bigger than .270 to be worth the move, for me.  You may spend your money as you please, of course!     I've got a .30-06, a .243 and a .22 that cover the bases of what I rifle hunt, but have always kind of hankered for a .375 H&H for elk...   

[bobcat]

375 H&H would be sweet for an elk rifle!   

Or maybe a 375 Ruger, if you're a reloader.

I just got a 338 a couple months ago so it'll probably be my elk rifle from now on. That is until I get bored with killing elk so easily and "too dead" with it, then I might go back to my 270 for the added challenge.

[Miles]

6.5 x 55 is all I've used since around 2006.   Haven't needed anything else and I've never felt undergunned.  Took a 850lb (dressed hanging weight) moose with it last year.  230 yard shot, it took about three steps and piled up. 

[Curly]

Here is what a writer for F&S had to say about elk rifles:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/12-best-rifle-cartridges-for-elk-hunting

12.) 6.5 Creed
11.) .270 Win
10.) 280 AI
9.) 7mm Rem Mag
8.) 28 Nosler
7.) 30-06
6.) 300 WSM
5.) 300 Win Mag
4.) 300 Weatherby
3.) 30 Nosler
2.) 338 RCM
1.) 338 WM

[NW SURVEYOR]

I told ya, .338.

[Hi-Liter]

I told ya, .338.

Yeah .338 is great but heavy. I like my .300 win mag all around, drops them dead no issues.

I have a Colt Sauer .375 H&H that was given to me years ago by my grandfather, never shot it. Its too damn nice of a gun.

[Miles]

Here is what a writer for F&S had to say about elk rifles:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/12-best-rifle-cartridges-for-elk-hunting

12.) 6.5 Creed
11.) .270 Win
10.) 280 AI
9.) 7mm Rem Mag
8.) 28 Nosler
7.) 30-06
6.) 300 WSM
5.) 300 Win Mag
4.) 300 Weatherby
3.) 30 Nosler
2.) 338 RCM
1.) 338 WM

Looks like the author is part of the bigger is better crowd.  Typical. 

[NW SURVEYOR]

.300 WM is a great second choice.
Grampa would love to look down and see you shoot at least one bull with that .375.
Guns are made to be used, not looked at.

[JDHasty]

Here is what a writer for F&S had to say about elk rifles:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/12-best-rifle-cartridges-for-elk-hunting

12.) 6.5 Creed
11.) .270 Win
10.) 280 AI
9.) 7mm Rem Mag
8.) 28 Nosler
7.) 30-06
6.) 300 WSM
5.) 300 Win Mag
4.) 300 Weatherby
3.) 30 Nosler
2.) 338 RCM
1.) 338 WM

Looks like the author is part of the bigger is better crowd.  Typical.

I cancelled most magazine subscriptions back in the late 1980's and early 1990's for just this reason. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Well almost no one uses #2 and #3 on that list but other than that its close to the order I would put them but I'm used to areas where elk going an extra 50 feet means another 1/2 day pack outa the canyon but I would drop the 30-06 below 7mm mag.