Best rifle for Elk?

[C-Money]

Head down to the sporting goods store and handle a few rifles. Find one you like, I really think they probably all shoot just fine. I like the 7mm-08, .270win, or 30-06 for elk. I like the Nosler Accubond, Partition, & Hornaday Interlock bullets.

[Okanagan]

Lotta good choices named.

If I had a .243, which I do, and was buying another rifle for game larger than deer, I would not consider anything smaller than 30 caliber because you have that smaller bore category covered with your .243.

I have a .243 and a Remington 700 in 30-06 as my battery to cover medium and big game in N. America.

If doing it again, for elk and larger I'd lean toward buying a .338 Win mag in a stainless synthetic stocked Tikka. Sweet smooth rifle, detachable magazine, potent round whose recoil I can handle. 

[grade-creek-rd]

Here is a recent blog that highlights 4 good elk calibers as well as mentions a rifle...again, it is not a "best caliber" article, just info on 4 good guns for elk...I will say that I am very impressed with Hunt-Wa members as they are leaning towards ethical calibers for elk. This blog was posted on various FB hunting pages and a lot of hunters blasted it because it didn't say how great the .243 was for elk...yes, the .243 was heavily defended (sure it can kill an elk, but IMO it's not the "best" choice, not by far). So, the 30-06 is probably one of the best "all around" big game calibers but if you are looking for something different then you might like the info in the blog

link to blog: http://www.theoutdoorline.com/blog/post/2019/02/03/elk-calibers.aspx


Grade

[HoofsandWings]

I learned that lesson when I shot a 4pt white tail in the chest. He was facing me. My 370gr ML sabot tore thru all the way to the butt. End to end. There was nothing left in the cavity. I had to scrape heart, lungs, stomach. Just chunks. One big goo.

[donnycan001]

300 Win Mag
Best for accuracy at range and knock down

[donnycan001]

Although, as we all know, the 300 Win Mag and the 300 WSW are a comparable cartridge, both capable of getting the job done nicely, the 300 Win Mag is the preferred cartridge over the 2 for long range applications due to the fact that the 300 Win Mag will maintain velocity over a greater distance than the 300 WSW. Therefore grouping tighter at long range. If you are shooting at over 500 yards stick with the 300 Win Mag. If your shooting big game  under that, either will work well. I have been hunting for over 44 years, have worked with outfitters, lived in Grizzly country, in the bush and back country hunt. I carry a 300 Win Mag wherever I hunt.
Best to you all in the upcoming season.
See you in the back country. We'll have coffee around the fire over a game steak.
See you in the bush.

[BKMFR]

My Big Game/all around rifle preference is either a 300 Weatherby Mag, or a 7mm Rem Mag. Either will more than handle anything this continent has to offer, and if built correctly recoil isn't intolerable for good accurate shooting. Plus they can handle anything near or afar!

[Stein]

I learned that lesson when I shot a 4pt white tail in the chest. He was facing me. My 370gr ML sabot tore thru all the way to the butt. End to end. There was nothing left in the cavity. I had to scrape heart, lungs, stomach. Just chunks. One big goo.

I hear you, I let one go at an antelope doe at 40 yards once.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.

[HoofsandWings]

If hunting in Western Washington, besides caliber, type of bullet comes into play. You should look for bullets that don't easily ricochet. In the dense woods, a 50 yard shot is a long one. Of course, if you are sitting playing with your phone in a clear cut that is a different story.

[hunter-4-life]

It’s all personal preference but my go to is my 28nosler.

[Randysonia]

Why the 300 win mag over the 300 WSM?

Ammo a lot cheaper, easier to find, more choices in bullets and brands, Almost same power and has been around a lot longer. A very smart choice. My favorite is a 200 grain Trophy bonded Bear Claw. Yea! Just hit at what your aiming at!

[dvolmer]

Ill probably get some heat for saying this, but if you need to come to this forum to figure out what kind of gun you will need to kill elk, you are a novice hunter for sure!!!  But if you want to see 500 men argue for hours on end then you have accomplished your goal!!!

[Whitenuckles]

 I harvested my first 9 elk with a .243, next 4 with a .270, last 3 with a 7mm. I've never had to track a bull more than 80 yards.
 IMHO...... if you can shoot, I'd doesn't matter what caliber you use. Just be 100% confident where the bullet will go. Time and practice behind your weapon is everything. I'm confident I could harvest a bull at 200 yards with a .22. I'd never do it, but Im confident on my shooting. My last bull I took was 730 yards, my 2 bullets were 2 inches apart. After the first shot he started walking, 2nd shoot was 2 inches from adrenalin and the bull walking. On paper, I'd hit the same mark.
 What it all boils down to is find a good caliber and bullet. Then get to the range! If you think your comfort level is 500, practice at 1000!!!

[Crunchy]

Should have just put a poll up at the start of this to keep track.  Me, 7mm mag guy.  Perfect deer, elk and bear caliber.  Easy to find ammo or reloading components.  I like simple.

[SkookumHntr]

300wsm is a meat hammer!