270 WSM... Elk Gun?

[Wacenturion]

I always get a chuckle out of these threads!  Of course a .270 is plenty of gun for anything in North America!  Since someone pointed out that the .270 was Jack O'Connor's favorite caliber I would also like to point out that Eleanor O'Connor (Jacks wife) would always poke fun at her husband and the great big guns that he would bring on a safari.  She killed every species he did on the dark continent with her .257 and a 30-06 including an elephant!  Yes an 06' took down an elephant but some think that it isn't enough gun for elk!

So true.  It's all about placement and knowing where you gun shoots.

[Jim the Plumber]

I recently won a Tikka T3 270 WSM at the RMEF Banquet last week.  After some research I decided to use this as my hi-country deer gun and loaded it with a Nikon Monarch 4x16x42 BDC for the long range shot.  I have been using a 30-06 as my only elk/deer hunting gun for years now, and am torn whether I should be taking this long range shooter out for Elk Hunting on days where we are hunting a canyon, or can expect a 300-600 yard shot.  Everyone says to get a .300 Win Mag, but hey, this gun was free, so I just want to know if anyone has had success shooting Elk long distance with a 270 WSM or similar?  Thanks for you replies.

 The cartridge with the proper bullet will cleanly kill an elk out to your stated 600 yards.
The real question would be, how much shooting do you do to 600 yards and beyond?
You also state you will be using factory premium ammo. You really need to practice ALLOT at the distances you are contemplating and with the ammo you plan on hunting with.
  Should you miss judge a wind call by as little as 3-5 mph, you could have a clean miss or a gut shot elk.
My recommendation is to put 200+ rounds down range to 600 and beyond and in all types of weather, not just sunny days, and not just at a range.

[bobcat]

I have to say, the average person has no business shooting any further than 400 yards at a big game animal. Even that's a stretch, 300 yards is closer to what most people should consider their max range. And yes, the 270 WSM is more than capable of killing an elk. Shot placement and the bullet used are the more important than the headstamp on the cartridge.

(From a lot of the posts I've been seeing lately, it appears that many people are being influenced in a big way by "Best of the West")

[madmack76]

its all about shot placement guys, my dad and my grandpa had multiple one shot kills on deer, elk and bear with the 243. Its just shot placement know your rifle.

[C-Money]

Not a big fan of "best of the west". I you take the time to learn how to shoot, I still dont think anyone should be shooting that far at animals. I hope not to many sportsmen try to shoot distances like they do on the show.

[Wacenturion]

Not a big fan of "best of the west". I you take the time to learn how to shoot, I still dont think anyone should be shooting that far at animals. I hope not to many sportsmen try to shoot distances like they do on the show.

I agree.  I still remember the first time I saw that show and the I thought WTH.  If it's all about putting a bullet in a small spot at extremely long distances, then use a non-living target.  With any of those animals they shoot, they could have easily closed the distance if they chose to, like most hunters.  Personally I think it promotes the wrong message.

[coachcw]

I'm not sure it promotes the wrong Idea . the guys that take it seriouslly truelly take there skills to the next level . I'd say if the average guy takes that long of shot(600 plus) more than likley it will be a clean miss. It's the 300-500 shots that I think wound more animalls because the shooter is just good enough to hit the animal somewhere. 

[400out]

I will agree with coach except I think 300 is still not that bad of a shot but another 50 yards out and you generally get out of most peoples capabilities 

[bobcat]

Well this thread was started by someone with a Tikka in 270 WSM who wants to shoot elk from 300 to 600 yards. What I'm saying is that an average rifle like this (and average shooter) should not be used for long shots like that. Up to 300 yards, yes no problem, 400 yards, MAYBE, any further, NO WAY in hell!

[rtspring]

Your only as good as your rifle lets you be.

Not saying I am an expert but I can put lead on taget a ways out there.

What shocks me is the people that have a big game rifle in their hands and can't hit the broad side of a barn, I have taken two big game animals that I sure as heck wasn't the first  one shooting at it.

Then you always get the guy who ask's " how did you hit that thing?"  Uh lets see, I put the crosshairs on it and squeezed.

ha ha  Man I love hunting.........

RTSPRING

[rtspring]

270 WSM, anything beyond 400 I would let walk for sure.

[400out]

I agree bob, If i'm 400 yards then i can get closer without pushing the animal, I if can't then back out! and if it's moving then the shot shouldn't be taken anyways 

[BOWHUNTER45]

400 yrds  is a long shot no matter what gun your shooting  I figure with my .270 if I can see it I can kill it  we all have our favorite gun ...some like them light , some like them big ...I prefer in the middle ....270 all the way backed up with a 140 gr hornaday ....serious combonation 

[rtspring]

Bowhunter,

Exactly why I shoot a 300 RUM. It doesnt mean its better, just gives me all the confidence I need in the world. It hits hard and *censored* falls down.

To each his his own..  I loved the .280 Rem I use to have. That thing was a tac driver.....

[700xcr]

I have taken mule deer from the ranges of 85yds. all the way out to 550yds. with the 270wsm with a 140gr. Accubond bullet. As long as you know the true distance, practice at these ranges with the wind conditions and put the bullet in the kill zone you should be fine. Now when I say practice I mean shoot alot not just once before you go out on the hunt. I don't worry about elk as my area I hunt in is in timber and shots are from 20ft. to 150yds. max.