Post by: mikefinchmp on January 22, 2019, 07:00:41 AM
Post by: Jolten on January 22, 2019, 07:07:42 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 22, 2019, 07:09:51 AM
Anything in the -06 family e.g. .25-06, .270, .30-06 are good starters.
300 WSM is a an excellent round for factory ammo shooters and handloaders too if you're set on sticking with a short action.
Post by: huntnphool on January 22, 2019, 07:15:25 AM
Remington 700 Mountain Rifle
https://www.remington.com/rifles/bolt-action/model-700/model-700-mountain-ss
Winchester M70 Featherweight
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/rifles/model-70/model-70-Current-Products/model-70-featherweight.html
Savage 11 Lightweight Hunter
https://www.savagearms.com/firearms/centerfire/hunter-series/11-lightweight-hunter
Then you can get into the smaller companies like Christensen Arms Summit TI
https://christensenarms.com/summit-ti/
Good luck. :tup:
Post by: birddogdad on January 22, 2019, 07:17:47 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2019, 07:21:50 AM
Post by: WSU on January 22, 2019, 07:25:23 AM
Post by: Mudman on January 22, 2019, 07:31:22 AM
Post by: shmacker on January 22, 2019, 07:33:07 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on January 22, 2019, 07:33:35 AM
Post by: Dhoey07 on January 22, 2019, 07:35:07 AM
Post by: Antlershed on January 22, 2019, 07:50:04 AM
Post by: Crunchy on January 22, 2019, 08:06:30 AM
Post by: acrocker on January 22, 2019, 08:19:12 AM
This is kind of like opening a can of religious or political thoughts - people are very invested in and protective of their choices of caliber. Hold on to your seats for this one...
Post by: bobcat on January 22, 2019, 08:26:39 AM
Post by: bornhunter on January 22, 2019, 08:29:25 AM
If you truly want a lightweight rifle, I'd suggest a 270 Winchester. Any cartridge bigger than that will have too much recoil. The 270 may be on the light side for elk, but if you use the right bullets it'll do just fine. Now if you're talking just an average weight rifle, like around 7 1/2 pounds, I'd say the 30/06 or either of the 300 Winchester Magnums would be hard to beat.
:yeah: 270 is all Ihave ever used. All deer, elk, bear. Good all around IMO.
Post by: WSU on January 22, 2019, 08:34:19 AM
Post by: Bob33 on January 22, 2019, 08:41:19 AM
Post by: headshot5 on January 22, 2019, 08:44:19 AM
Post by: X-Force on January 22, 2019, 09:05:01 AM
Post by: Eric M on January 22, 2019, 09:24:01 AM
Post by: jstone on January 22, 2019, 09:26:34 AM
Post by: coachcw on January 22, 2019, 09:30:07 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2019, 09:30:57 AM
Most seem to be on the 300 band wagon. What about the .308? I have the savage.243 and love that rifle. I am thinking about the .308 savage 110.308 is a fine caliber. For me personally, I just cant come up with a reason to use one. There's a whole long list of calibers on a SA platform and similar recoil that do it better.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 22, 2019, 09:31:40 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 22, 2019, 09:47:34 AM
Most seem to be on the 300 band wagon. What about the .308? I have the savage.243 and love that rifle. I am thinking about the .308 savage 110.
When the question is "best caliber for elk" and even when short action might be a want, I still can't think of any reason to reccomend a 308 for a grown person
Post by: HoofsandWings on January 22, 2019, 09:51:46 AM
For shorter distances, practice with a peep sight.
If you are a terrible shot, then look at cartridges meant for elephants.
Post by: Woodchuck on January 22, 2019, 10:16:24 AM
Post by: jstone on January 22, 2019, 10:29:21 AM
Post by: mikefinchmp on January 22, 2019, 10:40:12 AM
If you are a great shot, then it really does not matter which cartridge. Take a rifle and shoot a target at 200 yards off hand. (no rest).Hilarious! I think if I was that bad I would opt for machine gun.. lol
For shorter distances, practice with a peep sight.
If you are a terrible shot, then look at cartridges meant for elephants.
Post by: mburrows on January 22, 2019, 10:40:50 AM
Most seem to be on the 300 band wagon. What about the .308? I have the savage.243 and love that rifle. I am thinking about the .308 savage 110.
When the question is "best caliber for elk" and even when short action might be a want, I still can't think of any reason to reccomend a 308 for a grown person
I shoot a heavy barreled 308 because I am the biggest recoil wenis on the planet lol.
Post by: mikefinchmp on January 22, 2019, 10:41:13 AM
I used that .243 in Montana for antelope at 280 yards dropped him where he stood. Last year shot a 4 point mule at 230 he walked 30 yards tipped over. Gun is lights out. Just thought of upping the caliber for Montana elk someday. I bow hunt elk in Washington. But someday want to hunt elk again with a rifle, just not this state.
I have a compound bow as well- but why would you not hunt elk with a rifle in this state?
Post by: Woodchuck on January 22, 2019, 10:43:10 AM
Less pressure, more favorable seasons. :twocents:I used that .243 in Montana for antelope at 280 yards dropped him where he stood. Last year shot a 4 point mule at 230 he walked 30 yards tipped over. Gun is lights out. Just thought of upping the caliber for Montana elk someday. I bow hunt elk in Washington. But someday want to hunt elk again with a rifle, just not this state.
I have a compound bow as well- but why would you not hunt elk with a rifle in this state?
Post by: birddogdad on January 22, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
if your looking for "just one", well... if your looking for "another" to add.. well...
Post by: jstone on January 22, 2019, 10:57:20 AM
Rifle Washington. I don’t like crowds. Plus I get into elk every day.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 22, 2019, 11:03:32 AM
Most seem to be on the 300 band wagon. What about the .308? I have the savage.243 and love that rifle. I am thinking about the .308 savage 110.
When the question is "best caliber for elk" and even when short action might be a want, I still can't think of any reason to reccomend a 308 for a grown person
I shoot a heavy barreled 308 because I am the biggest recoil wenis on the planet lol.
Well there ya go :chuckle:
Post by: dvolmer on January 22, 2019, 01:04:18 PM
Post by: kball4 on January 22, 2019, 01:23:14 PM
Post by: Stein on January 22, 2019, 01:28:19 PM
Get something with at least the energy of a .308 and a tough, proven elk bullet and you will be fine. Elk are tough animals, but we have been shooting them for over 100 years with modern cartridges and have it pretty well figured out for the most part.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 22, 2019, 01:35:46 PM
Post by: Shoofly09 on January 22, 2019, 01:50:58 PM
Post by: wheels on January 22, 2019, 01:59:32 PM
Post by: mikefinchmp on January 22, 2019, 02:28:17 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 22, 2019, 02:42:46 PM
Post by: coachcw on January 22, 2019, 02:46:35 PM
Post by: Jimmy33 on January 22, 2019, 02:56:39 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: JWEBB on January 22, 2019, 07:37:20 PM
Post by: jdb on January 22, 2019, 08:08:30 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 22, 2019, 08:26:37 PM
Do you want to hunt rocky mtn spikes on the eastside or bulls on the westside? Some of the shots on the westside are pretty close and in low light conditions. Leverguns aren't rare, not popular either. I usually see .270, .30-30, .30-06, .300, 7mm Rem Mag, .338s, even .257 Wby, .375 hh, .45-70 out in the woods. So, no real magic gun.
Post by: Samloffler on January 22, 2019, 09:25:16 PM
Post by: NW SURVEYOR on February 09, 2019, 08:22:00 AM
Based n what's in MY safe.
33 Nosler with 265 grain
338 Win Mag with 225 grain
7mm Rem Meg with 165 grain
7mm Mauser with 165 grain
308 with 180 grain.
Leave the 243 at home for elk hunting.
Post by: derricklovatt on February 09, 2019, 10:11:19 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on February 09, 2019, 11:09:42 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on February 09, 2019, 11:57:29 AM
The best rifle?
Tikka makes a good, accurate rifle. I like Browning as well. 700s are a great choice if you plan on upgrading parts down the road. Weatherby Vanguards are a good choice too.
Post by: meathunter 4x4 on February 09, 2019, 12:03:26 PM
Post by: Jimmybelltown on February 09, 2019, 01:13:55 PM
300 win mag is devastating.
Ammo readily available for both.
Post by: Bob33 on February 09, 2019, 01:15:05 PM
If you're not sure, try to borrow a larger caliber rifle and go to the range with a friend who can do a "ball and dummy" exercise with you.
:twocents:
Post by: bigdub257 on February 09, 2019, 01:16:27 PM
Post by: HoofsandWings on February 09, 2019, 10:31:35 PM
If you have qualms, go to the range and practice, practice, practice.
You can down an elk if you shoot him between the eyes with just about any caliber.
But if you cant shoot straight, that is another story.
Make sure you can shoot off hand. That is standing up without a rest.
Go to the range and practice standing up and hitting the target at 200 yards or 100 yards at a minimum.
People at the range will instruct you how to breathe, prior to the shot.
No one can help you if you have elk fever and are real jittery. In that case, I suggest you have Mount Rainier as a back stop.
Post by: Eric M on February 10, 2019, 09:57:39 PM
As I said before, the best is the one you can shoot straight and hit the target.This might've just been instructional, but if u do shoot an elk between the eyes, they dont bleed and it can be quite a mess during the quartering and the meat will hold a lot of blood. Make sure u hang it overnight if u take that shot.
If you have qualms, go to the range and practice, practice, practice.
You can down an elk if you shoot him between the eyes with just about any caliber.
But if you cant shoot straight, that is another story.
Make sure you can shoot off hand. That is standing up without a rest.
Go to the range and practice standing up and hitting the target at 200 yards or 100 yards at a minimum.
People at the range will instruct you how to breathe, prior to the shot.
No one can help you if you have elk fever and are real jittery. In that case, I suggest you have Mount Rainier as a back stop.
Post by: C-Money on February 11, 2019, 07:46:20 AM
Post by: Okanagan on February 11, 2019, 09:08:23 AM
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.
Post by: grade-creek-rd on February 11, 2019, 09:16:16 AM
link to blog: http://www.theoutdoorline.com/blog/post/2019/02/03/elk-calibers.aspx
Grade
Post by: HoofsandWings on February 11, 2019, 10:06:21 AM
Post by: donnycan001 on February 23, 2019, 05:14:53 PM
Best for accuracy at range and knock down
Post by: donnycan001 on February 23, 2019, 05:33:19 PM
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.
Post by: BKMFR on February 23, 2019, 06:58:52 PM
Post by: Stein on February 23, 2019, 09:22:19 PM
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.
Post by: HoofsandWings on February 24, 2019, 01:29:40 PM
Post by: hunter-4-life on February 24, 2019, 04:06:28 PM
Post by: Randysonia on March 03, 2019, 07:38:46 AM
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!
Post by: dvolmer on March 06, 2019, 09:49:42 AM
Post by: Whitenuckles on March 07, 2019, 06:02:40 PM
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!!!
Post by: Crunchy on March 07, 2019, 07:23:44 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on March 07, 2019, 07:27:43 PM
Post by: Dan-o on March 07, 2019, 08:28:07 PM
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!!!
You shoot groups that touch at 700 yards?
That's impressive...... Like Jack Reacher impressive.....
Post by: mountainman on March 07, 2019, 09:43:48 PM
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.Lol
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!!!
Sorry, I meant ...lol!
Funnier then those who volley fire at long range on this site!
Post by: Matth on March 08, 2019, 09:01:57 AM
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!!!
You shoot groups that touch at 700 yards?
That's impressive...... Like Jack Reacher impressive.....
I don't believe his intent was to convey that he shoots touching groups at 700 yards.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 08, 2019, 09:34:48 AM
Never miss an opportunity to take a jab...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.Lol
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!!!
Sorry, I meant ...lol!
Funnier then those who volley fire at long range on this site!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 08, 2019, 09:41:29 AM
old habits die hardNever miss an opportunity to take a jab...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.Lol
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!!!
Sorry, I meant ...lol!
Funnier then those who volley fire at long range on this site!
Post by: bod on March 13, 2019, 12:45:51 PM
Post by: headshot5 on March 13, 2019, 01:20:24 PM
Post by: Shoofly09 on March 13, 2019, 08:49:57 PM
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.
Where would you aim or shoot a bull at 200 yards with a .22 that you are confident you would kill it? I've shot a lot of elk, and seen larger caliber ammo (270 Weatherby) bullets stopped by the offside hide. How in the world does a .22 even penetrate the facing hide? That doesn't even make sense?
Post by: blackpowderhunter on March 14, 2019, 08:56:35 AM
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.oh man now it's getting good.. a .22 LR at 200 yards has like 60 ft/lbs of energy..pretty sure a horse fly would do more damage to an elk.
Where would you aim or shoot a bull at 200 yards with a .22 that you are confident you would kill it? I've shot a lot of elk, and seen larger caliber ammo (270 Weatherby) bullets stopped by the offside hide. How in the world does a .22 even penetrate the facing hide? That doesn't even make sense?
best elk rifle?
One of suitable caliber that you are comfortable shooting and know the suitable range for.
get yourself a 30-06 and don't look back or over complicate your life :tup:
Post by: Matth on March 14, 2019, 09:35:30 AM
Well this is getting really lame, but i second or third that 30 06 is more capable than most hunters.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.oh man now it's getting good.. a .22 LR at 200 yards has like 60 ft/lbs of energy..pretty sure a horse fly would do more damage to an elk.
Where would you aim or shoot a bull at 200 yards with a .22 that you are confident you would kill it? I've shot a lot of elk, and seen larger caliber ammo (270 Weatherby) bullets stopped by the offside hide. How in the world does a .22 even penetrate the facing hide? That doesn't even make sense?
best elk rifle?
One of suitable caliber that you are comfortable shooting and know the suitable range for.
get yourself a 30-06 and don't look back or over complicate your life :tup:
Post by: coachcw on March 14, 2019, 12:02:31 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on March 15, 2019, 08:42:20 AM
As far as best rifle, a solid and repeatable bolt action with an appropriate scope combination that allows quick and reliable target acquisition. Off the shelf, the Ruger American is an amazingly affordable and utilitarian weapon.
Post by: Whitenuckles on March 15, 2019, 08:02:49 PM
Post by: Jolten on March 20, 2019, 08:23:57 PM
"Wilson’s world record-setting 5-shot group measured 1.068 inches or, in angular terms, a stunning 0.102 minutes of angle (MOA). " https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/benchrest-shooter-1000-yard-group/
So I believe it's possible to get a touching group at 700
Post by: tonymiller7 on March 22, 2019, 10:51:43 PM
Post by: Buckjunkie on March 23, 2019, 10:22:20 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 24, 2019, 06:19:31 AM
Shoot the biggest Caliber you can shoot accurately. Then look at energy and velocity and determine what your effective range should be. 1800+ FPS and 2000 ft lbs at impact is optimal, but that’s a little subjective. The fT lbs doesn’t have to be 2000. We all strive for MOA accuracy, but you can kill animals with 2 MOA accuracy if you limit your distance. Shoot a well constructed bullet. Shoot for the off side shoulder and you’ll be fine.:yeah:spot on!
Post by: Jpmiller on March 24, 2019, 02:51:38 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on March 24, 2019, 04:08:06 PM
Post by: Axle on March 24, 2019, 05:23:49 PM
Post by: tgomez on March 24, 2019, 05:47:38 PM
Post by: mountainman on March 24, 2019, 06:27:09 PM
The good ol 30-06 with .180 grain, plenty of accuracy and power to 400.And a bit more..farther then most are capable to shoot accuratly. Its still called bug game hunting, not big game shooting