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Old 02-15-2017, 05:59 PM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Default Favourite caliber for elk?

Hi this is a first post for me, long time lurker.

Like the title says, what is your go to for elk? Looking into another rifle and testing the waters to see if there is a known pfererence, also learn more and possibly a good discussion on the options.

Matt.
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:02 PM
gitrdun gitrdun is offline
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I've shot elk with the following: .444 Marlin, 7mm RM, .338 WM and 30-06.
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:07 PM
Diesel_wiesel Diesel_wiesel is offline
 
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depends on your hunting style , distance and a whole lot more
I know guys that swear by a 243, or 308 , some swear by a 30-06
and others go big 30-378
45-70
personally I like my 300SAUM or 300 Rum
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:10 PM
warriorboy10 warriorboy10 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel_wiesel View Post
depends on your hunting style , distance and a whole lot more
I know guys that swear by a 243, or 308 , some swear by a 30-06
and others go big 30-378
45-70
personally I like my 300SAUM or 300 Rum
6mm. 6.5mm, 260, 270, 280, 7mm-08. List goes on and on..
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:19 PM
Slicktricker Slicktricker is offline
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7mm rem with 160 tsx and 30-06 with 165 partition
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:19 PM
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Dick284 Dick284 is offline
 
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I've shot elk with 25'06(100gr.), and 280AI(150gr.)
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:26 PM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick284 View Post
I've shot elk with 25'06(100gr.), and 280AI(150gr.)
100 grain?! What kind of effective distance?
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Old 02-15-2017, 07:19 PM
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Dick284 Dick284 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macdsl View Post
100 grain?! What kind of effective distance?
This was a 255yd shot.
Bullet went through the lungs, and exited. The bull went all of 70 yds.

You'd probably take that load to around 400 yds on an elk without much worry.

I know that for a fact at 500yds the 100 gr. Partitions will go through the boiler room of a whitetail doe, even when breaking a rib on the way in.

Now most off the shelf 25'06's won't start a 100gr. Pill at 3440fps. But mine does.
(25" gain twist, and moly coated bullets)
Maybe take 30-50yds. Less for a 24" barrelled 25'06.

I'm also sorry because I noticed you said caliber, but I listed cartridges.
I hope that isn't a problem.
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Last edited by Dick284; 02-15-2017 at 07:24 PM.
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:30 PM
Salavee Salavee is offline
 
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These mid-bores are great Elk cartridges.

.338-06, .35 Whelen , 9.3 x 62 , .375 . Dead is dead but overkill is under rated.
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:32 PM
Smokinyotes Smokinyotes is offline
 
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Smallest rifle i have used on elk is a 270win. I prefer a 300wm or338wm.
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:37 PM
fps plus fps plus is offline
 
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If one can deal with the recoil 338 win mag
I personally is a 300 wby
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Old 02-15-2017, 09:11 PM
stob stob is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Salavee View Post
These mid-bores are great Elk cartridges.

.338-06, .35 Whelen , 9.3 x 62 , .375 . Dead is dead but overkill is under rated.
x2, mine have been a 308 with a 165gr fusion (200m) and a 300wsm with a 190gr Nosler LRB (50m)
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Old 02-15-2017, 06:25 PM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel_wiesel View Post
depends on your hunting style , distance and a whole lot more
I know guys that swear by a 243, or 308 , some swear by a 30-06
and others go big 30-378
45-70
personally I like my 300SAUM or 300 Rum
I've always wanted to get a RUM, but never shot one and I admit that the recoil has me concerned. How bad is it really? And what about the barrel life?
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Old 02-15-2017, 07:03 PM
Norwest Alta Norwest Alta is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macdsl View Post
I've always wanted to get a RUM, but never shot one and I admit that the recoil has me concerned. How bad is it really? And what about the barrel life?
Where you at? I'll let you try my 338 rum. Not bad with the brake. 250 grainers buck a little.

I've used 25-06,30-06 and 338 wm. My preferred is 338 wm but that might change when I get the rum tuned in.
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Old 02-15-2017, 07:15 PM
.300ultramag .300ultramag is offline
 
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6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, 270 WSM, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 RUM have worked for me.

Missed one (clean miss) with the wsm.

Not much of a betting man but it might be safe money to wager that the 30.06 and 7mm rem mag have been responsible for more horizontal elk/full freezers than the rest combined....

Shot placement and proper bullet over all other factors.
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Old 02-15-2017, 07:34 PM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by .300ultramag View Post
6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, 270 WSM, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 RUM have worked for me.

Missed one (clean miss) with the wsm.

Not much of a betting man but it might be safe money to wager that the 30.06 and 7mm rem mag have been responsible for more horizontal elk/full freezers than the rest combined....

Shot placement and proper bullet over all other factors.
The 6.5 definitely peaks my interest. Are they really as good in the real world as they are portrayed? And yes, the old 7mm, 30-06 and 300WM seem to be the main players. I'm just curious to see if there was a noticeable pattern...
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Old 02-15-2017, 07:27 PM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Norwest Alta View Post
Where you at? I'll let you try my 338 rum. Not bad with the brake. 250 grainers buck a little.

I've used 25-06,30-06 and 338 wm. My preferred is 338 wm but that might change when I get the rum tuned in.
I'm in Fort Mcmurray. 338 RUM, is that custom?
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Old 02-15-2017, 07:30 PM
Norwest Alta Norwest Alta is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macdsl View Post
I'm in Fort Mcmurray. 338 RUM, is that custom?
Lol. Other side of province. No not custom.
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Old 02-15-2017, 10:31 PM
Diesel_wiesel Diesel_wiesel is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macdsl View Post
I've always wanted to get a RUM, but never shot one and I admit that the recoil has me concerned. How bad is it really? And what about the barrel life?
it depends on the weight of the rifle
how it fits
muzzle brakes help but blow yer ears to heck
I've always had them in the sendero model so never had a recoil problem or used a muzzle brake
I'm kinda weird I guess
I like recoil the more the better
strong back weak mind to carry it all day
I haven't ever worn out a barrel but had to get the throat re reamed on one
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If you consider an unsuccessful hunt to be a waste of time,
then the true meaning of the chase Eludes you all together
you only get a second
shoot where their
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Old 02-15-2017, 08:12 PM
Xbolt7mm Xbolt7mm is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macdsl View Post
Hi this is a first post for me, long time lurker.

Like the title says, what is your go to for elk? Looking into another rifle and testing the waters to see if there is a known pfererence, also learn more and possibly a good discussion on the options.

Matt.
I'll answer it correctly for you. My favorite is a 30 caliber. Per chance are you looking for a favorite cartridge? If so,you never asked that
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Old 02-15-2017, 08:49 PM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Originally Posted by Xbolt7mm View Post
I'll answer it correctly for you. My favorite is a 30 caliber. Per chance are you looking for a favorite cartridge? If so,you never asked that
Sure, cartridge then. Guess I should have been more specific but that's what I was getting at.
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Old 02-15-2017, 10:32 PM
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Ice Fishing Maniac Ice Fishing Maniac is offline
 
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Depends on the Caliber i am hunting with that day/hunt.

300WM new since 1997 with 180gr Accubonds have been my medicine since 2004.

270WSM with 140gr Accubonds and 338-06ai with 225gr Accubonds or TTSXs.

My main go to rifle has been my 300wm.

For yourself, whatever caliber you can shoot accurately and fits the best is what I would choose. Bigger doesn't always mean better .
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  #23  
Old 02-15-2017, 10:43 PM
oldgutpile oldgutpile is offline
 
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Default elk medicine

I tend to hunt in the heavy bush. usually close called-in bulls in the early rut. My first couple of bulls were with iron sighted .348, and the last few with a .338wm. With the .338, usually the feet just kinda fall out from under them!
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Old 02-15-2017, 10:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldgutpile View Post
I tend to hunt in the heavy bush. usually close called-in bulls in the early rut. My first couple of bulls were with iron sighted .348, and the last few with a .338wm. With the .338, usually the feet just kinda fall out from under them!
.348 model 71 is on my bucket list. In the meantime I have two; 30/06 & .58 round ball.
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Old 02-16-2017, 02:45 PM
Xbolt7mm Xbolt7mm is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Macdsl View Post
Sure, cartridge then. Guess I should have been more specific but that's what I was getting at.
I think they al figured it out cuz all your answers where just that, cartridges, its just right to learn the correct terms so the young uns know the difference
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  #26  
Old 02-18-2017, 04:14 PM
sekhon007 sekhon007 is offline
 
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Default 300 win mag

I Use 300 win mag 180 grain sst for elk pretty much a bang flop right away.
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Old 02-18-2017, 08:56 PM
Xbolt7mm Xbolt7mm is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sekhon007 View Post
I Use 300 win mag 180 grain sst for elk pretty much a bang flop right away.
Thats fantastic, im glad they work good for you
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  #28  
Old 02-18-2017, 11:21 PM
Kurt505 Kurt505 is offline
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A lot of crazy talk on this thread. Any cartridge that's legal to hunt big game with will kill an elk. I understand the op asked for "favorite", so there is going to be a very wide selection to answer that question. The truth of the matter is, is that all legal cartridges are capable, but they all have their limits, as do the shooters. If you want to shoot elk at 800yds I would suggest using a magnum, but the fact that you are asking tells me an 800yd shot is probably a bit farther poke than you're ready for.

I wouldn't hesitate to use a 7mm-08 out to 500yds on an elk, or a 308, or a 260, or a 300 magnum, or a 30-06, or a 270. Ballistics, ballistics of any certain bullet will determine what the max range the cartridge is capable of penetrating.

If you're asking what my favorite is just to hear what I like to use, the answer for me personally would be the 280ai, but if you're asking so you know what to use for yourself, pick a comfortable rifle then use it to its potential range, whether it be 200yds, 600yds, 1000 yds, whatever you're capable of.

If you're using 50gr of powder and 140gr of lead, in capable hands you'll be good to 600yds.
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  #29  
Old 02-17-2017, 08:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xbolt7mm View Post
I'll answer it correctly for you. My favorite is a 30 caliber. Per chance are you looking for a favorite cartridge? If so,you never asked that

Funny, almost 30 posts and you were the only fellow that didn't understand the OP's intent.... or did it make you feel good to point out your superior intelligence.

To the OP,

7mm rem mag with a 150 TSX. Just picked up a 9.3 x 62 and would like to give that a try some day. Planning to load up some 250 TSX.
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Old 02-17-2017, 08:43 AM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Thanks for all the replies so far, I find it really interesting to see just how much variety there is and different opinions on the subject.

Seems to me pretty consistent that we need good bullets and well placed shots, haven't seen many other animals with the toughness of an elk.

Another question for those of you with more experience buying and selling, is the used market worth it? Or just suck it up and pay for new? I see most are listed close to new price anyway, or is there any advantage to trying to find one say from the buy and sell part of the forum?
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