Elk help

[HoytCRX32]

I've drawn a bull elk tag for the areas directly surrounding Suffield. My question is this: I have 4 calibers to choose from - 270 Weatherby Magnum (150 gr.), 300 Weatherby magnum (180 gr), 300 WSM (180 gr) or 30-06 (180 gr).
I'm not really a long distance shooter (comfortable to 400 years). Does anyone know what I can expect in terms of type of shot/distance and is there a preferred caliber?
Cheers

[Sooner]

I did that hunt last year with my 308, miss ranged the bull i got and was shooting low on the first two shots. It is the only rifle i have. The super nice guy who was from down there helping me scout, said, up here a bigger rifle is better. I would lean to the bigger caliber so you can reach out farther and with more ommmf down range.

My bull was bedded broadside and tuned out to be 350+, i must have ranged the grass below him. I was sighted in for 300, ranged what I thought was 350, aimed for what i thought was needed. Expected a clean hit until the snow puffed up in front of him.

I rarely seen a elk under 300 yards, most we seen were way out there at first, once we snuck up on them, they were still 400+ and that was after belly crawling to a hill top to glass the herd. Imo, go with one of the 300's.

Good luck

[HoytCRX32]

Originally Posted by Sooner

I did that hunt last year with my 308, miss ranged the bull i got and was shooting low on the first two shots. It is the only rifle i have. The super nice guy who was from down there helping me scout, said, up here a bigger rifle is better. I would lean to the bigger caliber so you can reach out farther and with more ommmf down range.

My bull was bedded broadside and tuned out to be 350+, i must have ranged the grass below him. I was sighted in for 300, ranged what I thought was 350, aimed for what i thought was needed. Expected a clean hit until the snow puffed up in front of him.

I rarely seen a elk under 300 yards, most we seen were way out there at first, once we snuck up on them, they were still 400+ and that was after belly crawling to a hill top to glass the herd. Imo, go with one of the 300's.

Good luck

Cheers!

[Bigmountainrider]

My suggestion would be to practice, a 270 will kill an elk at 300yrds just the same as a 338. Just got to put it in the "spot". Practice with the gun that feels best/fits you best. I'm sure you will have a dead elk by seasons end.

[newhunterjp]

I just went tru a similar post regarding calibers for moose....im still debating on taking my 338 trg or my 300 win mag.....in my case i can shoot them all very well out to 1400 yards bc they both have a brake..and ipractise lots...but my suggestion to you..is pick the one you KNOW HOW TO SHOOT WELL....practise practise practise AND pic the right bullet for the right job....im an energy and balllistics guy so id suggest your 300...and pick the bullet with the LOWEST form factory and appropriate weight..id say 180 and above

[Jeron Kahyar]

400 yards and under any of the ones listed will be plenty adequate. Also a very reasonable max range for the area you are hunting. Pick the one you like best and don't think twice I'm sure you will have some tasty Elk steaks at the end of the season.

[Slash8]

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe and go with that.

[Slash8]

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe....... go with that and hunt accordingly.

[Phshrmn]

Originally Posted by HoytCRX32

I've drawn a bull elk tag for the areas directly surrounding Suffield. My question is this: I have 4 calibers to choose from - 270 Weatherby Magnum (150 gr.), 300 Weatherby magnum (180 gr), 300 WSM (180 gr) or 30-06 (180 gr).
I'm not really a long distance shooter (comfortable to 400 years). Does anyone know what I can expect in terms of type of shot/distance and is there a preferred caliber?
Cheers

Practice enough with 2 of them to be certain at 400. I shot mine with a 270 at 375 with a (lucky) perfect shot and she dropped with a stagger step.

If you're patient, you will get within 300. If you're confident at 400, you will get that shot. Distances are long in the prairies and without a rangefinder, you will under estimate.

A herd of elk looks close at 400 yards but it's not. Lots of broken legs on Suffield because of under estimations. I have hunted outside the Base and the same potential exists for missing low.

The lay of the land lends itself to long shots and often little cover.

You will be fine - shoot accurately. The shooter's skill matters most. Be certain of your skill.

[buckman]

Use the 270 Weatherby or the 300 Weatherby. Both will give you a cleaner kill on quartering shots.They don't always present broadside, front hoof forward.

[Bassett]

I use a 3006, my other hunting buddies use a .270 and 300 WM. All have dropped elk. Its mainly placement not caliber.

[IronNoggin]

300 Weatherby. Period. Short shots no issue. Long shots the same.
Mine has taken damn near 30 elk to date. None required a second shot.

Good Luck on your hunt.

Cheers,
Nog