Hunting Elk and Deer Calibers

[whitewalrus]

I typically use a 308 for Elk, deer, pronghorn. Makes life a lot simpler I think to pick one caliber and stick with it. I don't take shots over 300 yards at animals so I never really seen the need for a magnum. But I have seen people shooting at geese that are flying higher than 300 yards....

Shot placement/distance is a big thing and you need to think of if you could pass on a less than acceptable shot or would take it anyway.

[buckshotbarlow]

I typically use a 308 for Elk, deer, pronghorn. Makes life a lot simpler I think to pick one caliber and stick with it. I don't take shots over 300 yards at animals so I never really seen the need for a magnum. But I have seen people shooting at geese that are flying higher than 300 yards....

Shot placement/distance is a big thing and you need to think of if you could pass on a less than acceptable shot or would take it anyway.

you must goose hunt by 287 and highway 52...it hink some of those folks believe their 12ga's are AAA.

[whitewalrus]

you must goose hunt by 287 and highway 52...it hink some of those folks believe their 12ga's are AAA.

Was on public land, and a couple different SWA's. I won't hunt public for geese anymore.

[Sawin]

I carry a Kimber 84M Montana in .308 (SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT, check them out!!) for Elk, Deer, and Pronghorn and use the 150gr Barnes TTSX bullets for all 3.
You just have to be careful with over penetration on pronghorn with those bullets, so I have a weaker load for them and never shoot at animals that are stacked up next to each other. The Barnes bullets are solid copper and keep 100% of their mass, so allow you to use the smaller bullets, providing less felt recoil and flatter trajectories than the 168 or 175gr options out there...
Just my two cents.

[TriggerHappy]

I'm looking for lightweight for sure and something suitable for both Elk and Deer as I usually have a tag for both at the same time. Carrying two rifles would not be fun I think.

I know a lot of guys hunt Deer with 7.62 x 39 and Rusty does make it look cool with his .300 BLK

I have a Kimber mountain ascent, 5.5lbs, plus scope and suppressor. 30-06, works for both elk and deer and s a gem to carry around.

Its all about placement and that you're not anticipating the recoil. Shoot what you are comfortable with. There is no perfect caliber and the "ethical" kill distance is up to the one behind the rifle.

[buckshotbarlow]

Well, my 50bmg and 20mm projects got defunded...didn't win power ball, so it's on to the 6.5saum...take a look if you want, it's a zapper!