Caliber for elk

[armstrong001]

Im sorry for your loss. I understand that its nice to hunt with a heirloom.
You probably already know this but early model 70s tend to have substantial collector value to the extent that very few of them are in the field for fear of loss of value. Your choice, it may be worth more to you to use the gun

I appreciate the advice, but the value is only there if you plan on selling it. Now don't get me wrong, I won't be carting that rifle up and down mountains, beating the hell out of it. But I would like it to see some action for probably the first time in 50 years. I think my grandpa would've liked that.

[45XD]

I'm wondering what is the smallest caliber that people feel is ethical to use for elk hunting.

I never get tired of this discussion...

[yankeefan98121]

I will be using a 6.5x55 Swede with 140gr soft point

+1 I heart that round

[rgvt4]

I'm wondering what is the smallest caliber that people feel is ethical to use for elk hunting.

270 and up shoud be fine.

A good placed shot is better than anything. No matter the caliber

[Song Dog]

.243 is the smallest caliber you can legally use here in colorado for big game. I have taken many elk with a .243. Shot placement is everything, knowing your limitations as well as your firearms' makes for a successful hunt. Bullet selection makes a world of difference between gutting an animal or tracking an animal.

[streetglideok]

.243 is the smallest caliber you can legally use here in colorado for big game. I have taken many elk with a .243. Shot placement is everything, knowing your limitations as well as your firearms' makes for a successful hunt. Bullet selection makes a world of difference between gutting an animal or tracking an animal.

This^

What matters more then anything else, is shot placement. Doesnt matter if its my 300rum, 375H&H, 45/70, or 30/30, poor placement will net the same results. Shoot whatever caliber you feel most comfortable with, and shoot it often. 3 shots to sight it in this october does not qualify either,lol. Though I wouldn't use a 243, a good shot with a 243 is better then a mediocre, or average shot with a 300win.

[MileHighOutlaw]

I shot my first elk with a .270 I don't think he ran more than 30 yards before he piled up. Like every said shot placement is key.

[jmg8550]

I ended up getting a 30-06 for my hunting rifle caliber of choice. Reasons being that you can be in the middle of nowhere, and somebody will stock 30-06. ANd it is a proven cartridge. Blah blah about ballistic this and super flat that. Know you rifle, know the cartridge, and most importantly, know your limits.

[jmg8550]

$37 is cheap for higher end 308 ammo!

Lapua and Norma is upward of $45-88 a box!

Even non-exotic magnum premium ammo is $45-60 a box these days.

Want to see expensive? Look up prices of African dangerous big game cartridges.... 500, 600, 700 Nitro Express. $200-300 for a box of 20 is the norm for cheap ammo. The 700NE is almost $400 for 5, yes (five) rounds.




Sierra lists some of their HPBT's as GameKings. Hornady's SST and Nosler's Ballistic tips are nothing but HPBT's with polymer tips.
There are Match HPBT's but the HP is for balance rather than expansion. It all depends on the type of bullet design rather than the description as a HPBT. Tapered vs concentric jackets is the real difference.

Sorry but I would never ever spend that kind of money for 308. African big game cartridges are exotic in my book. So are Lapua and Norma 308. To each there own though.

[buckshotbarlow]

I'm wondering what is the smallest caliber that people feel is ethical to use for elk hunting.

Smallest broad-head used has been a 100gr'r
smallest is 270, cartridge is a 270wsm, 130gr sst
biggest is a 54 hp black powder

The 270win/wsm works, and smacks em good. I now run a 300weatherby after my uncle gave me his Ruger #1. My 270wsm is now my deer buster.