264 win mag for elk?

[Rich Coyle]

Well, you can keep going to smaller and smaller calibers until you get tired of spending an extra day and a night trying to track a wounded elk.
BTDT. I think .30 and up is a better plan.

Based on what?

 

[Deleted member 107796]

Well placed and with a tough bullet, why not?
My friend let me shoot his 264wm at the range, my first time with the caliber and this rifle, with his last two rounds and it was two shots in one hole. This thing about wounded elk with this caliber, is about poor shot placement.

 

[West Calamus]

How do you know this happens with these hunters?

I don't know that this happens with these hunters. I do think your assumption that it never happens stretches the imagination a little more, BTW the 1 st shot in the video was a miss and Aron was dialing.

 

[montana west]

the sign of a genius is someone who can take something complicated and make it simple
John Nosler.

 

[codyadams]

I don't know that this happens with these hunters. I do think your assumption that it never happens stretches the imagination a little more, BTW the 1 st shot in the video was a miss and Aron was dialing.

The only one I saw making assumptions was you.

 

[Eric Alexander]

Just curious, are you loading the 156's anywhere near or over the max load? I am getting a 264 with 1:9 twist barrel and plan to reload for it.

A 1 in 9 twist will not stabilize the long high BC bullets. Above 140gr becomes a challenge. If there is anyway you can get a .264WM with a 1:8, you van enjoy the wonderful upper end of 6.5mm bullets like the 156 EOL. .
I have a .264WM in early Model 70. They came in 1:9 twist and 26inch bbl. 129 gr Nosler ablr shoot wonderfully. 142s not so much.
Wonderful caliber.

 

[vancewalker007]

Just like the title says is it a good choice. I know there are better bigger options but this is my rifle I am most familiar with.

Man, people shoot elk with everything from a 6.5 Creed to the biggest thing out there. Choose a good bullet that is consistently accurate to the level your max range dictates and you'll be fine. Like with any game shooting, bullet placement is more important than anything. I've shot elk with a 280 Rem, 300 WSM, and a 7mm LRM never lost one yet. You'll do great with a 264, I'd try the new Berger 156 EOL. It shoots really great in my 6.5 PRC.

 

[Rich Coyle]

I don't know that this happens with these hunters. I do think your assumption that it never happens stretches the imagination a little more, BTW the 1 st shot in the video was a miss and Aron was dialing.

I didn't assume. I asked a question.

 

[Code4]

I have shot feral camels with a 264WM and 140 Woodleighs. Worked a charm.

 

[mervgriffin]

Shoot the heaviest partition, barnes X as fast as you can safely push it. I have taken elk. You need penetration. Not all shots are broadside.

 

[Brucembeasley]

I have a pre 64 Winchester in a 264 cal. It had a 1 in 11 twist from the factory. I could put ten shots at 200 yds. On a quarter and have shot and harvested anything from pine grouse to elk with it. Deer and elk I've shot at distances from 100 out to 700 yards with the bullet I've shot through the gun since I bought it which is a Speer spire point or mag tip. Just rebarrelled with a shilen 1in8 twist 27 inch am looking forward to seeing how well it will shoot.

 

[AlphaDogs]

Never will work. We all "KNOW" Elk are bulletproof and if shot through both lungs and the heart will run over the mountain and be back next year. You doubt that ? Just read what "experts" all over the internet have to say. Ignore the fact that the most popular cartridge at the last Great Elk Stampede (before WW I) at Yellowstone was the 32-20. The lockdown is giving too many people too much time to pick the flypoop out of the pepper. I'm going to the range !

 

[Buck300]

Here is a descent bull being taken with a 264 win.


And a 243 win.


I would worry about your ability to place the bullet at distance, and choosing a bullet that will preform at your maximum effective range.

 

[22250imp]

Just like the title says is it a good choice. I know there are better bigger options but this is my rifle I am most familiar with.

Have loaded the ol Hornady 160 gr round nose with great success not thinking about trying to kill one at 800 yrds.