elk hunting caliber???

[losthelegend]

I am looking to build a weapon strictly for elk hunting for yardage up to 850-900 yds. I am a avid bow hunter that does not have much experience with bigger caliber rifles. What do you guys suggest for a caliber and why? I am plan on using a nightforce 5.5-22x56 for the glass. I reload my own ammo and have the time and space to work on loads for the weapon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[liltank]

Well my suggestion would be the 7mmREM Mag, 7WSM, or 270WSM. There are others, but these would be a good starting point. Since you hand roll your own ammo, you could load 168, 180 Bergers, 162 Amax/BTHP, 160 Accubond and knock'em down to 1000yds. I only suggest these due to recoil. If you can handle more, then any of the 338 mag's will do. I would put a muzzle break on all of them anyway. So the recoil thing is a mute point for me. But that is what I suggest. I personally am going the 7SAUM, 270WSM, or 338WM myself. Have yet to decide. I got a while until I have to make that decision anyway. Next build is going to be for my little hunting buddy (8yr old son)!

Tank

 

[SavageScott]

I'll 2nd what Liltank said. The only thing I would add is the 300 wsm using 180 grainers. Elk don't seem to go very far after you smack them with that

 

[ishootkittens]

Psst... 300wsm!

 

[WyoElk2Hunt]

For the range you are asking for: 300 Win, 300 WBY, 300 RUM, or my new one 338 SIN

 

[HJW]

I'd go with the .300 RUM.

 

[durak]

Deader is always better! 300RUM, 7RUM, or 338 Edge + big Bergers - kills them good

 

[screech]

Wow there's a million different cartridges but I use a 7stw with real good luck. I have 3 over the 750 mark and all just dropped with shoulder shots.

 

[ATH]

I'd go with one of the 30 caliber magnums (300WM, 300WSM, etc) as I don't like brakes. If you don't mind brakes or the cost, one of the 338s will hit harder.

Elk are tough animals. Personally, I'm leery of 7mms on them. I don't begrudge those that use them at all. You simply need to personally trust whatever you use, and I don't trust the smaller calibers after watch elk absorb multiple 30cal bullets through the vitals with no visible reaction until they fall over dead.

 

[WildRose]

I'd go with the .300 RUM.

Yep, 300 RUM 7mm Rum, 7mm STW.

 

[bigngreen]

What kind of elk hunting are we talking, are you lugging a rifle over the mountains going in and out of timber or are you setting up and watching clearing or something of that nature.

 

[sp6x6]

I've taken 1/2 of my 30+ elk w/bow , but I favor the 338's for elk. Ihad a dedicated elk rifle and it was a 340 WM, now my son uses it and I have a 338 Norma. Elk get big, my hunting buddy took a bull with his bow that was 900 lbs this year

 

[6.5x300]

With that big scope I don't imagine weight will be much of an issue. At Long range accuracy is going to be key! I shoot my 338 edge a lot better then I do my 300WM at LONG ranges so for me it is the 338 edge. It certainly won't take much load developement as everyone seems to get great results from the time trusted load frequently posted on here. My 338 doesn't have a break but it does have a 30" bull barrel. Recoil doesn't seem to be an issue for me for first 10-20 shots or so. I frequently use it to shoot Rock Chucks just to stay in practice.

Of course packing it a long ways would be a concern but I was impressed with the results with the one shot I got at a nice 4-5 elk at 530 yrds.

BT

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

338 and 375 are the best calibers for elk at that range or any range. The cartridge you choose in those calibers depends on what your parameters are.