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New rifle for elk. Help.... #7720417 01/17/20 04:43 AM
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smirly22 Offline OP
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I am joining an existing group in Wyoming this fall for and 1 week elk hunt. I do not have a big game caliber rifle and am in the market. My question isnt about the brand/style rifle. But i want to hear your opinions on caliber. I have narrowed it down to either a 6.5 creedmoor, .308, .270, or 30-06. Keep in mind that i will use this rifle.for deer as well. My goal is clean and quick ethical kills, i know.follow up shots are possible with elk.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720441 01/17/20 06:10 AM
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i like my .338 win mag or .300 win mag

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720453 01/17/20 10:13 AM
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From your list I would go with the 30/06.

All are more than capable of killing elk.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720459 01/17/20 11:30 AM
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30-06 from your list
150's for deer and 165 -180 for Elk


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Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720476 01/17/20 12:15 PM
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In this order: 3006, 308, 270. I would take the 6.5 off the list and maybe replace it with a 7mm Rem.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: Drop Tine] #7720547 01/17/20 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Drop Tine
30-06 from your list
150's for deer and 165 -180 for Elk


X2 For elk a good bonded bullet (accubond) or the Partition will do the job on elk.





Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720562 01/17/20 02:15 PM
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.270 or .30-06 would be my #1 and #2,

6.5 CM wouldn’t even make the list


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720583 01/17/20 02:36 PM
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What other calibers do you already have?

If I was going to pick one off that list specifically for elk i'd go with the 30-06.

As a general hunting rifle in texas that will do elk? Any of them will do the job. Make sure you can put the bullet in the right place and you will have a dead elk.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720591 01/17/20 02:46 PM
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I would say a .270 has probably killed more elk through the years than all other calibers combined. With that being said, there are other calibers out there that are better than the ones on your list. .300 Win Mag, 7mm Mag, and the 30.06 would be my top three choices. I have killed elk with a 30.06 and 7mm mag. One dropped ( 30.06) and the other went 20 yards. ( 7mm mag). Both bulls. My buddy shot a nice bull with a 6.5 CM this year and it really sucked. The elk ran over 300 yards, over a ridge, didn't leave any blood, and was still alive and panting when they found him. If there wasn't snow they may not have recovered it at all. It was shot in the neck by the way. So yeah I agree with txtrophy85, the 6.5 CM should not even be on your list as an elk rifle.


Rob Valle
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Originally Posted by Texsun
The three things you need in life are a good doctor, lawyer and taxidermist.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: rob valle] #7720605 01/17/20 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by rob valle
I would say a 30-06 has probably killed more elk through the years than all other calibers combined.

Fixed it for you.

The 30-06 is thought to be 'ol Grandpa's gun and isn't looked at as much as a lot of the newer, tacticool rounds that are out there. 30-06 is an excellent choice, as is the 7 mag, 300WM, and many many others. The sky is the limit. Key thing, as others have stated, shot placement trumps all.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720615 01/17/20 03:10 PM
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smirly22 Offline OP
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Thanks for the input yall. I currently dont have any big caliber rifles. Mainly been a bird hunter till now. I like the idea of the 30-06.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: ZK-315] #7720622 01/17/20 03:15 PM
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Whatever you can shoot accurately, bullet placement is by far the most important. If you can shoot the 6.5 creed more accurately than a 300 win then that is the better choice. Most people use too much gun and they can't shoot it accurately. 2cents


New Mexico: Not Really New, Not Really Mexico
Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: NMGW] #7720706 01/17/20 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by NMGW
Whatever you can shoot accurately, bullet placement is by far the most important. If you can shoot the 6.5 creed more accurately than a 300 win then that is the better choice. Most people use too much gun and they can't shoot it accurately. 2cents


Nailed it. If you are a recoil-sensitive shooter an accurate, well-placed shot from a 6.5CM with a bonded bullet will get it done.

If you can handle a bit more recoil then the .30-06 would be my top choice. As mentioned above, the flexibiliy to go 150gr for TX and 180gr bonded for Elk is nice.

Just as important for elk, and usually the last things alot of hunters think about:
a) Get yourself in shape. Hard to make a well-placed shot when your chest is heaving from being out of breath.
b) Once you get this new rifle PRACTICE shooting it from actual hunting positions: Seated, prone, off your back pack, off a tree, etc. Very few bench tops in the mountains.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: NMGW] #7720714 01/17/20 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by NMGW
Whatever you can shoot accurately, bullet placement is by far the most important. If you can shoot the 6.5 creed more accurately than a 300 win then that is the better choice. Most people use too much gun and they can't shoot it accurately. 2cents


Make it a sticky. Well said



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Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: NMGW] #7720723 01/17/20 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by NMGW
Whatever you can shoot accurately, bullet placement is by far the most important. If you can shoot the 6.5 creed more accurately than a 300 win then that is the better choice. Most people use too much gun and they can't shoot it accurately. 2cents


This right here....

Seen plenty elk taken with .260s, 6.5x47s, and the 6.5 CMs.

Much rather have a hunter show up with something they are comfortable with and can shoot well than some dragon slayer magnum they can’t. Seen it too many times....

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: joshf303] #7720751 01/17/20 04:35 PM
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If you can’t handle the recoil of a 30-06; for 1 shot, I would take up golf. Use the 30-06.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720759 01/17/20 04:45 PM
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Spending the first 42 years of my life growing up in prime elk country, I have killed elk with:

.375 Ultra Mag
.338 Win. Mag
.300 Weatherby
.300 Win Mag
.30-'06
.270 Win
7mm-.08 and
.264 Win. Mag.

Didn't notice a difference in any of them. All the elk died. Use the one that you are comfortable with, chose a good bullet, and go hunting.


You did what?
Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7720784 01/17/20 05:19 PM
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I killed two elk with a 270 WSM 130gr Barnes TTSX(handload) both never took a step. 2cents

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: Huntmaster] #7720814 01/17/20 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Huntmaster
If you can’t handle the recoil of a 30-06; for 1 shot, I would take up golf. Use the 30-06.


Not ever one could be a hunt “master”.



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Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: BOBO the Clown] #7720883 01/17/20 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted by Huntmaster
If you can’t handle the recoil of a 30-06; for 1 shot, I would take up golf. Use the 30-06.


Not ever one could be a hunt “master”.



But we can all be great master baiters

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: kdkane1971] #7720928 01/17/20 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by kdkane1971
Originally Posted by BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted by Huntmaster
If you can’t handle the recoil of a 30-06; for 1 shot, I would take up golf. Use the 30-06.


Not ever one could be a hunt “master”.



But we can all be great master baiters



Nope it’s illegal in most Western states. Even “food plots” are illegal in CO wink


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Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7721390 01/18/20 04:15 AM
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smirly22 Offline OP
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Thanks again for the info. Leaning to 30-06 now. Its always been a successful rifle. And also, thanks for the getting in shape info. Ive been making a workout plan for the trip. 9months (ish) to get in altitude shape! Wish me luck.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7721458 01/18/20 12:24 PM
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Probably not a bad choice. 45 years ago or so when I was buying my first high power, my mentor told me”if you’re only going to buy one high power, the 3006 is a great choice. There are so many different bullet weight options that the 06 has available, it is one of the most versatile calibers out there and can handle about any kind of game.” The only flaw in that theory is that if you love big game hunting, more rifles will follow over the years.

Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: smirly22] #7721924 01/19/20 12:45 AM
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Originally Posted by smirly22
I am joining an existing group in Wyoming this fall for and 1 week elk hunt. I do not have a big game caliber rifle and am in the market. My question isnt about the brand/style rifle. But i want to hear your opinions on caliber. I have narrowed it down to either a 6.5 creedmoor, .308, .270, or 30-06. Keep in mind that i will use this rifle.for deer as well. My goal is clean and quick ethical kills, i know.follow up shots are possible with elk.


Of the calibers given the 30-06 would be my choice with the 270 coming after, other calibers listed don't make the cut. Would like to have seen you throw in a 300 or 7mm caliber magnum on your list.


Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
Re: New rifle for elk. Help.... [Re: BOBO the Clown] #7722600 01/19/20 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted by kdkane1971
Originally Posted by BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted by Huntmaster
If you can’t handle the recoil of a 30-06; for 1 shot, I would take up golf. Use the 30-06.


Not ever one could be a hunt “master”.



But we can all be great master baiters



Nope it’s illegal in most Western states. Even “food plots” are illegal in CO wink


Think you missed the joke. Read the sentence aloud a few times in a row.


If you died tomorrow, what would you have done today...
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