Non-Experienced Elk Hunters, Pick your Cartridge!

[Alibiiv]

NOW THAT WAS FUNNY

No it doesn't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TG-5150]

No it doesn't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just hunt elk more, and forgive yourself. It would be easier

 

[SavageHunter11]

***ERROR- Switch "25-06" and "6.5X284" places, this is a mistake I can't edit - Sorry!***

This is or people that have not harvested an elk **
(Another poll will be created for those that have.)

Pretend you get chosen to go on a once in a lifetime Montana elk hunt in a district with all types of terrain, thick lodgepole to wide open plains. Choose the cartridge you take. (if your ideal cartridge isn't listed, pick the closest one to it).

Feel free to explain.

I voted for the 7mm Rem Mag for a few different reasons. First being, the 280 A.I. wasn't a choice (building one currently for elk, sheep, goat, etc...). Second, the 7mm bullet has an impressive selection of bullets with high BC values. I can get an 180gr. 7mm bullet with similar BC's (0.659 BC1) as a 212gr 30cal (0.663 BC1) bullet but being its lighter and when compared to the 300WM will send those similar BC bullets slightly faster with slightly less recoil. I know lighter bullets when hunting elk are not desirable but I doubt an elk will know the difference between a 180gr bullet and a 212gr. bullet thats 0.024" larger in diameter. Also, as many have said, pick the caliber/rifle you shoot well over a bigger and possibly more suitable caliber, just know the limits of the selected caliber. Most hunters will shoot a 7mm RM far better than something in the 300RUM, 338 Lapua, and bigger territory. 7mm RM is not and never will be the best elk round but it is a dang fine one still from all my research. In the end it's really the same as asking what's better Coke or Pepsi (Pepsi is better btw) and it comes down to personal preference and your specific situation.

 

[TG-5150]

I voted for the 7mm Rem Mag for a few different reasons. First being, the 280 A.I. wasn't a choice (building one currently for elk, sheep, goat, etc...). Second, the 7mm bullet has an impressive selection of bullets with high BC values. I can get an 180gr. 7mm bullet with similar BC's (0.659 BC1) as a 212gr 30cal (0.663 BC1) bullet but being its lighter and when compared to the 300WM will send those similar BC bullets slightly faster with slightly less recoil. I know lighter bullets when hunting elk are not desirable but I doubt an elk will know the difference between a 180gr bullet and a 212gr. bullet thats 0.024" larger in diameter. Also, as many have said, pick the caliber/rifle you shoot well over a bigger and possibly more suitable caliber, just know the limits of the selected caliber. Most hunters will shoot a 7mm RM far better than something in the 300RUM, 338 Lapua, and bigger territory. 7mm RM is not and never will be the best elk round but it is a dang fine one still from all my research. In the end it's really the same as asking what's better Coke or Pepsi (Pepsi is better btw) and it comes down to personal preference and your specific situation.

The 7RM is a darn fine cartridge.
But have you ever heard anyone say " I'd like a Rum and Pepsi, or a Whiskey and Pepsi" ?

 

[SavageHunter11]

The 7RM is a darn fine cartridge.
But have you ever heard anyone say " I'd like a Rum and Pepsi, or a Whiskey and Pepsi" ?

Only ever heard them out of my own mouth, never put much thought to it lol. Full disclosure my father worked for Pepsi growing up, it's all I really knew

 

[Newb77]

The one that I just chose for my hunt in November........300 WM. Now to work up a load!

 

[deerhunter64]

I really like the 338 Win Mag for its extra oomph. Quite a few years ago my father in law and I were hunting mule deer. Snow was coming down like crazy but we were prepared for the weather. Spotted a decent buck and he decided to take the shot with his 338. One shot and it went down instantly. After walking about 250 yards to where that buck was , we noticed another buck dead on the ground right next to it. Evidently there was a second buck standing exactly the same way behind the first buck so we never even knew it was there. The 338 went through both bucks dropping them instantly. They were maybe 5 feet away from each other. He made an honest mistake but I am just glad there was not a third or 4th buck all lined up in a row.

 

[RemHutch50]

Way to be self aware, I wish there were more hunters like you out there! LOL

Buddy of mine has a rem 700 7 mag. **** thing kicks bad enough I would disagree. Seems as bad or worse than the 300wm to me.

 

[FIGJAM]

Buddy of mine has a rem 700 7 mag. ---- thing kicks bad enough I would disagree. Seems as bad or worse than the 300wm to me.

I am not sure what you are disagreeing with...He was the one who said he could shoot a 7mm without flinching. A lot of factors go into felt recoil - generally a 7mm has less recoil than a 300 wm unless you are shooting weakass loads in your 300wm.

 

[basinman]

I didn't see Daisy Red Rider on the list

 

[FatGuy]

Not to beat a dead horse but pick whatever you are most comfortable shooting after hiking miles through rough terrain. I definitely recommend a 7mm bullet or larger but thats just me. Know your limitations and the limitations and performance of the caliber and bullet you choose. I know several people who have kill elk with smaller calibers like 243, 25-06, and 6mm rem. I've also watched people shoot an elk multiple times with 300 wm and bigger calibers before the elk when down. Shot placement and bullet selection are far more important than caliber selection. The more comfortable you are the greater chance you have of good shot placement. Elk are tough and require a tough bullet that wont fall apart on impact and penetrates well into the body cavity.

 

[Hookturnr]

I voted 7mm Mag only because you didn't list P.O. Ackleys finest work and Gods gift to shooters, 280AI!

My current tally with an MCR built 280ai hurling 180gr VLD H is 2 Elk, 1 Black bear, 5 Antelope, 14 Whitetail, 30some coyotes.

Ranges from 15yds. to 564yds.

It's an 11lb. rifle loaded with the can on, ready to hunt and it kills everything you tell it to. I've got lighter,smaller rifles and heavier, bigger rifles in the stable but this one is my go to, all the time, nearly every time.

I grew up on 30/06, went 25/06 for a bit, then .260/300rum depending on animal, then I saw the light and had the .280AI built....the other guns only get out occasionally to make sure they get a kill here n there too now..

Oh, there's a 6.5CM in the stable as well, no slouch but not the versatility of the 280AI either.

 

[mpayne]

I have a 6.5cm,25/06,270,280,280ai,7mm but I always grab my 300wm when I'm going Elkhunting

 

[rokstockrangtang]

I went with 26 nosler,i have a 6.5x284, 26 nosler and 375 ruger.
I like the range and comfort the 26 affords me although i have shot a few 300 wm and it seems to me that my 270 speers or the 300 grain dgs at 2800 and 2660 respectivly have less recoil than the 300s I've shot.