What caliber rifle for elk? 1st hunt

[ShootnMathews]

So I'm planning to go on my first elk hunt (first hunt out west period) next year and I'm stuck deciding what caliber to use. So I'll rattle off some of my guns that I am considering taking and maybe you elk guys can help me decide. I don't really know what is needed to efficiently bring one down or what ranges I'll most likely need to shoot. So which ones of these rifles will be sufficient or should I just be looking at buying a 7Rem mag or 300WM? I'm sure we'll be doing a lot of walking which is why I included rifle weights

6.5-284 with a 6.5-20x50 scope. Shooting 140 grain Nosler ballistic tips. This rifle is extremely accurate and I'm confident with it to shoot to 800 yards. Weighs 10lbs 9oz

308 Winchester shooting 168 grain Amax. 5-20x50 scope. This gun is pretty darn accurate but I don't have as much trigger time on it so I'll say I'm confident with it to 500 yards.

The next rifle I'm considering is much lighter weight so it'd definitely be easier packing at 7lbs 12oz. It's a 30-06 with 20" barrel and 4-12x40 scope and shooting 125 grain Nosler ballistic tips right now but I can work up a heavier load for it if I need to. I'm only confident with this rifle to about 300 yards because I set it up with light bullets for 100 yard deer shots.

Next is another light weight rifle at 7lbs 8 oz. 7mm-08 with 139 grain SST bullets. This gun is decently accurate and prints submoa groups. It only has a 3-9x40 with no dialable turrets so I'd be stuck with just holding over. However I do have a 6.5-20x44 scope here that I could easily throw on it and dial for distance with some practice and load work. No pic but it's basically the same rifle as the 30-06.

Thanks for any input here.

 

[Muddybuddy]

If this is a public land hunt where you're covering ground and climbing mountains at 10k feet, the lighter the better. Especially if you're a flat lander! I'd take anything with an eldm. Work up a 178gr eldm with that 3006 and go kill stuff!

 

[ShootnMathews]

If this is a public land hunt where you're covering ground and climbing mountains at 10k feet, the lighter the better. Especially if you're a flat lander! I'd take anything with an eldm. Work up a 178gr eldm with that 3006 and go kill stuff!

Should I swap over to the 6.5-20x44 with dialable turrets? The 4-12 that's on it has the Nikon BDC reticle for holdovers. I originally set this 06 up as a treestand gun. Light and short range shots.

 

[Rick Richard]

Lots of elk have been taken with all of the cartridges mentioned. I would take which ever one you shoot the best.

 

[waspocrew]

Any of the rifle/cartridge combos you posted will work, however, I'd want some different projectiles. Not a fan of the Nosler BT, so for the 6.5, I'd be looking at the 140 Berger.

For the 30-06, I'd step up to a 165-180 gr projectile like the Accubond.

 

[Muddybuddy]

Should I swap over to the 6.5-20x44 with dialable turrets? The 4-12 that's on it has the Nikon BDC reticle for holdovers. I originally set this 06 up as a treestand gun. Light and short range shots.

That's for you to decide based on comfort and max effective range. I like a scope that dials but I also shoot a long way if necessary.

 

[birddog 68]

I know this is a long range hunting forum but I would venture to guess that most elk are shot at under 500 yards.
Anyone of the rifles mentioned would work although it sounds like you are most comfortable with your 6.5-284. I'd just work up a load with some accubond for it and go hunting.
Most people focus too much on the shooting and not enough on the physical aspects. I see that you are from WV so be sure to hike the hills beforehand. You will enjoy your hunt much more if you are physically prepared.
Good luck

 

[ShootnMathews]

That's for you to decide based on comfort and max effective range. I like a scope that dials but I also shoot a long way if necessary.

Well I dial a lot on other rifles that I shoot so that's the more common way that I shoot. But I don't really know what to expect for shot distance since I've never been out there. If the shot is likely to be over 300 I'd prefer to dial.

 

[ShootnMathews]

I know this is a long range hunting forum but I would venture to guess that most elk are shot at under 500 yards.
Anyone of the rifles mentioned would work although it sounds like you are most comfortable with your 6.5-284. I'd just work up a load with some accubond for it and go hunting.
Most people focus too much on the shooting and not enough on the physical aspects. I see that you are from WV so be sure to hike the hills beforehand. You will enjoy your hunt much more if you are physically prepared.
Good luck

Yes I have shot this 6.5 a lot and am very accurate with it. Will the ballistic tips not do well on elk? This is where I lack experience as I mostly hunt deer. And is the 6.5 powerful enough for ethical kills on elk. I see a lot of guys on YouTube shooting elk with them and having great results.

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

1. 30-06 get something 150-180 shooting good...it will work on any elk walking
2. 2nd choice 6-5-284 I've killed some fairly big critters with the 6.5-284 just be cognizant of your shot placement. You shoot it well...
3. Next 308
4. Last 7-08--not that it's the worst--just not As good as the above options

 

[birddog 68]

Yes I have shot this 6.5 a lot and am very accurate with it. Will the ballistic tips not do well on elk? This is where I lack experience as I mostly hunt deer. And is the 6.5 powerful enough for ethical kills on elk. I see a lot of guys on YouTube shooting elk with them and having great results.

Ballistic tip will and has killed elk but it wouldn't be my choice. There's too many better options. If you do a search on here you will find many threads filled with preferences.
I am partial to the accubond and I would think you should be able to get a 140 grain going somewhere around 2900 fps from the 6.5 which will work fine. Just my opinion and I'm sure others will chime in and possibly sway your decision one way or another.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

You said the 6.5/284 is the most accurate and you are confident with it.
That is the rifle to take.
Try and get 140 Accubond dialed in, they should hold up a little better than Bt.
What ever you choose practice, practice and practice shooting some more.
Wish you the best on your hunt.

 

[Brathany]

.284 or .308 caliber

 

[ShootnMathews]

Ballistic tip will and has killed elk but it wouldn't be my choice. There's too many better options. If you do a search on here you will find many threads filled with preferences.
I am partial to the accubond and I would think you should be able to get a 140 grain going somewhere around 2900 fps from the 6.5 which will work fine. Just my opinion and I'm sure others will chime in and possibly sway your decision one way or another.

What's your thoughts on the Berger VLD Hunting for elk?