What caliber rifle for elk? 1st hunt

[K.E.C. Darkside]

If you like a bullet to pass through get a bonded bullet or mono.
If you want a bullet to blow up inside the animal get Berger's or some other target bullet.

 

[FEENIX]

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

I was a long-time NBT and A-Max before transitioning to Berger bullets as my go-to bullet, and never turned back - that was 21 years ago. I had plenty of success with NBT and A-Max on antelope and deer but never on elk.

 

[southpa]

.284 or .308 caliber

This....

 

[Muddybuddy]

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.

Be prepared for anything. I'd want to be effective as far as possible. I've shot elk from feet to a long way.

 

[dustbag]

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.
Which you the best on your hunt.

This would b my first choice from your list. 30-06 close second.
If you use this trip as a perfectly valid reason (which it is for sure) to get a new rifle either mag would be great. I would lean toward the 300 win.
Either way your set. Practice your up hill walking and good luck!

 

[Muddybuddy]

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

Hybrids and eldm are killers on elk.

 

[birddog 68]

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

I had used Berger for my first elk and then numerous whitetail and they worked well. And then I had one fail to expand on a wt and acted like a fmj.
I lost confidence in them after that and haven't used them for hunting since. Many others here using them with great results. Once I lose confidence in a bullet or broadhead I switch to something else.

 

[Rick Richard]

I am now on the Hammer Hunter band wagon.

 

[FEENIX]

Be prepared for anything. I'd want to be effective as far as possible. I've shot elk from feet to a long way.

This! And the right set-up to humanely harvest at that distance.

 

[lancetkenyon]

We have killed elk from 50 to 882 with rifles.
Bergers for almost all. I think the furthest one went was about 40-50 yards on a dead run @ 662 yds, piled up with his nose buried in the dirt. Most went about 3'...straight down.