Best gun for hunting elk

[Starr]

I what is your suggestions for the best type of riffle to be hunting elk. My husband seems to think that the 30 30 will do fine but since he handed me the 22 to kill the llama Im not sure that he really has a clue.
My daughter has also expressed interest in hunting, she is 19, so I think this may end up as something that we actually get to do this fall.
I have a nice compound bow as well but I am not sure about hunting with that yet. The several shots it took to put down the llama will be with me for a while and I dont want to make that mistake with the bow.

Starr

[Wahnie]

I've heard about and seen too many elk wounded when people think their .30-30 is adequate. They are big critters, and in my experiences, tough to put down, unlike whitetail. I've put three shots right through the boiler room of elk using a .300 Win Mag with 165gr Hornady's just to have them get right back up and take off running. That does not mean a .30-30 won't kill an elk. It will, especially at close range, but its far from what I would consider adequate.

I would say a safe minimum would be a .270 with 130gr premium. .30-06 with 165's is even better. .300 Win Mag with 165's is just about perfect. I don't believe you need a thumper like a .338 Win Mag or .375 H&H like some people will tell you, though.

If you plan on hunting elk in the brush, where shots won't exceed 150 yards or so, you might think about a .45/70 or similar.

But before you go off hunting elk, make sure you know what you're going to be in for. If you do not know the area, you might want to hire a guide of some form or another, whether it be a friend or a professional.

Also, be prepared for anything. Don't hesitate to bring stuff you don't think you'll need, like extra clothes, because it can get really cold up in the mountain of the west during the fall and winter.

And most of all, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

Just my $0.02

[fabsroman]

Starr,

You probably should have posted this thread in the "Rifles" or "Elk" forum because there is bound to be more knowledgeable people lurking around in there. Truthfully, I don't lurk in Almost Anything Goes too often, but there hasn't been any activity in my forums for a little while.

Wahnie is about right on the choice of cartridge for elk. I have never hunted elk before, but I wouldn't go with anything less than my .300 Win Mag. with 180 grain Barnes X Bullets. The bullet is really important when hunting the larger animals. You don't want a bullet that will come apart easily. For instance, I once shot a deer with my .300 Win Mag at close range using Remington's Core-Lokt bullet and there was no exit wound because the bullet completely disintegrated before it reached the other side of the animal. You want a bullet that will deposit a bunch of its kinetic energy in the animal, thereby causing massive tissue damage, but you want to ensure that it stays somewhat intact going through bone, muscle, tendon, etc. and that it comes out the other side and leaves a pretty nice exit wound. My bullet that blew apart caused massive tissue damage where it entered the deer (i.e., the top left shouder of the deer and the exit wound should have been in the stomach) and it broke its entire shoulder. The deer didn't suffer much at all, but it was a button buck which is a small whitetail. I would be a little worried to use that bullet on a large whitetail buck, much less an elk of any size.

Technically, a .22 would probably kill an Elk, but you would never find it and it would be a very slow and painful death for the animal unless you shot it in the brain. If you hit it in the brain, then everything is just fine.

If you decide to get one of the magnum rifles, try to get a heavy one or add weight to it (i.e., a cartridge belt) so that you won't feel the recoil when practicing with it. If you are worried about the extra weight when hunting, take the bipod and cartridge holder off.

[QuietHunter]

Good advice from Wahnie.
I would get a 308 or 30-06, but if you are not accustomed to recoil, and don't want to carry a heavier gun, look at the 7mm-08.

Avoid the 30-30. It will work, especially at close range, but is far from ideal in my opinion.

Something tells me Wahnie may be a good choice to have you and your daughter learn from.

[Starr]

Thank you all for the advice. I knew a 22 was way too small and figured that the 30 30 wasnt big enough either. I will look into what you sugested. I am also planing on joining the shooting club up the road a ways. That way I can get in more practice and get to know some of the locals, Im pretty new to this area.
As far as where to go I have that part made. All I have to do is head out my back door and into the woods. The few locals I have talked to say they stick around if you can just find them. When hunting season was over I had over 200 head of elk in my back pasture! It was wonderful, you could see them from the kitchen window and hear them snorting from inside the house. The dog wasnt too happy but at least he was smart enough to stay away from them
Starr

[Dutchboy]

Starr, I've seen elk killed with one shot from everything from a 22/250 to a 35 Whelen.

Your choice will be determined by a couple of things.:

* Your maximum comfortable range
* Your ability to handle recoil
* The type of hunting.

Range is a big one. Most of us, when we are really, truly honest with ourselves, shouldn't shoot at elk from field position unless they are within 250 yards. Any modern cartridge will do that. But, it you have a spot in your "back yard" where you can ambush elk at a longer range, and have a good rest, and practice at that distance, more horsepower might be needed, such as a 300 Win or other "magnum".

Recoil is a big one. My wife really isn't comfortable with anything more than here 280. I happen to enjoy the occasional shot that "rocks my world", and I like shooting a 35 Whelen. Once in a while.... For most women, a 308 or 708 are ideal solutions. Good range, good penetration, and moderate recoil.

Finally, the type of hunting. If you "jump shoot" elk, like I do, a little extra horsepower doesn't hurt. Simply because the angles aren't ideal, and you might have to shoot through the elk diagonally. Again, that is why I shoot the Whelen.

Unless you expect to be shooting long range or at odd angles, the 308 and 7/08, and a rifle that fits YOU would be my choices, with the nod going to the 308. HTH, Dutch.

[Dan Morris]

I have used the 06 for years, never a problem. Son uses a 338....18 n magnum feaver.LOL I'd agree with wahnie....a 270/308 or 30-06 should fill the need. Most important thing is becoming good with what ever you use! 125lb daughter has learned to love the .270.Any of the above can be downloaded for a new shooter, then work up to hunting loads.
JMO, although the 30-30 has killed elk for years, it requires exact shot placement, I think I'd explore a little more gun.
Good luck
Dan

[grayghost]

All the posts have good advice Starr, if I might add; I've used a .280 for nearly 25 years. It has given me excellent service. Recoil is easy, and range; it will handle most any lower 48 States big game out to 500 yards. Past that your losing too much velocity for humanely taking Deer or above. Today we have a good selection of bullets. I use Speer Grand Slams (160 grain) in the "over the counter" Nitrex cartridge. It is a tough bullet on Deer, Bear and Elk. Remington makes several good bullets as well do the other major mfrs. The .280 is a great all around cartridge. Ammo is affordable, and most gun companies make an accurate rifle. Good hunting, and welcome to H/C. grayghost

[losthwy]

Ditto to what most have stated. the 30-30 is Not a good elk choice. .270 is a min. and anything over .300 mag is over kill (more recoil), use 2000 ft lb as a guide at point of impact for elk/ 1000 for deer. Also, very important, buy a quality bullet. Barnes X/XLC and Win. Fail Safe are two good choices. To lessen recoil, a muzzle brake might be the way to go.

[scopeout]

I'd recommend you get what I just got 300WSM Model 70 - as a short magnum it packs 95% of the punch of a regular magnum, as well as being a lighter rifle to lug around. 180 gr should do the trick but you can probably get away with 165 grains. if you've plopped down cash for a guided hunt don't mess around, just get the 180s.

[8X56MS]

I hope to join my son for a Colorado Elk hunt this fall. He has a cabin and guide lined up, and has had success there before. All of the Elk he has taken were with a .30/06, factory Winchester ammo in 180 grain.

I am testing loads in 8 X 57 for my Mannlicher Schoenauer carbine. I may well stay with my hog load, a 220 grain Sierra Game King over 43 grains of IMR4064.

[Leanwolf]

I'll join those who advise AGAINST the .30-30 Win., for elk.

I've used both my old .280 Rem., with my handloads using the 160 gr. Nosler Partition bullet, and my .338 Win. Magnum, again using my handloads and the 210 gr. Nosler Paritition bullets, to kill several elk.

One of my hunting buddies uses a Browning Lever Action 7mm-08, and kills an elk every year. Another hunting buddy does very well with his .30-06. Another scores well with his 7mm Mag. My cousin uses his old Win. Featherweight bolt action in .308 W., and has killed 22 elk with it, using both Federal and Win. 180 gr. factory premium rounds. (He also killed an Idaho moose with same.)

I go with most above, .270 Win. .280 Rem., 7mm Mag., .308 Win., .30-06.... any one with lots of practice and good factory premium rounds... if you don't handload. I prefer Nosler Partition bullets, but know there are other good ones out there.

But here's something I think is extremely important. Buy a GOOD 'scope for your rifle, no matter which rifle you buy. Do not skimp on the optics, as I think -- and my 53 years hunting experiences have proved to me, anyhow -- that a good scope and mount, and quality binocular, are far more important than an expensive rifle.

Best of luck with your purchase, practice, and hunting.

L.W.

[PJgunner]

Starr. I've seen a lot of answers here, some reasonable and some, well, to be polite, not so reasonable IMHO.
One, you did not say what part of Washington state you will be huning. In the Eastern part, or Western.
I've hunted western Washingtom and the brush there is quite thick, which would require a different type of rifle that what you would use in the eatern part of the state. I used a 30-06 over the clear cuts and a 45-70 lever action in the thick stuff.
Without knowing what your shooting experience is, I hesitate to follow the lead of some of the others in recommending a magnum of any type. You'd most likely develope a flinch in a hurry which would not be in the best interests of you or the elk. I think something in the .308 Winchester class would probably be your best bet, reasonably powerful, accurate and with a 180 gr. bullet more than adequate out to 200 yards provided you place the shot correctly. Federal make a High Energy load in the .308 with 180 gr. bullet that is equal to a standard 30-06 in power, and the 30-06 has done in a lot of elk over the years. Hornady also makes a Light magnum load for the .308 wiht their Interlock bullet. Even Remington's standard loads with their core lock bullet has a good reputation.
If you can handle it, the 30-06 would be even better.
As to whether the 30-30 is powerful enough for elk? Well, if you can get close enough to put the bullet in the heart/lung area, and are good enough to track the animal till it drops, then you can use it. I think I could do it, but personally I'd opt for something with a lot more punch.
I find it sickening to come across a blood trail, follow it and find a beautiful animal like an elk that someone either could not, or didn't bother to track down.
The important thing is shoot the most potent rifle you are comfortable with that is suitable for your area.
Paul B.

[robtin]

Originally posted by Leanwolf
I'll join those who advise AGAINST the .30-30 Win., for elk.

I've used both my old .280 Rem., with my handloads using the 160 gr. Nosler Partition bullet, and my .338 Win. Magnum, again using my handloads and the 210 gr. Nosler Paritition bullets, to kill several elk.

One of my hunting buddies uses a Browning Lever Action 7mm-08, and kills an elk every year. Another hunting buddy does very well with his .30-06. Another scores well with his 7mm Mag. My cousin uses his old Win. Featherweight bolt action in .308 W., and has killed 22 elk with it, using both Federal and Win. 180 gr. factory premium rounds. (He also killed an Idaho moose with same.)

I go with most above, .270 Win. .280 Rem., 7mm Mag., .308 Win., .30-06.... any one with lots of practice and good factory premium rounds... if you don't handload. I prefer Nosler Partition bullets, but know there are other good ones out there.

But here's something I think is extremely important. Buy a GOOD 'scope for your rifle, no matter which rifle you buy. Do not skimp on the optics, as I think -- and my 53 years hunting experiences have proved to me, anyhow -- that a good scope and mount, and quality binocular, are far more important than an expensive rifle.

Best of luck with your purchase, practice, and hunting.

L.W.

[cadetvs]

The best elk rifle that I have ever encoutered is the .340 Weatherby magnum. I have taken a number of elk with it and all of them were one shot kills and the fact that all but one dropped in their tracks leads me to believe that the Weatherby is the best elk cartridge out there. My gun is a Mark V sporter without a muzzle brake or anything but it is fine to shoot when hunting, its just a little intense when practiceing. Weatherby has many recoil reducing options for the Mark V if you are recoil shy.