What rifle to use for Elk hunting

[rebel_yell66]

I am planning an Elk hunting trip out to Colorado in early to mid October. I have a Browning 30-06 for hunting white tail, in Southwestern Alabama. The longest shot I have taken is about 125-150 yards with no problem. I am just wandering if it has the take-down power for bull elk or should I purchase other caliber rifle?

 

[kb9lwu]

Elk Rifle

30-06 will work with good shot placement. Must use a good premium bullet. Now of you are going to.be.shooting beyond 300-400 yards you can use 35 Whelen or 338-06 which Weatherby makes, if that is not what you are looking for you can move up to 7MM Magnum 300 Win Magnum or 338 Win Magnum.

The second important thing is to consider is recoil if that is not and issue then you might consider a bigger rifle caliber. Third is to practice shooting 200-400 yards if possible, this way you get the feel for shooting that distance and handle the recoil.

Considered a very good s scope for your rifle, along with good binoculars.


Just my 2cents

 

[RockyTopDC]

300 Win. Mag. Is perfect for elk. Usually you will be shooting from atop one valley across to another. The 300 is a hard hitting bullet but with good velocity and ability to shoot flat.

 

[Trout Whisperer]

Your '06 will work fine here in the high country. If you get an opportunity to practice at longer ranges, so much the better.

Hope you have a great hunt!

 

[Gaucho]

Unless you are itching to get a new gun, the 30-06 would be more than just fine for Elk here in the Rockies. 300 Win mag maybe a little better but you can't go wrong with the '06.

 

[TomChemEngineer]

Thanks for clearing this up for me too. Sounds like the Tried and True 30-06 works for big game in the West out to about 400 yards. Nice. I'll check bullet drop at that range. I am guessing that .308 is a little light? Any confirmations?

 

[Wesco]

I use a 300WM however your 30-06 will work just fine for elk, get some practice in at 200+ though

 

[rebel_yell66]

Thanks everyone for the advice. From what I have been told about the place we are going to, there won't be that many locations that will require a shot more than 200 yds. It is a National forest out side of Montrose, Co. called Uncompahgre National Forest, pitched tent, no running water, no Heat, unguided hunt if I am lucky to draw a bull tag.

 

[Stan45]

Good luck with your hunt.

 

[Stiofan]

The .30-06 is probably the most popular round for elk where I live. I use a .270, knocks them down fine too.

 

[Trout Whisperer]

...there won't be that many locations that will require a shot more than 200 yds...

:smile: Well, elk hunting has taught me to be prepared for anything when in the field.

Hope you draw the bull tag you want!

 

[Danmc]

Good luck on your hunt! .30-06 should be plenty. However, the only 2 elk I have ever taken was 1 with a .30-30 lever action at 50 yards, and the other with an arrow at 15 yards.

 

[XD40FAN]

300 Win. Mag. Is perfect for elk. Usually you will be shooting from atop one valley across to another. The 300 is a hard hitting bullet but with good velocity and ability to shoot flat.

Absolutely agree watched a guy on youtube 600 yards head shot to a Bison! Dropped him like a sack of potato's!!!!!

 

[Crazy bird]

I lived in Montana for 1 yr. got to meet and know the locals though I didn't hunt (jerk) all the hunter there use 30-06 moose , elk ,goat & sheep ! But like the man said a little before me you need the best ammo !

 

[sig p6]

A rem 7mm or a 300 , or a 300 short mag will do the trick. Get a good scope.