Caliber for elk

[trailgunner]

I'm wondering what is the smallest caliber that people feel is ethical to use for elk hunting.

[ridgewalker]

JMO from my 30+ years of elk hunting...

It sort of depends on what you are hunting and your hunting style, ie, trophy bull vs meat cow, dark timber vs long range, etc.

I have taken maybe them with bow, with 30-06 and with 300 WM. Obviously I like 308 caliber. I have seen good shots take nice little 5x5 bulls in dark timber using an open sighted 30-30 at maybe 50 yards.

One key is to use top quality bullets and know where to hit them. If you can discipline yourself to take only heart-lung shots at under 150 yards, then a 95-100 gr Nosler Partition in a .243 would probably do OK. But if you want to take a trophy if it appears with a raking shot if that is all that is presented, use nothing less than a 308 caliber and 180 gr top quality bullets, ie, Nosler Partition, Barnes, Trophy Bonded, etc.

1600-1800 foot lbs of energy at point of impact has been suggested by pros. That is a good suggestion.

[spyder]

I have been wondering this exact same question, I haven't hunted before. I am picking up a new rifle and am wondering is a 6.8 spc will do the job (hitting in the right spots of course)?

[the_man]

I think you will be limited by range. I'm not sure if you would have enough energy beyond 100 yds...

[Zombie Steve]

On a bull? I'd say it depends on skill level like ridgewalker said. Can you get a 6.8 or .243 to work? Sure, but it's not going to bust up a shoulder blade and keep moving on to the vitals.

For the purposes of this thread, I'll say a minimum ethical cartridge for the average skill level would be a .270 with a nice "hard" 150 grain bullet. An '06 with a 180 would be better. [Tooth]

[Mtn.man]

270
alot of elk have fallen with it.
I prefer a 308 or 30.06., then you have the people who carry bazookas and miss.

[Zombie Steve]

More shooters than hunters in the woods these days.

[trailgunner]

Thanks for the input guys! I asked the caliber question, because my friend drew a bull elk tag, but fell on hard times and can't afford a proper rifle. Our best solution is to mount a 3x9 scope that he already has onto my SKS. I ordered a 5 round clip and some 123 gr Federal Fusion to button up the package. Can anyone offer me thoughts or concerns about this setup? Thanks in advance!

[Mtn.man]

Wouldn't try it.
Barrow someones decent hunting rifle.

[Zombie Steve]

Thanks for the input guys! I asked the caliber question, because my friend drew a bull elk tag, but fell on hard times and can't afford a proper rifle. Our best solution is to mount a 3x9 scope that he already has onto my SKS. I ordered a 5 round clip and some 123 gr Federal Fusion to button up the package. Can anyone offer me thoughts or concerns about this setup? Thanks in advance!

Well, you're in .30-30 range, so like we were saying, wait until they step forward so you can put one behind the shoulder blade to try for the heart or double lung shot. Neck / head shot will certainly bring them down if you think your SKS is accurate enough.

For the sake of the animal, please be willing to pass up a less than perfect shot. This is a tough thing to do. Here's a good read on anatomy:

http://www.dundeesportsmansclub.com/dundee%20pic/elkshotplacement.pdf

Last thought - how's your tracking abilities?

[CUatTheEnd]

Thanks for the input guys! I asked the caliber question, because my friend drew a bull elk tag, but fell on hard times and can't afford a proper rifle. Our best solution is to mount a 3x9 scope that he already has onto my SKS. I ordered a 5 round clip and some 123 gr Federal Fusion to button up the package. Can anyone offer me thoughts or concerns about this setup? Thanks in advance!


When are you going? Hit me up, I may have a solution.

Thanks

[brianakell]

Thanks for the input guys! I asked the caliber question, because my friend drew a bull elk tag, but fell on hard times and can't afford a proper rifle. Our best solution is to mount a 3x9 scope that he already has onto my SKS. I ordered a 5 round clip and some 123 gr Federal Fusion to button up the package. Can anyone offer me thoughts or concerns about this setup? Thanks in advance!

Thought about spending $80-100 on a mosin? ballistics of 30-06.

[cstone]

Thought about spending $80-100 on a mosin? ballistics of 30-06.

I was just going to ask; has anyone here taken an elk or mule deer with a mosin? Seems like the 7.62x54R rounds would be good for a well place 150 yard shot. That is assuming you the shooter is confident of POI for the rifle and ammunition.

[spencerhenry]

7.62x54??? make sure you find expanding bullets. not only would it be unethical, it is the law.

sks for elk? i agree with a previous post, find something else. 7.62x39 may be in the 30-30 power range, but very few people would call a 30-30 adequate for elk. sure it will kill them, but if your shot is beyond 100 yards, or you dont put the bullet right in the ribcage you will be tracking for a while. i dont have an sks but my guess is that they are not super accurate. the old rule of thumb i remember is 1000 ftlbs for deer and 1500 for elk.
i havent used a rifle on an elk in a long time, but i have killed more elk with a 270 with 130gr sierras than most people have killed. only lost one, a facing straight on shot and the problem was the shooter.
i would say 308 winchester is a minimum.

[cstone]

7.62x54??? make sure you find expanding bullets. not only would it be unethical, it is the law.

Agreed. FMJ/surplus ammunition is inappropriate for hunting. I was thinking more of some soft point. Seems as if the round is capable as long as the accuracy is there. Still wondering if anyone here has ever taken an elk or gone deer hunting with a Mosin. Mostly just curious.

[trailgunner]

Well, you're in .30-30 range, so like we were saying, wait until they step forward so you can put one behind the shoulder blade to try for the heart or double lung shot. Neck / head shot will certainly bring them down if you think your SKS is accurate enough.

For the sake of the animal, please be willing to pass up a less than perfect shot. This is a tough thing to do. Here's a good read on anatomy:

http://www.dundeesportsmansclub.com/dundee%20pic/elkshotplacement.pdf

Last thought - how's your tracking abilities?

Thanks for the link Zombie Steve, that's some good stuff.
As for passing on a less than perfect shot, we have discussed that and agree completely. I told him that I think 100 yards would be as long of a shot that I would feel comfortable with given this set up. We will have a better idea when we sight it in at the range. I am confident in my tracking skills, but I would never risk loosing the animal due to a risky shot.

I have my deer tag for the same season and GMU as my friend has his elk tag. We will be hunting together and I'll have my .308 winchester, so if we are close enough to each other he will have the option of grabbing my rifle. He will also be putting enough rounds through the .308 at the range to feel comfortable with it. Thanks guys!

[brianakell]

203g soft point Barnaul. out of a 91/30 (cheaper these days anyway) still 1500 ft/lbs at 250 yards.
http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmo019.htm


Agreed. FMJ/surplus ammunition is inappropriate for hunting. I was thinking more of some soft point. Seems as if the round is capable as long as the accuracy is there. Still wondering if anyone here has ever taken an elk or gone deer hunting with a Mosin. Mostly just curious.

[spyder]

So... what you're saying is that the 18" POF in 308 is going to be my rifle...

[BUC303]

Here is a link to "Elk Hunting University" on the CDOW website, should be able to find most of what you are looking for there

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/EHULessons2011/Pages/EHU2011ElkHuntingBallistics.aspx

[yosemite]

Costs a lot of money to go elk hunting, I prefer a caliber that I know will anchor the animal, no need in wasting a pristine animal because of a poor performance round and an "IFFY"shot placement, 7.62 x 39 is a 30-30 class cartridge, 7.62 x 54 is a full power cartridge, along with 308, 30-06, 8x57m, I myself fee good with 30 calibers in the open, and 35 Rem, 444m, or 45-70 in heavy cover, It is true that Karamojo Bell killed hundreds of elephant with the 6.5x54, and the 7x57, but I do not have the balls to, good luck

[TDYRanger]

.257 Weatherby magnum is an absolute Elk Anchor. 115 grn BST will zap an elk like no bodies business. Okay, I grant you that are a bit expensive but excellent round. At the end of the day though I go to .30-06 or .308 if I have my druthers. Way cheaper to shoot plenty of choices for shooting.

It is pretty exciting watching an elk fold like a lawn chair with the Weatherby though

[DeadElephant]

I always enjoy this discussion.

Personal favorite is the 300WSM just because its what I have.

[CO Hugh]

I am curious if anyone has used a 7-08 on elk and results, particularly for kids. I also think bullet selection is critical and Barnes tipped have worked great in our camp.

[2008f450]

I tend toward the .30 calibers. My favorite is .300WM. I like the extra thump it gives at longer ranges if I need it. But I would also feel good with a .30-06.

[jmg8550]

I would also agree with choosing a 30 caliber. Every type of bullet is manufactured for them. I have had very good results with Barnes TTSX bullets. I tried the Barnes Vor-Tx cartridges and was not happy with the accuracy considering the price tag of them. $37 per box is a little steep. I expected them to be more accurate. My load for the TTSX bullet is very accurate.

[spittoon]

50 bmg shoot them in the guts and save 1/4 of the work[ROFL1] 30-06 cant go wrong 168 hpbt yah buddy

[jmg8550]

I thought the BTHP was a non-expanding bullet? Therefore, it would be a no-no on animals.

[Zombie Steve]

I think a hpbt could work, but even a 40 year old cup and core bullet design is better suited to taking game.

[keylay31]

Personally, I think 270 is a little light. I carry a 30-06 myself, my father a 338.

[spittoon]

Personally, I think 270 is a little light. I carry a 30-06 myself, my father a 338.
the boys shoot 270'S with some 140 SILVER TIP BT HOME LOADS THE DO THE JOB ,, 30-06 -[Beer] but that 338 has got to rock there world makes for better trackin if any when they are missing body parts

[Zombie Steve]

Following an organ trail isn't very tough. [Coffee]

[trailgunner]

Thanks for the heads up on the Barnes Vor-tx. I was looking at those and they make them sound so sweet, like they're actually worth the $40, but I guess the proof is in the puding.


I would also agree with choosing a 30 caliber. Every type of bullet is manufactured for them. I have had very good results with Barnes TTSX bullets. I tried the Barnes Vor-Tx cartridges and was not happy with the accuracy considering the price tag of them. $37 per box is a little steep. I expected them to be more accurate. My load for the TTSX bullet is very accurate.

[SigsRule]

$37 a box. Priced 180gr 300 Weatherby Magnums lately? That's cheap. I really need to start reloading my own.

[jmg8550]

$37 per box for .308 is expensive. And no, I have not priced 300 Weatherby Magnum ever. I try to stay away from what I consider exotic calibers.

[970TJ]

I use a 300 WM handloaded with 180 grain Nosler for everything big game.
This is one of those questions where you're going to get 50 different answers. Personally, I don't care for the .270 although it's been around forever, alot of people swear by it, and it's accurate as hell. If I didn't handload I'd probably use a 30.06 just for price and you can find ammo anywhere. As with anything, shot placement is key especially with a large bull elk.......they can be tough SOB's. Break the front shoulders and he's not going anywhere.

[Colorado Osprey]

$37 per box for .308 is expensive. And no, I have not priced 300 Weatherby Magnum ever. I try to stay away from what I consider exotic calibers.

$37 is cheap for higher end 308 ammo!

Lapua and Norma is upward of $45-88 a box!

Even non-exotic magnum premium ammo is $45-60 a box these days.

Want to see expensive? Look up prices of African dangerous big game cartridges.... 500, 600, 700 Nitro Express. $200-300 for a box of 20 is the norm for cheap ammo. The 700NE is almost $400 for 5, yes (five) rounds.



I thought the BTHP was a non-expanding bullet? Therefore, it would be a no-no on animals.

Sierra lists some of their HPBT's as GameKings. Hornady's SST and Nosler's Ballistic tips are nothing but HPBT's with polymer tips.
There are Match HPBT's but the HP is for balance rather than expansion. It all depends on the type of bullet design rather than the description as a HPBT. Tapered vs concentric jackets is the real difference.

[Mountain Boy]

The few I have taken down went eaisly with 180 gr 30.06.

[blm28]

Shot placement is critical, but I have had good results with 180 grain nosler accubond out of a 338.

[Opie]

165gr nosler BT out of a 300 wm will shoot clean through an elk under 100 yds be careful. beyond that it drops em like sacks of hammers out to 350ish. any farther and I don't think you can call it hunting more like shooting.

[TennVol]

If you enjoy tracking wounded animals, use a smaller caliber and aim for the heart /lungs.
If you like meat in your freezer or a mount on your wall, use a larger caliber (.30 at least) and a quality bullet and aim for a high shoulder shot. Drops 'em dead in their tracks every time.

[TDYRanger]

$37 a box. Priced 180gr 300 Weatherby Magnums lately? That's cheap. I really need to start reloading my own.

holy cow that's giving away Weatherby ammo. where did you see that?

[chris42]

If you enjoy tracking wounded animals, use a smaller caliber and aim for the heart /lungs.
If you like meat in your freezer or a mount on your wall, use a larger caliber (.30 at least) and a quality bullet and aim for a high shoulder shot. Drops 'em dead in their tracks every time.

[Coffee]
I've seen texas sized deer (I'm in Texas : ) ) run for almost a mile after being shot with a 7mm weatherby mag. Good shot placement, excellent bullet performance.

I've dropped both of the deer I've shot with my 16" .223 remington.

Nothing magical about .30 caliber. I'd bet lots of money that no one here could tell the difference between the wounds of a 30-06 and a 270.

If you can bow hunt an elk. . . . There really isn't much you can't use. Just use the right bullet. Learn how to shoot. Not just once a years come deer season.

Granted, I'll take my 7 mag to hunt elk. . . . but I just like sore shoulders.

[eadgbe194]

I didn't see it mentioned already, but the law in CO says:

1.CENTERFIRE RIFLES
a. Must be minimum of .24 caliber (6 mm).
b. Must have a minimum 16-inch barrel and be at least 26
inches long.
c. If semiautomatic, they can hold a maximum of six rounds in
the magazine and chamber combined.
d. Must use expanding bullets that weigh minimum 70 grains
for deer, pronghorn and bear, 85 grains for elk and moose,
and have an impact energy (at 100 yards) of 1,000-. pounds
as rated by manufacturer.

[streetglideok]

There is no such thing as too big a caliber for elk, but there is plenty of calibers too small for them. Anything that reliably puts the meat in the freezer, and I do not mean using a 223 and popping the critter in the neck. If your shot is off a little, well, you just wounded an animal, and showed a lack of respect towards hunting. Plenty of calibers will kill elk reliably. 45/70 with good loads will drop them at less then 100yard with authority. 375H&H will put them down at nominal hunting ranges.

The most important thing is to pick a gun you will shoot, and shoot alot, and accurately.

[glennski]

Caliber aside, shot placement is in my opinion the number 1 most ethical thing to take into account. If you can't make a good shot, don't.

[CO Hugh]

270 Wby

[20X11]

280 (7mm) remington or larger. You can load 175gr bullets in a 280 rem and have proper energy retention out to almost 300 yds. Longer shots to 400 yards will need a Magnum round (270 mag or larger) to get the energy retention. The 190 - 220 gr bullets in a 300 magnum (wby or win) will let you stretch out over 500 yds with proper energy. (If you are skilled enough to make that shot).
For black timber hunting(150 yds or less) a 35cal or larger lever gun round will do well.

[katodevil]

alot of variables, terrain you are hunting, distance you are comfortable shooting etc etc

[bogie]

12 gauge slugs :)

Sorry I'm from the midwest where rifles kill amish.

[mcsurveyer1361]

12 gauge slugs :)

Sorry I'm from the midwest where rifles kill amish.
thats funny. the good news is the amish wont come looking for you. But seriously I see they asked if anyone has any first hand accounts of using a mosin on an elk. I also curious to here if anyone has

[UncleDave]

Yeah one of my best friends growing up started out with a Mosen to hunt dear and elk. You have to look a little harder to find good hunting rounds but they are out there. His old man was a hand loader too and would make up some lethal rounds for it. I was no problem to shoot out to 250 yards with it, iron sights. It was designed as an 800 meter rifle. We all had to make our bones with old iron sight guns before we could get something nicer. Of course we were only 13 or 14.

[mcsurveyer1361]

Nothing wrong with iron sights that the way it should be when you first start

[tdhatt]

I've been hunting elk with a .308 for 40 years, long before it become the fad and I've lost count on how many I've put down with one shot. When you hit 'em, they go down!

[xring]

7.62 x 39 is NOT suitable. THe mosin is a suprisingly decent rifle and IS suitable with soft point amunition. You have to match your bullet to shot placement. A soft bullet like the interbond or cheapo 7.62x54 soft point -heart lungs. Puts em down right now. Hard bullet like the barnes- shoulder also puts em right down. 6.5s too light IMHO
Mininum- 270, 7 mag better, 3006 better 30 mag best.

[losttrail]

There is no such thing as too big a caliber for elk, but there is plenty of calibers too small for them. Anything that reliably puts the meat in the freezer, and I do not mean using a 223 and popping the critter in the neck. If your shot is off a little, well, you just wounded an animal, and showed a lack of respect towards hunting. Plenty of calibers will kill elk reliably. 45/70 with good loads will drop them at less then 100yard with authority. 375H&H will put them down at nominal hunting ranges.

The most important thing is to pick a gun you will shoot, and shoot alot, and accurately.

So .50BMG is good to go? 700 Nitro Express? 120mm main gun from an M1 Abrams? I can personally tell you that .50API and 105mm from an M60 tank do not leave much left from cows. (Open range cattle on a firing range at night back before thermal sights, using IR illumination, the old azimuth/elevation days. Getting into the M1 was like heaven)

I always have to smile when I hear about all the 'hand-held artillery pieces' so many people recommend.

I'm originally from western Montana and we, my dad, brothers and I, always had our tags filled during the first week. Biggest caliber in the house was .30-06.

I grew up around a ton of 'old timers' that only owned .270's and their back yards were filled with stacks of racks.

Personally, I've taken 1 bull and 1 cow with a .243, several bulls & cows with .270, a couple with .308 and a few more with my .30-06.

This coming season I hope to take one with a new Quigley Sharps in .45-70.

As others have said, shot placement is the most critical part.

Sure I have a brother that now uses a .338. But it still takes him 2 or more shots and usually at least one shoulder or rump roast is gone.

But that is the beauty of America (at lest for now). We can differ and have the ability and freedom (at least for now) to make choices based on our own needs, abilities and wants.

[brokenscout]

30-06 is the way to go. 45-70 with Hornady Leverlution I think 200 yards

[J]

Mininum- 270, 7 mag better, 3006 better 30 mag best.

Bah! I'd take a 7 mag over an 30-06 any day. Much better ballistics, and plenty of energy for the beast, out a good ways away. The 30-06 is a fine caliber for elk (as is the 308win). I just disagree with your ordering there.

Though I agree with your extremes. 270 minimum, 300mag is excellent (what I shoot for elk). Though if I didn't have the 300mag, I would be OK with a heavy load in my WBY 257 mag, probably more so than a 270win.

[armstrong001]

I'm hoping to use my grandfather's very early model 70 in 300 H&H to take an elk this season. He lived in Florida, and bought it specificaly to come to Colorado to hunt in the late 40s. I believe its been a safe queen ever since that trip. Unfortunately he died a few moths ago.

I'm sure a magnum is more than enough for an elk, I would be comfortable with .308 or .30-06.

[xring]

I'm hoping to use my grandfather's very early model 70 in 300 H&H to take an elk this season. He lived in Florida, and bought it specificaly to come to Colorado to hunt in the late 40s. I believe its been a safe queen ever since that trip. Unfortunately he died a few moths ago.

I'm sure a magnum is more than enough for an elk, I would be comfortable with .308 or .30-06.

Im sorry for your loss. I understand that its nice to hunt with a heirloom.
You probably already know this but early model 70s tend to have substantial collector value to the extent that very few of them are in the field for fear of loss of value. Your choice, it may be worth more to you to use the gun

[raymill]

I will be using a 6.5x55 Swede with 140gr soft point

[armstrong001]

Im sorry for your loss. I understand that its nice to hunt with a heirloom.
You probably already know this but early model 70s tend to have substantial collector value to the extent that very few of them are in the field for fear of loss of value. Your choice, it may be worth more to you to use the gun

I appreciate the advice, but the value is only there if you plan on selling it. Now don't get me wrong, I won't be carting that rifle up and down mountains, beating the hell out of it. But I would like it to see some action for probably the first time in 50 years. I think my grandpa would've liked that.

[45XD]

I'm wondering what is the smallest caliber that people feel is ethical to use for elk hunting.
I never get tired of this discussion...

[yankeefan98121]

I will be using a 6.5x55 Swede with 140gr soft point

+1 I heart that round

[rgvt4]

I'm wondering what is the smallest caliber that people feel is ethical to use for elk hunting.

270 and up shoud be fine.

A good placed shot is better than anything. No matter the caliber

[Song Dog]

.243 is the smallest caliber you can legally use here in colorado for big game. I have taken many elk with a .243. Shot placement is everything, knowing your limitations as well as your firearms' makes for a successful hunt. Bullet selection makes a world of difference between gutting an animal or tracking an animal.

[streetglideok]

.243 is the smallest caliber you can legally use here in colorado for big game. I have taken many elk with a .243. Shot placement is everything, knowing your limitations as well as your firearms' makes for a successful hunt. Bullet selection makes a world of difference between gutting an animal or tracking an animal.

This^

What matters more then anything else, is shot placement. Doesnt matter if its my 300rum, 375H&H, 45/70, or 30/30, poor placement will net the same results. Shoot whatever caliber you feel most comfortable with, and shoot it often. 3 shots to sight it in this october does not qualify either,lol. Though I wouldn't use a 243, a good shot with a 243 is better then a mediocre, or average shot with a 300win.

[MileHighOutlaw]

I shot my first elk with a .270 I don't think he ran more than 30 yards before he piled up. Like every said shot placement is key.

[jmg8550]

I ended up getting a 30-06 for my hunting rifle caliber of choice. Reasons being that you can be in the middle of nowhere, and somebody will stock 30-06. ANd it is a proven cartridge. Blah blah about ballistic this and super flat that. Know you rifle, know the cartridge, and most importantly, know your limits.

[jmg8550]

$37 is cheap for higher end 308 ammo!

Lapua and Norma is upward of $45-88 a box!

Even non-exotic magnum premium ammo is $45-60 a box these days.

Want to see expensive? Look up prices of African dangerous big game cartridges.... 500, 600, 700 Nitro Express. $200-300 for a box of 20 is the norm for cheap ammo. The 700NE is almost $400 for 5, yes (five) rounds.




Sierra lists some of their HPBT's as GameKings. Hornady's SST and Nosler's Ballistic tips are nothing but HPBT's with polymer tips.
There are Match HPBT's but the HP is for balance rather than expansion. It all depends on the type of bullet design rather than the description as a HPBT. Tapered vs concentric jackets is the real difference.


Sorry but I would never ever spend that kind of money for 308. African big game cartridges are exotic in my book. So are Lapua and Norma 308. To each there own though.

[buckshotbarlow]

I'm wondering what is the smallest caliber that people feel is ethical to use for elk hunting.

Smallest broad-head used has been a 100gr'r
smallest is 270, cartridge is a 270wsm, 130gr sst
biggest is a 54 hp black powder

The 270win/wsm works, and smacks em good. I now run a 300weatherby after my uncle gave me his Ruger #1. My 270wsm is now my deer buster.

[Troublco]

I've used my Remington 700 BDL in .308 for everything, for years, using one single load - a 165gr Sierra Game King HP loaded to 2650fps, which roughly duplicates the performance of M118LR that I used in high power competition for years. I limit my shots depending on what I'm hunting, but I know that load and what that load is going to do. My last Elk was a big cow at 350 yards, and even at that range it put her down on the spot. But I hit her in the right place to do it.

7.62x54R is a full power load, equivalent to a .30-06 and with the right bullet will work just as well if you have the sights to do it. Same with 8mm Mauser.

I know Colorado law says that 6mm is the smallest that's legal, but the thing I think a lot of people don't think about is their shooting ability. Sure, it may be legal to shoot an Elk with a 6mm but if a person's ability isn't up to the task all you wind up with is a wounded animal most likely going off to die a painful, lingering death. I would say the smallest caliber I'd feel even close to comfortable using would be a 6.5, and even then if I was using a 6.5x55 I'd keep my shot closer than if I was using my .264 Win Mag. I think 7mm is the smallest most people should consider, and .30 would be better. I think your choice of an '06 is a good one, and you're right - you can get ammo for it everywhere. Same holds true for the 7mm, but the 7mm-'06 argument is just like the 9mm-.45 argument - everyone has their own opinion.

Best thing is just as jmg8550 said - Know your rifle, know your cartridge, and know your limits.

[Coteaudp]

It's all about shot placement. I've always used a 30-06. Last year I bought a 300 win mag from a farmer back home. So for the first time I will be using a 300 to hunt elk this year.

Good Luck.

[streetglideok]

A 30/30 will kill an elk, if used within reason, and within range. The whole thing boils down to, if you are one of those guys who picks up your rifle to shoot 3 shots before season, then carry it in the woods, it doesnt matter what you shoot. Poor shot placement will always trump a big gun's oomph. Spend time at the range, and get some practice in.