Caliber for elk

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Originally Posted by 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!

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

Thanks

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Originally Posted by 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!

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

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Originally Posted by brianakell

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

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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.

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.

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Originally Posted by spencerhenry

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by Zombie Steve

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/...tplacement.pdf

Last thought - how's your tracking abilities?

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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!

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

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Originally Posted by cstone

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.

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

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/...allistics.aspx

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