Caliber for elk

[Zombie Steve]

Following an organ trail isn't very tough.

[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.