Caliber for elk

[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.

[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.