Caliber for elk

[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.

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.