The minimum caliber that you'll use for elk

[Lou (Louis)]

I'm curious as to what you think is the minimum caliber to use for elk. (I have yet to get one, but plan to).

[>>>---WW---->]

Elk are big tough critters. You owe it to them to use something that will knock them down hard and fast. I guided hunters for several years and I think to the best of my recollections the smallest caliber I ever had any hunter use was in the .270 range. Most seemed to prefer 30 06 or larger. 7mm Rem mag, 300 mag. and even 338 were often some hunters choice. For minimum I would suggest something like a 270 or 308 for good shot placement calibers and lower recoil at respectable ranges.

[Elkhunttoo]

First of all welcome aboard…this is a loaded question and I think it is far above my knowledge. I have worked with a guy the last few years that understands and has forgotten more about rifles and bullets then I will ever know. From what I have gathered it is a lot more about the ballistics, grain, and load of bullet more than caliber itself. Like I said it is kinda out of my comfort zone to act like I know a lot about it

Me personally, I have always used my 30-06 and my brother’s 270 before I got my 30-06

[Lou (Louis)]

Thanks, guys. Elkhuntoo thanks for the welcome!

[Swede]

Lou, welcome to our elk hunt campfire. Your question is a good one for a campfire discussion. You can get a lot of different answers for sure. I am curious why you are interested in the minimum? I do not know about most States, but Oregon sets the minimum by law. I think it is .24 caliber. Guns like the 243 Win, and the 30-30 win can kill an elk. You must have very good shot placement and fairly close range to be effective. I would not want to limit myself to the minimum so I would go with what WW recommended. If affordability is the issue, I would buy a good used 30-06 and put a 4X Leopold scope on it.

[Lou (Louis)]

Thanks!
I shoot all my deer with a .243.

[Tigger]

I believe my line is the 7mm-08. Almost a 270 with less recoil. Love the cartridge.

I hate it when people do this so I have no idea why I am about to do this, but you are talking cartridges, not calibers. For example, a 30/30 is 0.30 caliber and is pretty lacking in the energy department. A 7mm Mag is only .284 caliber and is certainly not lacking in energy. I am sorry I brought this up, but I just couldn't help it! I know it is semantics and most people just call it all caliber and I am fine with that, really I am. But people who are reading should be aware of the differences. Lefty, feel free to whack me with Swede's pillow for even bringing this up! WAIT! No. Not Swedes pillow. An oak log will suffice.

Not a fan of a fixed 4X scope. If you want to leave your variable on 4X, fine. But you always have the option to dial that sucker up and count his nose whiskers which at times is very beneficial.

[Swede]

Some very good points Tigger. I should have started a new paragraph after saying Oregon requires a .24 caliber instead of just a new sentence.
I am always looking out for the person on a limited budget. I do not like the idea that hunting is for the most affluent. If all you can afford is a 4X scope, then let's go hunting. We can count nose whiskers when we are ready to gut the critter. I would prefer a dependable 4X scope to the equal priced 2-8 variable that will fog up leaning against the tent wall or as soon as you take it out of the warn truck. Besides I have a good pair of binoculars which I much prefer for viewing or finding game. Just me.
BTW: Blizzard the Travel Pillow and I are headed to southern Oregon tomorrow. We plan to be gone until Friday. He told me to inform your he does not like pillow fights. He is looking forward to having cherry pie and a soft ride going south. If anyone is not familiar with Blizzard, they can subscribe to his blog at http://www.blizzardsadventures.com/lett ... m-blizzard. It is free to anyone interested.