Best elk rifle calibre. 5 PRC the ultimate elk rifle? No.
Best elk rifle calibre It’s powerful enough for elk and moose but can be tamed down for coyotes and Sitka deer. , with any rifle in the . It can be used on varmints with light 100- and 110-grain bullets, deer-sized game with 130-grain bullets and the heavier 150-grain loads work well on elk and caribou. Nothing else With today’s burgeoning elk herds, cows make up a large percentage of the harvest. 9. A double lunger kills, but you have to be willing to track and search after the shot. Net Any big game rifle will kill an elk if you make good shot placement within range of the gun you are using. If you dont allready have a rifle anything smaller than 338 cal is light on elk, a 243 up to any 30 mag will kill elk, It’s always best to match the size of the game to the size of the cartridge. 338 RUM, while it has all the credentials to be an excellent long-range hunting round, generates a level of recoil that many hunters simply cannot tolerate. For Elk hunting, any opinions about 6. " The Top 10 Rifle Cartridges for North American Big Game From white-tailed deer to grizzly bear, these 10 big-game rifle cartridges have proven themselves most worthy in the field. The . 30-06 Springfield. 5 PRC are among the best options for long-range hunting. It’s mild recoiling, easy to find, and works well Shooting an elk cleanly takes a good cartridge. A relative newcomer to the market, the Creedmoor is nearly a ballistic twin to the 6. (For more on bullet options, see “Bullet basics”) Therefore, there's no reason that you can't take your hunting rifle that you use for other pursuits and put it to good use on an elk. When picking a single, do-it-all caliber, Steven Rinella considers the wide range of big game animals that he pursues. 5 Creedmoor. Alaskan bulls run from 1,000, if they’re worn down by the rut, to 1,600 or 1,800. makes the . 303 softpoints loafing from SMLE rifles at 2,300 fps have clobbered myriad Canada moose, and Sweden’s hunters have reaped as efficiently with the 6. 30-06 Springfield is a top choice. Here’s a look at the top 10 elk cartridges ever made. 458 Win Mag: 0. 28 to . 30-06 adequate, but maybe not ideal, for shooting elk. . Learn to shoot your rifle in field conditions, keep to sensible distances (under 300 laser confirmed yards, but really under 200 is better) and hit them in the vitals with a good bullet and you will have a dead elk every time. The most popular handgun and rifle calibers for squirrels are:. 5 PRC provides a balance of flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and accuracy. During the COVID-19 run on ammo, finding a box of ammo (any ammo) was a nightmare. It should come as no surprise that several . Winchester 190-grain Accubond LR. Those cartridges would be well-suited to the weight and frame of this rifle. 5 mm, or . 308? Best . Check out our list of the best rifle cartridges for elk hunting from 25-06 to 350 Whelen. 338 Winchester Magnum. range offering plenty of punch-despite the fact that the spitzer-style bullets typical in these calibres are not as well suited for short-range conditions. 22 Long Rifle Loads • The Most American Rifle Cartridge • Tips for the Traveling Hunter • How to Choose a Gun Safe • Best Gun Cases for the Traveling Hunter • An Ode to the . As a point of comparison, it’s not unusual for a big bull to weigh 3-4x as much as a big-bodied whitetail or mule deer. 308, “its availability in more rifle types than any other centerfire cartridge, its reputation for accuracy in a variety of rifles, and the wide range of excellent . With its overwhelming popularity and 70-year history, there are plenty of options for those who want to hunt with a . 338 federal, . Anything less is a bit risky with so many awesome calibers available. 45-70 will still perform well on elk within 200 yards. These calibers are all capable of taking down deer and elk rifle full-sized game but may be on the lower end of what’s suitable for elk. There are dozens of good elk cartridges, with choices depending largely on the distances you intend to Although the topic is hotly debated, . 300 WSM vs 300 Win Mag: Ultimate 30 Cal Magnum What is the best caliber for elk hunting? There is no single best caliber for elk hunting as it depends on various factors such as personal preference, hunting conditions, and the skill level of the shooter. This is why many local hunters take a more casual approach to elk rifles than we out-of-state dreamers in search of just one bucket-list bull. But you also want it to be able to hold large-caliber rounds with minimal recoil and handle well when How Far Can You Take an Elk with . These rifles are also exceptionally accurate and CVA claims their shooters have consistently obtained sub-MOA accuracy at 300 yards (which has been my experience as well with my Paramount). 17 Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting. 40 Pistols; Best . Best 270 Ammo For Hunting Elk, Deer, & Other Big Game. Image courtesy of Guns and Ammo. 30-caliber rounds and come in several manual and semi-automatic options. Anything larger and it’s overkill with a rifle that is no fun to shoot or often is just too expensive. The best hunting rifle caliber for most hunters is the . 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) When selecting a cartridge for elk hunting, several factors come into play, such as bullet weight, velocity, energy, and accuracy. Cheap Handguns for Sale Under $200; Places To Buy Ammo Online; Best . 308 Hunting Rifle Action. The 7mm PRC excels in extreme precision and energy retention at distances over 500 yards, while the 6. 50 BMG: 0. again, the ones that got shot thru the lungs were better eating than the leg breakers. 308 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, and The best long-range calibers for elk hunting are typically . 270 Winchester. 243 Winchester. Backfire does not recommend elk hunting with a 6. 308 Winchester has been a Here’s a look at the top 10 elk cartridges ever made. Realize that you will take a small hit to your muzzle velocity by Go to https://learbackfire. 308 factory loads—including 178- to 180-grain bullets that excel on tough game in cover. Elk are Class 3 animals and medium bore calibers are probably the best choices for a dedicated elk rifle, but only if the hunter can shoot them well. Elk, especially mature bulls, are incredibly large and tough creatures. Reply. Overall, I think the best rifle around $1,600 is the Sako S20. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it’s a good benchmark. 270 rifles and their features, and we’ll also talk about the . However, it is important to choose the correct cartridge in these calibers which is what I’ll be elaborating Whether you’re a seasoned elk junkie or planning your once-in-a-lifetime hunt, choosing the best caliber for elk hunting shouldn’t be overwhelming. What calibers are best for long-range elk hunting? Answer: The 7mm PRC and 6. For a Minimizing the weight you’re carrying is the key to success on any mountain hunt. Some popular The best rifle caliber for elk is generally considered to be . A cow elk offers some of the best venison, but she is not large. 270 cal by: Anonymous I have used a 270 cal in model 700 Remington to kill 4 elk in Montana. A 6. 17 HM2. 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR). With its AG Composites carbon fiber stock and fluted #4 contour 20”-22 barrel, it weighs between 6. Let a youngster learn how to shoot properly with a 7mm-08, and they may never change cartridges. com/ or call 800-707-4575 to receive up to $15,000 in FREE bonus metals with a qualified purchase. 338 caliber rifles are the best for elk hunting because they offer the best balance of power, reach, and recoil. If you want just an Elk Rifle the 284 cal. Join Renew Donate. of energy at the range you hope to hunt. 30-caliber or up, is best for elk season. Moose are not smart or tough, but they are big. 270 Winchester caliber and discuss important points on why it remains a top-choice caliber among hunters. While Just in the last week or so we had a discussion about the 6. The Best Elk Hunting Calibers of 2025 The Best Elk Hunting Calibers of 2025. An elk is a notoriously difficult animal to take down due to its dense muscles, heavy bones and thick frame. 22 Long Rifle (LR). With the right bullets, it can actually hit harder than the 375 A lot of folks consider the . will all get the job done and as will the 338 Mag but with more "Boom". Availability of Ammo: The . Best Mid-Priced Rifle: CVA Cascade XT; Best NRL Hunter Rifle: Tikka T3X UPR; Best Long Range: Springfield 2020 Waypoint Long Action; Best Long-Range Varmint Rifle: Seekins Havak HIT; Best Bear Rifle: Marlin Dark The Premier Canyon might be the best elk gun the company has ever built. 338 Winchester Magnum, although one of the very best elk cartridges, is a bit on the slow side with the heavier bullets best-suited for elk, maybe 2,650 fps with 250-grain bullets. See It Hornady 200-grain ELD-X. Most elk rifles use 7mm, 6. 308 for Elk Hunting; Cons of . Our comprehensive guide outlines the best caliber for elk hunting. 51: Anything with a pulse: 12600. 5 Creedmoor vs. Federal 150 The Winchester Short Magnum family with 270, 7mm, and 300 calibers would all make excellent elk rifles to pack into the back country. Browning takes no chances with the rifle’s accuracy potential, with all X-Bolt barrels button-rifled, air gauged, hand chambered and lapped in the company’s proprietary process. The 7MM PRC Subscribe to become an OUTLAW today!Watch This Video Next:https://www. Everyone has been shot using the Federal Premium 130 grain Partition bullet. . By Ron Spomer. 270 is right at home on an elk hunt as well as in pursuit of deer, hogs, sheep, and more. Other good choices include the . If you’re curious how it does at long range in an American-made rifle, then you should check out our 1,000-yard rifle build for under $1,000. A true multi-purpose deer and elk rifle that would excel at both is a 30 caliber magnum300 Winchester magnum, 300 WSM, 300 PRC, etc. 338 Remington Ultra Magnum Be forewarned that the . 300 RUM or really a 338 RUM would be the best 1,000 yard elk rifle that's not a wildcat. This round has been used for hunting deer, elk, and even moose for over a hundred years. 30-06 is the moose gun of legend, it has taken more moose than any other caliber. Cover Photo Credit – I, Arthurrh If you’re looking for a hunting rifle for deer and elk, there’s no beating the iconic . Choosing the right rifle for elk hunting can be a daunting task, but understanding your options is key to making the perfect shot. case. 30 cal has long been considered the best caliber for elk hunting. Ken Bailey Outdoor Canada’s long-time hunting editor Ken Bailey has travelled all over Canada—and the world—with rifle, shotgun and fly rod in The best all-around hunting rifle caliber is often debated, but many hunters believe that the . 5 PRC doesn’t pack None of our experts mentioned the 6. 177 Pellet. 270 Winchester caliber. fwiw, my new short to mid range elk gun is a suppressed 6. Will this work to shoot an elk ? (More comments about Best Elk Rifle below) Submissions. Oddly, when Remington introduced the . And buy the best 3-9X scope you can afford-no rifle/cartridge combination can live up to its potential if you can’t see your target. Smaller caliber set-ups can kill elk, but a larger, centerfire rifle cartridge will be best in the elk mountains. com/watch?v=5RZnCl8I7PQ&t=15sDon't forget to subscribe to our channel - www. 300 WSM, or 7mm Remington Magnum. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of each caliber to make an informed decision. So, which calibers are best suited for elk hunting? Here are some of the top contenders: The rugged and reliable . The right rifle and bullet combination is critical to your success, and the best I'm not suggesting that elk rifles should be four times more powerful than deer rifles, but elk are tough. 300 Weatherby Magnum. 280 Ackley Improved, Rifles, Inc. When you’re chasing elk, deer and sheep at high elevations, you’ll need to trek across steep terrain—oftentimes for days on end—and you’ll feel the burden of every additional ounce of rifle weight while you do so. The range of the best elk rifle calibers run from the 30. Currently the 300 PRC is offered in custom rifles and a few rifle shops that are making commercial offerings. Reactions: Trm82, Rum Man, snox801 and 4 others. 270 Winchester an upgrade for elk. 308 for Elk Hunting? FAQ. I want to start hunting deer and elk. Both have enough energy and velocity to kill an elk at 1000-yards, and both have a recoil around that of a . 444 Marlin and the . Second, my 175-grain bullets traveling at 2,974 fps produce over 2,000 foot-pounds of energy at 500 yards. The Best Calibers for Hog Hunting of 2025 The Best Calibers for Hog Hunting of 2025. In its 112-year lineage, it has probably taken more elk than all other cartridges combined. That rifle featured carbon-fiber-everything, but while it’s an excellent rifle, it wasn’t all that The 7mm-08 is almost in every way the best wildcat cartridge of the 308. _____ For a shooter who has actually mastered one of these rifles, it is perhaps the best deer and elk rifle caliber available. you Why? First and foremost, accuracy. 3) 7mm-08 Rem. 308 can definitely get the job done. As blunt . I want to buy a hunting rifle, but not sure which caliber to choose. In this section, we’ll explore three of the most popular rifles for elk hunting: the Savage 110 Elk Hunter, the Remington 700 Elk Master, and the Winchester Model 70 Extreme. The Best Elk Hunting Calibers in 2023 Long Range Elk Gun, What caliber you would choose? not an overwhelming about of recoil from a 9-11lb gun with a brake, 1500 ft/lbs out to 1000 yards, and either 7mm or 30 cal. 308 for Elk Hunting; Alternatives to . 308 a little light for elk, but it’s more about shot placement and bullet choice. What’s more, many wilderness hunts that require air transfer limit your An accurate barrel is at the top of that list. 270 to a mountain lion with a . With moose, it's all about shock on impact since the Alaskan variety can exceed 1,000 pounds. If you stick to 300 yards and under, the . Most hunters these days are far more comfortable with a bolt-action rifle. : In an effort to combine the efficiency of the short . ” (The . Is a 6. 5 Creedmoor can technically be used for elk hunting, it is Is the 6. For a first squirrel rifle, you can’t beat the . Best Hunting Rifle Slings. 270 to . As a little bonus, These are the best 270 rifles for hunting big game. However, if you set your limitations, have spent time on the range, and know you can put the bullet where you want it, it's a highly effective all-around caliber. 308 win, . 2 and 6. 30-06 Springfield • Top 5 Boutique Bullet Companies • Top 5 . 375 H&H to wild pigs with a . A . 5 PRC are top choices for long-range elk hunting. 300 Winchester Magnum is a great choice for its long-range . • Top 5 Subsonic . 308 Winchester than any other caliber. What Is the Best . ” That being said most rifles used for Deer will work on Elk, again depending the range and conditions. 30-06 Springfield, . 308 Winchester, . case with the ballistic coefficient of a 7mm bullet, the 7mm-08 was introduced in 1980 by Remington, which somewhat falsely advertised it as “the first modern 7mm round designed for use in short-action rifles. 30 caliber or larger rifle. 06 to the 338. 270 or 7mm-08 for elk hunting. Elk are massive in size as compared to the other games. It’s also a popular enough hunting ammo to find it available for sale even at small outfitters. Best Rifles for Elk Hunting. Common calibers for both elk rifles and deer hunting include the . J. Bring the Adventure Home | 1871 Club Print Membership Now Only $35 - Delivered Right to Your Door, 1 The Browning A-Bolt – Best Classic Rifle for Elk Hunting. You should be able to look it up. Look for something that will hit an elk with at least 1,500 ft. 280 in 1957, it used a 1:10 twist, which struggles for accuracy with some 175-grain bullets. 284 Winchester, introduced in 1963, had come on the scene almost two decades Among a number of attributes, he also likes the mild recoil of the . The Best Calibers for Hunting Elk. Fast seven’s are lightning on big game. Stories also abound of poorly hit When it comes to elk hunting rifles, you want a rifle that is durable but light enough to carry up the mountain with ease. A more deer focused but still suitable elk cartridge are things like 30-06, 280 ackley improved, 7mm Remington magnum. 308 Win. Cartridge: Caliber: Suitable for Hunting Animals Up To Avg Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs). 5 Creedmoor, but in all honesty, it’s worth a serious look. When it comes to long range elk hunting, the right rifle caliber can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing miss. still have the 7mm mag for Read on to learn more about the best caliber for elk that you can use to successfully take down an elk this year! How to Choose an Elk Hunting Cartridge. The two best words to describe the . Rifle Calibers for Long Range Elk Hunting. 416 I could use it for everything. Add in the barreled action is expertly epoxy bedded into a i have seen a lot of whitetail fall to the 7mm rem mag. Even mildly recoiling rifles can be painful if they’re too large to fit securely in the shoulder pocket. 5 PRC the ultimate elk rifle? No. “I hunt all over North America for all sorts of big game. Some popular options for hunting elk at long range include rifles like the Remington Model 700, Browning X-Bolt, and Winchester Model 70. While many deer and more than a few elk fall each year to Hornady's ultra-accurate 140 The best rifle for hunting elk at long range is one that offers precision, power, and accuracy. You’ll need an impressive cartridge to take one down, and these are the best caliber for elk. or 30 cal. The 26 Nosler and 6. of energy, which many consider to be Elk rifles at a glance. The thing is, popular long-range shooting rifles are not always good for long-range hunting. Luckily, Ruger makes just the gun for those looking to have a more standard hunting rifle chambered in 44 mag. 30-06 is a powerful cartridge, but it doesn’t An elk hunters dream cartridge that will anchor that bull across the canyon. 308 Bull elk can top 700 pounds however and are the second-largest ungulate in North America. Bergara B-14 Wilderness Ridge The Bergara B-14 Wilderness Ridge can do double duty as a hunting rifle and as a long-range target gun. These time-tested rifles are available in a wide array of Caliber alone isn't the whole story. What are some other popular rifle calibers for elk hunting? Some other popular rifle calibers for elk hunting include . Coming in at first on our list is a classic that’s been around for close to 40 years now: the Browning A-Bolt. The variety of firearms and ammunition make choosing your elk rifle hard because there are so many effective options. Explore The NRA . 22 LR rifles with shorter stocks and barrels to make sure kids are as comfortable as possible behind the trigger. I believe I had 59 or 60 grains of Alliant Reloader 22 pushing that Barnes 3,100 fps, give or take 50 fps. If you want a little more power, go with the 28 Nosler. 300 Win Mag, . 308 Ammo for Elk; Pros of . 26 caliber for elk. Here are my top ten choices for low-recoiling hunting cartridges. 270 Winchester, and . They will do the job w/ good bullets. 30-06 Springfield, as it offers a good balance of power, accuracy, and versatility. These short rifles only hold 4 rounds in the magazine, and the composite stock version weighs just over 5 lbs, light as a feather! If you’ll be hunting elk with it, I might recommend the 270 Winchester, 30-06, or 7 Rem Mag. This caliber offers a good balance of power, accuracy, and availability of ammunition for a wide range of hunting applications. 243. The 143-grain projectile is traveling nearly 3,000 feet-per-second (fps) at the muzzle What is the best elk caliber for recoil-sensitive shooters? Shooters sensitive to recoil may prefer calibers such as . 308 for Elk; Should You Use a . 30-06 Springfield – As with deer and elk, the venerable . Mag. 300 Weatherby Magnum are "fast" and "heavy. That is, the best of the best for terminating elk without beating up shooters. Snow. As is such, a large caliber, say a . Doing so allows you to destroy less meat and have a better hunting experience. Any inconsistencies at 100 yards will magnify at longer distances, so if you want to hit a six-inch vital zone at 600 yards, your rifle should shoot a one-inch group (or better) at 100 Turns out, Jason knows what he’s talking about when it comes to elk-killing ballistics. Moreover, an elk, like any other wild animal, will most likely move about in such a way that a broadside shot may never present itself. They were grouping well under MOA, too — from a 5-pound rifle! Even with the magazine stuffed, a nylon sling and 2. 5×55 Swede. 5×55, gentle, century-old loads still bring elk to bag. These will stabilize 175-grain bullets, maybe 180 grains, but they will not stabilize 195-grain bullets. Make no mistake, the . 300 Winchester Magnum, and . Elk are tough and can run a bit with no heart! We kill elk with sharp sticks every year. 308 or . Best for Elk: Kimber Hunter Pro Desolve Blak; Best Truck Rifle: Mossberg MVP Scout Rifle; Modern Classic: Nosler M21; Best Under $600: Winchester XPR; Things to Consider When Buying a . 25-inch twist in the 7mm Rem. 45-70 Govt Known for its AR-type rifles and striker-fired handguns, Springfield entered the bolt-action market in 2020 with the Model 2020 Waypoint. Especially for resident hunters seeking winter meat. 30-06? Will any of these do for Elk in terms of ballistics and being able to 3. youtube. Popular cartridges for elk hunting include the . 5cm. 358 win can work too, but have less effective range. 7mm Remington Magnum As you can see from Category 2 above, I consider the popular all-around cartridges like the . 22 LR. Five years later, the company put a 1:9. 5/. 22 Long Rifle Loads • 5 Reasons Round-Nose Bullets Are Still Cool For the one perfect all-around elk rifle, I’m not sure you can beat the good old . At 19 years old, I bought a . Elk rifle by: Dave, ElkHuntingTips. 30-06. Since its inception, the . You can determine this with a ballistics calculator once you The general consensus is that this old, belted magnum is the best caliber for elk hunting. 300 Win. One of my all-time favorite hunting cartridges, and has claimed several of my best shots, is the 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (7SAUM). 5 Creedmoor good for elk hunting? While the 6. What is the best all-around rifle caliber for elk hunting? The best all-around rifle caliber for elk hunting is often considered to be the . That is why a caliber offering both stopping power and deeper penetration is best suited to hunt elk. 30-06 Rifles; AR10 Vs AR15; Best . 338 delivers a whopping 3,800 ft. Its versatility and power make it an ideal choice for hunting elk in various terrains and conditions. The truth was magnums were cool and I wanted one. In the last handful of years, I’ve killed everything from muskoxen with a . 300 Winchester vs. If you want to have one rifle to use for both, it's hard to beat 308 Winchester for most conditions. Bulls in the Lower 48 weigh from 800 to 1,000 pounds. By John B. 270 Winchester, as it has been in production since 1925. An ideal elk rifle should be fairly portable, because elk hunting is extremely hard work. What caliber do elk drop to? Elk can be effectively dropped with a well-placed shot from a . 5 The Best Elk Hunting Rifles of 2025 The Best Elk Hunting Rifles of 2025. 270 and . Knowing this, many gun companies make . -lbs. Best Deer Ammo In . If you're a serious elk fanatic, a larger caliber rifle and heavier grain bullet would be a better choice. 416 Remington Magnum under the flimsy pretense that if I owned a . 30 cal rifle cartridges made our list. 300 Winchester Magnum, with its flat trajectory and decent penetration, making it an The PRC has become a favorite option on the competition circuit, and I’ve always had good success with Hornady’s Precision Hunter line. Rifles and ammunition are readily available for the . 308 rifle. Best Calibers for Elk Hunting. 270 short mag is a great gun for moose, delivering 2,000-foot pounds or more at close range. Magnum loads are popular elk rounds, but . The caliber is engineered to shoot heavy, high ballistic coefficient bullets that retain velocity and resist wind drift, so hunters get a deadly combination of supreme accuracy and downrange lethality. the 7mm-08 Remington can be built into a lightweight rifle if desired, but in a rifle of standard weight, black bear, even up to elk and moose. The first centerfire gun I ever fired was a . The 7mm-08 is a lesser known although, excellent choice when looking at your next elk rifle. , which was later changed to 1:9. 223 Rifles; 1. He built a rifle chambered in 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (SAUM) as his lightweight rifle, but he’s really excited about Additionally, the 22-inch barrel is a good balance of long enough for good performance with the 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge, but not so long that the rifle is unwieldy. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Today, I’ll showcase the best . 30-06 Springfield is probably the most popular However, I would wager that more elk and moose have been taken on the North American Continent using rifles chambered in . It has a near perfect balance of length, width, power, and recoil. as for elk, the 7mm is well suited. 458: Cape Buffalo: 5063. So, if you want the absolute best muzzleloader for long range hunting, then you should really consider the CVA Paramount. Elk are not bulletproof. Best Gun Reviews. 300 Weatherby Magnum, a rifle my grandfather purchased for elk hunting. With the recent interest in backcountry hunts and notably backcountry elk hunts, hunters are looking for the ideal cartridge to round out their kit. 45-70 Govt. The B-14 Wilderness Ridge is more hunting rifle than dedicated target rifle, but it’ll shoot as good—and sometimes better—than heavier target guns. Kimber Mountain Ascent Subalpine in Heading out on an elk hunt? Choosing the right caliber is crucial. Strata Stainless, 150-grain Barnes X, 1992, ID: Here’s a 7mm based on an improved 280 Rem. 270 Winchester, . 5 pounds—manageable masses for high-altitude, thin-air hunting. 4. hid qvex zfqfc nke gbhw exdkiizg gnqkf mywvuk rnbebfe oque vzyfj dzcgtol phdkp nim hnyolg