10 Best Cartridges for Elk: Voted by the experts!
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750ydd
What ballistics software do you use for videos like this? Is there one where you can select different calibers/loads from a dropdown to create a list like the one you show - or do you do it manually in a spreadsheet? Sure would be handy to have a comprehensive software for comparisons like this.
8@@kennethbriody8396😢yr😅897😮
@@LifeMyWay007 - Manual in a spreadsheet. I have some cleaning up to do on my spreadsheet, but eventually I'd like to publish it.
@@backfire Sig has released a new Cross Magnum in 300 Win Mag. If you are able to get a hold of one, I'd love to hear your perspective about it.
It sure would seem like it would be combining one of the most popular calibers with your families choice of bolt-rifle.
Observations as a gunsmith and custom rifle builder: 1.) I rebarrel more .28 Noslers into other calibers than any other cartridge. 2.) Over half the guns I built last year were 300 PRC. 3.) The guides that I work with and build guns for consider it their job to get the client under 300 yards regardless of caliber. 4.) The guides also mandate a "shoot till it drops" approach regardless of caliber. Follow-up shots are common and encouraged. Personal opinion: I prefer a .308 over the .270 Win and the 6.5 PRC.
Are the .28 Nosler barrels being shot out or do people just not like them? Just curious because I got one a few years ago and love mine. I do load my own ammo, so I wonder if ammo availabilty plays into it?
thanks for the info, what qualities make you prefer the 308?
@@ingelri2 I think most folks have unrealistically high expectations, and are disappointed. So, they go back to more traditional cartridges that they have in other rifles or more options/cheaper factory ammo offerings. I have replaced a few that were not shooting well that we felt were at the end of life.
@@maxtibbetts2102 As a personal preference, I prefer the larger and heavier bullet of the .308 for elk vs the 6.5 PRC and .270 Win. Flat shooting is not as important today with ballistic solvers and rangefinders, where we know the exact yardage and the correct holdover. In most cases, especially with a guide, you'll be within or around 300 yards. Randy Newberg also prefers the .308 and he explains the reasons in one of his videos. My personal choice for elk is the 300 PRC, but the 7mm PRC has a lot to recommend also with less recoil.
@@vettepilot427 thanks man appreciate it
I lived in western Colorado until 2021 when I retired to a warmer climate at age 75. I started elk hunting with a 1968 Win Mod 70 in 7mm Rem Mag. Subsequently I used a .308, .270, .300 Win Mag and finally a .30-06. That last one was a 1978 Ruger M77 in .270 that an ex-wife returned in about 1990 with a pitted barrel due to not cleaning it. So, I had a 26 inch .30-06 stainless barrel installed and used it until a few years ago. I've killed several dozen elk, most with one shot. The closest was 5 yards with the .308 Sako and the farthest was 475 yards with the Ruger .30-06. Most shots were between 200 and 300 yards. My most successful series was 7 elk with 7 shots in 7 years straight with the Ruger. The cartridges were always Hornady 180 grain and the rifle carries an old Leupold 2x-7x VariX II. Most people I know who grew up in western Colorado use a .270, .30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag. However, the best elk hunter I've ever met was an old wrangler in Colorado's San Luis Valley. In 1934 he bought a Winchester 94 in .25-35 WCF and used it until he died in 1995. That's a 117 grain bullet at about 2200 fps and 1300 ft lbs of energy. I asked him if he ever wanted a bigger caliber and he said in 1950 he bet another cowboy a month's pay that he could rope an antelope and won. He was going to buy a Savage 99 in .300 Savage, but his wife needed some new pans for her diner and the money went to that instead. Elmer reported that he killed his elk every year while cutting firewood. The elk would come to watch what he was doing and when they got within 5 to 10 yards he picked up the rifle and shot one. Always one shot kills and an elk every year. Not exactly baiting, but close.
The last bit of your story put a smile on my face, I can picture it! Hope retirement is everything you want it to be 🍻
I started with the 270 Winchester 7 elk, advanced to the 280 Remington 3 elk, upgraded to the 7mm Remington Mag
3 elk, last upshift was to a 30-338 Win Mag 2 elk so far. I didn't really see an uptick in capability or effectiveness until the 30-338 Win Mag, the 270 Win through the 7mm Rem Mag were all one shot killers, I never found them lacking nor did they let me down, but the Fast 30's hit with a degree of power not approached by the others, the results and reactions are visible. My next batter in the hot box is the 338 Win Mag, all the upward shifts were prompted by curiosity, not necessity. I would be perfectly content to finish my days with the 270 Win, but as they say variety is the spice of life.
I got 2 w 6.5x06 w 140 Berger’s 250/-300 shot once both shoulder or just behind both -50
I'm not surprised the 60 year old 300winmag is #,1 but I was very surprised the 338 winmag was not on the list. I'd choose the 300 winmag first because I have 2,.. One is a hunting rifle the other a target rifle. If I had a 338 winmag I'd choose it over the 300 winmag for Elk and Moose for sure. If the Old timers used the 35 Rem spitting out the Winchester Silvertip at 2,000 fps form a Lever action rifle and dropped moose in their tracks there is no reason why a 338 winmag wouldn't work just as good and gives you better range.
And I think extreme long shots on big game are stupid. Why take the chance to wound a beautiful animal and make it suffer ? That's not hunting, that's a show off cool guy who laughs when they kill a Majestic Animal like it's a joke or something. It pisses me off.
284 Ackley improved or 284 Ackley improved
@chetlockwood1491 the real question here is, will you take this hoosier elk hunting?! Lol
I love my 270. I’ve tried all kinds of stuff but I always come back to the 270. It’s just hard to beat
Agreed 👍 it just KILLS like the plague.
I call it the 90% solution to every fad.
Great video!!! I’m a 7mm REM Mag guy myself, but I think you nailed it with the 300win and the 7mm rem mag being on top… this video was full of great info and vey enjoyable to watch!!!!
I agree Mr.Robert my personal favorite for deer hunting has to be a 270 wsm love you whatching your channel Gob bless
@@johnbowlin900killed my first Buck with a 270 rugar American nice wood stock another great gun
Exactly
@@JamesJones-cx5pk 7remi mag and aut 6 both tie in first for hunting unless we talking brush then 30-30 win
Best ballistics comparison ever ! I love the fact, that you added a column showing maximum effective range. So many TH-cam channels look only at long-distance "Target" shooting. BackFire TV is the ultimate source for hunters whose concern is ethical taking of game at distance. Jim, please keep up these excellent videos. Hope to see you next video "Best Long Range Lightweight Hunting Scopes". I know that many hunters are using 6.5mm on Elk, but I feel that the bullets are just not big enough. Energy may be the same, but a larger hole cannot be argued with. .300 Win Mag and 280 Nosler 7mm PRC should also be disregarded because of the unnecessary, excess recoil. That would focus almost all discussion on the 6.8, .280, and 7mm cartridges & then it become a simple matter of choice based on action / rifle availability, recoil, and reloading. It would appear that the BEST cartridges are based on standard loads 6.8 - 7mm bullet weights 162 - 175, which tosses out the smaller 6.5 and larger .30 cal cartridges. Of course this makes no sense to the thousands of game hunters using tried and true .308 and .30-06, but we are comparing ballistics for extended reaches.
@12:17 Its so heartwarming seeing you and your wife and kids in your videos. Its nice to see a wholesome and happy family. Hers and your laughing was genuine enjoyment and nice to hear.
35 Whelen loaded with 225 accubonds leaving the muzzle at 2800 fps . My kids shoot a 270 loaded with 130 grain barns and it goes in one side and out the other on bull elk inside of 300 yards , very capable elk cartridge
35 Whelen loaded with 225 accubonds -That is a fine choice, well done
Classy
Good video! This year's cow elk was at 405 yards in a stiff crosswind. 30-06, 178 gr ELD-X, through the heart. Excellent meat!
LOVE THE 30-06
What kind of Scope and features does it have ? Or do you use Kentucky Windage and Elevation ?
Used my normal 6x Leupold, with the 36mm objective and "LR Dots" as Leupold called them. I've shot with this rifle a lot and absolutely knew my holdover. The fellow with me on the hunt is quite a rifleman and we conferred on hold off for the wind. It worked great. @@marknugent6155 Estimating the wind is the tough part. Drop is just math.
Growing up we used the 243 and 7mm rem mag, and both were super effective. It really comes down to shot placement and the bullet you use
Well put Sir, well put....
Please do not shoot elk with a 243
@@Yettiattackelk didn’t go 20 with the 243
@@michaelspence1854 a 22 will work. Doesnt mean you should use it. Most people make terrible shots.
My biggest 6x7 bull I got with a 243
Breaks my heart that the 6.8 Western never took hold. Great ballistics in a powerhouse short action. 165 gr. Accubond is an amazing round with great long range performance.
6.8 western should take some time. Of the people I have heard using it love it. I’m deciding between 6.8W and 7prc.
Mr. Carceres305 as much as I hate to say this, I’d go with 7PRC. All companies at this time seemed to have abandoned 6.8 western. Everything is hard to find for that round.
I wouldn’t write it off yet or at least I hope they don’t: it is an excellent cartridge design based off the 7RSAUM case, is the most recent short-magnum entry of the only two SM-cartridges Winchester/Browning still hold a patent to! I’m actually in the process of building one myself, but as is usual here in 🇨🇦; were always late in catching up, so ammo/components will still be hard to find for quite a while, but I’m convinced given time, it will re-establish itself between all these .270 aficionados!
@@exothermal.sprocket Not really: its basically a necked-down & very slightly altered 7RSAUM case!
@@johanneskolenbrander8288 Didn't one rifle maker recently release a faster-twist .270 Winchester?
People are going out and buying the 6.5 PRC for hunting and already have a .270 Win in the safe....silly
Great rounds both
@@adamclarkson724 Can always sell the 270 🙂
I like gun(s) and have to test things for myself. Having shot out a 270 barrel which was rebarrel 280ai and own 6.5prc. The 6.5 projectile worked better in my opinion. Not much but in elk and bear I found myself saying, wow that was devastating more than with 270. Although I ended up liking 5+1 enough to build a 270ai. Yes I hate trimming brass that much or shoot that much. 5+1 is because I got 20 in pack. Never understood leaving exposed ammo on gun. Just randomly check coal of ammo. As careful as I might they get dinged exposed lead tip can change shape, hollow cavity can plug, or ice/water on case and change pressure.
@@JVR-gd7zw That devastation is all bullet choice..within 500 yards I can load a .270 WIN in 140-150 grain bullet to do anything a 6.5 PRC can do if not more. and with a larger diameter wound channel. You are correct in that the difference is not great but if I already have a nice accurate .270 WIN I just dont think there is enough difference in a pure hunting application to buy a 6.5PRC unless someone just wants one...which is also fine. You don't really have to have an excuse to go buy a rifle. But if were going to get a another rifle I am going to step it up couple notches and get a .300 PRC or .300 WSM. If I did not have a .270Win I would go 6.5 PRC all the way...mainly because the industry is going that way and it does start to have some advantage at longer distances. It's all application.
The 308 is like the Chevy 396 engine.
It does what you need it to.
But I doubt if any elk hunters worry about the cost of ANYTHING when it comes to hunting.
Not true, plenty of people who live in elk country hunt for a meat source same as I do for whitetail. The guys I know that live in Colorado and hunt every year use 30-06, and at the distances they shoot a 308 would effectively be the same.
The 308 is just boring. In that case size I'd take the 7-08 and in that caliber I'd take the 30-06.
Or 30-06
.270 Winchester is the GOAT
I agree for deer. Not for elk.
Make a coherent argument proving otherwise ;P
How come??
That is a fact
I agree 100% A 130 Barnes is what I use!
Hunting since 1970 and I really enjoyed this video. I have shot many elk using mostly the 300 win mag, but also the 300 WSM. My friends use 280 AI, 300 PRC, but mostly the 7mm Win Mag. My next acquisition will be a 7mm PRC for elk hunting, mainly due to heavy for caliber bullet availability. I may build this rifle using a 30-06 controlled feed action. That parts still up in the air. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this video.
Good research and video. Her laugh when she fired that rifle was priceless. I had to listen to it a few times and thinking I should make it a ring tone for my phone.
Hornady has really done well with creating and marketing cartridges - 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC and the 7mm PRC are doing very well.
300 WSM loaded with 180g Nosler Partition or Accubond would be my choice . 400Y and in is my jam for taking Game..
Randy Newberg has killed more than you can shake a stick at . He's killed his fair share with trust 308 Win and 7mm-08 . Both using Nosler Bullets .
I agree. Most people aren’t shooting past 300 yards I also shoot a lot 300 win mag is my favorite cartridge and I do practice a lot and have been to a few long range schools are I think the farthest shot I would take game at is 700 yards ideally less than 500 yards.
Thank you!! You helped me verify that my 30-06 was a good choice.
Thank you for another great and informative video. I love my 300WSM and have for many many years. tried and true, for me. I use 180 grain bullet though and it does bump up over 3000 fps which changes that chart quite a bit. Lightweight to carry and (when standing) not much recoil to worry about. That being said.... I'm considering building a 300 PRC now... we'll see.
For so many yrs hunted with my Winchester 3006, awesome cartridge especially for the east coast. Then an injury, my wife bought me the S&W AR10 308, i was able to get back in the game. The buffer spring saved my hunting. So if anyone has an injury look at the AR rifle. I looked up 3006 barrels Holy crap. Im doing great with the 308
Eating antelope and watching backfire. Good combo. I like the fact you had wind drift and I believe it is critical to understand for extended range. I had estimated 14 mile an hour wind drift at 515 yards and held about a foot right of intended impact point. BDX made the adjustment and hit was right on the money. The difference between wounding or miss and a clean kill.
I'm sticking with 30 cal. Relatively Cheap.
Bigger game. .300 Win Mag.
Deer. .308 Win
Defense. 7.62x39
Here in Wyoming I hunt elk every year and I shoot a 300 win mag, 180gr Accubond love it! Most my kills are 400 yards and under. I did kill an elk a few years back at almost 700 yards with a 50 BMG that was cool. My Dad still hunts with a 270 works great. Its all about shot placement boys, and how well you know the rifle.
You have reason,shot placement and a good bullet,you know?
I love my 7mag but I am getting to old to pack out elk that I can shoot with it 5 or 6 hundred yards. Have done that many times. Now I stick to 300 yards and us 7mm-08 and ttsx. works great.
Good list. I love my TC Pro Hunter in .300 Win. CoreLock 180 Grain all day long. I've killed 20+ elk with this set-up. The longest was about 575 yards. Had to take it. Late in the season, nothing but short sagebrush between me and the herd. Drops them every time.
You did an excellent job at getting a very interesting comment section going haha. Im enjoying people’s back and forth debates more than the content!
Ive used 270 Win, 7Rem Mag and 300 Weatherby and the old 300 Weatherby is still my favorite elk cartridge. Not because its better than the other two, but because theres something cool about hunting in the West using a Weatherby.
I agree 300 weatherby is one of the best cartridges out there for elk, moose, Caribou, bear ect.. if I could only have one center-fire rifle for the rest of my life it would be the 300 weatherby.
it actually is better than the other 2 by a large margin.
Is it spending twice as much a box of Shells ? I have ALWAYS WANTED a .300 Weatherby Mag . I came So close to ( pardon the Pun ) pulling the trigger and purchased one about 3 years ago . The price of Ammo stopped me in my tracks. I have a Ruger model 77 in 7mm Rem Mag and it's a tack driver. The balance the weight the way it fits my hand ... after watching several videos , such as the one we just watched , I'm kinda glad I didn't. But the Weatherby is still a Dream to own ! .
agreed@@justinriley8651
.300 Win for the win. If you can handle the recoil wihout flinching, it's a monster. 180grain for all species. I have dropped a Bull Elk and moose this season. Both within 5 yards of the first shot.
Year before a monster whitetail. At 380yards. 1 shot.
Love it!❤
My Elk caliber progression. 1st 7mm Rem Mag, 2nd 300 Wby Mag 3rd 375 h@h Mag. The best killer, the 375 h@h.
Just to add a little bit of experience from Europe and our version of elk (red stags):
We harvest around 150 of the buggers every single year. And we use mainly 308 or 300WM for the job depending on range.
308 for everything under 200m and 300WM for everything between 200-500m.
Though 308 definitely has harvested most of them, due to ammo cost. And they reliably drop red stags out to 300m.
North American Elk tend to be larger/heavier than European Red Deer. Roosevelt/Olympic Elk can weight as much as 1,300 pounds/590 kilograms. The Win Mag is adequate, but Elk are a different consideration.
@@JCTaylor21 You are right, that red stag are a bit smaller, with an average stag being around the 180-220kg (400-500lb) mark.
Red stag and wapiti are about the same level of "bullet resistant" though and will drop with similar energy levels.
Additionally one should not forget, that in northern Europe moose are most often hunted with 6.5x55mm, 30-06 or .308. And those animals are regularly over 1000lb.
Those Scandinavian moose hunters would much prefer an 8X57 IS, 8X68 S or 9.3X62 over the 6.5X55 all day/any day. @@AntonGudenus
Scandinavian game survey for Moose.
6.5mm and 7mm cartridges averaged shorter travel distances from the shot. .30 bores averaged longer travel distances.
Very large survey with thousands of sample sizes. .30 bores accounted for about 50% of all cartridge types, mostly .308, 7.62x53, and .300 Win Mag.
6.5s were mosrly 6.5x55, and 6.5x284 Norma.
7mm were mostly 7mm Mag and 7x57 Mauser.
.308 ammunition availability and pricing favor it even in Europe. The moose I've eaten in Finland was taken with .308 Winchester from a SAKO 75 or 85.
I think what happened to 308 and 06 was that many people in the US used cheap remington cup and core bullets, back in the day, and they would come apart. On deer not really an issue but on an elk they can run for miles if you hit bone and the bullet disintegrates.
I’m a 30.06 fan. I have reloads for 150, 165, 168, and 180 grain Barnes TTSX. My 150 grain TTSX has plenty of energy (at 3100 ft/sec) for elk. Less recoil as well. My 180gr TYSX AT 2770 ft/sec will do the job as well. Grizzlies, brown bears and moose I go to my 300 WM.
Really glad to see the .300 wsm getting some love
You make very cool videos I don’t chime in much and I hate to take up your time. I must say you are the happiest man at your work I have ever seen Allways smiling God bless you and you family bro.
I have always heard the top 2 for Elk. When I chose my first Bolt gun I wanted to ensure I could shoot anything in North America. Back in 1987 research was hard to find but I did settle on the 7mmRem Mag as it was very close but less kick. I have since rebuilt that Savage 110E and put a match barrel on it and I can get 1 hole groups (not JaggedHoles). I reload so I can usually get more out of the Caliber.
My favorite....is the same one I've used in Alaska for years on Moose and Bears....340 Weatherby Mag.
I’m a 300wsm aholic, love that cartridge. BUT! My next build may be a 6.5/7prc just to spice things up 😉
300wsm is my jam as well. Only hard part at this time is finding rounds on the shelves.
Great article as usual. As usual I hunted with a 300 WM again this year with great results. One shot kills even at extended ranges, this years large bull was at 564 yds. I have used the Nosler accubond for a while now including the long range version but have switched to the Speer Impact which is a better bullet. 84 grains of MagPro and the 190 Impact going 3050 was some of the best performance I have had in quite a while. 93% retention at extended range and excellent performance utterly destroying the liver. Coastal elk here in Oregon are much tougher than the Rocky Mt. and also a good bit larger body wise. FYI your beloved 6.8 western ISN'T better than the 270 WSM.
Love how politely you called everyone on their bullshit.
I've shot over 20 elk over the years and I always use my 338 Win Mag. Most of my elk have been taken at around 300 yards and I often see them drop in the scope.
As a big time. 308 guy, I'm just glad it got mentioned. Thanks! 😂
I think our beloved 308 got the equivalent of a participation ribbon in this video. 😂
I always used the Nosler partition on elk in 30-06. Never failed me.
Great vid. Not trying to sell anything and honest analysis. Thank you for the good work right there.
300 Win Mag is 100% the optimal elk caliber and my personal go-to but honestly I may give the .300 WSM a try just to build a rifle in standard length action (way more lightweight options) with comparable effect. Great cross section, great energy.
Why not the 300 Rum ? Faster than the Win Mag slightly more recoil!
@greghuber9773 not short action. Not light weight.
I own both of the top 2, they are both amazing cartridges!
Great comparison man. My opinion being said. Favorite cartridge is 300 RUM with 26" 1-12 twist. Specialty once in a lifetime , basically, elk hunt. Loaded with 168 gr at 3300fps. I just wanted the flatest shooting gun to 600 yds. I needed light (CARMS carbon fiber wrapped barrel, stock, and detatchable mags). I load Shiracco II's. Just an overweight old guy high in the mountains of Utah. If you are not loading your own, you are missing half the fun. Nothing like a 380" bull dropping before the echo in the canyons stops. Keep up with the great content.
My elk cartridges are .30-06 for situations where I expect shots out to 300 yards, and .300 RUM for situations where I expect shots beyond 300 yards.
The .340 Weatherby has been a stalwart elk rifle for decades. Recoil is a fact of life with high velocity cartridges; I get it. Weatherby was producing flat out elk killing rifles and cartridges, long before this sudden surge of flavor-of-the-month, shoulder fired hot rods, started showing up all over the gun mag landscape.
You bet , The 340 weatherby is about AS GOOD AS IT GETS.
The most popular 3 are in order 30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag. Modern bullets keep resurecting the 06. This based off of guide surveys and sales.
Be careful my friend we know that backfire tv guy loves the new high tech high BC bullets launchers ....
As if BC equals killing power.
@@cchcch-jw9dw No paid to sell them but with new bullets the 308 and 06 make em obsolete.
This has been the best way of explaining the 3 great cartridges ever. When you go back to the history of the Grandfather round which is the 30-06, then the other to where born so to speak. The 7mm mag and the 300winmag was developed in the 60's. AWESOME!! PEOPLE HAS FORGOT ABOUT THE CARTRIDGE THAT WAS BORN BEFORE THE OTHER 2. I DO UNDERSTAND PEOPLE WOULD HAVE SOMETHING ELSE TO SAY ABOUT THIS! If they would read the history on the 3 they would understand as well.
@@charleshuyck6641 That's not true, read about the 3 he is talking about. (HISTORY)
@@skeeterdavis5777They don't outsell the greats. It's like Gibson and Fender Guitars they are still unrivaled and the 308 can be added too. 308 is most popular big game caliber in the world according to sales in the world. It's why a 66 mustang is sought after and collected. all the rest is a copy.
Hey buddy, thanks for this video. Very informative.
Wish you all the best this coming hunting season.
300 Weatherby wearing a meopta r2 2.5-15 with a 200 grain accubond for spotting in open country. 350 rem mag wearing a meopta 1-6 with 225 grain accubond for the timber. On a trip the 30-06 with 180 grain sciroccos always goes along as a just in case.
325WSM with 200g accubond.
Amazing elk killer!!!❤
If you asked what cartrige have you killed the most elk with the first 3 spots would probably be any order of 300 win-mag, 7mm rem-mag, 30 06
Just took a 310in 6x6 bull in Idaho this past weekend with a 7 PRC, using 160gr Hornady CX copper bullets. Cartridge performed better than I did. Lousy shot placement on a moving elk at 470 yards took 3 shots - but I came out of the mountains with a nice one.
So I found another reason that I would like to get a 6.5 PRC hunting Rifle. Awesome job on this video.
I had a 30-06 AI made by mistake and it's now my favorite elk cartridge. Performance of a 300 WM with better precision for LR and without the belted cartridge. It can also shoot factory 30-06 just fine in a pinch.
30-06AI. 25 inch pac-Nor barrel
190gr ABLR
61gr Superformance powder
2960fps
1/2 inches all day
@jefpanisi3764 oh wow, great load
And I'm over here working up a universal hunting load for an 8x57mm JS
I love Norma's Oryx bullets in 8x57is
Good job on this one Jim, thanks!
I love it. Number 1 and number 2 are also my favorites.
I've never hunted where a 200 yd. shot was common...and I've never attempted it. The list is very surprising. I would have expected the 7mm Rem Mag to be 1 and 30-06 #2. An old uncle killed an elk every year on his ranch. Said he never shot one over 75 yd and used a lever gun with no scope.
Really?
I think that list is pretty bang on. 30-06 is good ofcourse but over praised for what other cartridges can do comparatively
Recoil between 7 mag and 300WM is about 2lbs. The 300 has a lot more energy.
270 win is my favorite cartridge. It’s proven and been a killer for many years proven over and over. Just like Jim stated the 6.5 prc and 270 win are nearly identical
My first hunting gun when I was 12 was a 270 WSM. I just thought it was cool. All these years later I wish I got the normal 270 because the ammo is so much less expensive and way more common.
@@AString95I have a BLR in 270wsm. Recently picked up a BAR in 270. I kill a ton of pigs in the marsh in Louisiana. The auto load and cheap, easy to find 270 rounds were the deciding factor. Use the 270wsm in the woods for deer. Love them both, just wish the WSM wasn’t so expensive and difficult to find.
I have been on 5 different guided Elk hunts, 4 of those guides used a 300 Mag as their personal Elk rifle and 1 used a 300 RUM. Most were shooting the 180 AB as far as bullets.
I'm 60 yo now, got my first gun when I was twelve. I have been hand loading since I was 16. The first rifle cartridge I ever loaded for was .30/06, and I still own and load for it today. I've had .300 Win mag, takes a lot of powder and kicks like an army mule. It is a fine cartridge, just not as comfortable for me to shoot as the /06. It tends to destroy more meat with that extra 300 fps velocity. If you are a guy taking long shots, it will give you longer range and a bit more punch. I sold mine to my brother and he does use it for elk.
For a 700 yard shot, consider where most elk live and are shot at around 9000 feet elevation, or above. All of my magnum rifles hold more than 2000 ft./s at 700 yards.
If you have to take 700yd shots it’s because you are not good at hunting!
I'm at about 5500ft. My .308 load stays above 2000fps out to 625yds... and it has a minimum expansion velocity of 1600fps, which it stays above to 950yds. That said, I'd never shoot my .308 at an animal past 750m under any circumstance. 650m is what I'm comfortable with when conditions are perfect.
@@marcmoore4115 I’m shooting a 178 eld-x 308 out of an 18 In barrel at 2600 fps at about 8500 ft. It’s not fps for elk it’s ft pounds of energy 1500 foot pounds of energy on standard for a large elk, that puts me at about 550 yards! Which is a far shot !! I put 5 rounds into a 5 in circle at 650 but my cut off is 500! But have never took a bull at that range! 300 and in at 5 bulls! Then switched to archery the last 5 years and have put 4 bulls down inside of 60 yards! If you have to take a long shot on elk, you do not know how to hunt!!!!!!! So it’s irrelevant unless you’re an out of state over the counter novice western elk hunter!!!
@@Coonhound719 that sounds like a very good load. I'm running Hornady 168gr ELD-M at 2844fps. We've been culling Gemsbok in Namibia for the last couple months. I don't even think about energy to be honest. My 3 furthest shots on Gemsbok, 580m, 589m and 622m had around 1400-1525ft-lbs remaining and 1900-2000fps remaining - 580m and 589m still killed just as quick as a 500m, 300m and even a 200m shot. The 622m shot was a spine shot, so it of course dropped right there. At the beginning my max range was 300m, but now it's 650m, depending on the situation and conditions.
Strong winds? I won't go past 300-350m. If winds are very calm 500-550m. If it's perfect, then 650m - and if it'sperfect and for whatever reason I absolutely need to take a further shot, then 750m is my hard limit. Most of my shots are around 300-400m at the moment, because the farm is very open and when we're culling, efficiency is key.
Culling isn't proper hunting, it's a job that needs to be done. That being said, when I'm not culling, I walk and stalk as much as possible and getting as close as possible is just an incredible feeling - I love it, and when we've just been culling for a while, I miss the walking.
I’ve fallen into a wsm rabbit hole and have been reloading and shooting 300wsm for 10 years, I completely agree with your statement in about your numbers not being the best comparison!
150-180gn bullets are my preferred range ballistically.
300 WSM is one heck of a cartridge.
Lots of death with the 270 wsm in this house, Great cartridge
Hi. Have you found your WSM to be a little picky as to what it shoots well? The WSM's use the older-style taper-only chamber design instead of the "match-style" with a section of tight freebore now used for most other long-range cartridges? Although the WSM's and the 300 Win Mag both use "taper only" chambers, the WSM version is much tighter, starting at .3099" dia vs the older WM at .315". I have wondered if this change makes the WSM's less picky for accuracy.
Thanks
Very well done. 7 Rem. Mag for me.
My daughter used a 300 Win Mag a few years ago with a muzzle break to harvest her first. I am with you on 308. I might go out to 500 with my handloads and the right bullet. Thank you.
At my hunting elevation of 7000 ft the 210 grain ABLR mv of 2600+ fps in plain old 30-06 is my caliber and bullet of choice for elk out to 600 yds
This bullet load combination is the holy grail for distance hunting in tje old warhorse has 1950 ft lbs of energy at 600 yds and has the potential in energy out to 700 yds on elk.
the 210 grsin ABLR has a 0.661 bc and still flying at nearly 2000 fps at 600 yds. expand down to 1300 fps.
Also the heavy ABLR expands well penetrates and holds together at lower 06 velocities at both close and long ranges.
All this with much less recoil than a magnum cartrige.
Nosler developed the 210 grain ABLR to be used in a 1:10 twist barrel .
No magnum necessary at distance using this load .
And flatter trajectory is of little consequence when shooting beyond 300 yds as long as you know your bullet drop dope with this high bc bonded bullet .
I love the Nosler 190 grain ABLR in 300 Win Mag. Not a ballistic monster, but it just flatout kills!
ABLRs are so soft, they expand immediately and cause a large wound channel at close to mid range, normal expansion at longer range since they will still open up at 1300fps impact speeds.
I run that bullet too, at almost 3200fps, it's a monster
@@LRRPFco52yeah they do open quickly on closer shots, but they hang together well, I've taken moose at close range and it penetrated the whole moose and lodged in the offside hide. Retained a fair amount of mass too.
Nosler Partition for thin skinned: Swift A-frame for thick skinned... simple
The 300 WSM pretty powerful and a little better than a 30-06 (one of my favorites).... can be had in a handy rifle. I like mine, and it's in a cheapo Model 70.
Taken 2 elk with a 7mm wsm and 17 with a 300 win mag. Closest and farthest with the 7 at 28 yards and 532. 300 win is from 70 yards out to 430. Shot placement is everything.
My 450 bushmaster and 6.5 Creedmoor and 30.06 are my favorite and dropped them all including and up to a grizzly 450 works great.
I think many people inflated their distances compensating for things.
I was shocked that the .338 Winchester Magnum was not on the list.
My choices
.338 Win Mag
.300 Win Mag
7mm Remington Magnum
30/06 Springfield
.280 Remington
I was very surprised that any of the Weatherby cartridges were not mentioned. I would place several in the top ten list. These choices of mine are based on actual experience, availability of ammunition, and rifles. I think most young people chose what new and flashy. Personally I want old and reliable.
Isn't 338 overkill?...question from someone ho has never hunted elk....greetings from the Netherlands.
338 win mag is probably more than average person can handle and Weatherby cartridges just aren’t very popular.
338 win seperates chasing game and eating game. It gets them on the ground.
I can't really argue with the list. I'll just add since the 30-06 and 280ai are on there, there should be an honorable mention to the heavies of the 06 family. The 35 Whelen and 338-06.
I’m glad u mentioned the .308 I don’t know why, but for some reason I was under the impression that you weren’t a fan of 308 I was glad to see how it measured up to the rest thou
I usually pick the flatter shooting cartridges for th big open canyons where I hunt but there’s no doubt it’s capable if used at an appropriate distance.
I will elk hunt with the 7 PRC starting this Saturday. While I expect fine performance, because it was just released, its placement on this list, as with my purchase, is purely theoretical.
Maybe another question should be how many elk have you wounded and not recovered with your favorite caliber. I shoot a 338 RUM loaded hot and typically with a 300 gr Berger running 2850. Muzzle energy at the muzzle is close to 5400 ft lbs and muzzle energy at 1K is about what a 308 has at the muzzle. Overkill, absolutely not, it kills quickly, most shots are DRT with a couple of exceptions, but I have never had to track a well placed hit on an elk. I have made a couple of bad hits, gut shots and the elk was hurt badly enough that I followed it and finished it off. Longest kill to date is 850 yards on a late season cow. Many kills over 500 yards, including two cows last December and both were 585 yards one shot kills. I use a very good muzzle brake and good hearing protection to tame the beast. One other thing, I live and hunt in Wyoming and there are way too many Grizzly bears in the woods. I also rely on my choice as a self defense tool against big angry Grizzlies. For the record I killed my first elk over 25 years ago and my average is over 2 per year as we can have up to 3 elk licenses a year in Wyoming. My friends hunt with 300 RUM, 300 Weatherby, 300 Winchester Mag, and a few with 7MM Remington mag. and a couple friends shoot 338 Rum and 338 Edge. The people I know that shoot 6.5 Creedmores wound a lot of game and typically have to take 5 or more shots to put an elk down.
Another successful elk hunt, 350 yards 250 gr Berger from the 338 RUM, first shot dropped him in his tracks, but I shot high and broke his back, second shot through the shoulder and done. He never took a step and best part was for once in my life I got to drive my Jeep right to the elk and use the headlights to see while I quartered him up while looking for Grizzly bears over my shoulders in the snow.
So you are another 6.5 Creedmoor hater, I noticed you didn't mention how many elk got away from 243, 22-250, 270, 6,5 , 7mm prc, 7mm Rem Mags, 45-70, 308, 30-06, 300, win mag, 338 win mag, 308 Norma, 8mm Norma mag, 350 Legend ect,ect JUST 6.5 creedmoor, yea ok
According to Parks and Wild Life, the last time I check the most popular round during Elk Season was a 6.5 Caliber. There is also a 12 year old kid from a TV show called “ Long Rang Pursuit “ that dropped a Elk at 1400 yards with a 7 Rem Mag and a 168 Grain Berger Bullet. That 7 Mag Set up netted 1600 FPS and 1000 Lbs of connect energy.
Great job. I'd have to agree with most of the placing. Most guys I know are shoot 7mm STW, 300 RUM and 30-378 wby mag.
Extremely happy with the performance of my .325 WSM, 220 gr SGK at 2850fps with Superformance. Hoping for an elk or moose tag next year.
I'm a fan of the 325 WSM as well. Try Alliant Reloder 26 and Reloder 17 in your 325.
@JCTaylor21 If I can find them I will!
Id be happy with an 30-06 using an controll feed action 2-12× optic, proper positional shooting sling and Sig ranging bino for firing solutions. This can do a lot and it all the paraphernalia one needs quite honestly.
I’m using a Remington 700 30-06 with a 3x9x40 scope and shooting the federal fusion 165 grain. Rangefinder and knowing what your round drops at a certain distance is all a man needs. Comfortable taking 3-400 yard shots with this setup
I have used the 30-06 and .270 all of my life ,I personally have not lost any game I don't bother with trying to go more than 300 yards max because once you get your game, that's when the work really begins
My son, a guide in Griz country carries a 300 WSM. Short, and handy. Is basically sight in once, and shoot whatever, without scope adjustment, regardless of changing bullet weight.
Here in South Africa we use cartridges like the .308 Winchester to hunt some pretty big animals like Eland, at fairly descent ranges, out to 400m - 500m sometimes. We even hunt Cape Buffalo with 30-06 and .308 Winchester.
You must not have watched Ron spomers Chanel. We were recently informed that you're hunting too big of game at too far of a distance for the 308...
Pay no mind to these 'compensating' American fellows Vince. They seem to think you need artillery to hunt anything larger than a rabbit.
I guided for 38 years in the Canadian rockies and my American clients always brought way too much rifle for whatever they were hunting.
I've taken every big game animal in North America with my .303,.308, ,270, and .243 as I am sure you have in SA. If you can shoot straight you don't need a cannon!🦌🐐🦬🍲
@@albertawildcat3164 Just curious which one you'd choose if you could only have one...
@@timbucker the 270, it's been my favorite for a long time. Good long range performance and range of bullet weights.
@@albertawildcat3164 Thank you!
I'm really surprised the .338 Win Mag wasn't on there. Fantastic cartridge for Elk and flat shooting at longer ranges.
It’s sadly one of those cartridges that I think is being forgotten. I can never find ammo for mine. And even the bullets for reloading are scarce. It is a badass cartridge and can put down the biggest of animals. I love mine.
The soy boys can’t deal with the recoil.
I was shocked that the .338 Win Mag wasn't 1st. My top 5 would be:
.338 Win Mag
.300 Win Mag
7mm Remington Magnum
30/06 Springfield
.280 Winchester
I was very surprised that none of the Weatherby cartridges were listed.
I use 338 win mag. There are plenty of great rounds, but shot placement is more important than the round. Bullet style is the next most important. I have killed many Elk with 30-06 with good placement and bullets. Use what you have and be good at it.
Amen. I learned to hunt elk from a hunting legend in Montana. He had a couple of stipulations when he took you out. One of them was the requirement to bring a .338. He had a coveted stash of Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullets. In his home he had a couple of mason jars full of elk ivory teeth. He was dialed in with and insisted upon the .338 with results to back it. All that being said, his primary location required 300 - 400 yard shots. He wounded one the he never found back in the 70's with a 30-06. That's why he went with the .338 he told me.
@backfire I would like to see you do one of these videos on taking a moose. Thx.
I love my Tikka 300 WSM. Paired with a suppressor and 168 grain Barnes TTSX I'm very confidant with it out to 500 yards. I reload, but it's hard to find brass right now, thats the only downside.
I've taken 2 with 270 one shot each. 3 with 7 mag one shot each as well. Both calibers are amazing.
We will be using a .270 on elk this weekend 🤞🤞🤞
I shoot a 160g accubond out of a 7mm mag with great success. My 270win I haven't shot elk with yet. My rifle shoots most bullets great. 145gEldx, 136g terminal ascent and 130 g cx. Hat bullet are you using?
Dad and brother both used .340 Weatherby mag for Elk.
I bought a 6.5 PRC Browning X-Bolt Pro because I wanted a flat shooting cartridge for big game hunting in Nevada. Elk would be the largest game I would hunt and that would be very seldom so the 6.5 PRC is my "all around" Nevada big game cartridge.
Plus a 400 yard shot would be my absolute maximum for elk with that cartridge. For antelope 800 yards would be maximum range.
For hunting ONLY elk I'd choose the .300 PRC in a custom bolt rifle with a 3 lug bolt OR a stainless SAKO bolt gun.
I guess I'm just getting older and set in my ways. I still love the old classics and could care less for the new overrated calibers. I still hunt all of my Whitetail Deer with a 25/06 or .308 depending on situation. Black Bear with .308. And as soon as I get the opportunity to go Elk hunting I have a .300 H&H that will do anything a .300 Win. Mag will do more efficiently. And given the opportunity to go to Africa I have a 9.3X62 Mauser and a .458 Win. Mag. awaiting. Just waiting on retirement to get here. Absolutely love your informative videos!
In 2000 I had a Czech foreign exchange student who is an avid hunter. He owns a forestry company and owns or leases thousands of acres that he hunts on at least once a week and his parents own a hunting lodge. I visited in 2008 and one afternoon, out of the blue, he handed me a Brno .308 and said, "Let's go hunting." Seasons and licenses are different from here in the US. Mostly he kills hogs and red deer (several per month) using the .308 barrel on his Sauer 202 . He also has a 9.3 x 62 barrel for the Sauer that he uses for bear hunting in Kamchatka. Those are the same as the brown bears in Alaska. So, you don't have to wait for Africa, head north to our 49th State.
I actually have a friend who has recently moved to Alaska and is working toward becoming a licensed hunting guide. I told him I would be his first customer for a bear hunt.@@Aaron-hr5bb
30.06 SHOULD HAVE BEEN NUMBER 1 😢 - everyone over 50
I'm 30. Get 1 every year with NY 30-06
Realistically, how many people are taking elk at 500+ yards? /06 with 165 gr. is all you really need. Is it the most powerful or the flattest shooting? No, but you don't need it to be. Especially for the hand loader, who can tailor their loads, the /06 is hard to beat. Uses less powder and has less recoil than the magnums, and won't spoil the meat with velocity over shock. If you are in a pinch for factory ammo, you can find it in any hardware or sporting goods store in Podunk U.S.A..
7mm rem mag is better
Too light a bullet weight. If going after large bear, I would rather have a heavy bullet with a little less velocity. Say a 220 gr as opposed to 170.@@LoganJ98
@@LoganJ98
Better how? Balance of recoil/accuracy? Nah. Flatter shooting? Yes. But not as versatile imho
Awesome vid, thanks for making it.
Glad to hear P.O. Ackley is finally getting credit. P.O. was from Utah. So is the 50 BMG, 380 AUTO, 45 ACP. Oddly enough I have dropped elk with 308, 338 lapua, 30-06, my regular pack rifle is 257 weatherby. If your dropping elk past 500 your just practicing long range. Your not stocking and hunting. Give the elk a chance. I know longer drop elk at a grand or more.
Of the thirty five elk that I have taken, all were under 300 yards. Most under two. It’s called hunting.
I still think 6.8 Western is the Golidlocks cartridge. Heavy enough for most anything you want to hunt without massive recoil. We've killed 2 elk and a mountain goat so far.
Congrats Jim, from Brazil, best regards 🎉😊
Planning on taking my 6.5 PRC on my first elk hunt next year with 142gr Accubond LR's. It's been fantastic on deer so far.
What did you use for a scope on yours? I just ordered mine and waiting for it to get delivered