The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Garydaranger on April 16, 2008, 09:51:17 PM
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I have been hunting deer for over 30 years with my .270. I have been asked to go after cow elk in Colorado. I know there are some great loads for the .270 but I talked my wife into letting me get a new rifle for the hunt. So far, I am leaning towards the Remington 700 CDL in 30-06. A good friend of mine is trying to steer me towards the Savage with the acu-trigger in a 308 or 30-06. What is the best rifle caliber for taking long and short distance shots at elk?
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Kiss the wife before you go and get the elk,,,, Get the right rifle, and eat great this season. 8)
If affordable, 300 Win Mag, or .338 . Would be awesome, elk get BIG.
Good Luck!
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Around here (Western Montana) the .300 win mag is the caliber to beat!
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270 with the right bullet will work for close shots, I would not go any smaller.
I've shot 2 with my 30-06 both didn't go 10 yds from where they were shot to where we recovered them.
its like every thing else, the right bullet in the right spot is what does the job.
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Wow that debate has been going on for as long as I can remember there were 2 guys that went at it in Guns and Ammo years ago about what was better .30-06 or .270. But to be sure I would ask the guide (if you plan on one) . But it sounds as if Lucas and TAB have experience ,so to me I would have the quandary of choosing between the 06 and 300 mag. What ever you choose have a good safe hunt and enjoy!
P.S. Just got my bell to ring one of the gentleman's names was Jack Oconnor and I believe he is credited with the .270.
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My .02 is get the 06 as you have better bullet selection and can be used for everything from PDs (55 grain) to Biggest game on the NA Continent.
Nothing really against the 300 or 338 I just think they are less versatile and won't be of as much use to you.
Oh, I would get the Savage as well. Super accurate and less expensive so you can afford more glass if you are anticipating long shots.
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7mm Mag
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7mm Mag
DITTO!! ;D
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7mm Mag
Once again, less selection and not as readily available every where.
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My .02 is get the 06 as you have better bullet selection and can be used for everything from PDs (55 grain) to Biggest game on the NA Continent.
Nothing really against the 300 or 338 I just think they are less versatile and won't be of as much use to you.
Oh, I would get the Savage as well. Super accurate and less expensive so you can afford more glass if you are anticipating long shots.
Realy need to reload to get the most out of the .300 Win Mag or 7mm Mag
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I would vote .270/7mm Mag/300 MAG/30-06/ or 338 depending on conditions and how you are hunting. Any of them will work. 7mm Mag is like a .270 on steroids and I like its flat shooting ability. You can take anything from coyotes to elk and grizz. 7mm Mag is avaliable everywhere I buy. Everywhere that I have ever seen ammo for sale... has had some 7mm Remington Magnum ammo. So for the little bit lighter recoil, very flat shooting from 0-500 yards easy, and a proven elk round... I'd take the 7mm Mag.
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30-06 with the Barnes 180 grain TSX. Both Federal and Cor Bon carry them as factory loads.
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Once again, less selection and not as readily available every where.
Oh i disagree. There is a pretty extensive line of 7mm Mag ammo out there. Yes, you may need to buy online to get exactly what you want, but its out there
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Personally, I prefer the 30-06. That is what I learned with, and every hunter in my family has one! But like I said before if you ask anyone else from around here (which happen to take down extreamly large elk every year) they do suggest the .300 win mag. I have shot them, hunted with them, and several friends and family own them. I have never had a problem with it doing the job, then again I never had to buy the ammo for it!
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Why be uncertain....buy the wife a .270 and get yourself a 50 BMG! ;D
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lol, does your wife read these posts Rastus?..
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And I do like the 30-06.. great round.. I guess it's the ballistics of the 7mm mag that I keep coming back too. It shoots flatter and hits little harder than the 30-06.. but you don't have the monsterious recoil of the 300 win mag. I didn't know it until a few years ago that the 7mm mag was a very popular cartridge in other parts of the world with big game huters.. ie. Africa etc. Heck you can even buy 7mm Mag ammo at the evil empire.. wal-mart. So, I think it has to be a viable option for any centerfire rifle choice or need.
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I have been hunting deer for over 30 years with my .270. I have been asked to go after cow elk in Colorado. I know there are some great loads for the .270 but I talked my wife into letting me get a new rifle for the hunt. So far, I am leaning towards the Remington 700 CDL in 30-06. A good friend of mine is trying to steer me towards the Savage with the acu-trigger in a 308 or 30-06. What is the best rifle caliber for taking long and short distance shots at elk?
I live in Colorado and have hunted elk and mulies for 30yrs. And have always used 30-06. It's never let me down. Plus you can find ammo anywhere.
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I have never hunted elk or moose, but they are both on my list. I have asked many, just like you are, and the most common sense answer I get is .30-06.
It sounds like reliable knock down power (I have talked to many hunters that could not get a kill with a .270), and while many like the 7 mm mag better they know they can pick up .30-06 anywhere they are. A lot of stories out there of needing ammo, and having limited choices where they are at. It seems like everyone carries at least some .30-06.
Of course my rack holds a .270 and a 300 short mag. However, .308 and .30-06 are both on the wish list ... or should I say lust list.
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Dad and gramps both swore by the 150 gr. 7mm mauser for elk and deer.
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I would go with a Nosler Partition in the 180 to 200 grain range.
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i'd go as big as your gun can shoot accuratly.