4895
Member
I have never hunted Elk in Arizona or anywhere else for that matter. Now that my disclaimer is up, I can continue. I am putting in for Elk and Antelope this year (don't know where to go) and have thought about this issue a bit. First, what I do know, is that a light rifle in a magnum caliber is hard on the shoulder. It may be of no consequence, but I would pick something in a wood stock. Second, if you can kill an Elk with a bow from 40 yards away, you can kill one with a .308. I just loaded up some 180 grain Barnes X bullets for a coworker and he shot a cow at 200 yards with .30-06 with a clean pass through (2011). The animal dropped dead on the spot (neck/spine shot). I plan on taking either my Mosin Nagant M38 carbine length rifle, or my 8mm mauser for elk this year. If you desire another caliber, get it. You only live once. I don't feel underpowered with a 7.62x54r or 8mm mauser. If I had a .308, I would pick a premium, heavy bullet and learn to shoot it very well.
P.S. I live in Tucson, where are the elk in Az? What hunt numbers are good for a newb. I would like to work in snow. Thanks.
P.S. I live in Tucson, where are the elk in Az? What hunt numbers are good for a newb. I would like to work in snow. Thanks.