Elk Rifle Opinions

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My dad was a disciple of Jack O'Connor, therefore the .270 was THE round for all big game in our house. As soon I as I outgrew my .30-.30, I got my own Model 700 in .270 . Every year my dad and I bore sighted our .270's and took them to the range. We sighted in 3" high at 100 yds. and shot 2" groups off a sand bag and we rarely had to fire more than 3 rounds each to make it so. With that set-up, you essentially aim at the vital area and pull - unless you are shooting down or up a steep hill. This formula was tried and true for many years and still is. As for the power of the .270, I once hit a 120 pound doe just below the spine at 250+ yards with a 130 gr core-lokt and flipped it over turtle. Even a lung shot Bull Elk (at something past 200 yards) only made it about 50 yards, all others dropped after a few paces, if they moved at all.
After my dad passed, I got the idea to get a Model 70 in .300 Wby Mag. You couldn't beat it for the long range elk kill, right? After about 5 years, I realized that I never once actually needed the ballistics (and shoulder wallop) that that rifle provided and I sold it. I guess if you expect to need to be shooting more than 300 yards, more often than not to get your elk, the belted mag is the way to go. If you want one, I say go get the 300 Mag and if you like it - then good, otherwise, I am 100% confident that the .270 will put any kind of meat on your table anywhere you want to hunt.

 

[coug]

Savage Weather Warrior/Vortex Viper PST 4x16x44. Elk killing Machine at a low ball price.
Or you could always go with the 7mm Mag with the 180gr VLD.

 

[Eb1]

If I drew and elk tag I would use one of three rifles I have in the safe. 1) .303 no1 mk3 2) .25-06 3) .50 cal muzzleloader.
Any of those three will do the job and do it well. Unless you are shooting 400 yards you shouldn't need a mega magnum to do the job. JMO

Funny this came up because my new neighbor's family has an elk guiding business in AZ and CO. We were talking, and in the woods a lot of people still use the good old 30-30 with 170 grain bullets. They say if you get the elk in bow range there isn't a need for a mega magnum, and the guides carry 30-30s or .35 Remingtons because of their size and ease of carry and quick follow ups. This is from the horses mouth not just giving internet jive here.

But in all honesty. I would take my Muzzloader or the .303 British out of my collection. If you have something similar in your safe I'd save the money.