270 WSM, 300 Win, or 257 Roberts for Shooting Elk? - Season 2: Episode 270

[@cerescorubi]

I have used a 30-06 for big game hunting for 40 years. I handload a 180 grain Nosler Partition and I have shot a few Elk but am getting older and only shoot deer now. The last couple of deer I shot were with 165 grain factory bullet Winchester and can not tell the difference. I do only take standing side shots and realize this does not require too much gun. Old Elmer reader and originally loaded for all angles. I have a Standard Modell Mauser that I bought from a friend in the 80's. It has a beautiful stock fitted to it and perfect probably redone blue so not hurting some classic. I have always wanted to finish it with a nice barrel, better trigger and getting it drilled and tapped for a scope. I would like to chamber it for .243 Winchester, 250-3000, .257 Roberts (the Bob) 6.5 Creedmore, 25-06, 7MM-08 or something with a little less recoil. I know they would all work but would appreciate your input on caliber and if you have any suggestions on who to contact for the gunsmith work. If I can not get a stepped barrel that fits the stock this idea quickly becomes expensive. I bought my son a Ruger .243 that I can borrow so that is my fall back.

[@jimscallen6452]

Ron, As a fellow hunter I agree with you. If you can handle the recoil use it. Also the most important thing is. Where the bullet hits.

[@xforce708]

Just started this video, I’ve never had the privilege to hunt elk. May never get to even though it’s my dream hunt. But I’m going to make my guess here. 270 WSM is my pick.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That one will certainly do the job.

[@spookshilljoe7376]

I've have the same problem with grouping after the first shot. I asked an old gunsmith about it and he said the same thing about loosening the tang screw. He told me torque them down then back out the tang screw about 1/8 of a turn. Went home and did that then went to the range and sure enough he was right. By the way it was a Mauser 98 action. I haven't had a problem since I tried that. I must say Ron you really know your stuff.

[@johnnash5118]

It’s not about the cartridge, it’s about the bullet and the optimum range of those bullets. Either of those cartridges would perform well with bullets that can maintain their terminal mass while creating a wound channel. I would choose either a bonded, partitioned or solid copper bullet with a high sectional density per bullet diameter. Either a @110 gn. .257 @0.238 SD; a @130 gn. .277 @0.242 SD; or a @165 gn. .308 @0.248 SD.

[@missey3164]

I am not fond of all copper bullets but agree with you on everything else. Well said

[@johnnash5118]

​@@missey3164 Bullet cohesion and penetration were my points. Why do you not like Barnes?

[@craigholland2274]

I think Barnes are my favorite

[@the_watcher_abc]

Darren; tell your dad to stick with the 300wm, especially if he shoots it well. Keep the gun he knows but change the load to lesson the recoil. There are plenty of reputable reloaders out there who can lower the recoil of a 300wm by using slower burning powders (H1000 for example) and fewer grains of powder on a lighter bullet so that it shoots more like a light .308 or 30-ot6. Adding a quality muzzle break and limb saver will also make a big difference in training recoil.

[@joelmcmahan7386]

I’d be happy with any of these as long as I got a legal tag in my pocket. If I had to choose one, it would be the one I could group with the best. Thanks Ron for sharing fun outdoor adventures, knowledge, questions, comments and fun hunts all on film. 🎥💪🏽💪🏽💯👍

[@Paul-q3m7k]

I’d recommend not shooting elk with any 25 cal . Yes , it can be done but it shouldn’t be . I’ve been in on over 20 elk kills and the only ones that went sideways were guys was using undersized rifles. Size matters …ask the ladies 😂😂😂😂

[@terrybritton1355]

Comments on the 243. Prior to the pandemic dating back 20 plus years ago when I got my wife a 243, I switched to it and had my kids shooting it as well for white tails out to 400 yards. I switched to keep the same ammo in the truck. I have taken numerous whitetails at 400 yards and it does the trick on the 25 to 100 yard shots too. We have used either the 95 ballistic tip to premium bonded bullets at 100 grains to maintain that 400 plus yard energy. There is no flinch with it compared to bigger cartridges which translates into all of us putting the bullet into the vitals reliably. Since the pandemic, my daughter and myself switched back to the 270 win which has nearly the same drop as the 243 at range. The reason for the switch is ammo availability even though we do reload both calibers.

[@duck-n-cover477]

Correction (sort-of): 17:23 re: .30-06 Factory ammo or hand loads? Possibly, try different ammo/load. I'd try that before making physical changes to the rifle, one at a time.

[@jackdundon2261]

I used a 270 wsm on a BIG mule buck in 2022,140 grain bonded factory. 500 yards, bullet took out a rib, going in, blew the heart away, took a rib out going out, blew A knee apart, and stopped under the skin... (would dropped a bull just fine too, though I would opt for a little heavier bullet).

[@bryantitus6634]

I feel like a .257 bob with a partition stuffed in the front of it would be plenty good enough. The thing with most shooters of the .257 Bob is I feel like the typical owner of it tends to have a more intimate relationship with it than the typical magnum rifle shooter. The typical .257 Bob shooter is a reloader, and in a caliber that is lighter recoiling is far easier to spend the time working up loads for. And practice sessions can be much longer and much less violent leading to better shooting experience in general. I'm not saying that there aren't 300 WM shooters who have spent a lot of target time getting good with their rifles but there's just as many who buy the 300 wm thinking it will kill better if the shot isn't as great when they simply can't or refuse to shoot it enough to get acclimated to it.

[@missey3164]

270 wsm absolutely the best in my opinion. Love my regular 270 as well

[@miketyson8933]

.270 WSM is such an awesome round, they perfected it in the 6.8 Western and they made that shoot harder then the 7mm rem mag at long range now thats impressive out of the .270 WSM just updated in a short action! The 6.8 Western is catching fire because of the numbers and short action.

[@jfess1911]

IMR Trail Boss is powder made especially for very light loads. It is almost like gunpowder Cheer-i-oos and is very low density to help take up more room in the case. Accurate 5744 is also good for reduced loads. Some terms to use while searching:, reduced loads, youth loads, managed recoil, lite load, low recoil.

[@jongruen7854]

I was thinking Trail Boss might be an option as well. Have not pursued the use of that option yet.

[@troy9477]

Great info as always. 300 Savage for the win! Myself, i would tend to go 7mm-08 or better for elk. I might consider a 25-06 with 120 gr bullets, as long as i knew i could reliably place it behind the shoulder to hit the vitals. Don't want to break shoulders, not reach the vitals, and leave the animal wounded. As far as the accuracy problem with that Featherweight, he should check when barrel is warm to make sure the forend is not contacting the barrel at all. If it is, a little rasping may be needed. It could be his load too, as some said. But realistically, as long as his first 2 shots have the same POI, or very close, that is all that's needed. I doubt even the pencil barrel of a Featherweight heats up that much from the first shot. Just don't overthink it and be chasing the wind.

[@chrish1585]

My 270 is my Do all gun! Eastern whitetail? 120gr soft point. Eastern black bear, 130gr Hornady sst. Wild pigs, 150gr sst. Elk, same cartridge 150gr Hornady SST.

[@royjohnson465]

You are very 100% right, 270 covers everything and nothing else is needed.

[@devonmorse9775]

I own a .257 Roberts I absolutely love it for whitetail here in NH

[@samueldamewood5273]

I prefer my 257 Roberts for elk I also hunt as opposed to sniping from hilltop to hilltop. I also regularly loan it to nieces, nephews and friends when they hunt here. Works wonderfully, hunt close shoot carefully, Also does well on Oryx

[@bkauffman0390]

Best dang cartridge out there

[@bearmeat898]

Ron Spomer shows a kind of gentleman's demeanor that is so woefully lost. Much respect.

[@randyguapo7793]

Glad You Posted This They All WORK !!! Placement Most Important !!!

[@jimsilva4915]

When I was a young man everything was taken with 30-30s or even m1 carbines. All of a sudden moose, elk, bears, deer, hogs got so tough that you need big magnums, hell a Abrams tank to kill them. What worked before still works today , and will work in the future.

[@mmorris6341]

💯

[@jk-kr8jt]

Fully agree, but that doesn't sell new rifles or ammo.

[@royjohnson465]

Jim Silva ~Exactly!! People make too much fuss on and on about certain cartridges, when any cartridge will do "starting from" a 6.5 Creedmore, 260 Rem., 25-06 Rem., and "up from there". My best friend who is a retired policeman shot many moose with a 303 British. A 30-30 with minimum 20" inch barrel will also do with Hornady LEVERevolution cartridges for Elk up to 150 yards. Just sight it precisely in with a quality scope and use the right bullet. They say a minimum of 1500 ft/lbs of Energy at any given distance that you want to kill a moose or elk at. About 50 years ago my late dad shot a Pronghorn antelope with a 308 Win., 150 grain handloads, at 338 paces (yards). Many years ago my dad also shot 3 Grizzly bears with lower power non-magnum riffles.

[@garyh1449]

@@jk-kr8jt I like the idea of all the new cartridges but it saddens me to see some of the older and great cartridges die in the process. The 6mm Remington and the .257 Roberts as well as the .222 Rem to mention a few that are disappearing or taking a back seat to the new calibers.

[@jackdundon2261]

Even Ron, JUMPS on how good new calibers are.. why?? To sell crap! Though, 20 or 25 Years ago, when I started REAL hunting at 20 years old, I settled on the 375 RUM for elk... Ghostly over powered, but, man it brings elk down fast! I grew up 30-06 for deer, but, I love the 243 for deer now... I have taken elk with the 243. But, it is too small!

[@buddy22801012]

My hunting partner uses the 300 win mag. Equipped with a good muzzle break. His gun kicks a bit harder than my 308 but less than a 30-06 or the 270.

[@jackdundon2261]

My 375 RUM has 80 ft pounds of recoil, so I added a Mercury tube. It helps A LOT! Ot still hammers me, but, if you have a recoil sesativity, GET ONE!

[@richardgoecks9377]

Ron, your books must have sold out fast nothing showing in the store. Thanks for the video, and for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@gt242dj]

I was wondering the same thing. I went to buy a copy and couldn't find anything. Are any of the signed books still available?

[@jamescole8049]

This is the only channel I get excited when a new video drops. Ron’s the reason I started hand loaded and I’m so glad I did. I’m full blown addicted to it now and I absolutely love it. I think I may enjoy reloading as much a shooting.

[@markchapman2585]

I like to load some 30-06 rounds I never done it before.

[@edwardabrams4972]

Shot placement! Enough said!

[@reloadnorth7722]

I recently traded a Savage Axis in 308 for a Parker Hale in 300 Win Mag. The Axis took down many moose in the last 15 years. I hope the PH will be as successful. I reload for my hunting group and we have great results with my products. There is no Elk or Deer in my area, and although there are Caribou, there is no open season for them. Stay safe and happy successful hunting.

[@csjrogerson2377]

Why did you do that? Absolutely no need for a 300WM for caribou unless you are trying to kill them at 2000 yds. Scandanavians, Innuit and Canadians have been harvesting caribou with 223s for decades, so your 308 was ideal.

[@reloadnorth7722]

@@csjrogerson2377 You should re read my post. There is NO caribou season here. ONLY MOOSE. And I still have 3 more 308 Win

[@troy9477]

Darn. When i saw the words Parker Hale, i was hoping for a 300 H&H..... 😁

[@reloadnorth7722]

@@troy9477 The 300WM is no slouch, and I reload them hot. Stay safe.

[@shauncraig2872]

Got my elk last Sunday using my 264 win mag at 279yards with a 140grain Berger VLD. My wife takes her elk with her 257 Weatherby mag loaded with 100grain e-tips out to 400yards and beyond. These caliber take everything from coyotes to moose every year in Northern Alberta. There are those who like using calibers with heavier bullets, their choice I suppose. I’ve got friends that use nothing more than 243 win with a 100grain bullet for everything and always fill their freezers.

[@missey3164]

300 win and the 257 both are good as well. Great subject matter Ron

[@Hollywood41642]

300 RUM... My choice.. An outfitter in the Selway Wilderness of Idaho, Ken Smith While Guiding Jim Zumbo says he shot 73 Elk as of 1987. With his Browning BLR in 243. The video was Hunting Bugling Elk with Jim Zumbo. Excellent Vid..

[@lovethehuntOutdoors]

Ron, why didn't the 338 Federal take off it's a great round without huge recoil. Elk rave about the cartridge from what I hear.

[@Jeff_Seely]

Shot placement is king, regardless of caliber choice. And what helps dictate good shot placement? Lesser distance! You cannot guarantee where that bullet is going to go after 500yds so get up, get closer, and shoot! And with regard to the guy with the high altitude at the beginning of the video: That kind of terrain tests the human condition. I know what it is like to hunt in that and it is hard to squeeze off an accurate shot after hiking in that kind of altitude so it is imperative that you shoot with the least distance possible. For calibers I like the 28 Nosler. It will go through both lungs with high accuracy and cause good blood loss. Elk are much more sturdy than a deer and it is better to use a 6.8mm and up, with a well constructed bullet, and go heavier on bullet weight. Thanks Ron!!!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

Getting closer and shooting precisely are never the wrong approach! Thanks Jeff.

[@clidester18]

Agree shot placement is everything.

[@bradh74]

I believe all of those are good choices for Elk. (even though I've never hunted Elk) (Yet another Internet expert, right?) I've seen a lot of info on these cartridges and with all the research I've done, I've figured out that the cartridge is important but the bullet makes just as big of a difference as the cartridge does. So with proper bullet selection you should be fine. About the 350 legend that is .355/9mm bullet with a straightened 5.56 case. No doubt about it in an AR if you're not hunt brown bear it does really well. That cartridge will penetrate well with the right bullet. (jacket soft points are pretty good)

[@Rampant_Colt]

In many places where there's elk, there's brown bear, and you're not top of the food chain anymore, that's why my buddy's dad always carried a Mk. 5 in .340 Weatherby when traipsing about for elk. A bit much, but good life insurance

[@royjohnson465]

Very true!! Or the Grizzly also which is also about the same as the Brown bear anyway. But many years ago my late dad shot 3 Grizzly bears on different occasions with lower power non-magnum riffles.

[@mmorris6341]

It’s going to be close combat if defending from bears, much better options than a long barreled bolt action magnum for that.

[@Rampant_Colt]

@@mmorris6341 Wayne always came home alive with his arms and legs intact -- sometimes even with a nice rack and a haul of elk steaks

[@FredHenry1850]

Thank you, Ron. I've been watching you for a while now and it hit me in a new way while watching this episode what a blessing your channel is to amateur outdoorsmen. We all appreciate it!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

Many thanks, Fred.

[@roperbrad93]

Awesome but What happened to the 264 win mag video ron I thought it was ready

[@tatsuhirosatou5513]

For the Minnesota varmint gun 22 hornet would 100% my choice especially if you reload since it only runs 10-12 grains of powder for full power loads and can easily be loaded down to 22lr power

[@jackdundon2261]

Nosler 60 grain partition, FILL the case with Lil gun, compress load.. DEER KILLING MACHINE!

[@davidchase1439]

257 weatherby interest choice right bullets can handle elk and other big game

[@leonardcollings7389]

Roy Weatherby's favorite hunting gun.

[@davidchase1439]

@@leonardcollings7389 claimed that he killed a cape Buffalo with it

[@leonardcollings7389]

Yes, Roy Weatherby did kill a Cape Buffalo with a single shot from a 257 Weatherby, and it is mentioned in his book The Man. Appears he shot it in the lung and it bled out.@@davidchase1439

[@leonardcollings7389]

In the book Roy Weatherby, the Man, the gun, the legend it states ; Roy Weatherby used the 257 to kill a Cape buffalo by a single-shot to the lung and the animal bleed out, as well as other African dangerous game on his safaris. You know Eskimos have killed Polar bears with 22 long rifles, but that doesn't make a 22 LR a bear gun.@@davidchase1439

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

I would say the cold barrel to warm barrel issue is load. It is likely the frequency change is close to the left or right side of the movement so the cold shot gets flung a little to the right and the warmer barrel flings them to the left. The barrel would have to be super hot to get to the point (next node) to through the bullet right again. He could either work up a hand load that didn't do this, OR use a barrel tunner like EC. If his barrel is not threaded for a traditional mechanical tunner he could try the rubber one that slides over the barrel. It will reduce a bit of recoil too.

[@raymondroberts3878]

Hey Ron, I really enjoyed your videos. I think I've learned a lot from you. I never wanted to reload, but after following you for a while, I've changed my mind. I plan to start hand loading, and that's due to following you. I very much appreciate your content. Raymond from Virginia.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Welcome to the world of handloading ammo, Ray. I predict you're going to love it! Best way to get maximum performance from your rifles.

[@googleuser3760]

For the fella that had issues with the warm barrel shooting to the right. It is possible you could try whats called a barrel tuner. Its a metal device, some are adjustable, that slips over your barrel. What it does is it changes your barrel harmonics “the vibration” And there are companies that you can send your rifle too where they will tune it specifically for your rifle. Or you can tune it yourself. Its a decent possibility. There now starting to be seen in some competitions. Few guns don’t have any luck but most see some really good improvements. Just an idea.

[@bobmcmillen4502]

Agreed on that also. EC Tuner brake is excellent. I would try glass bedding the lug and torquing everything to specs first. Tuners are a lifestyle😅

[@johnstandfell9458]

Ron there is a buffer tube that has a spring in that slips in the but stock of a bolt action rifle

[@williamgaines9784]

What does the spring act on?

[@leonardcollings7389]

Shot placement and how far is the shot. All three will work. If you can handle the recoil go with the 300win Mag.

[@miketyson8933]

I LOVE my .300 wm killed every elk it's touched! However the .270 WSM is about the best deer round ever made, the new 6.8 Western in a short action is hitting harder then the 7mm at long range so that answers a LOT of questions! My next rifle build will be the 6.8 Western!

[@csjrogerson2377]

I think you'll find the 270 winchester is more ideal. Absolutely no need for a WSM unless you are looking for sniping ranges.

[@Kman31ca]

270wsm is good for Elk as well. I've taken 3 Elk with it, one big bull with no problem using 150g bonded bullets. Hand loaded I get the 150's going 3140 fps. One was taken at 490 yards and was done before I could get a follow up in her.

[@MrJtin69]

A well placed shot with proper bullet design works everytime

[@jacobivy2854]

I can’t wait to see how my .300 WM does with white tails this year. I’ll be running 180gr Hornady CX/GMX bullets.

[@miketyson8933]

Lol its a bit over kill unless you're going looong distance. I have a .300 win mag, Christensen MPR its my baby I got it for bear hunting mostly but long range areas too, I have 150s for long range deer, but Im looking at getting a rifle just for deer like the .270 WSM or 6.8 Western up to 500 yards and deer only is what I am looking for. But hey if you don't want to track em and or if you have far far shots a 7mm or .300 wm is important to shoot flatter and still have that punch when it gets there. Deer are pretty tough too!

[@miketyson8933]

I will NEVER own anything other then a Christensen rifle when it comes to a bolt gun, they are fricking AMAZING shooting rifle cant say enough about them! I think a .300 wm should be a must for every Patriot as well if ya know what I mean ; ) Chris Kyle would agree

[@jacobivy2854]

@@miketyson8933 I’m a Sako man myself. I use my 6.5cm and 300 AAC blackout for a lot, but I am going on a trophy hunt where I need a little more distance than my .45-70 will give me and a little more punch than my 6.5cm will give me. I don’t want to risk losing a once in a lifetime deer to a wounding shot.

[@csjrogerson2377]

A 300 WM vs whitetail at 150 yds. Interesting. People that say "you can never have too much gun" are not very smart. Ever seen what a 50 cal does to a squirrel...

[@gpax-6197]

Hodgon has loading data using trailboss powder. It’s a light load and most of it is subsonic. Check it out.

[@GB-dj1kg]

Lots of good stuff in this session. Thanks for the great content!

[@johnstandfell9458]

It is a spring piston in the buffer tube

[@robs8116]

300 Winchester Magnum of the listed calibers. I use my 340-Weatherby Magnum for elk.

[@sha6mm]

Recoil in a gun add weight is the best solution, just look at any Trap gun most shoot guns that weight over 10lbs. I have several mercury recoil reducers but lead or a tungsten weight work just as well.

[@Hunting4knowledge]

Ron, you've all but talked me into the 350 legend over the 450BM for the AR platform. The efficiency, cost and recoil cannot be denied. The problem is I already have 2 other .30 calibers and I want something different. Strictly for hunting, I still lean more towards that 450

[@williamhobbs3745]

To be fair, the 350 legend is .35 caliber

[@oldfatnugly]

350 is practically a 3030, 450 a 45/70.... so which of those would you rather use and theres your answer

[@K-bob_45]

30-06 is basically always the answer. Loaded it down with H4895 and 130 TTSX or load it up with 200’s at 2700 ft/sec. The gap between a modern 30-06 loading and a 300 WM is more like 100-150 ft/sec. 300 PRC *MIGHT* have 50 ft/sec on 300 wm

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

You’re right, 30-06 is still the greatest all around cartridge ever devised.

[@royjohnson465]

I agree, I have 2× '06's, just got a Rem. 7600 pump-action '06. Do not need a magnum even for big bears.

[@WallyMerc06]

I'm gonna lean more with the .450 bushmaster as a more versatile straight walled option. In an 18" or 20" AR you can push some heavier bullets if needed.

[@jackdundon2261]

Want a HEAVY DUTY AR??? ITS the 500 automax! I have one it's a Monster! Sweet brush gun, with over twice the power of your 450.

[@10-4CodyWade]

When comparing the 7-08 to the 308 they're not going to be identical performers with equal weight bullets. The 308 will have more volume per inch of barrel, so you'll get more velocity. For example a 20" 308 barrel has the same volume as a 23.5" 7mm barrel. You get more initial velocity with the 30 caliber but of course you lose more velocity as you get further down range. For me it mostly comes down to which bullet weights I want to shoot. For deer I like the 120, 130, 140 or 150 grain bullets so the 7mm gets the nod. If I'm more likely to go after elk at short to medium range I'll pick the 308. A 165 or 180 grain bullet is better for elk, and the extra frontal area of the 30 caliber helps squeeze a bit more energy out of those bullets.

[@denisodom6108]

For the Minnesota varmint hunter, I found an AR in .223 loaded with Sierra match bullets about perfect. Very accurate, has hollow point so legal to use and they don’t expand and just leave a tiny hole through your pelt

[@miketyson8933]

Well yea, nobody is going to a .30 cal lol nothing a few stitches cant fix

[@miketyson8933]

The .300 win mag has always killed everything it has touched! It all comes down to how far you plan on shooting and how good of a shot youbare with that rifle!!! Optics makes the rifle better or worse!!! But my Christensen MPR .300 win mag is an AMAZING rifle!!! SHOT PLACEMEMT, SHOT PLACEMENT, SHOT PLACEMENT!!!! Also getting up into a good distance, Im always shocked when these old timers complain about the recoil because all these new rifles have some sweet muzzle breaks and my .300 win mag shoots like a .243 my 8 year old son shoots my .300 win mag on a bipod and thats it, he loves it!!!

[@lylewalters909]

I recommend the 25-06 from a 300win mag. magnum speed , flat shooting and does a great job even on elk. but like Ron said the 243 is a great choice especially for whitetail.

[@petermeyer7062]

My experience =the landscape (density),the distance (average)of shooting (bullet drop)can for eg.help you choosing a calibre, but now for meat damage and killing aspect (stopping power)you have to check the weight of the bullet (grain)by bullet placement. Here in Namibia l use 115 .or130gr on Springbok depends on the distance and 150gr for eg.on Eland,Kudu or Gemsbok and most of all the Wind and the distance shooting with my 270Win Remington model 700 BDL and my LYNX 3x9 ×42 professional scope (assistant)do the job for precise bullet placement From Namibia hope it helps for new up comers.

[@russellkeeling4387]

On the question from the guy about the .308 I would say to stick with the .308 just because of the ammo and component availability factor. Myself, being a handloader I would choose the 7-08 because I believe the 7x57 is one of the greatest cartridges ever invented and the 7-08 almost mirrors it.

[@deanstout1134]

Correction 300 below cryogenic treating in Decatur Illinois . It will destress the barrel usually improves groups by 50% in my experience.

[@boba9253]

For the low damage varmint round at minimal distance, what about a 22 Hornet with a light frangible bullet?

[@troy9477]

That was my first thought too. Love the Hornet. A Savage 25 might be just the thing. The Hornady 35 gr V-Max is a good load

[@pamountains2]

Another great episode

[@warrengreen3217]

The best bonded bullet in my opinion is the Winchester powermax or if you like interlocks, hornady interlock or Remington corelokt then the Winchester PowerPoint but if you go with a interlock hornadys SST would be my first pick all will do the job but if going bonded the powermax is better then the fusion but there's nothing wrong with fusion pick which one groups the best in your rifle and you won't lose any game unless you hit guts and back legs but with the bullets I talked about will blow a massive exit hole which almost guts the animal out so you most likely will find it

[@Threegunmaster]

308 with 165 nosler partition great for elk

[@LudwigsPrecision]

thought on the light load 300prc, custom load with trail boss or some high filling powder. should get the right pressure and wouldn't go subsonic in that large case.

[@wesleyfahlstrom5523]

Regarding the recoil of the 300wm, yes, it kicks like a mule. But, I had a 2 inch, 36 hole, screw on muzzlebreak made for my Winchester Model 70. With that i could shoot targets all day. It held the muzzle on target I could even see the travel of the bullet! The only problem was the blast to any shooters to my side. I highly recommend this modification to any rifle that kicks a lot.

[@jackdundon2261]

I did the Mercury tube on my 375 Ultra Mag. IT was so good, I didn't do a break... as I get older, I MIGHT have one installed. (Especially since I JUST had a rotator cuff surgery) from a car wreck.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

A number 0 buckshot sized to. 309 with 2.5 grains of 2400 or Bullseye with a filller will deliver a velocity of about 850 fps, with almost any. 30 caliber cartridge from .30-'06 down. I use this on squirrels and grouse.

[@MENSA.lady2]

Given accurate bullet placement all of these will put meat on the table so you should choose the one one that you can shoot the most accurately. Cost is also a consideration. Personally I would have A Lee Enfield Mk.4 in .303 British. These used to be a dime a dozen but today a good one is $700 +. but US made rifles have also shot up. You pay your $$$ and take your choice.

[@jamesmuhlbeier9032]

270 wsm 116 absolute hammer 🔨

[@troyspurling1910]

Good stuff as usual Ron

[@poorfatman5317]

You made a statement at 3:38 winnemag was the best not long ago even though I think you should have said 30 odd 6 since that's what you took the most with

[@everettyost8639]

Correction: Elmer Keith had full length bedding on his rifles. Brownell’s Acuraglass bed the full length, action and barrel. Don’t know if that will fix it but couldn’t make it worse. Did that with a Parker Hale 30-06 back in the 70’s. It still shoots 1 to 1 1/2 moa depending on the load.

[@bobmcmillen4502]

Kind of agree. I have great results with floating the barrel, glass bedding the lug and torque everything to specs. Gunwerks boys suggest that on making a factory rife shoot. Works for me. My 30-06, 6.5 PRC. 270. Improved all of them.

[@PC-uh6hk]

For varmint rounds, 223 is an excellent one and if you already have an AR-15 you don't have to buy a new gun but you can get a bolt action in 223.

[@bustabass9025]

KZbin called. They want their award returned. Apparently, shooting holes in it is grounds for rescission. 😄

[@petermeyer7062]

The 222 50 223,243 or 2506 can also be good choices for white tale or elk

[@MacGWA]

Inside 150 yards a 22 hornet, 32-20, or a 30 carbine should work well. I’ve used an 85 grain 32-20 for coyotes, raccoons, badgers, and foxes at that distance with good results. Same with the hornet. A friend has a Ruger 77/22hornet rechambered in 30 carbine that he uses in the same fashion (FMJs are used for fur, soft points for deer in the 30 carbine.) I’d think that a 357 mag rifle with light 38 loads could also be a good fit. Just make sure you don’t get a pass through!

[@NotSure177]

I use Trail Boss for my plinking loads on my 450 NE and my 243 Win. Big fluffy powder that fills the whole case. Loads are usually referred to as "nitro for black".

[@ChargerusPrime]

Can y'all please have Ron do a podcast on .300 HAM'R? I want to see an in depth comparison between .300 HAM'R, 7.62x39, 6.8 spc, 6mm ARC and 6.5 grendel. Mostly, I want to see ballistics data compared. I personally want to "build" myself an AR in .300 HAM'R, basically I'm just swapping out the barrel and magazine on my pre-existing rifle. I truthfully think that .300 HAM'R is going to be the next big thing in terms of 30 calibers and nay well be the next big military cartridge due to how easy it would be to implement. Hope that y'all see this and have Ron talk about it, thanks!

[@craigleibbrand7761]

270 Weatherby Magnum 160gr Nosler Partition. Easy on recoil deadly on game.

[@buddy22801012]

Your deviation might be caused by fouling and not a heated barrel. Try leaving your barrel alone after your next range trip. Then test your rifle. Many target shooters will fire fouling shots before a competition. You only get one shot from a clean barrel. Every other round is fired from a fouled barrel helping keep things consistent. Many people over clean their rifles as I did for years. If your concerned with too much fouling you could run a bore snake through the barrel then fire 1 or 2 round before leaving the range leaving your barrel slightly fouled. Good luck.

[@sinistersilverado965]

I use a 300 Weatherby

[@arvilfoster2876]

I have taken or personally witnessed Elk killed with 1 shot from the following calibers and they all worked well. 243 win ( my grandmother killed several with her model 99 in 243), my grandpa had a model 99 in 300 savage and killed several with it, worked fine. 30-06 my choice has served me well, my other grandpa used a 30-40 Krag( I still have it) fine elk cartridge. 7 mm mag, does the job. 300 win mag great elk cartridge. 45-70 govt knocks them down now. Witnessed one shot with a 30-30 ,took 4 good hits and was not pleasant to watch,I finished it for the guy with the 30-06. It's not so much the cartridge as the bullet placement that's the key.

[@royjohnson465]

Exactly, people make too much fuss on and on about certain cartridges, when any cartridge will do "starting from" a 6.5 Creedmore, 260 Rem., 25-06 Rem., and "up from there". My best friend who is a retired policeman shot many moose with a 303 British. A 30-30 with minimum 20" inch barrel will also do with Hornady LEVERevolution cartridges for Elk up to 150 yards. Just sight it precisely in with a quality scope and use the right bullet. They say a minimum of 1500 ft/lbs of Energy at any given distance that you want to kill a moose or elk at. About 50 years ago my late dad shot a Pronghorn antelope with a 308 Win., 150 grain handloads, at 338 paces (yards). Many years ago my dad also shot 3 Grizzly bears with lower power non-magnum riffles. Dad use to have a Model 99, 300 Savage also.

[@davidteague5461]

I’ve taken varmints with my 204 and with the 32 grain . It almost never makes an exist. And drops them . I don’t recommend it for deer . But I have killed small doe with it . But has to be a well placed shot . Again it almost never makes an exit. But for fox and coyote , it works very well !

[@saltycowboy8900]

For recoil sensitivity or just to save your shoulder in general I got a Walkers gel pad that straps to the shoulder and cuts recoil sting. I found it for $16.99 on Amazon for my wife who doesn’t shoot a lot. Would highly recommend along with getting a smaller cartridge for those who are concerned.

[@miketyson8933]

Seriously? Wow....that's sad....recoil is nothing my 7 year old just turned 8 shoots my .300 win mag, and his mom does all the time, shes 120 pounds wet! Recoil is for people who dont know how to shoot and place their eye up in the scope and put the but of the rifle not in the right place. I laugh at all these recoil weirdos

[@saltycowboy8900]

@@miketyson8933 everyone handles recoil differently, I would assume as I get older I probably won’t be able to handle it very well. There’s no need to laugh and be an ass about someone who might need some help handling it, and for those that don’t know instead of laughing because they can hold the stock right go ahead and kindly show them,

[@FELiPES101]

Yeah I commonly see 300 blackout paired with SBR's around the 12in barrel length or less

[@AndrewJohnson-gx5cl]

I would really love to see the 6.5prc necked up to 7mm, and the new 7mm prc necked up to .308 !!! And maybe even the 300prc necked up to .338 ....

[@MrJtin69]

22 hornet is ideal variment and can reload or use 17 wsm

[@Calaveras32Spcl]

Going from 308 150gr to 284 150gr, recoil will be similar with 284 having better bc. If you drop to 139gr 284, then you get similar bc and similar SD but will be less recoil (at similar velocity).

[@jeremiahcoles2378]

Hey Ron. I am hoping your team will see this question. I am wondering about the 6.8 western? The ballistics seem to be ideal for most hunters and I'm wondering why it seams like there is compete radio silence on the cartridge. Do you think it is going to take off ever?

[@stevethorne4109]

Nope

[@jackdundon2261]

Most of the men in my family are hunters, i did a 500 yard heart shot a few weeks ago on a mule buck..270 wsm. a cousin of mine can dial his $2000.00 Leopold up, and take 900 yard shots with his 6.5 creedmore. (I am.more old school). He is CRAZY about finding a 6.8. Again, not mY cup of tea, but, your probably into something! (HAND load probably also a must)?

[@larrysayers1377]

Re: 7mm-08. I live in Western Canada and I have never had a problem finding factory ammo for my Remington CDL. Fortunately this gun shoots Federal Fusion (140gr), Hornady Whitetail (139gr), Hornady Superformance (139gr GMX/CX) all south of 1”.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

7mm08 is a fantastic cartridge. I had one years ago and it would also shoot several different factory loads nearly through the same hole.

[@larrysayers1377]

@@NCWoodlandRoamer in over 50yrs of hunting I’ve had 80+ rifles. This 7-08 is the only one that I have kept the longest. I have no intention of ever selling it even though I buy/sell my rifles on quite a regular basis.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

@@larrysayers1377 I wish I had mine back. I had it long before I got into reloading. I can’t imagine how good that thing would have been if I had been reloading for it. Actually, I don’t know if it could have gotten any better.

[@larrysayers1377]

@@NCWoodlandRoamer mine shoots so good with factory I haven’t bothered to reload it. Maybe some time down the road when primers become more available

[@spookytkid]

The .338 x .404 Wapiti Express is a great cartridge.

[@eddybear771]

Hey Ron, I have a cornering question for Ya. If You had to choose just 1 rifle to hunt any animals from blacktail, to African dangerous game(i.e. capes, elephants, etc), what would be your rifle of choice? I use my 375 H&H for everything here. 300 grain Nosler partition for elk, black bear, & so on, & 235 gr Barnes tsx for as small as blacktail. What's your take on a one medium to large dangerous game rifle? P.S. I've not yet hunted African game.

[@jaydunbar7538]

Order up a limbsaver butt pad, they don’t last forever they get hard with age so if he’s had that 300 for a good bit then a good new pad is a fantastic way to spend $70

[@royjohnson465]

Or my favorite is a Remington SuperCell recoil pad.

[@Ron-Swanson]

338 win mag hands down!

[@jeremyfumerola4782]

The .300blk should have a complete powder burn by 9 inches from what I read. So I agree the velocity gains are likely negligible from 12 inch to 16 inch.

[@albertlemont5471]

I wish the 458socom would get more love in the gun world. It is more versatile than the 450Bushmaster. Bullets from 250gn to 500gn. Velocities close to modern lever 45/70 loads. Mine has taken Maine black bear without issue.

[@luxuryxcoffin]

Can’t wait for 257 Robert’s episode tonight.

[@Nick-bp7jf]

Wise words as always from Ron.

[@hammerheadms]

If the gentleman who is looking to reduce recoil by going away from 300WM, I wonder what distances he is hunting at? Was he hunting out on the open plains, or mountains? Or maybe more of a Midwestern hunter who just bought a Win mag with the intention of having enough gun in case you pull that occasional elk, bear, or moose tag (case in point; I'm guilty of just that)? If distances are under 300 yards, I'd stick with something like a .308, .338Fed (if you were actually able to find one), or a 358 Win if you want something for larger or more dangerous North American game. If longer hunting distances are more common for where and what you hunt, consider something like a 6.5PRC, .270Win, or 6.8 Western. None of these are exactly light recoiling, but when going from 300WM to one of the fore mentioned, it's going to be a fair to substantial reduction in felt recoil. If you are looking for more sized game hunting, then like Ron said.308, 7mm-08, or .243Win are great choices. 7mm-08 is my go-to, and I want for nothing with it. Recoil is very manageable, ammo in Michigan at least seems plentiful, and fair priced (much less than 300WM), I would not hesitate to hunt any Midwestern game with it. Consider 6.5 Creedmore, .260Rem, .257Roberts also if you are looking at 243Win.

[@h4l414]

The big fallacy to me is gun writers talk about when things go right and the animal is just laying there for you. When things go wrong and they often do, bigger holes leave more blood to trail and more holes make for a shorter better track as well. Under 30 cal tends not to leave much to track.

[@joshmatty1077]

it's always about shoot placement