10 Best Cartridges for Elk: Voted by the experts!

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[@backfire]

Go to learbackfire.com/ or call 800-707-4575 ​​to receive up to $15,000 in FREE bonus metals with a qualified purchase.

[@kennethbriody8396]

750ydd

[@LifeMyWay007]

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.

[@vinintheforest4690]

8​@@kennethbriody8396😢yr😅897😮

[@backfire]

@@LifeMyWay007 - Manual in a spreadsheet. I have some cleaning up to do on my spreadsheet, but eventually I'd like to publish it.

[@_bigbenbenny]

@@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.

[@randomname6710]

If you can't get closer to elk than 700 i've got some serious questions about your hunting acumen lol

[@jacobhawkes5377]

I couldn't agree more! I think something to take into consideration is, I'd be willing to bet most guides are taking city folk who are clueless on how to get closer but have the money to have a custom rifle built that allows them to take long range shots. Just an assumption on my part.

[@deermeatfordinner]

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!!!!

[@johnbowlin900]

I agree Mr.Robert my personal favorite for deer hunting has to be a 270 wsm love you whatching your channel Gob bless

[@JoddieJesseWayne-yj4gm]

@@johnbowlin900killed my first Buck with a 270 rugar American nice wood stock another great gun

[@shaneziegler2555]

Exactly

[@JoddieJesseWayne-yj4gm]

@@JamesJones-cx5pk 7remi mag and aut 6 both tie in first for hunting unless we talking brush then 30-30 win

[@wilmoore5259]

What's your favorite bullet for 7mm Mag?

[@vettepilot427]

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.

[@ingelri2]

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?

[@maxtibbetts2102]

thanks for the info, what qualities make you prefer the 308?

[@vettepilot427]

@@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.

[@vettepilot427]

@@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.

[@maxtibbetts2102]

@@vettepilot427 thanks man appreciate it

[@HoneyBeagle]

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

[@The_Hi_Life]

Agreed 👍 it just KILLS like the plague.

[@mptehc]

I call it the 90% solution to every fad.

[@Aaron-hr5bb]

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.

[@toddbrooks9845]

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 🍻

[@shovelhead2155]

@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.

[@Clambelly]

Best ballistics comparison ever ! I love the fact, that you added a column showing maximum effective range. So many KZbin 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.

[@joehayward2631]

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

[@JasonGuymon]

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

[@altonguis8870]

Well put Sir, well put....

[@Yettiattack]

Please do not shoot elk with a 243

[@michaelspence1854]

@@Yettiattackelk didn’t go 20 with the 243

[@Yettiattack]

@@michaelspence1854 a 22 will work. Doesnt mean you should use it. Most people make terrible shots.

[@hizsunhisatake6156]

My biggest 6x7 bull I got with a 243

[@1clnsdime1]

I call BS that most hunters are taking 700yrd shots and killing elk. They may say they are but the Avg hunter can't shoot 700yrds.

[@rynedoppel6873]

My friend said he could and I believe him but when I gave him a spike opportunity at 650 yards last week he missed two shots. Granted it was downhill 30° a 5 mph wind and a ever so slowly moving elk. Still though it proved to be a harder shot than we both thought and we learned a lot about proper barometric pressure data. For instance the Hornady app needs you to enter pressure aside form the given pressure at the altitude you enter. Kind of a flaw in my opinion

[@nuckyduk15]

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.

[@kcreyesmaquilan9741]

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.

[@justinriley8651]

it actually is better than the other 2 by a large margin.

[@marknugent6155]

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 ! .

[@3efunding43]

agreed@@justinriley8651

[@patricks.6812]

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.

[@keithhawkins4641]

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.

[@stans5270]

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.

[@jaydunbar7538]

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.

[@MatthewC137]

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.

[@kalebgoodwin493]

Or 30-06

[@seanwhite304]

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 .

[@AntonGudenus]

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.

[@JCTaylor21]

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.

[@AntonGudenus]

@@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.

[@JCTaylor21]

Those Scandinavian moose hunters would much prefer an 8X57 IS, 8X68 S or 9.3X62 over the 6.5X55 all day/any day. @@AntonGudenus

[@LRRPFco52]

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.

[@BlueMountainSports]

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.

[@helok9]

I think there is a lot of BS regarding shots taken above 500 yds.

[@mikelobdell2666]

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

[@charleshuyck6641]

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.

[@cchcch-jw9dw]

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.

[@charleshuyck6641]

@@cchcch-jw9dw No paid to sell them but with new bullets the 308 and 06 make em obsolete.

[@skeeterdavis5777]

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.

[@skeeterdavis5777]

@@charleshuyck6641 That's not true, read about the 3 he is talking about. (HISTORY)

[@charleshuyck6641]

@@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.

[@sylviahofer1246]

As a big time. 308 guy, I'm just glad it got mentioned. Thanks! 😂

[@aleehene]

I think our beloved 308 got the equivalent of a participation ribbon in this video. 😂

[@BB-nw3mj]

People are going out and buying the 6.5 PRC for hunting and already have a .270 Win in the safe....silly

[@adamclarkson724]

Great rounds both

[@thegrantdanielsband]

@@adamclarkson724 Can always sell the 270 🙂

[@JVR-gd7zw]

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.

[@BB-nw3mj]

@@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.

[@robinharris6771]

What is an "expert" ? Folks harvest elk with bows and muzzle loaders. They get closer than 100 yds. That takes some kind of expert. Does packing a 338 Lapua Arctic Warrior make you an expert? Do 800 yd shots make you an expert? IMO, the Expert Elk Hunter does not worry so much about "the ultimate cartridge" The HUNTER can use a Savage 99 in 300 Savage or Grandpa's old 30-40 Krag and get clean kills. Is that "Expert"? I'll agree its best to use an adequate cartridge and an appropriately constructed bullet. The rifle must be sighted in. Very important, the shooter MUST be able to follow through and call the shot. Why? You call the shot by having a mental image if the sights in target as the gun recoils. That means your eyes are open. Thats a great start for shot placement. I'm not knocking the 300 Win Mag. Its a great cartridge . If you can shoot it without flinching. Many cannot. A Hunter with a .260, a 7mm-08, a 308,etc,or a 25-06, a 270, a 280, a 30-06, will likely be able to shoot it. If the Hunter gets within 300 yds (another part of "expert") the Hunter can decide "I;m steady and I KNOW I can make this shot. Thats good. Even better ? "Wind is blowing too hard. " Or "I am blowing too hard" Wait. Or get closer. Or pass in the shot. THAT is EXPERT. That said...I'm not an expert. I've built and carried a 375 Chatfield -Taylor (375/338) and a 30-338.. Just because I build rifles and it was my preference. If you show up with a 308, a 270, a 280, a 30-06.... You are doing fine. I dont think my over 70 year old body is in good enough shape for another elk hunt, (An "expert" is in physical shape) If I did, I might use my 1903A4 copy or my peep sight 30-40 Krag. I might hang at camp and cook a pot of stew or chili. You never know. Those high energy young hunters just might drive an elk in front of them right into camp, Age and Treachery vs Youth and Enthusiasm

[@Just_Samson]

I’m a 300wsm aholic, love that cartridge. BUT! My next build may be a 6.5/7prc just to spice things up 😉

[@sirrloin]

300wsm is my jam as well. Only hard part at this time is finding rounds on the shelves.

[@scottlawrence1826]

Thank you!! You helped me verify that my 30-06 was a good choice.

[@mrdark9916]

30-06 is an excellent choice for literally everything lol. It shows up in the top section of every single "best cartridge for XYZ" video ever made lol It is simply the single most versatile cartridge for North American big game

[@bustabass9025]

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.

[@twolak1972]

You bet , The 340 weatherby is about AS GOOD AS IT GETS.

[@andyeighttre]

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.

[@minervandusen324]

.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!❤

[@chetlockwood1491]

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.

[@kencleg7721]

I got 2 w 6.5x06 w 140 Berger’s 250/-300 shot once both shoulder or just behind both -50

[@ZeroBoostBuick]

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.

[@Robert-fs1pb]

284 Ackley improved or 284 Ackley improved

[@austinogrady8832]

@chetlockwood1491 the real question here is, will you take this hoosier elk hunting?! Lol

[@stevenwales2283]

I love the Nosler 190 grain ABLR in 300 Win Mag. Not a ballistic monster, but it just flatout kills!

[@LRRPFco52]

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.

[@shootingatshadow]

I run that bullet too, at almost 3200fps, it's a monster

[@shootingatshadow]

​@@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.

[@atomicwedgie8176]

Nosler Partition for thin skinned: Swift A-frame for thick skinned... simple

[@Paul-q3m7k]

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

[@XXXXXX-bd2zb]

35 Whelen loaded with 225 accubonds -That is a fine choice, well done

[@savemeapieceofthatcorn]

Classy

[@firstjohn3123]

35 Whelan with 225gr Accubonds.... I doubt that will ever let you down. Solid choice. Even for bear.

[@jobo1647]

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.

[@JCTaylor21]

I'm a fan of the 325 WSM as well. Try Alliant Reloder 26 and Reloder 17 in your 325.

[@jobo1647]

@JCTaylor21 If I can find them I will!

[@adamjapalucci848]

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.

[@guyminer3168]

300 WSM is one heck of a cartridge.

[@GAbel338]

Lots of death with the 270 wsm in this house, Great cartridge

[@jfess1911]

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

[@JosephBacon-m1t]

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.

[@mr.caceres305]

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.

[@JosephBacon-m1t]

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.

[@johanneskolenbrander8288]

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!

[@johanneskolenbrander8288]

@@exothermal.sprocket Not really: its basically a necked-down & very slightly altered 7RSAUM case!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@johanneskolenbrander8288 Didn't one rifle maker recently release a faster-twist .270 Winchester?

[@minionkevin6623]

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.

[@donaldbougie694]

You have reason,shot placement and a good bullet,you know?

[@davidhague7184]

It was surprising to see the 338Win Mag that low on the list. My guess has to do with recoil and its not as flashy as some of the newer options.

[@davidsonneman1121]

I would put 338 win mag way up there. Also 35 Whelen and 375 H & H. For me, 400 yards is a long ass shot in the elk woods

[@JCTaylor21]

I completely agree. Novices fail to consider frontal area. On large animals (750-1,000 pounds) you need to poke a big enough hole to be effective. I also agree with your 400 yard limit for most people. An animal can move 18" to 3 feet easily in the time it takes a bullet to travel 700 yards. No one can account for that. 325 WSM with a 200-220 grain bullet and 9.3X62 with a 250 or 286 grain bullet are two of my favorite cartridges on 1,000+/- pound game.@@davidsonneman1121

[@1rstTry]

🙄

[@CurtHolder]

The men today can't handle that type of recoil with skinny jeans man buns pedicures and weaves

[@deanbacon8245]

I like my 338

[@galendeig6747]

I'm really surprised the .338 Win Mag wasn't on there. Fantastic cartridge for Elk and flat shooting at longer ranges.

[@jam5287]

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.

[@no_regerts5176]

The soy boys can’t deal with the recoil.

[@billfulgenzi2287]

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.

[@Comet-hn3gm]

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.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

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.

[@yarmonymatoid1562]

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.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

I am surprised that one of the quintessential classic elk cartridges was so low, including being below the 308, 270 Win, 7mm 08, etc… and that is the .338 Win Mag.

[@beludo06]

I think its because its such a big cartridge, only a dedicated elk hunter would choose one, where the rest of them are more likely to be used in different applications. In short, you can kill elk with a 270, but an 338 would be overkill for white tail. Why they other smaller calibers would be more favored by the general public. Thats my 2 cents.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

@@beludo06 yeah that’s what I was thinking too about the reasoning behind that. I would have no problem taking a 338 Win Mag deer 🦌 hunting, but like you said most people including myself have other options. Like my 270 Win and 300 WSM.

[@guyminer3168]

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!

[@edwardlowry1886]

LOVE THE 30-06

[@marknugent6155]

What kind of Scope and features does it have ? Or do you use Kentucky Windage and Elevation ?

[@guyminer3168]

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.

[@DrewEdwardBacklas]

Hornady precision hunter shoots 2935fps out of my 24” barrel 280ai. I safely handload about 50fps faster than that with the 162eldx. It’s identical performance to 7rem mag with factory ammo with less recoil/blast/flash in my experience.

[@backfire]

That’s a really really nice setup there. 162 at 2950 in a high BC bullet with medium recoil? I’m sold.

[@DrewEdwardBacklas]

@@backfire 59.7g H4831, in remington fireformed 280rem brass, cci 250 primer .020” off the lands avg 2963fps.

[@2Advocate2021]

My 280 Ai shoots 168 grain Berger vld’s averages 2947 fps. Factory nosler brass, cci br2 primers, reloader 26, and seated .020 off the lands. 2947fps. 0.68 MOA groups really consistently.

[@The_Hi_Life]

Yep the 280 AI is a hidden gem! It’s a ballistic anomaly.😂

[@milkrvr4088]

Can you go up to 180 in the 280AI or does it start to fall off

[@markcalvert7601]

30.06 SHOULD HAVE BEEN NUMBER 1 😢 - everyone over 50

[@UnicornMeat512]

I'm 30. Get 1 every year with NY 30-06

[@allanboyer2769]

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..

[@Rem-Mag-Hunter]

7mm rem mag is better

[@allanboyer2769]

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.@@Rem-Mag-Hunter

[@MrDadGuy]

​@@Rem-Mag-Hunter Better how? Balance of recoil/accuracy? Nah. Flatter shooting? Yes. But not as versatile imho

[@ryanwilson6036]

If you're taking a shot at an elk from more than 700 yards, I really have to question your ethics.

[@njgrplr2007]

Agreed. Unless it's a follow up shot on a wounded animal.

[@kencleg7721]

Agree 325 was my longest ever shot on elk it’s probably more like 280-300 Honestly I give the hill plus 25

[@mattmeagher365]

Unless you’re using a .50 BMG or .338 Lapua and you’re a trained sniper in either the US or Canadian military. 🤣

[@helodriver20]

.300 win mag. 200 grain Sierra #2165, 65.7 grains of IMR 4350, Winchester mag primer. For us (out west, Colorado, Calif, and Nevada), it’s killed more deer and elk than every other caliber we own combined. 🦌❤️

[@jamiehurtt3530]

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 .

[@williamfeldner9356]

My Elk caliber progression. 1st 7mm Rem Mag, 2nd 300 Wby Mag 3rd 375 h@h Mag. The best killer, the 375 h@h.

[@aaronsgunsmithing]

So I found another reason that I would like to get a 6.5 PRC hunting Rifle. Awesome job on this video.

[@getinthespace7715]

I'm sticking with 30 cal. Relatively Cheap. Bigger game. .300 Win Mag. Deer. .308 Win Defense. 7.62x39

[@semiprohunter]

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.

[@greghuber9773]

Why not the 300 Rum ? Faster than the Win Mag slightly more recoil!

[@jonathancole6124]

​@greghuber9773 not short action. Not light weight.

[@shanedevon147]

​​@@greghuber9773300 rum has 50% more recoil than 300 winmag..

[@ThemantleofElijah]

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

[@AString95]

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.

[@marshmellow3110]

@@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.

[@strat1080]

The 308 isn’t a favorite amongst avid Elk hunters because it just doesn’t have the range that some of the other favorite Elk cartridges do. Elk hunting is tough, especially a DIY public land. It’s kind of funny. Growing up in Colorado and being an avid hunter I never ran into any other hunters that carried a 308. Everybody had a 270, 30-06, 7mm RM or 300 WM. The 308 seems to be more popular amongst people that live at the lower altitudes and more wooded areas. You don’t see too many folks in the mountainous regions of the West carrying a 308. Many shots are just too far to be comfortable with a 308 or you are many times also in grizzly country and want a rifle with a little more horsepower

[@rocksandoil2241]

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.

[@peterhrkal8165]

Really? I think that list is pretty bang on. 30-06 is good ofcourse but over praised for what other cartridges can do comparatively

[@jonathancole6124]

Recoil between 7 mag and 300WM is about 2lbs. The 300 has a lot more energy.

[@paladin7284]

Really glad to see the .300 wsm getting some love

[@accur81]

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.

[@theonygaard2003]

I own both of the top 2, they are both amazing cartridges!

[@dansherwood9851]

The 270wsm I know is similar to the regular 270, but it’s better in most every way and I’ve had no problem killing several elk with one including a 407” elk at 485 yards. It works!

[@patchristopherson4585]

Agree...several taken in the low 500s with 150g

[@dansherwood9851]

@@duckwacker8720 makes it better all the way around. Fits in a short action, faster, more muzzle energy, etc…and the 140gr AB rocks!

[@lousypirate]

6.8 Western has essentially replaced the 270 wsm... but not enough to make it worth replacing the 270 wsm you own (coming from a 270 wsm owner and believer)

[@dansherwood9851]

@@lousypirate not at my house. But although it’s still here I confess I replaced it with the 6.5cm. Less recoil, better availability of ammo and cheaper cost.

[@lousypirate]

@@dansherwood9851 I’ve done the same for whitetail in MI, but still love the wsm

[@vincentwood7036]

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.

[@shaynelhta]

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...

[@albertawildcat3164]

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!🦌🐐🦬🍲

[@timbucker]

@@albertawildcat3164 Just curious which one you'd choose if you could only have one...

[@albertawildcat3164]

@@timbucker the 270, it's been my favorite for a long time. Good long range performance and range of bullet weights.

[@timbucker]

@@albertawildcat3164 Thank you!

[@bigeclipse718]

You asked them their most recent kill and the cartridge they used. Of course 7prc is on that list. Everyone who bought one last year wanted to use it on an elk hunt. You should have just asked what's their OPINION on the best elk cartridge, not what's the last cartridge they used. Just my two cents.

[@dannygrimes4951]

The survey asked both.

[@bigeclipse718]

​@dannygrimes4951 that's not what he said. He said "what was the last cartridge used on elk"

[@dannygrimes4951]

True. But he also didn’t mention several of the questions that were on the survey. It asked a few. I’m not going to correctly recall them all, but a few were something to the effect of: What in your opinion is the best cartridge for taking elk? What was the last cartridge you used when hunting elk? How many elk have you personally killed? How many elk have you been present to see killed? What in your opinion is the best cartridge for a new or young elk hunter? What in your opinion is the biggest mistake people make when selecting a cartridge for elk hunting? And then he asked what specific bullet you preferred in your selected cartridge. I’m sure I’m missing 1-2 and didn’t word them exactly as he did, but they’re close enough to get on with. I wasn’t trying to be contrary to your comment. I was just hoping to clarify the slight difference in what was presented and what was on the survey. I don’t think the difference was intentional. Hope you have some good hunts this season!

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

Remember, if you shoot something 400 yards away you have to walk all that way then carry it all the way back!! Lol. I’m going to starve…

[@sgtbrown4273]

Lol😂

[@VR-vv2qe]

I think many people inflated their distances compensating for things.

[@willelliott5052]

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.

[@mattisaias5367]

#1 take away, if you’re shooting at a proper range per the cartridge, anything you use will kill an animal. Some are just more suited for a certain animal type than others. I feel that the 300 win mag, 30-06, 308 and 7mm mag are the most well rounded big game cartridges. The advancement of firearms and all the cool calibers and loads coming out every year are indeed cool but I think those 4 set the bar really high. Seems like they have the least amount of flaws and the most consistent Excellencies. But the new hunters coming into the sport and tradition will opt for the latest and greatest and if you have a lot of money, you’ll end up with a 26 or 28 nosler, or 30 nosler, or a 300 prc, or a 7 prc, or even a 6.5 prc. But then you have high ammo prices and why argue or a fight when you can drop 500-600 on a savage 110 in 7 mag, 308, 300 or 30-06 Vs dropping on average 800-1500 dollars on a high quality scared to scratch rifle like a Christensen arms, bergara, weatherby etc Not to mention the optics. It’s a to each is their own deal and if you’ve been hunting for years amd your dad and grandpa used 30-06’s growing up, you might not care for these ultra modern rounds

[@liftheavyhunthard09]

Glad to see the old 30 06 still kicking... that is what i have used to kill the 10 elk and 13 deer that i have harvested and it has been great. I am color blind so an exit wound is pretty important for me to be able to track and i have only ever had one pass through on a spike bull so my next rifle i will be purchasing is likely going to be a 300WSM or a 300 Win Mag just to get that next level punch. Enjoyed the video!

[@sidepass]

Kind of funny you kill elk and harvest deer.

[@skeeterdavis5777]

​@@sidepassread again what he said. It's cool when somebody says something and they twist it around.😂

[@liftheavyhunthard09]

​@sidepass haha interesting observation not sure why I said it that way the end result is the same.

[@jordanmoore332]

I have a elk hunt next month, and it us between the 300 WSM with the 200 Gr. Terminal Ascents and the 6.8 Western with the factory 175 Browning load. As I have been shooting these both throughout the year at 500 to 800 yards I become more impressed with the 6.8 and less impressed with the 300 WSM, both shoot great and adjustments between the loads are nearly identical but I find myself having an easier time hitting first round impacts with the western on smaller targets at longer distances.

[@mt4merica400]

I have killed many elk in my life. 300 wsm is hands down my favorite for folding them big critters across the canyon. Good luck on your elk hunt.

[@toddmartin3962]

my elk hunt in Wyoming starts next weekend and I'm taking those exact same guns: 300 WSM, 6.8Western. Handloads are 212 ELDx @ 2760 FPS out of the WSM and 170 Berger EOL @ 2925 FPS out of the 6.8W, both are shooting sub-quarter-inch groups. the 300WSM will be my primary rifle, taking the 6.8W just in case something weird happens during travel, etc. Did take a cow elk from 340 yards with the 68W last year in Eager AZ, 1 shot with the 175 TGK, DRT, no movement, no steps. Best wishes on your hunt!

[@WallDiver7]

I've reloaded a lot of ammo for my son's 300WSM. I found it to be relatively flat and more accurate when using a 180gr. bullet.

[@jeffreyadams5017]

7mm08 would be better I think than 6.5 creedmoor for elk for kids, women, people with shoulder issues, recoil sensitivity etc..

[@Justaintthere]

The best elk hunters probably don’t have internet if we’re being honest.

[@lawrenceallen8096]

Wow. Surprising the 338 Win Mag was so far down the list.

[@ryankoch3958]

Not really when you consider how much bigger the action’s are and when there are other magnums that deliver similar performance with cheaper and more available ammo options. Not to mention the recoil, especially compared to say a .280 ackly that has enough horsepower to easily get the job done.

[@lawrenceallen8096]

@@ryankoch3958 The 338 Win Mag is the same length as a 30-06 Springfield and 270 Winchester. I chose a Benelli R-1 in 338 win mag because, with the gas-operated system plus other competition shotgun-inspired recoil mitigations, felt recoil matches my bolt-action 30-06. Plus, in a semi-auto platform (3+1). The downside for elk hunting is of course the weight: the R-1 is heavy for mountain hunting, where most elk are taken. But the round (ideally with recoil mitigated, but if not... do you want to hunt or not?), delivers more than enough horsepower to get the job done on elk, and with a dramatically larger frontal area and bullet weight than a 280 AI, has enhanced wound channel impact on larger animals. Which simultaneously makes it my back-up gun for Grizzly, if charged, 3+1 semi-auto would come in handy. Some of us prefer that additional edge.

[@ryankoch3958]

@@lawrenceallen8096 You could put the the same recoil mitigation on a .280 and have a 6lb rifle that isn’t a handful. The .338 definitely can kill faster and your right about it being better in a grizzly scenario, but the .280 or really any any of the lighter cartridges mentioned in the video are plenty to kill an elk. The comment was why wasn’t .338 higher on the list, which is because it’s just not a very popular cartridge because of the ammo, recoil, and probably the biggest part is due to the fact that not very many manufacturers offer.338 in lighter hunting rifles. I don’t know a ton of manufacturers that offer .338 in any of there most popular rifles, which hurts ammo cost and population of .338 rifles in general. It’s not a bad choice by any means but for people on a budget(which I think is most hunters) it has some pretty big disadvantages over something a little more traditional. But if you want to drop the hammer on an elk 1000yds away there aren’t many other options.

[@lawrenceallen8096]

@@ryankoch3958 My abilities are within 300 yards, so I stay there. What I like about my choice is: (1) I get a round with 4,000 ft. lbs. of energy on tap, (2) in 338 diameter, (3) in a 3+1 semi-auto, (4) in a nice Italian-made 21st-century technology rifle with all the performance goodies from Benelli's shotgun lineup (all synthetic, gas operated, highly adjustable stock, a cryo-treated barrel), (5) all for $999.00 out the door. I threw on a $450 Leupold scope, and I'm into it for $1,500. When I look at magnums in semi-auto AR-platforms (usually only 300 win mag), for example, we're talking double or triple that price. Browning BAR Safari is reasonably priced, $1,300-1,900 (4+1), but I'm partial to the Benelli styling, the Browning was only available in wood stock and it is no longer in production. Also, we have big hogs in our area, which I most frequently hunt, and comfortably from tree stands so the rifle weight isn't an issue. My go-to deer rifle is a bolt 30-06, but I wouldn't need to be persuaded to make the 280 AI my next precision bolt action rifle.

[@alaskalamb]

Going to try my 338 win mag in Colorado in a couple weeks 😉

[@flaganpetska6179]

Im surprised that the 7mm PRC has already made the list. I mean I built one and love it, im just surprised that it has made a list like this. Has it truly already killed that many animals in its 1 year commercial existence?

[@42N8_1]

No kidding. This is really the first year for most hunters to use it on big game. So no one has killed very many elk with this cartridge.

[@danthedewman1]

.300 win mag does it all...plus all the new fangled cartridges if your in a remote area and forgot ammo or something, good luck finding the ammo..

[@rustbucket9318]

Kinda surprised to not see the 300 Wby Mag. Guessing because of rifle cost…? The round is amazing. So is the 257 Wby Mag. I’m gonna have to invest in a 7PRC in the near future I think. I’m liking that round more and more.

[@joshjamesguitar]

Because there's not really any reason to go with the weatherby, might aswell go .300 win mag. the velocites etc are pretty identical.

[@NorthRiverGuide]

It's a popularity poll and weatherby generally dhot themselves in the foot with their exclusivity and cost.

[@rustbucket9318]

@@joshjamesguitar No, the Weatherby is nearly 300fps faster with 180’s. That’s a whole lot of difference.

[@kcreyesmaquilan9741]

Have 2 300 weatherby one inherited from my grandfather. Other I purchased 2 years ago. I think many are turned off by the 100 bucks a box for ammo but if you already have the brass it's comparable to other comparable cartridges for reloading cost.

[@brkyq]

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.

[@samhouston5217]

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.

[@justinsalzl1517]

Observation: I was surprised at the percentage of hunters killing elk past 400 yards. But then I thought about your question. I think that the number of people that have killed more than 10 elk are probably above average elk hunters with regard to skill and success. And they are probably above average when it comes to shooting ability. Hence, farther shots. I love all the cartridge videos. Good job putting these together. Thank you.

[@lcjjr.6714]

I’ll stick to my trusty 7mm Rem. Mag.

[@theleo91386]

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.

[@ryandearing60]

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.

[@thedirtygot9570]

If tikka made a rifle in it, maybe would catch on better!

[@MrRich2u]

Dad and brother both used .340 Weatherby mag for Elk.

[@davidbaker4838]

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.

[@mrdark9916]

I use the Barnes LRX load nowadays as it extends velocity threshold to 1600fps and ensures I get reliable expansion at the longer pokes out to 500yds. But used TTSX for many many years

[@GinoDistefano-jf7eh]

Nosler Partitions loaded in my 300 Weatherby go straight through pin hole in everything I have used it on. Even Moose. Must be Cape Buffalo Bullet

[@mattcomchoc2957]

Throwing the BS flag on the ranges listed. The flight time for anything past 800 is greater than a second, allowing for a lot of movement of the animal. At 900, your penalty for inaccurate wind calls is 5" per mph with 180gr 300winmag. And even if you and your gun are shooting half MOA in those FIELD conditions, that's an additional 4" of unavoidable error to compound with everything else. This leads me to believe we've got some dudes with severely compromised ethics or a lack of honesty, quite possibly both.

[@JCTaylor21]

My thoughts exactly. I've made the same comment on many of these posts. An Animal can move a full body length in the time of flight at 70-900 yards.

[@tomhenry897]

Lot of guys shoot at targets out of range See it all the time deer hunting

[@MrDadGuy]

My observation here in Montana is that the guys shooting the really long shots are putting 4-6 rounds down range to get their elk. At that distance they usually have the ability to take multiple shots because the elk just stand around confused. Not to my liking at all. But they do get their elk.

[@ChrisEdling]

All the good bullets reliably expand at like 1800 fps

[@billfulgenzi2287]

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.

[@barrycolla2506]

Isn't 338 overkill?...question from someone ho has never hunted elk....greetings from the Netherlands.

[@emmanuelcalderon1982]

338 win mag is probably more than average person can handle and Weatherby cartridges just aren’t very popular.

[@steveblack5952]

338 win seperates chasing game and eating game. It gets them on the ground.

[@SA-hh9mv]

I always associated 338 win mag as a guide gun for stopping dangerous game.

[@johnmiller7317]

My go to is 300 win mag, been using it for close to 30 years. Have taken blacktail, whitetail and mule deer, also elk and a cougar (It was dumb enuff to walk out in front of me while deer hunting. Had the tag so what the hell)

[@Sapper-zq2sr]

I think some of this reporting is not truthful. 10+ elk and 6.5 prc is one the list. It was only released. Along with the percentage who claim 600yds and beyond. I meant to get on survey as I have taken 10 elk in 10 hunts over 25 yrs of hunting and I think any 300 magnum is number one followed by 7magnums. Why risk a bull on a 6.5

[@adicken1911]

There's risk on every cartridge and bullet and it really comes down to each shooter, their specific situation and bullet placement to take any animal. Humans today want ease and convenience. In theory it's "easier" to shoot a 6.5prc accurately since there's less wind drift, drop and recoil than many of the magnums out there. So those windy days and long shots in shitty conditions, it's going to be "easier" for majority of people to shoot it accurately. No magnum is going to make up for a poorly placed shot either. Not saying I agree or disagree with using the 6.5 bullet but thats why it's on the list. Widely popular, not horribly expensive, easy to find, "easy" to shoot and its effective.

[@jakekiliz4758]

I agree in some of the comparisons but unless you have a custom barrel the twist rate is too slow on a 270 and 30 06 to shoot the new high coefficient heavy bullets like Berger EOL

[@calvinruggles732]

I've never made up my mind on the 270 for elk. I have a lot of family that use it, and have seen a LOT of elk killed with it. Unfortunately, I've also seen more runoffs produced by that cartridge than any other. So as I said, I've never made up my mind on it, and use my 300 win mag

[@riverwalker2173]

Then stick with your 300 mag. Don't overthink it.

[@mmiller73]

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.

[@tomsahunter3395]

325WSM with 200g accubond. Amazing elk killer!!!❤

[@jarek0737]

Backfire, The old men I have hunted with say, "That the rule of thumb was 2k ft lbs. of energy upon impact." The biggest issue with it used to be doing the math. Getting a chronograph out and testing. Now adays you have ballistic applications and can find calculators easy online. Primarily, it has to do with terminal effect and being able to get a humane kill. People always seem to think it is a crazy thought. I hope it helps because getting a humane kill on whatever you are hunting is the goal.

[@jpmc271]

Yep. 2000 fps with 6.5 140gr bullets is much different than 2000fps 180gr bullets. He should have been showing yardage at 2000 ft lbs.

[@jarek0737]

@jpmc271 with 2k ft lbs is the thing for humanely taking big game. Now I get what he is saying with the 2k fps and expansion. I more worry about that with lower quality projectiles. A quality projectile that comes in most factory offerings now adays. That becomes less of an issue.

[@aaronwilcox6417]

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.

[@keithbryantjr.3020]

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

[@jamiecoburn1231]

I still like the 300Win/Weatherby or one of the new kids...they are all the same to me. If you put it through the boiler the old elk doesn't seem to care what killed it IMHO. Then again I don't shoot at foolish ranges at elk. I don't have the hardware and ability, but the juice is not worth the squeeze to me. I just don't understand how anybody would consider a 12 plus pound 300Win with an effective brake anything like heavy in recoil. My son starting shooting my braked 12-15 pound long range focused 300Win at 8 years old....Ear plugs plus muffs and all I told him it was shockingly loud. I never mentioned recoil once....He touched off a round and exclaimed the concussion was scary and that it gave him a little shove, then asked for another round lol. Mindset matters. I have seen many people flinch shooting archery....Shooting arrows directly into the dirt a few feet away....Yet my 120 pound daughter can rock a 458Win with 510 grainers and nearly make it sound like a semi auto...Mindset and smart training. The trick is keeping your gun in the friend zone. 200 rounds of 338Lapua Improved will do your nervous system no good! 30 rounds of 50bmg or 10 of my 8.5 pound 416 Rem will remove the starch from your shoulder. Yet even the lowly 223 in a varmint gun all day will leave you concussed and feeling a little shell shocked. If you get a big gun...Keep her in the friend zone! :)

[@ru2yaz33]

Winchester and Browning will be manufacturing .270 Winchester with faster barrel twists.

[@sdriza]

I like hunting as much as the next guy... but I'm not hunting with anyone taking 400+ yard shots??? (Is that really a popular thing now?)

[@addisonmohler3664]

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.

[@jefpanisi3764]

30-06AI. 25 inch pac-Nor barrel 190gr ABLR 61gr Superformance powder 2960fps 1/2 inches all day

[@concreteandgrading]

​@jefpanisi3764 oh wow, great load

[@russellkeeling4387]

What qualifies someone as an expert in rifle calibers for hunting elk?

[@justahologram2230]

And I'm over here working up a universal hunting load for an 8x57mm JS

[@Mex_the_Fox]

I love Norma's Oryx bullets in 8x57is

[@blainecox5256]

I have harvested elk with a large array of weapons. I believe I am at about 20. A few archery the rest 30-06 up to 7mm S.T.W. The average distance of all is probably just over 100 yds. Take out the archery elk and the average distance goes to about to less than 125 yds. Long was right at about 500. By far my favorite elk cartridge is the .300 wsm. Most were one shot with the worst being 3, interesting enough that was the S.T.W.?? I don't care for the length(long action, 26" barrel) nor the expense. The W.S.M. really hits the sweet spot for me.

[@hunterjohnson5635]

.270 Winchester is the GOAT

[@xengyang6552]

I agree for deer. Not for elk.

[@hunterjohnson5635]

Make a coherent argument proving otherwise ;P

[@hunterjohnson5635]

How come??

[@caseynix6777]

That is a fact

[@BigdaddyE71]

I agree 100% A 130 Barnes is what I use!

[@J24-k8f]

Accurate and consistent shot placement with an appropriate cartridge is usually what most hunters recommend. It usually works for me.

[@tandtoutdoors5154]

Too bad the 6.8 weatern didn't get a nod. The ballistics for that cartridge is off the rocker good. I use the 165 gr nosler pill woth staball HD and the 170 gr berger pill with the same powder and it is pushing good speeds.

[@tonesmith909]

6.8 Western fanboy checking in 🫡 170gr Berger EOL, 58.2gr Hodgdon Hybrid 100V, 2990fps Great all around cartridge

[@nuckyduk15]

I really hate the "it doesnt offer me anything than my xxx caliber already does" statement..........but the 6.8 Western really didnt give me anything that my 270WSM already doesn't. I went with the 7PRC for my "extra" long range cartridge just based on bullet selection alone. Theres just not a grear .277 bullet selection

[@tandtoutdoors5154]

@nuckyduk15 I mean I have shot the 270 WSM and it didn't shoot at the same level my 6.8 Westenr did. It didn't shoot the heavier bullets well, and the recoil was definitely more. I have a 20 inch barrel amd I am still getting speeds closer to 3000 fps without stressing the loads. It has better recoil management than the other cartridges close I.E 300 wm, 7mm mag, 7 prc etc.