Best and worst cartridges for hunting elk (Cartridge Wars Round 1)

Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 1: • Best and worst cartrid...
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 2: • Shootability: Finding ...
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 3: • .300WSM Destroys .30-0...
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 4: • 6.8 Western. Let's talk.
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 5: • 280 Ackley Improved vs...

[@jeffreykcarlin518]

Of the elk outfitters I've used and talked to about minimum and preferred cartridges, the "go to" answers are mostly 7mag/30-06/300win variety. I've talked with one or two that wanted a minimum of .270 but preferred any .30 caliber. I think it was on my second elk hunt, 2 of the hunters showed up with 6.5 Creeds and I noticed the owner shaking his head as he walked away. We got talking and he said the 6.5 is fine with the right shooter under the right conditions but he typically sees more wounded animals and longer tracking jobs by guys that read an article saying the 6.5 is good on elk out to a mile. I asked what he preferred and he said if every hunter showed up with a beat up 30-06 with a good 3x9 scope shooting partitions he would probably never lose an animal again. He has been a licensed outfitter/guide in Montana for over 30 years and probably can't remember how many animals his hunters have taken. This carried some weight with me.

[@Alphasaurus-fq7nu]

Whatever 3006 does 308 does as well, except the bullets over 200 grains which 308 pushes fast enough, and you don’t really need anything bigger for North America

[@denoftools]

I'm in Montana and my 308 is perfect for about anything. Elk, Deer, speed goats, you name it. Ammo is almost always available, even during the crunches and it is also usable with a lot of the black rifle setups.

[@biggestthiccestboi2449]

No way I'm from Montana what part you from

[@denoftools]

@@biggestthiccestboi2449 Livingston

[@LaneHadway127]

Agreed!

[@nomlasrellik7286]

@@denoftools Billings here

[@biggestthiccestboi2449]

@@denoftools I'm from Kalispell

[@packman3220]

There are 3 cartridges that I trust myself with 100% to take down every animal I'd ever hunt: .300 Win Mag 7mm Rem Mag 30-06 If I had to only ever have one I think I'd settle for 30-06. To me it's the easiest cartridge to shoot consistently well in whatever gun I use it in.

[@billkaldem5099]

I love my 7Mm mag. Whitetail or elk.

[@codyrivenburgh7645]

I'd drop the 300 win and the 7mm rem and replace them with 4570 govt and 270 win

[@packman3220]

@@codyrivenburgh7645 I like both of those a lot. I just have much more experience with the 3 I mentioned. In the end it's a lot more about practice than cartridge. You could spend your whole life practicing and hunting with a 30-30 and be able to take down a buffalo at 700 yards far better than I could with a .300 Win Mag at 300 yards. I can hit a 14" square target off hand with my 7 Rem Mag at 500 yds with iron sights. I've just practiced that much with it. If I picked up your 270 to try that shot I'd probably use up a box of ammo and maybe hit it once

[@williamfeldner9356]

Absolutely agree with you on the 3006.

[@DaileyWoodworks]

Yep for best all around, does everything well, but not “best” at any one thing I chose the 30-06 I enjoy shooting it, recoil is mild I can find ammo for it, so I can shoot targets as much as I can afford. I can hunt anything in N.A. I can compete (I don’t) out to 1000yards and beyond Barrel life is long. A rifle you can shoot a lot and practice a lot with is best for hunting

[@BrassJeep]

Really should be between 280 AI, 284, and 280 those are the ones that hit in the sweet spot you’re looking for!

[@mattmurphy4678]

7mm Mag with copper bullets is fantastic. It's a little loud and kicks, but who notices when hunting? Drop the marginal category for long range.

[@dinsixiengmay9781]

With a fast twist...1/8" ( browning speed) has a 1/8" twist now 😁

[@Sparks00psn]

7 is in the passing grade what are you mentioning it for

[@rickhibdon11]

7mm Mag and 338 Mag... my two favorite big game rounds

[@Sparks00psn]

@@rickhibdon11 again, both are PASSING. The request was to vote on which from the margins should be cut:

[@koryscullawl8895]

280ai does almost the exact same thing without magnum drawbacks

[@ogreoutdoors]

The 30-06 is the classic answer to this question. Having used 30-06, 308, .270 win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Remington, 7mm Rem. mag, and 280 Ackley/280 Remington on elk hunts; the 280ai is my new go to all around, simply because it is so efficient, doesn't kick as hard as the 30-06 or 7 mag with160gr bullets, shoots heavier bullets than the .270, but gives the reach out to 500 yards with plenty energy, velocity, and accuracy for a humane kill from a packable rifle. The 130 and 140gr factory loads in 280 Rem. can be shot through a 280ai chamber and are very effective for deer/antelope hunting. 30-06 ammo is easier to find and cheaper, more guns chambered. Maybe that should be factored in: ammo and rifle availability.

[@sheepdawg6946]

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I don’t know much about the .280AI but I need to look into it. I am like you. I have used pretty much everything and love tinkering with new guns and bullets. I agree. The 30-06 is the classic answer to this question.

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

Very well said.

[@fbiz01]

My old reliable .270 and my .300 Win Mag will keep my other rifles in the gun safe most days.

[@IDWIE]

Hard to beat those two rifles. They’re all you need

[@dakotadickens3747]

Honestly I myself would say the 300 win mag, 30-06, 308 are the two most versatile rifles from older or traditional cartridges. While modern day the nosler rounds or prc rounds have made strides. Personal if I’m going after an elk or anything else it is gonna be one of those 3 that I pick up. And the reason I would choose them over a 270 or 7mm is because they are not not gonna be affected by small brush and grass as bad.

[@north005]

.308, .270 and .30-06. Pick any of the three and hunt the continent.

[@FatManLeather]

I had the same thoughts.

[@JTTTTT850]

None of those are adequate for moose

[@darthsenilus7504]

@@JTTTTT850 Over here in Europe the 6.5x55 SE is one of the most used moose cartridges in Scandinavia… So why should a .30-06 or.270 not be able to do it?

[@avendesora222]

@@JTTTTT850 all three of those are definitely adequate for moose. Where I live I’d bet 9/10 moose taken is with one of those three calibers.

[@nikriedel2329]

I've seen the 6.5 Creedmoore fail miserably

[@davevallier8960]

I have both 30-06 and .270 and love both. One shot kills on numerous elk and deer over the last 45 years. I would not even think of buying a different rifle when these do the job so well. 165 and 180 grain boat tails in the 06 work very well on everything. 140 grain for the .270. I really enjoy your channel and information.

[@pilot4them2010]

I love my 7mm REM Mag. I vote for it as the best all around cartridge.

[@G53X0Y0Z0]

It is a good all around choice, that's my main choice. It has it's flaws, but I have never lost an animal I hit, and there were a couple hits I didn't like. But really, there are many choices that can fill the bill, in my opinion many are nearly identical for all practical purposes.

[@billkaldem5099]

I love mine

[@chrisb9478]

Get your rifle in .30-06 ! Old but great all around.

[@russellkeeling9712]

With the 06 you really can't go wrong. It's just not as romantic as some of these new ones but isn't it something that almost all these other calibers were children of the 7x57 and then the 30-06.

[@dw5523]

30-06 or 7 REM Mag in a standard weight rifle (8~ lbs) or 7mm-08 in a light mountain rifle (6~ lbs). Just my thoughts.

[@josephcleary7173]

100% agree

[@aaronvandyke4327]

@@josephcleary7173 1000% agree

[@skys-the-limit]

Tikka T3x in 30-06 is my moose gun! Love it and it's been working for me!

[@dw5523]

@@skys-the-limit I don't think there's an over the counter rifle under a grand that can beat a Tikka. They're fantastic rifles.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

@@skys-the-limit I have tikka in 300 winmag only down side to rifle is the 1 in 11 twist limits my bullet selection

[@tannerlackey4807]

Cut everything out of the marginal category. Nothing marginal belongs on what could be the hunt of a lifetime.

[@Vohtwomax]

Couldn't agree more. The best or nothing. A person needs to be able to rely on their equipment 100%.

[@brockbergquist4593]

Yeah cut em all out

[@32Churz]

💯

[@sCaryxp]

Do likes make this comment count that many more times? Cut them all!

[@nategemini3894]

Winchester deer season xp for 6.5 creedmoor is more than enough power at 300 yards and at 400 would be fine if you're not a terrible shot.

[@cleetussmith6652]

I've always been a fan of the 270, but here in Idaho where long range shots are common many friends also go with the 7mm mag.

[@801jerbear]

That’s why I went with the 270 WSM. Always wanted a 270 but the WSM ballistics were significantly better.

[@lukewarmwater6412]

I think it comes down to that. what range/conditions you are shooting in. around here a 100 yard shot is about as far as you'll see. go east and that opens up alot . still like my .270 but I would love to be able to add a few others to my gun case, but cashflow, ya know?

[@collinmcintee5392]

Where in Idaho? N Idaho you’re better off with a Marlin 1895 open sights

[@cleetussmith6652]

@@collinmcintee5392 SE Idaho along the Wyoming border

[@diemos322jones9]

I think the guy in the video is a former Comifornia resident. In my opinion it seems like he started hunting last year and he's into all the flavor of the month calibers.

[@roktmansean]

Honestly kick all of the marginal cartridges

[@vanscos]

I agree. Remove all the marginals

[@coldborexx]

@@vanscos I have a hard time kicking my 35 Whelen.. 225 partitions are bad elk medicine.

[@MJDGator]

@@coldborexx Yeah I would think the Whelen would be perfect for elk 400 yards and in. Hornady uses too light a bullet @ 200 gr and a soft point so the ballistics suffer. Looks like Nosler's loading with 225 Accubonds would get you out to 500 using the criteria he uses in this video.

[@josephyanok302]

Agreed

[@metalmessiahmetal]

nah i think 7mm08 gets a pass

[@mcman007]

This conversation amuses me every time. Informative conversation to be sure. We talk about calibers and people get all spun up about which one is best. Any good hunter takes an ethical, reasonable shot with a weapon and projectile they have trained with. Comparing projectiles from many of these is apples and oranges. We seem to forget that these animals have been hunted with flying pointy sticks for centuries.

[@kennethdittig2986]

i still use the flying pointy sticks

[@Clambelly]

@@kennethdittig2986 Down under we use Boomerang keep your head down when it comes back.

[@G53X0Y0Z0]

Flying pointed sticks work extremely well when you put them where they need to be. They work even better when you put sharp blades on the pointy sticks. So all of the debate and mental masturbation about what cartridge is best is kind of amusing when they all are easier to shoot and have more power than a pointy stick. But, even archers do the same thing about their pointy sticks. I think people like to make easy things hard. Although, it's a well known fact that Neanderthals went extinct because they gravitated toward 6.5mm and smaller sticks and homo sapiens tended to use 7mm and .30 caliber sticks. They don't teach that in the history books.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

@@G53X0Y0Z0 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Although to be fair to the .264 family, the Swedes and Norwegians have been using their home-grown .264 for more than a century, and with great success against Scandinavian moose and red stag. I prefer Woodleigh 160, Norma 156, and Lapua 155 gr out of mine. I trade a little distance over a 140, but I also step into crazy penetration with 155-160 gr bullets, matching giant DG bullets in SD.

[@G53X0Y0Z0]

I'm of the opinion if you use a good bullet and hit them decently you don't really need that big of a gun, at least if you limit shots to broadside chests.

[@altruisticscoundrel]

Cut out? Any cartridge you would not shoot 10 times in 5 minutes.

[@phild9813]

Good policy. If you are scared of it or don’t shoot it well, it’s useless. I’d rather have any of the “marginal” cartridges than about at least the top half of the keeper list.

[@WorldsWildestFacts]

When do you ever need to shoot 10 times in 5 minutes lol work on your aim buddy

[@altruisticscoundrel]

@@WorldsWildestFacts @Strom 1 exactly, work on your aim! He'll need to practice with the rifle to make those humane kill shots. He sold his Hell's Canyon Browning because of the recoil, he didn't want to shoot it 10 times in 5 minutes.

[@carlosfigueroa847]

With the way ammo prices and scarcity are nowadays, that literally means cut out EVERYTHING for me 🤣🤣

[@carlosfigueroa847]

@@WorldsWildestFacts I heard 15 shots within 2 minutes this last weekend. My brother was on a nearby hill, he said a guy was just unloading on a buck about 200 yards away.

[@scottym.9077]

While there are some cartridges I'd love to have in the "Marginal" category, the simple fact is that you are looking for the most well rounded "do all" cartridge. You would never pick any of these cartridges over those that make the cut in this test, given the parameters you've set. Personally I think the 7mm-08 specifically is a wonderful cartridge, and it would be on my recommended list for most hunters. That said, most hunters will never shoot past 300 yards. If you are looking for 400+ yard effectiveness on elk as one of your parameters, this cartridge simply doesn't meet the requirements set forth.

[@ULFISHGETTER]

Cut everything but the 270 win, 30-06 Springfield, 7mm rem mag, and the 300 win mag. These cartridges are proven and ammo is easy to find. Why get an odd cartridge especially with all these ammo shortages going on. 6.8 western also gets my vote, but due to ammo supply idk if I’d buy one or not.

[@hatimlaamri2132]

Completely agree with you.

[@JaronActual]

If "mild recoil" is a main criteria, that's a big strike against 300 WM.

[@ULFISHGETTER]

@@JaronActual okay then go with 270 and call it a day.

[@42N8_1]

These cartridges are not that efficient.

[@JaronActual]

@@ULFISHGETTER Hard to go wrong with either a .270 or .280

[@TheAzryll]

I vote to keep 7mm-08 and 45-70. I've harvested several elk with these cartridges and they dropped fast if not instantly. These were Rosie's too as I'm in Oregon.

[@chaserobinson7438]

Cut out all but the 7mm-08

[@ruanschmidt2198]

My top 5 cartridges for the win in no particular order: .338 Win .300 Win 30-06 7mm Rem Mag 7mm-08 All have proven themselves as extremely versatile cartridges and have the best selection of bullets available. They all shoot fairly flat over long distances and retain enough energy with most bullet weights in their class. All 5 will handle monolithic bullets well up to 400 yards, with a exception of the 7mm-08, which I personally would use a premium bonded bulley like Nosler Accubond LR, Swift Scirroco II or Hornady Interbond which expand more reliably at 400 yards. I own a 30-06, but my personal favourite amongst the 5 is the 7mm Rem Mag. Ballistically, it is a superb cartridge. It shares almost the same amount of recoil as a 30-06, but shoots flatter over a longer distance and retains phenomenal energy even past 500 yards for a .284 caliber bullet. It doesn't burn through barrels like a 28 Nosler and it's readily available at most guns stores. To the ethical hunter, it is the perfect "one rifle" for all your general hunting needs. Hell, you can slap a moose flat on it's ass even at 300 yards with a premium 175gr bonded bullet And I'm from South Africa. Here, a 30-06, .308 and .270 are considered your first wife before you get married🤣🤣

[@DAMMDAUGHTERS]

26 nosler should NOT be in the marginal category because your calculations are incorrect. The reason I know this is because the 6.5 prc scored higher than the 26 nosler and the 6.5 prc has an h2o case capacity of 55 gr and the 26 nosler has a case capacity of 93.5 gr. All factory loads for the 26 nosler destroy the 6.5 prc by embarrassing margins. The 26 nosler should be JUST below the 6.5-300 wby by a pretty small margin. I rest my case and turn over my investigation to you, backfire. I love the content guys! Thanks!!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I was pretty confused to see the 26 Nosler so low, it really should be above the 6.5 PRC and right below the 6.5-300 WBY.

[@goory93]

I would keep the 7mm-08, as it is missed the 400 yard mark by the slimmest of slim margins. While I wouldn't include *ANY* of the 26 caliber cartridges, if the PRC, 6.5 RPM, and 264WM pass, the 26 Nosler needs to be as well. It should easily surpasses any of them with equal bullet weights, so I don't know how that one got mixed up.

[@goory93]

@Nick Nolte I absolutely do know how tough they are. I am not saying I would shoot an elk at 400 with a 7mm-08 either, but relative to some of the other cartridges on this list it is incredibly capable. And "cartridge wars" is about finding the one best do-all, not an exclusive elk killer.

[@goory93]

@Nick Nolte I get it man, you don't have to convince me. Like I said, I know how tough they are. The only marginals I would bring forward would be the two I listed, for the reasons I stated. And you have to keep in mind he is looking at "average" performance and loadings with each chambering, and we don't know the atmospherics. Change that 7-08 to a 160 accubond, and at realistic hunting elevations (I ran it for 4500 feet, which would be about the minimum elevation where I hunt) you are over 2k fps and 1500ft/lb at 400. I definitely don't expect the 7-08 to win the whole thing (smart money would be on something in the 280AI/7SAUM up to 300WM/WSM range I'd think), but it certainly should get a second look.

[@boredboiseboy]

*Scandinavian 6.5x55 moose hunters have entered the chat*

[@enerzise3161]

The only ammo I have found recently and constantly in stores on that screen of bullets was: .243, 30-06 & 308 When I was shopping for rifles 15 years ago, the most common I found from hunters who hunt all over the USA were 30-06 or 308. 30-06 were plentiful to choose from, so I purchased two 30-06 Bolt Action and one 30-06 Semi-Auto, but for the girls in the family we went with two .243 rifles.

[@puttnaroundoutdoors5517]

cut everything except the 7mm-08. if you are going to do ammo availability during cartridge wars then everything else will drop out except 6.5 creedmoor, which in turn will fall out of the ranks soon enough.

[@puttnaroundoutdoors5517]

@@justice1327 my though is that it will drop out for flatter shooting, harder hitting rounds that are going to have a big advantage for being a one gun. my prediction is that the 7mm rem mag sticks around for some time in this competition. if ammo availability doesn't become a factor in this, you may see the nosler rounds and the 6.8 western stick around longer than they should. i dont think any 30 cals will take the win because when you get into the 30 cal magnums they are too hard hitting for medium game and dont fit the bill of a one gun.

[@puttnaroundoutdoors5517]

@@justice1327 i just spent weeks making considerations for my "one gun" and it ended up being 7mm rem mag. Not saying its going to win here but its hard to beat

[@jakeemig1219]

I’d vote to kick out the entire marginal category except keep the 7mm-08. It gets the nod from Hornady at 400 yards, mild recoil, and has excellent bullet availability for handloaders. And since you mentioned occasional target matches, the 7mm-08 has proven itself in the target/silhouette arena too.

[@TAWier]

I concur!👆👉

[@urinesoakedtroglodyte5764]

@@TAWier I’m 14 and shoot my 7mm-08 at 600 yards with hornady superformance

[@TAWier]

@@urinesoakedtroglodyte5764 you can't go wrong with the 7mm-08 on deer sized game at that distance if you have the skill to take the shot. Hornady Seperformance is great ammunition.

[@RichardEnglander]

Load 7mm-08 in the Fury brass and steel cases and push the velocity? Got a boom stick in a short action then

[@gsh341]

Honestly, the top 3 if you consider power, accuracy AND both price and availability are likely the 30-06 Springfield, 270 Winchester and 308 Winchester. They all have a lot of power potential and can be found in softer shooting loads if necessary. Plus, they can be found virtually anywhere ammunition is sold. Many of the other rounds, like the 6.8 Western are either less common or more expensive. Right now at Midway you can get 20 rounds of 6.8 Western for $60 and you have just 5 choices. Or you can get 20 rounds of 30-06, 260 or 308 for $36 and have dozens of choices.

[@valiant545]

I vote to boot the ENTIRE marginal category. We're looking for the best cartridge for everything, not the best for everything and somewhat ok for Elk

[@poorfatman5317]

Read the chart then read the marginal list 7 mm 08 outperform the 270 and the 308 on all the charts yeah it's marginal

[@hottub2609]

26 Nosler is on that category, but shoots a 142gr bullet at 3300fps. faster than all 6.5 caliber rifles on this list.. All shooting the same bullet.

[@JaronActual]

Very rarely do you get anything that is the best at everything. 90% of the time, versatility comes at the cost of specialty. This isn't about the one cartridge that's best for everything, it's about finding one that can do a lot of things very well.

[@hottub2609]

@@JaronActual your missing the point. It’s best caliber for elk. So, same bullet shot in all of the 6.5 cartridges. The 26 nosler beats them all. It’s 300 fps faster than a 6.5 prc. 550 fps than the creedmoor. Speed+weight=more power.

[@JaronActual]

@@hottub2609 I was replying to Based Horse, not you.

[@boys2meme459]

Boot all the marginal. I think there are 3 obvious answers to this question. 280 AI, 7mm Mag and 30-06. Right balance of power, bullet options, and recoil. I’m a 30-06 guy personally. 150 grain TSX or Accubond for deer and 175 grain LRX or 190 Accubond for bigger game. Shoots flat when you want it or hits hard when you need it.

[@blackie1of4]

I'd say keep the 7mm-08, the 35 Whelen, and the 45-70 :) The rest can go.. even though I think they're all wonderful cartridges.

[@bchunt72]

New 6.8 Western and 6.5 PRC both offer a good balance of performance and repeated shoot ability (comfort).

[@joebarrett5310]

Before even watching the whole video, I have to go with the good ol 30-06 for fantastic versatility. Light and fast for light duty work, heavy for the big stuff.

[@deleteduser7132]

30-06 is for pedophiles.

[@ngb802]

@@deleteduser7132 lol

[@joebarrett5310]

Well that came out of left field 😳

[@timothymroberts2949]

I agree with you on the versatility of the 30.06 Springfield. Wide range of capabilities, as well as wide variety of bullets. Lightweight 139 grain all the way up to a 220 grain

[@joebarrett5310]

@@timothymroberts2949 and still very shootable for most people. To me when you introduce the aspect of shootability blended with that level of capability, it's hard to ignore the -06

[@dstuck6368]

Kick the entire marginal list out! For sentimental reasons, I want you to keep the 7mm-08 only because I’ve been successful on a elk hunt once as a back up when my primary was damaged in transit. However, the tale of the tape holds true and it does not compare to the passing grade group.

[@vinceblasco]

The only marginal one worth keeping is the 7mm-08. That being said, I believe the 270 will be the eventual winner.

[@michaelnelson1911]

That would be my choice also. It is hard to argue with Jack O'Conner.

[@cristianespinal9917]

Might get dropped on the target shooting segment. Not because you can't be very accurate with it, but because the 1:10 twist doesn't let it use the high BC bullets for the very long range (target shooting) stuff. If a .277 caliber is gonna win it, my money is on the 6.8 Western. That said, I'm a big .270 fan and my Remington 700 in .270 is my one and only big game rifle.

[@RichardEnglander]

@@cristianespinal9917 this^ yup A 270 with a twist rate for larger bullets would be cool, say 1:9 or 8.5?? But they don't do them so 280AI wins for me, not too expensive to shoot it seems either.

[@adamhymas4620]

Ballistic coefficent means little in the 30-30's effective range.

[@FedoraMan316]

Keep the .35 Whelen, the 45-70, and the 7mm-08. The rest could kill an elk, though. You would just have to have the right bullets, shot placement, and the ranges might have to be shorter.

[@poorfatman5317]

The shocking thing about his list everybody else's 7mm08 outperforms the 308 especially down range

[@poorfatman5317]

The 7mm 08 also outperforms the 270 by the chart you show do you not like the seven-mm08

[@zachlau4526]

i second this

[@patriotichunter6434]

One of Randy Newberg favorite calibers 7mm-08 and he uses it all the time successfully for elk so who am I to argue, although I personally like and use a 280 rem mostly now.

[@patriotichunter6434]

@@poorfatman5317 7mm-08 doesn’t outperform a 270 by any chart I’ve seen. 270 is usually 100 plus FPS faster. Hornady precision hunter 270 win is moving 2970/2840 and drops 18” at 400 with 200 yard zero, the 7mm-08 PH is moving at 2770/2555 and has 22” drop at 400 on a 200 yard zero. The energy at 400 yards is basically the same because the BC is a little better 7mm bullet. That being said I do think the 7mm-08 is a great deer and elk round at 400 yards or less and built one for my daughter. Randy Newberg says it’s a favorite elk caliber so who am I to argue with greatness. LOL!

[@holdenandlaurensmith4148]

I think everyone is on the same page about 7mm-08 but in case you were on the fence about it…Randy Newberg just stated in this week’s “elk talk podcast” that he killed his Montana bull moose with a 7mm-08. I’m by no means a fan-boy of this cartridge, I don’t even own a rifle in it, but I’m definitely intrigued and would like to see where it ends up…. Also, right off the bat, based off the opening comment of what he’s looking for in this “one gun cartridge war”… elk, whitetail, target shooting, mild recoil …dang sounds a lot like the .308 🤷‍♂️

[@thegreatpumpkinsloftiestcr315]

It depends if you want large game to drop on impact…light Caliber cartridges more times than you would want don’t drop big game even at close range. I use 338 win mag for elk…it has never failed.

[@beestoe993]

I know you are capable of shooting accurately well beyond 400 yds, but Im glad that you discuss Elk @ max 400 yds. It just makes a lot more sense. The guys who shoot animals @ 500 yds and well beyond use a bipod, a rangefinder etc. etc. I hunt with a rifle, scope and binoculars, no turret adjustments necessary. My go to Elk rifle is 30-06, 180 grainer @ 2750 fs. Although I wouldnt hesitate to use my 45-70, mine does not comply with your 45-70 numbers. :) (36" bbl and pointed bullets.)

[@SandW44mag29]

I agree with Jake Emig, everything gets cut except the 7mm-08. It’s pretty hard to beat a mild recoiling 7mm. Had I not chosen the 270 win as my go to cartridge. The 7-08 would have been it.

[@FilthyAngryIrishPeasant]

That would be too simple. The cost of many of these cartridges is prohibitive because most are propriety. 33 Nosler? Lovely. Try finding it and you better be able to get THE powder you need and the HQ hunting bullets are hard to come by. Until things change 30-06, 308, or maybe the 500 Nitro Express. 💣

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

I also agree 7mm 08 is actually what my go to gun is chambered in and if I'm going on a hunt of a life time that's what I'm gonna use unless the guide calls ahead and says there may be longer shots in which case I'll go with the 7 saum and as far as finding ammo you shouldn't expect to find some when you arrive, that's like not bringing blankets when you know it's gonna be cold and saying you hope to find some in some remote village in the middle of know where, ammo should be loaded or bought before the hunt so that shouldnt be a concern with cartridge selection

[@johnm8891]

It'll be fun to see where this goes. I've gone through this exercise myself, deciding on a caliber sufficient for elk yet not ridiculous overkill for deer. It came down to the 7mm Rem Mag or the 30-06. 7mm Rem Mag is the clear ballistic winner but I decided on the 30-06, AKA the 308 Magnum. Certainly good enough for elk out to my maximum range of 400 yards with 180 grain Partitions and works great on deer with 165 grain Sierra Gamekings or any cup and core bullet. I reload so I like that it uses a little less powder and there's no belt to deal with when sizing the brass. I've also been shooting 30-06 for over 40 years so there's that too.

[@robertofunk673]

After Hand loaders started reducing the 7mm. RM.down to 160-140 gr.bullets,the old 175 gr.corelokt got left behind.THAT BULLET IN NORTHERN ONTARIO CANADA KILLED LARGE NUMBERS OF MOOSE/NO ELK THERE.I TOOK OVER 10 BEAR WITH IT THERE,AND NONE MOVE BEYOND THE STEP THEY WERE TAKING. THE 140/160 GR.IN BARNES HORNADY IS PROBABLY JUST AS GOOD BUT ALOT OF THESE ANIMALS WERE TAKEN BEFORE THOSE BULLETS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE.ONE LARGE WHITETAIL STILL LIVED TWO HOURS BEFORE REACHING IT.ANOTHER WHITETAIL LOST IN THE AIR JUMPING THROUGH THE HAM WHERE IT NEVER EXPANDED. I used that caliber in BAR.and was superb,BUT ACCURACY STILL MATTERED

[@SS-yx3oz]

300 Win Mag with 180 gr for elk and 150 for deer

[@Jethero18]

I want to say keep the 7mm-08 since it is known to be a great elk cartridge, but I don’t see it winning. I think you even said in an old video that you prefer the 7mm Rem Mag. I’d say all the others can be discarded for sure.

[@TakeDeadAim]

The 7/08 is a very good Elk round if loaded with a proper bullet. I've used 150gr Partitions in it to cull.

[@ashforkdan]

Compare Winchester against weatherby. Hands down weatherby wins.

[@TakeDeadAim]

@@ashforkdan Wins what?

[@EdAb]

Randy Newberg frequently hunts elk with a 7mm-08, that fact is very meaningful to me. That said, the 308 Winchester is his overall, preferred elk cartridge. No single person, or opinion trumps all others, but Randy's choice should be given a lot of consideration.

[@jesseartrip790]

Especially with a guy who hits so many animals in the guts he has really tested the guns he shoots with bad shots.

[@tikka300wsm5]

Nah, I'll make my own decisions and not base mine on others.

[@michaelnelson1911]

Drop all of the marginal except for the 7mm-08. When looking for a winner for a one cartridge gun I would make sure that ammo is readily available. Also I wouldn't be buying a caliber that cost above 50 bucks a box or you won't be shooting it a lot. I think 280 improved Ackley, 30-06, 7mm Rem mag, 270 win, 7mm-08 and 308 are hitting the sweet shop for elk with minimal recoil. Each one of these calibers has a premier bullet weight and I would find that weight for each caliber when making this consideration. Great video and I like the idea of throwing this out to your audience!!! Maybe you ask the audience what bullet weight that they prefer for each caliber and put that into the mix to help you find the highest preferred bullet and caliber. Example. I think the 270 with a 140 grain bullet for elk out performs the 130 grain bullet.

[@brandonduhan]

Personally I think the 30-06 is probably the best “one gun” out there. You can find quality loads up to 220gr. and as light at 125gr. making it easy to take down game as large as moose and as small as coyote. Ammunition is also more readily available than pretty much any other high power. Even in your chart it’s easily effective passed 500yd which I’m willing to bet covers 99% of all hunters comfortable shooting distance. It has moderate recoil when compared to the magnum rounds as well.

[@north4961]

👍🇨🇦 💯👍

[@rainworks5155]

Amen, if I could only have one rifle 30-06 would be it. Scratch that I'll take it regardless.

[@rainworks5155]

@@davidandre886 How about be intelligent and actually disprove his points rather than shoot out a lazy insult.

[@CountryBoyMakinNoise]

30-06 wouldn’t necessarily make a good range gun though. It’s not that it’s not accurate but for instance a 7 mag is the equal amount of recoil but with much better ballistics. If you can shoulder a 30-06 you can shoulder a 7 mag. A 160-175 grain 7 mag will do more damage in my opinion.

[@rainworks5155]

@@davidandre886 Wrong answer, the OP stated that is a great one gun with a wide array of loads for a wide array of uses. So reading more might be handy for you. Also you ask what 30-06 does better than 300 win mag. The 300 win mag might be better on paper, drop at range, energy ft. lbs., etc. That is correct but you're arguing the wrong point. Why is 30-06 not good for elk? Many hunters I've talked too who have used both have found the same level off success. The increased numbers are nice to have, like some 30% more energy at the muzzle, (2,900 vs 3,900 foot pounds). but its certainly isn't 30% better for elk based on anything I've seen or read. It may be better ballistically, but I don't think that elk will know the difference. There's no question it is more powerful, but that doesn't matter if the 30-06 does it just fine, a sort "its more, but does more really matter" situation. It is a perfectly sufficient cartridge that performs elk hunting admirably even though no one thinks its sexy anymore.

[@drewriggs812]

7mm-08 is my favorite round. If I felt I could make the shot I feel comfortable shooting an elk at 400 yards (140 Barnes) with it. That being said I would cut the entire marginal group. Marginal and championship don't tend to go together very well.

[@erikroach8235]

I know guys who've taken moose with that exact bullet

[@fireboyandy]

Of the marginal I would only consider keeping 7mm-08

[@ChristopherKnN]

Marginal - 7mm08, and 6.5 Creedmoor. I know there are several critics on the Creedmoor, but it is the American version of the 6.5 Sweed and everyone knows that has been effective for a long time. The best all around is the 7mm RemMag and 30-06. Both are commonly available with a wide range of loadings and have plenty of horsepower. I personally run a 28 Nosler. I opted for that because I am a reloader. I love the ballistics of the 7mm bullets.

[@lancewalker6067]

Can’t argue with that. Excellent.

[@frosty.dvyton]

280 AI would be my choice for one caliber for everything. Great bullet selection to be able to load it up or down.

[@drunknnirish]

That is one hell of a good choice!

[@scottym.9077]

I really like the 280AI, but I think it's tough to ignore the conspicuous lack of available factory ammo. Sometimes being able to find some ammo (any ammo) on a store shelf can save your hunt.

[@chrisenloe3972]

Got an elk 3 years ago with my .444 lever gun

[@justinschmidt4692]

Before I watch this (and I will) I have one rifle I have hunted all over the world. In fact I only have one rifle to hunt with. It is the 7mm rem. mag. I write this only in support of your opinion that one cartage can do 90% of the hunters work. I shot pronghorn to elk with it and everything in between. Only thing that I not hunt is the dangerous game. That said, I have a sneaking feeling that this round could do that as well, but I do follow game laws. Just my 2 cents. Keep up the good work.

[@lancevaughn5337]

What bullet do you hunt with? I would like a bullet/weight recommendation for my 7mm rem mag. Antelope to elk. Thanks

[@justinschmidt4692]

I have not put much thought with what round I buy. I pick up a box of hunting loads and they all worked for me. I do reload Swift A Frame in 160g which works great for elk, but I have not found any size bullet to be too weak when it comes to hunting. Just my experience.

[@justinschmidt4692]

My guess is 140g to 170g will just do the job. That said, the round just goes threw an antelope. I joke that it does not even slow down going threw such a small animal.

[@TOMASH0925]

IDE have to go with 300 win mag just cause it’s very capable, popular, and the variety of ammo available. But the 28 and 30 nosler are pretty sweet.

[@russellkeeling9712]

The big problem with all the magnum calibers is the cost of everything for them. I can load a 225 grain bullet in my .35 Whelen that matches the power of a .338 mag./ 225 grain bullet with 10 grains less powder. All the magnums are capable but not necessary.

[@TOMASH0925]

@@russellkeeling9712 ya but I never see whelen ammo or brass anywhere

[@sergeantdwz5783]

My votes for the 30.06. Just the best all around in tests

[@zippy45acp53]

All things considered I don't see how you can go wrong with the 30.06

[@samrogers2356]

Right there with you. Used it all my life

[@ewetho]

Think the 280 AI makes one hell of an argument as it reaches 7mm Mag ballistics with less recoil….. not that a 30-06 is necessarily wrong in anyway… just another very VERY excellent answer is the 280 AI

[@TheDruxlol]

if you also have an interest in long range shooting it drops to the bottom of the barrel though.

[@gsh341]

@@TheDruxlol Proper handloads can make the 30-06 very accurate. My old 30-06 shot sub MOA groups with my handloads.

[@tomholt1308]

.280 Remington is a keeper as is the .280 AI It’ll be in the top five is my prediction. Thanks for doing this analysis with so many metrics.

[@peterweikel7123]

Best or worse I think it really depends on the individual and how they hunt. My 1 gun choice is definitely not something most people would choose. I shoot a Ruger No1 in 45-70 on most of my rifle hunts. I have taken caribou, elk, bear, deer, and hogs with my 45-70. I do have some +p cartridges and some cowboy action cartridges, some that fall in the middle but most of what I shoot are 405g blackpowder cartridges I load myself. According to the numbers this is a substandard round even at the muzzle (about 1250fps at the muzzle). I choose to hunt 200yds and in and I just love this round. I do hunt with flintlocks and traditional archery gear also because for me getting close is half the fun.

[@Matt-lx4zn]

Get rid of everything except the .308 and 6.5 prc, it'll come down to those 2 cartridges

[@austinlincoln9452]

Keep 7mm-08 since the criteria includes long range target and low recoil along with elk size game. If you are going to lump these 3 categories together the 7mm/280 caliber cartridges are going to be the sweet spot with 7 rem mag having the recoil of a 30-06 but much higher bc bullets in the same weight. Personally the 280 AI is my favorite with good velocity for long range target, good bullet weights with well constructed bullets for bigger game, and great manageable recoil for most shooters. Plus it is growing in popularity with several factory rifle and ammunition options, and can match 7 rem mag ballistic when reloaded (at least 7 rem mag factory offerings) while using less powder to do so.

[@nathanielromero9823]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💪🏽💯💯💯💯🔥🔥💥💥💥 that’s what I shoot and il never shoot anything else

[@jaredmaki892]

Agree- cut all marginal. I have custom built .340WBY. With muzzle break. 6.5lbs without scope, ~8lbs with optic n bases. felt recoil same as .308. Absolutely love that rifle.

[@tc8359]

270 Winchester gets my vote as the best all around. If I could only have one it would do

[@ramonburgos6351]

Agree. Perhaps not for moose or large bull elk, but for anything else in North America, the .270 does the job. The question remains: If you could only have one hunting rifle? .308 and .270 are tied. IMO, due to ammunition availability.

[@north005]

@@ramonburgos6351 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpyxlYl7r7Opfqc&ab_channel=KeithWarrenHunting

[@franciscohernanhernandez1320]

Completly agree.

[@montaego]

First bull elk was with a 1965 Husqvarna 270win out 275 yards.. It'll handle anything in NA in the right hands. Pretty confident my Tikka 270win with 140grain Barnes handloads would do the job easily.

[@franciscohernanhernandez1320]

@@montaego i am from Spain, and here You can hunt all game With it, great cartridge.

[@Irishiwasdrinking]

I think there should be a second category that splits the long action with the short action. Keep the 7mm-08 for short action, and 7Rem Mag for long action

[@78markwin]

30-06 for variety of bullet size and power

[@dustinblaz1961]

1 - 300 win mag, Ammo and reloading material has been there for years. Most all gun manufacturer brands makes and ammo u can go from 110g to 220g bullet depending on what you are hunting 2 - 7mm rem mag, flat shooting That’s my picks thank you I’m trying to get the Sako s20 in 300 wm I’m shooting the tikka in 300wm now

[@fpoutdoors450]

Interesting about the Hornady HITS Formula. Just for fun and for references: The laws in Norway use Impact energy in Joules at 100 meters. And the minimum legal impact energy is 2200 Joule at 100 meters for Red Deer and Moose. Also smallest legal caliber is 6,5 (.264″/6,71 mm) and lightest legal leaded or jacketed bullet is 9 gram (138,9 grain) or 7,8 gram (120 grain) for Lead-Free bullets. What do you think about this standard?

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

If you keep your shots at 300 meters or less, you'll be fine. It looks, however, like he's looking to stretch the range to 500 yards (approximately 450 meters.)

[@buckaroobonsi555]

Yes I do. Bullet construction and actual real life performance matter's. Numbers on paper seldom tell the entire story they are a great place to start but actual field results on live animals is just as important. You see this in aviation and in racing as well. Aircraft and race cars with fantastic numbers on paper do not always prove out to be winners in real life!

[@Jfranke1111]

Awesome vid. Bullet weight, construction and distance is a huge factor. Look how many bison were taken with 45-70-500 traveling under 1200 FPS and the distance they were taken at. Or Bella Twin the ole First Nations lady that took a world record Grizzly with a .22 long. Or W.D.M Bell, shooting over 1000 elephants with 7x57 and 6.5x55. Bullet placement is key. When it comes to hunting I’ve seen most people lose their shit with buck fever making it that much harder for them to place a bullet accurately.

[@adamjackson8994]

7mm-08 and 6.5 Creedmoor deserve another look. Each have a massive variety of premium projectiles, and plenty of custom loadings that milk more power for your "once-in-a-lifetime" scenarios. More importantly; many of the cartridges getting a pass in this round are going to struggle through comparisons for recoil, trajectory/BC, and raise eyebrows for hunting

[@lancewalker6067]

The Swedes have done just fine with 6mm calibers.👍

[@mdd1963]

"one gun for hunting" - .30-06 "one gun for everything" - AR10 or FN/FAL in 7.62x51

[@mentorofarisia371]

I would pull out all of the Marginals except for the .375 H&H. I would keep that because I think it only failed the expansion/1900 fps criteria, and I think .37 cal is likely enough even if it does not expand.

[@tylerbrown4483]

Yeah hindsight the 7mm rem mag won this competition. The 375 if it doesn’t expand at all is equal to 1.3x expansion in the 7mm. Which most people agree is suffice. You’re looking for 1.5x expansion at peak performing velocities but many bullets are closer to 1.25x as they cross the 1900 fps threshold.

[@thegreatpumpkinsloftiestcr315]

Bullet diameter and bullet expansion are a critical factor for taking big game…take muzzle loading for example, a large .50 caliber soft lead bullet propelled by 150 grains of 777 black powder substitute has a devastating effect on big game…it’s not traveling fast, but WHAP they go down.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Definitely keep the 7mm-08. It should stay in the running. The 35 Whelen is a keeper also the rest of the marginal list needs to go.

[@John-100]

Ecconomics is the key factor in caliber selection. 308 is cheap, it's not the best cartridge, but under 300 yards it's as efficient as a 300 winmag. Cost is the major factor in selection process. But you use the rifle you got to put food on the table.

[@latorgator23]

Did I miss .308? Edit: Nevermind, I saw it at the end, but not in the spreadsheets. Was curious as it’s my only cartridge for big game and I intend it for elk. Shooting factory165 accubonds, but will reload them down the line.

[@michaellane4003]

Good round and you can easily find ammo for whitetails and elk.

[@RevHiker]

I hunt elk with 308, so does Randy Newberg, and a ton of other guys. Easily kills elk. I use 168gn barnes.

[@n8o8n]

Was just about to make a similar comment. 👍

[@latorgator23]

@@RevHiker I watch Newberg all the time. I have box or more of ttsx 168’s. I haven’t used them in game, but I wouldn’t hesitate. I bought them for my old Savage 99 and when I bought my T3x I tried AB’s and they shot well so I stuck with them. Only one antelope so far, but I was able to see the animal drop in the scope. Very quick kill.

[@jackbuendgen389]

I thought I missed it to! But it looks like it's good for elk out to 400. Which is perfect for me

[@wayneaswansonii4040]

Of the calibers that are mentioned in the Marginal calibers.... the 6.5 is the really the only one I'm familiar with, and would definitely cut it out. Since everyone else has posted their "go-to".... mine, depending on where I'm hunting, is my 308 or my 30-06 for Elk and larger, and my 270 for deer, antelope, and similar sized animals.

[@johncoombs6319]

I would say 30-06. It has the biggest range of grains of bullets to choose from.

[@dakotadickens3747]

300 win mag can shoot down to 110 and up to like 250. While 150-230 is common. You don’t normally see that range in a 30-06. Yet I would say a 30-06 is still a solid choice. Honestly I’m my opinion 300 win mag, 30-06, 308 are probably the 3 best calibers to take. Enough energy, accurate, ammo availablity, and the .30 cal bullets don’t deflect off brush as bad. Those are my 3 go to rounds. Although I like the 6 and 6.5 creeds. The 260 rem, 280 AI are also nice. My goal is to buy every caliber I can. So far I have about 30-40 in rifles alone.

[@PopRivest]

Reading the comments, I am not sure the question is understood. My choice would be to eliminate all the marginals. To choose only one to eliminate it would be the 45-70. On the other hand, the best all around is the 300wsm. My second best 308.

[@tonym3157]

Going on personal experience here. My son has killed four elk with his 7mm-08 including a 350 gross score Bull. No way should the 7mm-08 be dropped from elk killing cartridges. Excellent round!

[@robertofunk673]

Your son probably a deadly shot.It penetrates well/very accurate.But a poor shooter is 60% chance in losing an elk over 250 yds.Generally the 7 mm/08 leaves a poor blood trail. Was a great killer on my small black bear once,but it was only 75 yds.,AND STILL RAN 65 yds.??

[@robertofunk673]

My bear with 7 mm08 was shot through the heart with hand load and still ran 65 yds and no drop of blood between. I owned that gun briefly and was sold to me as a precision competition Rem700. In that,and for small game to deer was superb!

[@ReversePeople]

All hail (well, most - OK, some - myself included) the .30-06!!

[@timothymartel1869]

Ditch the whole marginal category. They all have their place in the ELK WOODS, not in traditional open-country elk habitat. 6.5CM being the first to go.

[@ryanjackman3001]

Sweet Christus! So glad I found this channel!

[@JuJu-ee6xx]

Kick: .35 Whelen .338 Federal .375 H&H .45-70 Govt .26 Nosler .260 Rem 6.5 Creedmoor Keep: 7mm-08 - Handloaders Delight and more capable than the "Factory Load Numbers" suggest. The other cartridges, while yes they can be hand loaded, they either have too much recoil, cost too darn much, or just simply align with 7mm-08 capability or fall short of it.

[@shandonoates9614]

I vote only kick the 7mm-08 just for this dude

[@TsiRoadkill]

@@shandonoates9614 I concur.

[@JuJu-ee6xx]

@@shandonoates9614 Thanks for your helpful, well thought out, informative, reply....

[@shandonoates9614]

@@JuJu-ee6xx my only goal is to cause chaos

[@Dr.Chibbins]

At 400 yards with the 7mm-08, the Elk isn’t going to come up to and say “Sir, this round is simply too weak. I cannot allow myself to die from such a low powered round. Good day, sir!”

[@funka5998]

Imo 270 win is the “lightest” I would recommend

[@1RobHunter1]

Carlos Hathcock was winning 1000 yard rifle competitions with the 30-06 before most people posting were born! Fun Fact on the 7mm Win Mag, it was made and designed in Wyoming - engineered for Elk Hunting in design. A 270 Win can shoot a 150gr bullet @ 2950fps; a 7mm Win Mag can do it at 3050fps. Elk won't know the difference.

[@hellfire0352]

I am really wishing the 338 RUM was on this list, it’s my favorite round by far and I built this Remington 700 custom rifle for my upcoming hunt. Added note, I did have a 300 RUM too, but I prefer the 338 Rum

[@jondarty4719]

The 338 RUM is my personal favorite as well. And with a brake attached, range time is quite enjoyable. At least we do see the 340 Weatherby listed since it is essentially the ballistic twin to the 338 RUM.

[@hellfire0352]

@@jondarty4719 I have a Precision Armaments muzzle brake on it and truth be told, it kicks less than my 308. It’s a wonderful rifle cartridge.

[@bearmeat898]

I keep watching this series. So cool.

[@kevink552]

Nix all of them except the 7-08, add it to the column on the left. With the right bullet it's as good as many in the preferred column. BTW I'd vote for the 6.5 prc second choice and 270wsm first, I have a 6.5 prc and my hunting partner shoots the 270wsm, either one with eld-x bullets can probably kill anything that walks out to 450yds.

[@simplemindedfella]

Know your cartridge and its limitations, only operate it within its limitations. Knowing the bullet you are using and its limitations is just as critical as the case driving it. Everything listed in the marginal and eliminated categories will still take an elk better than a bow and I feel as though archery hunting is perfectly ethical. A FMJ, solid, or cast bullet shot out of a 33 Nosler may make the cut based off these calculations using this formula but I would still take a 243 with cheap Federal Power Shock ammo for elk over the completely wrong bullet out of a 33 Nosler. Although I do own mutable magnums I still go to my short action non magnum rifles even for elk. 6.5 Creedmoor being one of my all time favorites because of my field experience harvesting elk. (I have had some not so great experiences because of using the wrong bullets) I have started using partitioned, bonded, or monolithic for all my elk hunting. The only issue I have ever had with the 6.5 Creedmoor was over fragmentation and under penetration on close high velocity shots. The eld-x being one of the worst bullets I have used in those regards. Drive the same bullet out of a 6.5 PRC or 264 Winchester Magnum and it only makes the problem worse even though the PRC and Win Mag make the cut based off this formula. The 30-06 was the magnum of my grandfather's day being one of the first to harvest all huntable big game in North America and I believe it was the first to complete the North American grand slam. Also the 6.5x55 has nearly a 130 year secsefull track record for big game and still falls a tad short of the 6.5 Creedmoor in most cases. Going big dose not make up for bad shots or poorly designed bullets. All things that should be taken into consideration when picking one rifle for all hunting in the lower 48. New bullet designs have made for much better stopping power without having to use large cartridges. We all have the cartridges that we like for whatever the reason we do. It is wise to stick with 30 caliber or larger when elk hunting regardless of the case driving them, but it isn't necessary. If I could only have one gun then the good old tried and true 30-06 would be that gun. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@truthhurts467]

300 Winchester Magnum!! U can go with a "Specialty Cartridge" good luck on finding any ammunition in today's market doesn't look any better for the next few years! That's a lot of dust to be collected for less than a 100 at the very tip top Velocity or power out at yardage. And a VERY Expensive paper wait Lol

[@samuelberryhill6956]

300 wsm is what I pick out of your list for a one rifle hunt elk and deer size game and can be shot in competition if you want.my top choice would be 308 from 500 yards and in with a good bullet and my hand loads.and the 308 would be less recoil and can be shot all day with a good fitting rifle

[@agentstevehaines9164]

.270 Win FTW! Probably the best overall hunting round for everything from Pronghorn to Moose. Also light on the shoulder for accurate and repeated fire at targets or game. I believe in multiple rifles so i hunt pronghorn with .243 and elk with a .300. But if forced into just one gun its a 270 Win no question

[@dillonmclaughlin402]

I do the exact same thing to the letter. But the .300 has the range of 110 grains all the way up to 220.

[@DuckersAI]

270 win, not for the win, 280 AI would be a better option even

[@agentstevehaines9164]

@@DuckersAI sure the 280 AI is fantastic. I would add the 7 mag is also an improvement over the 270 win on paper. But both are marginal improvements on a 100 year old design that was and is perfection for 99% of hunting scenarios. All are more than capable for elk and anything else we hunt besides big bears

[@agentstevehaines9164]

@@dillonmclaughlin402 agree its hard to argue against the bullet weight versatility of the 30s. I absolutely love the 30s. Have .308, 06 and .300. Just love the 243 and 270 for extended range on the prairie where the 300 is just overkill unless its elk.

[@falba1492]

@@agentstevehaines9164 - Yeah, but finding ammo if your reloads don’t make it to the hunt is unubtanium. Not a lot choice of factory rifles. So the advantage over the 270 is negligible.

[@brentwinkelman1990]

Pick something 30 cal and hunt anything on pretty much any continent...I prefer 300wm but good old 30/06 or 308 won't let you down

[@holdenandlaurensmith4148]

Boot the entire marginal category, EXCEPT the 7mm-08…it deserves to be in the running

[@cacinaz8802]

Agree. Keep the 7mm-08 and toss the rest. 7mm Rem Mag will end up the winner anyway IMHO.

[@bradenanderson9849]

7mm Rem Mag - the best "do it all" cartridge for hunting all game in North America, long range shooting, mild(ish) recoil, available ammo, flat shooting, etc.

[@lancewalker6067]

Of the most popular mainstream calibers I would have to agree. However, the 28 Nosler is fantastic. Wish we had it 30 years ago.

[@clinkerclint]

Cut the 6.5 creed and the 260.

[@bobmar2540]

My dad and grandpa killed a ton of game many years ago before all of fancy bullets using 300 savage, 300 wsm and 308 at long range.

[@Xander-dx6mw]

In 2006 I shot on a deer at 410 yards with a 26" 7-08 (154 gr SST @ 2820), and don't consider it mildly marginal - it broke the front right shoulder, went through the lung, and out the other side. Also I don't know where you are getting your velocity readings from, which will have a significant effect on the HITS calculation. That bullet is still cruising at 2000 fps at 500 yards and carrying 1380 ft lbs of energy. I have hunted Elk (never gotten one) but took a 280 Rem, and that cartridge it will keep a 165 grain GameKing bullet over 1800 FPS to 700 yards with 1400 ft lbs of energy. Several States used to (and may still) have minimum power requirements for rifle hunting. IIRC, around 1998, both NY and PA had minimums - I think it was 243 WIN in NY and at least a 25 caliber in PA. I prefer hunting thin skinned game with the 28's, and thick skinned North American game with 30's. Lastly, Hornady has removed all reference to the HITS methodology from their website. I think people are largely back to looking at speed for proper bullet expansion and energy dump on target.

[@45-308]

What game animals do you consider thick skinned in North America?

[@BananaMagsinPyjamas]

This chart is great. We have Samba here in Australia and they are seriously massive and tuff so this is a great medium

[@rapidrrobert4333]

I would go with .300 Win Mag (my choice for overall best)

[@charlesdixon4930]

Great information. This is exactly the information that I need now given the current gun and ammo conditions, (shortages, prices, etc.) Your channel is now a go to for me especially as a numbers guy.