Best Elk Cartridges! Really?

[@matthewgrice6902]

Grew up using my fathers 2 guns. A 30-30 model 94 and 16 ga wingmaster. When I purchased my first gun I went with the .300 win mag. My father always talked of going to Wyoming and hunting elk with an old friend of his. So I picked something he could use in Wyoming. Unfortunately his friend died of a heart attack (while elk hunting, high elevation), and he gave up on the idea. We live in Michigan and there is a very limited elk hunt here. Lottery only. After my father retired he luckily drew a tag and had his chance to hunt elk. He used my .300 win mag and dropped a 6x6 with one shot. It didn't even take one step from where it stood when he shot. He no longer hunts because of his health, but he did get to realize his dream of hunting elk (albeit not in Wyoming. Thanks for your videos. Very informative.

[@Joshua-fc7ri]

My friends parents had a place in Atlanta MI and we'd see the elk up there often just standing next to the road. Would be a good hunt, glad your dad got one for himself.

[@jamesblount4916]

Ron. I grew up poor and I still am. All I ever wanted to do was travel the world and hunt. I never knew I had to focus on writing to make that dream come true. I always struggle with journalism in highschool. I have never had the opportunity to harvest an animal at much more than 200 yards. I spent my life savings for my one and only elk hunt in Wyoming. My grandpa's old 30-06 didn't have any problem putting down an elk. The 180 bullets passed completely through the elk at 225 yards. I am sure there are better options for elk but it's all I had.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Sounds like you have been rich in experiences, James. Using your grandpa's 30-06? Priceless. Rock on!

[@PBRstreetgang88]

Your defeatist attitude does you no favors.

[@joztunes69]

30-06 is all you need

[@davidrudd9846]

No shame in the 30-06 none at all

[@MrJtin69]

@@joztunes69i love the 300 wsm and 300 weatherby but all firing that .308 caliber is amazing

[@angus9941]

65 years old. Hunted elk on our ranch for 50 years. First rifle was a .303 lee enfield, paid $30 for it, killed elk. Bought a .270 Remington 7600 that killed a lot of big bulls with nosler partitions. Last bull killed was a .243 heart shot with my coyote sniper rifle while predator hunting during elk season. It’s not what you shoot, it’s how you shoot it.

[@33736]

100%

[@Vikingocazar]

I elk hunt in grizz country. There’s no way I’m taking a .243. It’s not just the prey we need to be concerned with, it’s also the predators.

[@MrCobb-rq8iv]

@@Vikingocazar Get a handgun

[@ratrodrigs9583]

​@@Vikingocazar I go hunting with my buddy, he carries the rifle, I carry an ithaca mag 10, 10 gauge semi auto, first shell is a slug the rest is buckshot 16 pellets of 00 buck

[@slaphands7703]

@@Vikingocazara 243 will put a hole in a grizzly just like anything else. If a bow works so will a 243 with a solid copper bullet.

[@DaveL9170]

.30/06 for 99.9999999999% of situations a hunter is going to encounter in the woods in US and Canada. The .30/06 with 180 grain Accubond will drop just about any size elk there is at less than 500 yards. Extremely good round.

[@johanbdal]

Everyone can shoot it, available from Europe to Africa, I would agree, 30-06 is the “best” caliber for hunting.

[@jamiehurtt3530]

Actually I prefer the 190 grain accubond LR in the 30-06 for even longer shots ..it has a higher bc than the 180 and us will overtake the 180 grain past 400yds even though the 180 is faster . Will stretch the kill range out to 600 yds with the 06 ..and expands down to 1300 fps . Both are good though

[@Idahoguy10157]

It’s Ideal versus “the best” in Elk cartridges. Frankly I don’t think a Bull Elk cares what cartridge you use

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@@Idahoguy10157 Lol Right

[@justinriley8651]

agreed, its tough to beat.

[@anthonygraeber2338]

My 7mm Rem Mags have never failed me since 1978. From my first elk hunt till now, I've loved 7 Mag. One shot- one elk.

[@saifkhoso3285]

I also have 7mm REM mag and I want to know can 7mm 180 grains kill Cape Kudu easily?

[@rickyflinchum2909]

That's because 7mm rem mag is an awesome choice. Love my 7 mag.

[@russellkeeling4387]

This is the one caliber I have seen more elk walk away after being shot. I have also seen a nice bull shot with a .300 mag. at about 50 yards. The elk dropped like a rock and then got back up a buggled again. I got rid of my 7mm mag. because of its failure to be dependable at putting that elk down. Just my experience.

[@Roninforged]

@@russellkeeling4387 That’s kinda surprising…..This year I dropped a Yukon moose from 263 meters with a 7mm rem mag, dropped him where he stood. I have dropped two caribou with one shot each as well….I guess our experiences are different, but it’s always about shot placement and the right bullet/weight. Be well, happy hunting😎👍

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@Roninforged Everyone I know that owns a 7mm mag. really likes them but my experience has all been negative.

[@MathiasNygrd]

I think the .308 Win is the most common moose-cartridge up here in Finland. Close second is the 30-06 and they will both put down a moose within the normal range of 100m.

[@rslover65]

Hunting in the North American west usually calls for shooting at much longer ranges. 300-500m, that being said those cartridges will do.

[@janelleshortreed2030]

@@rslover65 I shoot elk out to 500m with a .308 using full copper bullets in handloads. Never had one go more then 20m. Imo 500m should be the absolute limit for ethical shooting anyway. Anything beyond that is risky no matter how good a shot you are.

[@MauserM18]

@FinTrapper is 6.5 Swede not as popular as it used to be?

[@MathiasNygrd]

@@MauserM18 6.5 is still common in Sweden, but not here in Finland to my knowledge.

[@smallfringeminority6499]

30-06 is most popular cartridge for moose and deer here in Canada. The ontario canada record moose was killed with a 30-06 at over 300 yards. Gun was a remington pump with core lokt 180 grain bullet. That was in 2010 I believe.

[@TheRedRocket]

I bagged my first elk 42 years ago using a Remington model 700 ADL in .30-06 (with the 180 grain bullet). A few years later, I took one with my old Winchester model 71 in .348 Winchester. My current favorite is the Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in .450 Marlin. As my eyes grow older, those longer shots are no longer in the cards. I have found that good bullet placement and good bullet construction are key. The best rifle and cartridge is whatever works best for you. Just don't go "under gunned", as my Dad used to say.

[@johnnorman7708]

Did you ever notice how the 348 somewhat mimics .30-06 with 200 grain bullets and the old traditional powders? Surprisingly close despite being very different cartridges. Makes me wonder if Winchester was trying for that set of numbers and bigger bore .30-06 like comparison.

[@josh817]

What's amazing to me is the sheer number of videos and articles that host these arguments over and over again. Even more amazing is the fanfare they bring in as people argue and contest which is actually the best, as if there is the one and only. Truly, I am amazed. It's like dogs fence fighting while the gate is wide open.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I'll bet even state wildlife departments grapple with this argument. I imagine it's why like my state they come up with minimum energy level and minimum caliber leaving ethics to the hunter.

[@januszkumala]

I am from Poland. Our red deer are similar to your wapiti. The characteristics of hunting in Europe are different to those in North America. Me and my father use 30-06 for red deer. 30-06 is very versatile. The 9.3x62 is a great caliber and it's fun to shoot.

[@joeturcotte2810]

I have a 9.3 X62 here in Canada! It is almost unknown here in Canada. I just shot a moose 2 days ago. He dropped in his tracks! I love this calibre. It carries quite a punch!

[@gradyhernandez4699]

300 Holland and Holland

[@gradyhernandez4699]

I heard some use the swedish mauser in 6 5 x 55 mm in hunting moose in Europe?

[@Washyourbellybutton]

Lil Yachty saved yall

[@dundonrl]

About 1/3rd the weight though!

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 You know Ron, I spent the first half of my hunting career trying to prove my Grandfather's wrong about their 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield with my Big Magnums - and the second half proving them right, by finally taking their advice! 😉 P.S.They Were Right and I Was Wrong! 🤑 Here's to you Gramps! 🍻

[@chrisaerts6489]

Glad to see Im not the only one that believes this.

[@ronlowney4700]

😏 The proof is in my freezer and in my trophy room! 😁

[@Mark-uq9km]

I hope at some point you will have grandkids who say 'Here's to you , Gramps', too. As I like to say with wisdom comes age. :-)

[@ronlowney4700]

🤔 At least we hope so! 😉 Otherwise, senility is the only other option! 🤪

[@mikebeddingfield2144]

Can't beat the 270 or the aut6 but it's fun to try out all the runner up's just to see lol

[@ralphlivingston762]

Ron! such a dizzying array of cartridges! I'm reminded of the fact that in the seventeen hundreds, When Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton went over the mountain into Kentucky, the land was bountiful with game, including Elk and Bison. It didn't take long for the settlers to eradicate the Elk and bison using their Pennsylvania longrifles. Later, as the settlements moved across the Mississippi River black powder cartridges almost completed the extinction. Yes, hunting conditions have changed, but the animals are the same. The fact remains that even a fifty caliber roundball with a .068 BC will take big game. I've done it. I've also taken game with a Sharps rifle with a black powder 40-70 cartridge. That said, your comment on bullet placement is the deciding factor of success.

[@stevewaterhouse3025]

Lots of respect For Jim Zumbo he wrote for years with outdoor life, loved his writing style !

[@EdAb]

Elk hunting legend Randy Newberg is often asked, 'what caliber do I need to kill an elk.' To which he responds, 'Probably the caliber you already have.' This from an elk hunting master, who primarily uses the 308 Winchester and 7mm-08.

[@rkba4923]

As a teenager, I killed a couple of deer laying in Palmetto Bushes by shooting them in the back of the head with a .22LR. One with a Ruger Bearcat Revolver from about 25 yards.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Took my 1400+ lb. Buffalo with a Hornady bonded 308 150gr load. Top of the heart and both lungs pass through. And a follow up shot at 15-20 yards, that again passed completely through. So with that knowledge. 308 or 7mm08 would work well enough inside their effective range. And I would feel comfortable carrying either.

[@rudrashakti108]

@@mot0rhe4d40 nice. How far was that first shot? (Trying to figure out what the 308 is capable of).

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@rudrashakti108 First shot was under 100 yards. Was pretty excited and didn't think to pace off the distance lol

[@rudrashakti108]

@@mot0rhe4d40 thanks no problem!

[@vinceevans4228]

I started elk hunting with a used JC Higgins - Swedish Mauser action - 30/06. Purchased it in 1967 for $125.00 and they threw in a box of ammo. Used it for years until I replaced it with a 300 win mag. That win mag started to get heavier each year. I searched the back of my gun cabinet and found the old JC Higgins 30/06. I had a .338 Douglas barrel installed and after some trigger and stock work, I have a super accurate 338/06 elk rifle. A 210gr Barnes bullet takes them down every time.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

338-06 is a great cartridge. I wish someone made factory ammo for it. You can buy 338 Federal and 35 Whelan...why not 338-06?

[@Clubrat]

I mostly use .300 win mag but the 270 is just so smooth and probably my favourite caliber overall.

[@ericneville8043]

I picked up a model 54 in 270 this is my first hunting rifle

[@ElkStirrinTheHoney]

Can't go wrong with a .270 Win.. unless you're trying to buy bullets for it. Because everyone has one, and everyone is buying bullets for them.

[@randy7003]

Long live the 270 ! Jack O'CONNOR fan !

[@FredHenry1850]

I love General Chuck Yeager! I read his autobiography twice in high school. He lived an extraordinary life. He is known for his breaking the sound barrier in the X-1, but he flew from WW2 all the way past Vietnam. I met him at an air show along with Bud Anderson. It was one of the highlights of my youth.

[@jeffreybean5363]

Never gone Elk hunting but if I get to go I'll use my 30-06... Good video Ron 👍

[@russellkeeling4387]

Good choice. I've owned several different magnum rifles and I no longer have any. The closest to a magnum I now own is a .35 Whelen. My 30-06 has never failed and I have never recovered a bullet from an elk because they all passed through.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Any accurate shot to the heart seals the deal for the antelope, deer, elk, moose, caribou, and various rams. The hemorrhaging is what drops the animal, not necessarily the ammo caliber. For practical purposes, pick an easy to find caliber like a 270Win, a 7mm, or a popular 30 and you can’t go wrong at ethical distances! Shot placement over caliber!

[@mcmuskie2563]

Agree

[@jamiehurtt3530]

Right but gor goats and moose yuu wanna shoot the shoulder to stop them quick from jumping off cliffs or s a imming out in water where you can't get ti them those species I ain fir shoulder if they're in a precarious location

[@ronlowney4700]

🙋‍♂️ Now this ought to be good! 😁 It is to bad that you couldn't poll all the trophy bull elk on my wall as to what they thought of my 270 Winchester! 😂😂😂

[@russellkeeling4387]

When growing up and hunting mule deer and elk there weren't many magnum caliber rifles around. One of the most popular and successful rifles were 270's. My first elk rifle was a 6mm Remington and it never failed. As a matter of fact it was the worst rifle I ever harvested an elk with as far as meat damage. I bought and used about all the magnum rifles and am back to my three elk rifles I use depending on where I intend to hunt and they are 35 Whelen, 30-06, and 7mm Mauser. The three largest elk I ever got were with the 7mm.

[@bubbacole1657]

The best Cartridge is the gun you have confidence in, that you hunt with. For me, its my Winchester Model 70 in 7MM Rem Mag. I purchased it in 1979, I've hunted all over the U.S., Canada and Alaska. I won't hunt with any other gun. It's my confidence gun. It's topped with a Leupold VX-1 in 3 X 9. Another Great Video Ron! Keep them coming!!

[@shaunjudy5284]

30-06 with 180 grain partition or 300 win. mag with 200 grain partition. In my humble opinion the right bullet is more important than the caliber of rifle.

[@gregsmith7828]

30-06 with a 165 ballistic silvertip is wicked

[@charlesperry1051]

Of the rifles I own, I would choose 30-06, 300 Win Mag, and 375 H&H Mag. I would probably choose 30-06 first just because I have hunted with that rifle for 25 years. I know that rifle. I know where it will hit. It is my go to rifle.

[@warnoskeboiz147]

375 H&H pretty black for the Sambar deer and they are around the size of an elk not the most popular cartridge but a great choice if there is that massive bull in thick brush quartering away and you really want to take that animal in not ideal conditions

[@gl6481]

Ron, I thought this was one of your best posts ever. Your discussions included lots of factors like recoil, importance of bullet choice and accuracy. Enjoyed this one immensely. Also the fact that though there are lots of new cartridges out there, your best are all tried, true, and classics.

[@jakepiemme9600]

280 ackley improved is the sweet spot! 7mm mag performance, almost with recoil like the 270, 30 06 range. Fast approaching 50 with lymes disease so my joint don't like the magnum experience anymore. That 280 fills the spot perfectly

[@hotramen5952]

i feel like the .280 AI and the 6.8 western are basically ballistic perfection as far as this topic is concerned.

[@mr.mr.3301]

I agree. Rumor is that Hornady is sitting in a 7mm prc That may be the ticket

[@johnathanreckrodt2937]

@@mr.mr.3301 the 7PRC is just gonna be a 300PRC necked down. So basically a 28 Nosler which is already made.

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@johnathanreckrodt2937 yeah but that nosler is hot. I’m surprised how many like the western but I think Winchester has botched the roll out. Unlike Hornady who want to sell ammo and not guns.

[@johnathanreckrodt2937]

@@mr.mr.3301 the 7PRC would be hot also just like the 28 Nosler. They will be almost identical cases. The 6.8W is still a popular cartridge ammo is just hard to come by right now. But I’ll reload for it. My barrel is at the smith getting spun up right now.

[@shaneiveson517]

I was once told as a kid a 30.06 will handle all north American game and 35 years later that hasn't been proven wrong

[@randyhodder6015]

At the right range a 30 30 will do the trick.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

​@@randyhodder6015the trouble with the "dirty turty" is that if you get that close to an elk, it may well be quartering away, which is a penetration problem the 30-30 struggles to solve.

[@paulyoung2891]

30-06 with 180 gr Sirocco or Accubond. Will handle a moose no problem so will deal with an Elk. Easy enough to shoot and up here you can get ammo at Canadian Tire if needed! 🇨🇦

[@nmelkhunter1]

I think the 30-06 is a great choice. Unless Trudeau bans that too…About five years ago I met a guy who worked for Stampede Crane out of Alberta. The things he said about Trudeau aren’t fit to write since children might read this post. Good luck! EDIT: Who is your hockey team? I’m not from Canada, but like the Oilers because of Gretzky. I’m in deep mourning…

[@gordonloessl2822]

Trudeau is going to be voted out. And I would use my 8mm Mauser.

[@johac7637]

@@nmelkhunter1 the rifles will never go away, but if someone needs a semi auto with a box of ammo, why are you out hunting, is it to clear the brush around your target, wants are different than needs!!

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@johac7637 Ok…

[@SveninColorado]

35 Whelen. Long time friend, retired LEO, gunsmith and avid hunter built a 35 Whelen using a Mauser action. He has taken quite a few elk with it. He also took it to Africa, where he used it on wildebeest and larger antelope. 7 years ago he traded a Wyoming plains deer and pronghorn hunt for a Maine moose hunt. He used his Whelen to successfully harvest a big bull. He's not a fan of belted magnums, prefers the 30-06 platform and uses small ring Mauser actions in building custom hunting rifles. He built a .270 Win for me. I've taken beau coup deer, pronghorn and a couple of decent cow elk with it. He says that I'm the perfect example of the old saw: "Beware the man who owns only one rifle. He knows how to use it!"

[@john1172]

I hunt with a 35 whelen. I use federal fusion 180 grain and it does significant damage on whitetail. I've always wanted to go on a elk hunt but haven't got to, maybe one day

[@rogerf7265]

My dad was a big fan of magnums and had owned a .264 Win Mag a few .300 Win Mags and his Model 70 Alaskan .338 Win Mag named Bertha from the day that they came out. I hunted with him and used his only non magnum rifle which was a Sako .243. He always had handloads for everything using Nosler Partitions although he did experiment with Barnes for a time. He eventually settled on a 100 grain partition in the .243 and a 225 partition in the .338 and we never had any trouble putting elk down with either of them. He always stressed the importance of taking good shots. Fast forward a few years after I had just gotten out of the USAF and he wanted me to hunt with him so he bought me a gun that I could use for everything so he bought me a 7mm Remington Magnum.

[@tombeyer375]

Firstly, thank you for your service in the USAF! Neck and neck for first, God bless your dad, for pickin' you up something useful!! My son recently got out of the USAF himself as is a lefty. Soooo, while he was on his last tour in Afghanistan, ran across a lefty bolt .308, with a range finding sniper scope, ported custom barrel and Harris Ultralight bipod. He wanted a .308, so I pulled the trigger and he loves it!! Good luck in your adventures AND thank your dad for me too!!

[@bobmueller8192]

I’ve carried a .270 Win and a .338 Win mag when elk hunting. The .270 was hands down lighter than the .338 and surely became my favorite to carry around the elk woods (I didn’t shoot at any elk but scared quite a few!)

[@gotshpilkes]

Scaring game has been my lifelong passion.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I used to have a .338 win mag but once I got my .35 Whelen I got rid of the .338. My Whelen launches a 225 grain bullet at an average of 2816 fps with around 15 grains less powder than my .338 could. Now the poor mans mag. is the only mag. I own.

[@kristijanmedved6066]

Isnt 338 overkill?

[@justinwatrobka8365]

Dropped my first elk with my marlin 30/30 from about 125 yards out. Then found my ruger model 1 7mm. Heart shot with the 30/30. Still the best shot made on big game with my baby.

[@Ben-ry1py]

I saw a vid of a guy in Alaska taking a moose with his iron sighted lever action 30-30. He was putting meat on the table...not winning a pissing contest. Congrats on that elk shot.

[@poorfatman5317]

What's 7 mm there so many

[@PeteHemdem]

People underestimate the .30-30. It's not a toy, it's a killing machine.

[@royjohnson465]

Yes, a 30-30 in at least a 20" barrel or longer with Hornady LEVERevolution 140 or 160 grain cartridges you can kill an elk out to about 200 yards with that combination. I know people who hunt moose with a 30-30 and a retired policeman who shot many moose with his 303 British rifle.

[@leswhite3524]

335 Marlin! My first elk was only about 70 yards but uphill. In behind left shoulder, out her neck. Looked like a steam locomotive on that cold November morning.

[@srkwixdraw]

My favorite is the .338-‘06. Nosler 225 Partitions take them just fine. You only lose a minimal amount of velocity over the .338 magnums and the rifle can be a lot lighter and still not beat your brains out with recoil. Works great for Mule deer and doesn’t blow up a bunch of meat.

[@pigtailbbq1982]

I had one built several years ago it's a TC encore. I use 215 Sierra game kings.

[@johnbarrett7534]

My son has taken several elk with his 25-06 handloaded with Nosler Partitions. I have taken elk with .300 Savage also loaded with Nosler Partitions. Also taken them with cast bullets in .38-55 and .45-70 calibers. It is all about hitting the boiler room gentlemen.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

That's Gov. Definitely will get it done in closer ranges. Just hold high at longer!😎

[@kellywalker8407]

I have never had a Nosler Partition fail. They work every time.

[@firstjohn3123]

A friend (now gone) used his .270 Weatherby for everything. He perfected the neck/spine shot. Everything dropped like magic. But my dad did the same thing - with a .303 British! So, yeh, putting that bullet in the right place is the secret, not the cartridge. Both claimed those calibers were the best...😂 But the results say they were. As for the .300 Savage, 👍👍

[@skeeterchristiansen5263]

Sooooooooo true. If you want instant results put that bullet in the pump house and watch em fold.

[@davidtennyson4908]

I've harvested elk with 30-06 and 300 win mag. Both kill well. But, this year I've put in for tags 10 miles from Yellowstone. Elk aren't any tougher, but the Grizzlies are. Will have my 338 RUM in my hands if this tag comes through. Loved the conversation Ron. Moved to Wyoming last year from Tennessee last. First season with a resident tag in my pocket.

[@timg7627]

Sounds like a hell of a journey for you. Good luck out there and be safe 🙌

[@Longtrailside]

To be a fly on your shoulder for that hunt would be awsome! Good luck to you!

[@jk-kr8jt]

Good luck in the draw and on the hunt. You've got a fine caliber in that RUM. Enjoy the Cowboy State. Cheers, Jeff

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Ronbo (Montana Mountain Man) - I live in Montana, down near Yellowstone Park, where I also hunt! Now let me tell you why you are wrong and need to understand why I am saying that! 🙄 Not only did my Grandfather kill Grizzlies, he put 3 moose in the Record Book (on scored #3), a Top 5 Bison, two Mountain Goats, one Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, etc...and over 500 (yes, I said 500) elk with his 270 Winchester (while working on the firing lines near the park, culling the elk herds)! It is all about SHOT PLACEMENT and good bullet selection! His favorite load was a 150 grain Nosler Partition, once it came out in the early 1950's! You had better pack bear spray and practice using it before you go into "Those Mountains"! Every year, their are people mauled in that area! So, you better be prepared, and also study their anatomy of where to shoot them and do a little homework before you go hiking into that back country or you won't be comming out alive! I don't say that to scare you, but every year people loose their lives their because they don't know what the Hell they are doing and aren't truly prepared! ☹ Yep! 🤔 Every year, in the last 10 years, within 5 miles of my Grandfather's old cabin and mine - at least one person has been mauled by a Grizzly! No exaduration! Usually, they were Bow Hunters that forgot to buy bear spray and most of them didn't make it (no suprise their 🐻)! 🤯 Their are Wolves, Wolverines, Badgers, and Mountain Lions too! 🦡 This ain't the "flatlanders" ("tender footers") prairie! Avalanches kill people every year too, as does hypothermia! So, learn how to read the snow for avalanche danger and ask the experienced locals about proper clothing and gear! This isn't like anything you've experienced before in the eastern U.S., our actual temperatures can get down to -70F (that does not include wind chill) and the weather has been know to change by more that 100 degrees in 10 minutes (look in the Guinness Book of World Records, if you don't believe me)! If you're not prepared, your dead! So, take a back country survival course before you go alone and pick up some books on the subject - it will save your life and also keep you from getting frost bite (proper gear is essential)! 🥶 Their are also hundreds of peaks in the 10,000 to 13,000 foot range, so you had better be running daily too - you don't want to get altitude sickness, let alone have a heart attack (especially if your packing out an 800-1000 pound bull elk on your back, from 10 to 15 miles back, in rough terrain)! Nope! 🤕 Time to hit the gym! 💪

[@charlessmith4242]

@@ronlowney4700 * A lot of good advice, but I'd stick with the .338 Rum over the bear spray. If a bear is determined to get you, you'll not have time to choose between the two. My advice would be choose the one that you know will put an end to his attack. Quite often that attack will come fast from close range. That bear may be upon you before he even knows he's been sprayed. By that time it's to late for you. You want the best option available for the worst possible situation. Bear spray is not the best option. Most of the time it's clipped to your person or hidden in a pocket. By the time you can get it functioning it may be to late. If you are on foot, you'll have you gun in hand. If you're on horseback with your gun in a scabbard, you may want to consider carrying a large caliber sidearm. A good sidearm is always a good idea when you're in bear country.

[@turkeyman27534]

The 35 Whelen would probably be my choice for Elk hunting or 30-06. Being able to put a well made bullet in the right place is the name of the game for all hunting. What you shoot the best should be the round you use assuming that it has the horsepower to do the job. I will admit I have an issues with recoil so staying with lighter recoil would work better for me. I use an 7mm rem mag for whitetail but actually prefer a 30-06. If I ever get a chance to elk hunt one of those with a bullet made for penetration would be my choice. It seems if you will go down to a .243 then a 25-06 would work or a .257 Weatherby magnum.

[@MrSchmitty133]

I would absolutely add the 9.3x62mm Mauser. Almost the equal of the .375, and practically interchangeable with the .35 Whelen. Very efficient cartridge with mild recoil to boot and very little meat destruction.

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Have to agree Ben. It made its reputation in Africa against heavy game.

[@tomcurran8470]

CZ chambers it in their rifles.

[@thewargod1995]

I have brought down several Elk with a .243. For 20 years I didn't own a different caliber rifle so I used what I had. Every elk I shot at was a 1 shot kill with the .243. I concentrated on head shots and found the round to be most effective in the 200 yard range. I have since stepped up my Elk game by purchasing a 7mm rem mag, a 30.06, a .308 and a .300 win mag. I have found all these rifles very effective against elk too.

[@Chris-ip8pz]

Neck shots are the way to go if your a headshot hunter. Drops them 95 percent of the time. Also gives you a little room for error as headshots don’t.

[@mattpastell3728]

I love my 270Win, it’s never failed on numerous antelope and mule deer and 3 bull elk. But I only shoot premium ammo. I hope you cover your favorite moose rounds next!

[@dominicbenecasa7893]

What rounds do use? I’m always interested as I want to come out west with a .270

[@mattpastell3728]

@@dominicbenecasa7893 I’ve only used Federal Premium ammo for the last 30+ years I use the 150 grain Nosler Partition for elk and the 130 grain in the Sierra Boattail or Nosler Ballistic tip. Good Hunting!

[@galenhaugh3158]

@@dominicbenecasa7893 Consider the 140 grain in the 270 for optimum ballistics.

[@davehoward2791]

.30-06 with 180gr PSP Core Lokts. Never seen anything in North America it can’t drop quickly with proper shot placement. Having said that I know folks who’ve had great success with .243 and .30-30. Just depends on where you put the bullet. Great video, thanks! 👍 Liked & subscribed!

[@Pixx4you]

Thuty-aught-six. Take a bit of time and get off a good shot at reasonable range. Steaks on the table.

[@Ron-Swanson]

You can kill one with 22 long rifle. But that is definitely not ideal. 30-30 for instance would have trouble making my top 20 for elk and moose.

[@CplSkiUSMC]

I don't have a .338 Win Mag... but I do have a .338 Lapua Mag. It's a Savage 111 Long Range Hunter that is actually comfortable to carry, has an effective muzzle brake, and I load my own sausages for it so it's not impossibly expensive to shoot. Even though it's not on any of the lists you mentioned, it's on my own and let's face it... that's the list that matters.

[@jonathandiamond6801]

338 Lapua is a beast....it makes the 338 winchester look like a little girl.

[@malachiwhite356]

Thank you for spelling "it's" and "brake" properly. Hate reading about muzzle "breaks."

[@CplSkiUSMC]

@@malachiwhite356 I know, right? There, their, and they're... It's and its... Whole and hole... Break and brake... And don't even get me started on apostrophes (muzzle "break's" UGH!!) They used to teach this stuff in school, now all they teach is racism and lgbtqabcdefg. Thank God there are still some of my fellow human beings out there like yourself who can spell and use correct punctuation.

[@CplSkiUSMC]

@@jonathandiamond6801 You are absolutely correct and if you don't load your own, the cost of ammunition is a beast as well. I do load my own and when I got my .338 Lapua I also bought some once fired Lapua brass from Barrett to make sure I could continue to do that. My biggest problem is that it loves Berger 250gr Hybrids and they don't come cheap, I still have over a dollar a pop in those hand loads, but compared to 6 or 7 or 8 bucks a pop, that's cheap. And shooting a mile? No problem.

[@downbytheriver501]

I’ve been scrolling for this comment. It’s an amazing round. Last time I went out shooting I placed 5 rounds into a milk jug at 1378 yards. First shot hit, as were the following 4. 285 gr hornady AMAX. Used to shoot the 300s but decided to try out something a bit lighter and my custom built lead pill dispenser really seems to like them.

[@matthabir4837]

My father took 8 elk with a Remington 700 in .30-06, longest range 220 yards, and 3 with a 7mm Mauser, longest range 70 yards. He used heavy bullet weights for both, 220 and 175 respectively. The only time he ever needed a second shot was if he missed the first; a rare occurrence. The Core-lokt bullet was a favorite, but I know he used Federal as well. Made bigger calibers seem like overkill to me...

[@duckwacker8720]

No reason for a over weight bullets. 165gr in an 06 is great.

[@matthabir4837]

@@duckwacker8720 We're talking about bullets, not people. 220 does just fine for .30-06.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@duckwacker8720 I have seen 220 grain bullets fired from the 30-06 recovered from game with only the lead noise mashed then zero copper jacket expansion. Heavey bullets used in the 30-06 is a extremely bad idea but their are so many ignorant people that think heaver bullet means more power for the 30-06. I also think if going to use the 30-06 the Barns TSX 160 grain bullets are the best for the 30-06

[@jamiehurtt3530]

Core lokt bullets been around since about 1938 and is s good cup amd core especially in the 180 -220 Nosler partition been around since About 1948 and is what I use in the 06 ..mainly because of grizzly protection and its a better penetrator But rem core lokt will get the job done

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@@Lure-Benson That depends on many variables my Man. Do you hunt deer elk or moose where a 1000 lb coastal brown bear can charge you unexpectedly from 30 yds away in thick cover ???. If shots at moose or elk are expected at closer ramges I would much prefer to use a 220- 240 grain woodleigh solid or a 200 grain swift a frame or nosler partition than a 165 grain tsx any day It's calked the taylor KO factor Look it up

[@maccook1692]

Just took my first elk this fall with a .270 at 400yrds. Dropped em like a rock! Been on the range for months this summer living by the shot placement is key mentality.

[@dagrazytcom5492]

What rifle do you have that 270 chambered for? These are incredible rounds across the whole US. You can get alot of animals with the famous 270. Terrific job on that fall elk. Hope he was a great hunt.

[@maccook1692]

@@dagrazytcom5492 nothing fancy, a Ruger American in 270. Does the job! As good to hunt as he was to eat!

[@maccook1692]

@@exiled1gaming quarter it and hike it out

[@ericgnelson2188]

I’ve killed 2 elk. Both one shot kills with .270 win

[@Coyote-wm5op]

That’s good to hear. .270 gets overlooked a lot.

[@gizmocarr3093]

For high country, hunting and steep terrain where you are climbing or walking, a light rifle is a good choice. I have a 280 Remington lightweight rifle for that I would carry. For less demanding hunting country I would carry my 338 Winchester and feel much happier and confident using a much better cartridge and bullet. I believe an exit hole is important for whatever rifle you use. It makes tracking easier and big animals don’t always fall over in their tracks from any rifle you use. An exit wound collapse their lungs faster and shortens the time of travel of big game the size of Elk.

[@Lure-Benson]

Watch out the 30-06 fanboy's will be all over you like stink on fresh crap for saying that. I am an Alaskan professional guide for hunts of Yukon Moose and coastal brown bears so when I write the needs of rifles for Alaska big game those 270 win and 30-06 fanboy's crap their pants then get all over me with false crap, they heard some place but none of them have been to Alaska and never seen a Yukon Moose of a 1500 pound brown bear but they still make of some wild lies the 30-06 is some kind of bear cannon . There is some gruesome Alaska Troopers story's from killed lower 48 hunters that came to Alaska thinking lower 48 deer guns are Yukon moose and brown bear guns.

[@gizmocarr3093]

@@Lure-Benson I have been to Alaska and spent a tad over three weeks there fishing and looking around with no set plans, just a rental car. I took fishing gear and a 44 pistol for my own idea of protection. Once you see a Brown Bear, you realize a pistol is just not the answer for protection, because there isn’t one. I only made it as far as Denali and had the best time in Alaska of any trip I ever took. Spent more time in Talkeetna, looking around and fishing different places, I just learned about the area from local people and took their advice. Never liked eating salmon until I ate it in Alaska, and ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner sometimes. Tried Whale Blubber not good; took an airplane trip around Denali. Heard Wolves Howling, scared by a Moose, fed a Red Fox that like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and gave a Golden Eagle a Salmon. If you take a guided hunting trip you likely will never see all the things that make Alaska; Alaska.😂🙂

[@GARDENER42]

The best cartridge is the one you're comfortable shooting. Within sensible parameters, shot placement is far more important than size. For me, that's a 150gr bullet from a .270.

[@HA51971]

I agree. Shot placement is everything

[@youngblood2]

Great job Ron Spomer!

[@chuckblankenship748]

I have and will continue to use the 7MM08 for everything from deer, pronghorn and elk since the 1980's. 140gr Barnes TTSX at 2850fps out to 400yds and as long as you hit the boiler room it is game over. Since I refuse to shoot more than 400yds at any living creature I already have all the rifle I need.

[@wasachevyguy]

@little drane Nope it’ll do just fine. And a TTSX isn’t a soft point. It’s a mono-metal killing pill.

[@chadh7005]

The 243 and 308 work great. Best part is lighter recoil so you can be more precise. It dont matter how big you go if you can't hit were you want to.

[@davidburkett6214]

my son took a cow elk with a 240 Weatherby mag @ 250 yards. she took 3 steps and dropped. Shot placement is the name of the game.

[@chadh7005]

@@davidburkett6214 Exactly. Don't matter how big the gun is if you can't hit where you need too.

[@mcmuskie2563]

Hmmm, I love 243 but I think it’s a little light. I’d use my 7mm

[@chadh7005]

@@mcmuskie2563 well good for you but a 243 works great.

[@Northwoods208]

@@chadh7005 I agree with both of these statements, given the choice every single time, my 7mm is my ideal elk rifle. That said, I've shot several elk with a .243, no drama involved. The 7mm simply allows me a little more reach if that's the opportunity I get. But where I live, once rifle season is 3-4 days in, a guy is better off grabbing a .30-30 and creeping through the timber

[@johnnydawson7675]

Thanks, Ron!

[@Mountainghost72]

Killed my first couple of elk & mulies with win 30-30, then went 30.06, then 7mm, in the end I went back to a brand new Tikka 30-06, as a guide in coy & New Mexico, I've seen to many guys flinch with the magnums, myself included, the 06 in my mind is best all around big game rifle for here in the west, but even more importantly, my rifle Scoped, comes in at 7lbs, my days of carrying heavy rifles in the mountains are over, 7Lb 30.06 is plenty of medicine for elk out to 500 yard's, great video again Ron

[@texpatriot8462]

I am building a 280 AI in hopes of going Elk hunting. I picked it over the 7mm Mag+ because I can make up any fps deficit by getting a closer shot and by hand-loading with sturdy copper bullets. Plus I am not taking overly long shots beyond my skill set.

[@Ben-ry1py]

280AI has plenty of power for elk. What a sweet cartridge. Best of luck on that elk!

[@lyellclare9365]

Use Barnes TTSX and you will be fine. Another good projectile for the 280 is the 156 Oryx. I have shot large deer with these and all have been one shot kills. The Swedes use the 156 Oryx for Moose which says it all.

[@davidnave4349]

@@lyellclare9365 Don't tell anyone but I have killed numerous Elk with a 120 grain. sierra sp. before it wasn't so popular and the elk fell down immediately in there tracks.

[@leroymorris6036]

Thanks Mr. Ron, good as usual

[@jukkakujala8953]

I use 9,3x62 for biggame hunting, sometimes .308. You only need four cal. rifles here in Finland: .22lr, .222rem, .308 and 9,3x62. Thats all folks... 😁

[@DaveL9170]

You’ll only ever need these: .22LR, 12 gauge, .223., .30/06, and a 9mm handgun. If you have all those you’re good to hunt anywhere for almost anything.

[@LRRPFco52]

6.5x55 Mauser and 7mm performed better than .30 bores in Norway, Sweden, and Suomessa in the Scandinavian moose hunting survey, which had over 14,000 samples. 6.5s and 7mms had shorter travel distance from the shot. .30 bores had the longest travel distances. I just think it has more to do with recoil and muzzle blast making .30 bores a little less friendly for practice, as well as more likely to break or dislodge optics. For a trained shooter who practices regularly with a proper optics, rings, and rifle set-up, it won't matter as much. It's the guys who do the bare minimum, then try to compensate for their lack of training by stepping up to a .300 Win Mag or even .30-06.

[@georgemannsr8708]

A friend of mine , George Hoffman (african Guide and developer of the 416 Rem Mag) used his 270 Win to take 71 elk with no problem, He used the 150 gr Nosler Partican . According to a lot of gun scribes the Swedes take lots of moose with the old 6.5 X 55.

[@ronlowney4700]

😁 Yes! The evidence is in the results (not in theories and opinions)! My Grandfather killed over 500 elk while working on the firing lines near Yellowstone Park with his 270 Winchester (many BIG Bulls too)! His favorite load was also the 150 grain Nosler Partition and and H4831 powder, once it came out in the early 1950's! He also killed 3 Record Book Moose (including a #3 all time), a Top #5 Wild Bison, a 190" Rocky mountain Bighorn Sheep, several Record Book Goats, and Bears (Including Grizzlies)! Anyone that says that the 270 Winchester is not a elk, moose, bison, or bear capable cartridge just doesn't know what the Hell they are talking about! 🐻

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@@ronlowney4700 270 loaded with 150 grain nosler partitions was also the favorite Elk and deer cartridge of the late great JACK O'CONNOR

[@jeremiahthompson43]

Really enjoy watching you, Ron, full of information !! I'll give you my list from small to large 1. 243 wssm 2. 6mm remington 3. 25wssm 4. 25 06 5. 264 win mag 6. 6.5 rem mag 7. 7 rem mag 8. 300 win short mag 9. 30 378 weatherby 10. 338 378 weatherby Out to 400 yards, I'm a big fan of the .257 caliber, which, in my experience, tend to really be overlooked. I like the wssm personally for a high mountain rifle. Light weight and does the job. Past that I think I would have to say the 7 rem mag. It does a better job in extended ranges than the 300 win mag in the same weight bullet. For really really reaching out there, I would say the 338 378 weatherby. But to be honest, I don't think I would shoot anything out as far as that is capable of. Knowing your limits is key!! The rifle and cartridge may get you out to a 1000 yards +. But it all comes down to are you truly capable of shooting out that far consistently. And is it truly ethical? Thanks Ron!!!

[@johntownley9885]

There always gonna be the debate of what caliber for this or that, but in North America the 30-06 loaded with the bullets and powder we have today there is nothing it won’t kill on this continent. Plus it’s one of the most widely available cartridges in just about any place you might find yourself. Definitely has worked for me.

[@jamiehurtt3530]

Absolutely correct sir

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@Patrick Baptist If you handload and you still want a magnum to shoot that is easy on the shoulder and handles 200 hrain bullets well I suggest a pre 64 win chambered in venerable 300 H&H magnum ..it's just a step up from the ITS BASICALLY A SUPER 30-06 and milder reoiling than a 300 win mag.but it can be handloaded to match 300 win bag ballistics. One 2 rifles I shoot and handload are 06 and 300 H&H..either one is great tho

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@Patrick Baptist Yiu can also find many never fired NEW IN BOX Remington 700 classic rifles chambered 8n 300 H&H As well. Just a tip if you're interested

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@Patrick Baptist 338 is a good gun 👍

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@Patrick Baptist What make snd model is it I had a ruger 77 for years and hunted southeast alasks with it for years on admiralty island

[@sylviajones3355]

I've heard 9x19 is brutal on elk lungs.

[@johnbarrett7534]

Blows them clean out of the body. Let's go Brandon.

[@malachiwhite356]

I get it.

[@nickkernodle6412]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RollingRigTraction]

🤣okay Biden

[@BillyBulletPewPew]

It steals their soul on impact too. Most powerful bullet known to man.

[@jaydurtsche2569]

Couldnt agree more Ron but i love my old 8mm rem mag!

[@allanbaker659]

one of the best, most sensible commentary on cartridges for elk, ever. thanks Ron! many others as well, 260 rem, 6.5x55, 7x57, 284 win, 7mm08, 7wsm etc. so many choices!

[@pamtnman1515]

I’m taking my .62 percussion rifle elk hunting here in PA this Fall. It’s a 335-grain round ball powered by 125 grains of SWISS FFG. It should work great

[@llkj7944]

From a large family of elk hunters in Canada dating back to the early 60s,... 30-30, 303 Brit, 264 win mag, 270win,7mm mag, 3006, 308 win, 300 win, 300 weatherby, 45-70 and 58 cal round ball!.....seen them all do the job very successfully on Elk, dead is dead, a hunter with experience on his side knows shot placement is key, Range is the limitations obviously on the smaller slower bullets, 308win will hit just as hard at 100yards as 300win mag at 250! I think to simplify it, inside 300 yards (most elk are shot under 200) a well constructed bullet weighing between 140-180gr moving at 2700fps at the muzzle is all you need , over 300yards ..only thing to change is muzzle velocity moving up at around 3000-3100fps, In my younger years pounding the alpine I used a 300 weatherby with 165gr Barnes traveling at 3400fps, it hit elk and moose like lighting but, in a 7.5lb rifle it hit just as hard on my end too, 35 years later, I use a 270 win 129gr Barnes at 3200fps has not disapointed of failed (143gr Eld-x @ 3080fps work well also). A 243 in the lungs will kill an Elk much faster the a 375 HH in the gut bag! I seen a big Bull hit too far back when I was guiding hunters, found it 40 hours later meat ruined, rifle caliber was 416 Rigby! Quite the conversation piece in camp, but that's all it proved in his hands.

[@daveyboy728]

What province do you live in if you don’t mind me asking? I live in Ontario and getting and Elk tag is almost impossible.

[@llkj7944]

@@daveyboy728 BC

[@sylviajones3355]

Yes! You nailed it. That's what wisdom is.

[@markfiora3140]

300 wby with 165gr ballistic tips gets my vote. Moose, Elk, Deer!

[@thomasking4136]

Hmmm. Availability of rifle/ammo for those of modest income. 7mm rem mag, 3006 hard to beat factoring the above.

[@johnulmer6715]

300 Weatherby, it's what I use and has never failed me. Good range and punch. Any questions? BTW, live in Montana and have hunted elk for over 40 years. That being said 30-06 is probably the best all around casing. It's what I started with.

[@jlpjlp1953]

Grandma Mildred used a .243 for elk and had no problems. Of course, she could shoot very well and that really makes the difference.

[@russellkeeling4387]

Yep, my first big game rifle was a 6mm Remington.

[@stefanocappella9612]

My 270 has taken absolutely everything in Canada with one shot and immediate drops.

[@Chebva]

.270, 30-06, 7mm, 30-30, 350 Legend, .308, 6.5 Creed all more than enough for the elk.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@Chebva You'd have to be pretty close with a 350 Legend. I shoot deer with one, but not past 150 yards.

[@cashdog9999]

very down to earth choices Thank you!

[@techfixr2012]

I would say the .338 Winchester is the epitome, but I am good with my '06 with 180 gr. controlled expansion bullets. 400 yards is my absolute outside limit, but under 200 is my preferred shot if possible.

[@johntellier2366]

This right here 👍👍

[@kittty2005]

T .30-378 always seemed like a nice long range cartridge for elk size game, the 416 rem-mag was my brothers...eventually after he bagged one and went back and bagged another and went back and got another 3 years in a row all trophies, I told him he ought to take that cannon after a Kodiak and he did as big as a car that one was, then he put the rifle up and took a break from hunting. I'm glad he got the bear ,he completed a hunt I started, kudos to my brother may he rest in peace.

[@fredhaferkamp7224]

Sir Ron, I enjoy your program. Keep it up

[@jtschwinghammer]

Ron I think this has to be one of the best conversations about elk cartridges I've seen in awhile! Only thing is I have to argue that the 308 win and 7mm-08 work very well, just ask Randy Newberg.

[@ryanmg02]

308 can take any game up to 1000lbs reliably

[@jimdavis3273]

I've only shot two elk in my life and for both I used my custom CZ 98 in .358 Winchester. I used a 225gr sierra for both, the first one was 250 yards and went down with one shot. The second one was a 100 yards with same result and I've also taken Moose,deer and black bear with it too. It's always worked great for me so I'll keep using it as long as can find bullets for it.

[@6254KLR]

I would LOVE to build a .358 Winchester on a Rem 700 platform.

[@10-4CodyWade]

Another great video, Ron. A good elk cartridge will put a 150+ grain bullet into an elk at a velocity of 2300-2800 fps. So the distance you shoot is a significant factor. If your shooting a bull at 50 yards then a .308 would be superior to any of the 300 magnums. Also the .338 caliber seems to be about the perfect mix in terms of quick kills and good ballistics. Go down from there as needed based on your ability to handle recoil, but smaller than 270 the risk of losing an animal starts going up pretty fast. Looking at the 338 Win Mag with 225 grain bullets it checks all the boxes from 50 to 450 yards. I would have to say that makes it a fantastic elk cartridge for a very high percentage of hunting situations.

[@pcolice]

I have hunted elk with the .338 WM, .30-06, .308, 6.5 CM, and .243. With each, I knew which shots I would take and which I wouldn’t and never felt under gunned. Before it is over, I will carry my .30-30.

[@warrenlathrop6296]

You can of course and many elk have been done in by 30-30s but if I was heading out and that 30-06 was sitting there with good ammo for it beside the 30-30 my hand would go to the 06.

[@kentuckyearl8202]

You're like me, could care less about what everyone else thinks or "feels". I use what I want as long as I know it's going to work. I've killed more animals with a 243 than any other caliber. The old "women and children's" caliber. I know that I have to be realistic and ethical but with the barnes triple shock all copper and good shot placement, I'm not afraid to hunt up to elk size game.

[@harrydick3300]

@@kentuckyearl8202 I must be a pussy then, because in Massachusetts you can use 22 Magnum, and never seen one run off when shot in the neck or shoulder nerve shot. .243 actually I've seen them run off, not far but doesn't drop them in there tracks like 22 magnum, depends on ranges of course but a lot of people are shooting 70 to 100 yards with ammo that can hit game accurately at 1,000 yards, more likely to hit another hunter that thinks they need to dump a mag into an animal instead of an ethically place bullet

[@Pledgeman]

Thanks Ron for everything you do! My first rifle was a 308. While I didn’t hunt elk with it, many deer found their way in the freezer. I’ve taken several elk with a 300 win mag and a 300 WSM. This season I’m trying out a new 7mm REM Mag. I guess I have many favorites!

[@lexwaldez]

I hunt with 7mm Rem Mag - it's great if you aren't hunting in heavy brush. She's like hunting with a friggin laser beam. My uncle swears by 300 Win Mag but he had a scary bear encounter and I think that influences his choice. I think if I had to hump something forever, have one rifle for everything, or maybe set up a youngster I'd get them a 270.

[@joeykoran7504]

My 7mm rem mag got me an elk this year was using 185 grain and shot it at 365 yards

[@kennethgoin628]

By the time you get to a larger grain bullet, like a 175gr or so, the ballistics don't look much different for a 7mmRemMag than a 30-06. For the extra powder and recoil, I'm seeing it as redundant and unnecessary. I have a professional acquaintance that told me to go 270wsm instead because the ballistics make more sense but with the ammo supply the way it is, I picked up the 7mmRemMag anyway, only to discover it wasn't really going to give me anything over my .30-06, unless I use a lighter bullet, which sacrifices energy out to range. I'm still tempted to pick up a 300 win mag, if I can control the recoil without selling the farm. I sold a 300wsm because the old shoulder just can't zero the round without some discomfort. If that isn't possible, I'm going to stay .30-06, because I have a tack driver in the safe already.

[@tommysaulter9171]

Funny you should mention the 300WSM... That’s my current choice for my next (3rd time ever) elk hunt and bear hunt (1st) later this year.

[@lcjjr.6714]

Ron, I totally agree with all your choices from an availability and affordability standpoint! Best regards and safe hunting to all! Leon

[@dr.froghopper6711]

I haven’t ever used bonded or solid bullets-yet. But Nosler Partitions have behaved admirably in the past. Put the right bullet in the right spot within the appropriate range and you will kill the elk. My dad did it with a 35 Remington from a Marlin 336. It died dead!

[@rogertorgersen9995]

I reload with Partitions. Love them

[@Mark-uq9km]

The .35 Remington has taken some pretty big game including Grizzlies. It would not be optimal for elk or moose but it would still get the job done.

[@Lure-Benson]

I have reloaded for the 35 Remington I load the Barns TTSX 200 grain bullet then one of these goes into the guns chamber with the round noise in the tube magazine and so far, the Barns TTSX 200 grain from the 35 Rem is so lethal I never need to even chamber a new round all things die.

[@Mark-uq9km]

@@Lure-Benson I like hearing stories like yours. What powder and weight do you use and how deep is the bullet seated? Do you have a velocity number at the muzzle, 50 yards and 100 yard? I'm thinking of loading 180 gr. Hawk bullets with 38 grains of IMR 3031.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@Mark-uq9km For the 35 Remington loads for the Marlin 336 I am using Winchester 748 36 grains under the Barns TTSX 200 grain bullet. I seat the bullets to where they still can be extracted from the chamber by using the guns lever. I haven't checked Velocity but it is a sure thing this are faster than any commercial loads and maybe even come close to the 358 win. IMR 3031 has the same burn rate as W-748 so that load you want to use would work fine. This load from the 35 Remington was with the power I put a Barns TTSX 200 grain bullet at the last rib of a 1000 pound Rosevelt cow Elk with the bullet exiting the other side in front of the shoulder blade. This was a hail Mary shot at a running Elk in a heard of 30 Elk 150 yards away like ether shoot or watch winter meat get away ! Knowing the load shoots 1/4 groups @ 100 yard for me missing was not happening. The cow Elk was found 50 yards from where hit piled up against a log.

[@StevenMMan]

As you have heard from me before, I am a .35 whelen fan. Owning 2 whelen and 1 whelen Ackley improved. So I was excited to hear you mention the .358 norma magnum. This was a dream for me for many years. Never accomplished it through. That being said it would no longer be practical to seek this dream. A minimum of 26-28" barrel leads to a viable action of a high wall action single shot for weight, and overall length purposes. 1 n 14 twist for heavy bullets. At the extreme cost of, and rarely found ammo and components now just will keep it that way for me. A dream. I no longer live near great elk country or the health to do it. There is elk here but tags are very limited. So .35 whelen all the way for me

[@johnkertzman3223]

24-in barrels are just fine on 358 norma magnums, that's what I put on mine and I've used it for elk and it's quite effective. However as you said nowadays finding components and brass is the tough part it can be easily made from 338 win mag but now I just use my 300 weatherby as everything can be bought off the shelf to load it!

[@PC-uh6hk]

I think that shot placement and bullet construction is key to anyones choice. After years of shooting prairie dogs out to 300 to 400 yards, I feel confident in taking elk with 7mm08 out to about 350 yards but beyond that I'd choose 28 Nosler.

[@ROYZARMY]

Bro I bet you haven't even shot the nosler

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

@@ROYZARMY why you mad bro?

[@kylegrecco3822]

If I’m ever lucky enough to draw a tag I’ll likely use one of these 3 1)8mm mauser 2) 30-06 Springfield 3) 35 Remington I’ve got a few others but I prefers those rounds and rifles

[@Perry2186]

people laugh at 35rem but with in 200yds its as good as anything

[@blackie1of4]

​@@Perry2186 I agree with you 100 % Now.. there will be people who say.. What if a bull of a lifetime is out at 400 yards? I'd say.. I'll get closer.. and if not it's okay. I don't believe in shooting at any animals unless I know that I'll take them cleanly. Also ... many hunters harvest elk with a bow and arrow.. highly doubtful they were outside fifty yards. So hunting can be done.. and going home empty handed is ok too :)

[@jamespippin9435]

@@blackie1of4 I have never hunted elk but my longest shot on a deer was right at 325 yards with 200 grain rem core lokt bullets out of my marlin 336 . I don't know what the actual effective range would be but I don't normally take shots at that range . But it is nice to know that it will do it .

[@whoshotashleybabbitt4924]

Good luck on your draw, sir!

[@blackie1of4]

@@jamespippin9435 no doubt it'll work! Great shot on the deer!!!

[@stephaniethomasson8812]

Here’s the thing. I’m a small framed (under 5 ft) female shooter. I weigh 125 lbs. I do not have a particularly strong core. My father shoots 300 WIN mag. Grandfather shot 375 H&H. But it’s a nostalgia thing. I’ve never weighed their rifle/scope combos. But they’re at least an inch or inch and a half too long for me to shoot comfortably, with hood eye relief, with old, heavy scopes fixed 6 power. I have learned to be comfortable with 30-06 and 270 Winchester. But it’s because those rifle stocks are built custom for me. Combs for a shorter neck, length of pull for shorter arms, modern scopes and stocks not as heavy. One is a pre 64 model 70 of my grandfathers that I’ve put in a custom stock. The other is a savage 110 in the ladies model stock. The 270 in the savage 110 ladies package is the lighter more comfortable rifle. And it’s what I’ll carry for elk. Because if I have to hoof it for 2 miles or 3 or 4 to get comfortably close, I don’t want to carry anything heavy. If I’m too tired by the time I get to my ridge, then the hunt is jeopardized. It’s not worth it to me. But I’m not a 6 foot 200 lb in shape, grown man. Would I take my little youth model 243 after an elk? No. But it’s because I’m not confident enough in it. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Just means I wouldn’t do it.

[@reggierico]

Hi Ron, great conversation on a really fun topic! i love hunting with different calibers and have been successful on several times with many of your choices. Here's my list; 338 Win Mag, 300 Win Mag, 300 Wby Mag, 30 Nosler, 28 Nosler, 325 WSM, 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06 Spfld, and 270 Winchester! Cheers!

[@TheLvGordo]

Ever shot the 300 rum? Noticed the absence on your list.

[@reggierico]

@@TheLvGordo No, I've never had the experience with a 300 RUM. I know it is an outstanding caliber, although a barrel burner, much like the Weatherby 30-378.

[@williamfeldner9356]

Having used the 338 Winchester Magnum for elk I would give it my highest recommendation for hunting elk. You have to make sure that whatever shot you are offered the rifle is capable of making a quick clean kill…. Keep those shots under 400 to 500 yards…. Elk are tough animals with a will to live.

[@sartainja]

Amen on the 338 WM.

[@highplainsdrifter9631]

The .338 Win Mag was tailor-made for hunting elk and other heavy game. Good combination of power and manageable recoil.

[@Fuzzybeanerizer]

400 yards seems like a LONG way for most people to shoot a rifle accurately, especially under field conditions. The .338 Winchester Magnum sure is an impressive cartridge, though. The belt was always a marketing gimmick on a bottle-necked case having any degree of shoulder, and I hate most of the belted magnum breed for that reason alone, but there is just no getting past the efficiency, effectiveness, and practicality of the 338.

[@marcwolvertonphotography2423]

I've taken Elk with .300 Savage, .308, .30-06, and 300 Wby Magnum....I fully agree that shot placement is 100% a big part of the deal. My father has hunted elk for a long time with both the 7mm Magnum & 300 Wby as well. The line that we've always said is "how fast do you want the bullet going when it comes out the other side?" Now, the longest shot we've ever made in camp for elk has been 500 yards, with the majority being MUCH closer than that (35 yards anyone?)? Yes, a 300 Wby is a great round, but if we are 350 yards from an elk, we can usually get much closer, hence using the .308 because it's a handier rifle(at least ours is).

[@m444ss]

Wait! What about the... 😄 Good discussion, good list. Thanks, Ron.

[@jerrywelch1370]

I have 3 favorites, & use each according to terrain they are .338-06 - .35 whelan and the .338-.378 Weatherby mag.

[@hotramen5952]

the .338-06 needs to be picked up and standardized. like a deer/elk rifle with decent range where something might try to eat you.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@hotramen5952 That 338-06 was in Weatherby rifles line for a time. It was called the 338-06 A-square.

[@JoeZelensky]

Very interesting cartridges.

[@mattbray6663]

The 338-06 A-square is a standardized round. This is one of my two Elk hunting rounds, the other is a 300 WSM. Both Weatherby and Browning chambered the 338-06 A-square for a time. Browning had them in the A-bolt the Weatherby was in the ultra-lightweight Mark V. My 338-06 shoots a 210 gr bullet as fast as my 300 WSM with a 180 gr bullet. Both of my Elk guns are sub 8 lbs field ready. I love both of my Elk guns. My third choice would be a 30-06.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@mattbray6663 I don't even consider the 30-06 a good option for anything but shooting varmints because I have seen the 30-06 the worst cartridge used here in the Pacific NW that has caused more lost Rosevelt Elk and Black tail deer than any cartridge. Every person here using a 30-06 has a story of lost wounded Elk or deer because of the 30-06. I once had a discussion with a Oregon state police in the fish & Game department on the 30-06, the game officer had the very same opinion of the 30-06 from his travels on patrol checking hunters. I witnessed a Mexican poacher shooting up a heard of Elk then drive to town to report what I had seen. When the Oregon state police game officer arrived we went to the seen of the dead and wounded Elk that are all over and half them still alive wounded. The ass hole was caught and guess what he was shooting a 30-06 that wounded 19 of the Elk than had to be put down.

[@bugler6447]

I harvest elk almost every year with my bow, it is all about shot placement. So many people think they need a canon to kill elk so they try to shoot a gun they cant handle or shoot well which means wounded animals. The 270 is a great elk rifle. I have taken over 25 elk with my bow and none of them went more then thirty yards after being shot. Frank Glaser hunted Alaska from 1915 to 1950, Frank said his 220 Swift killed everything quicker then any rifle he had except hunting the big bears. It is all about putting the shot in the right place. Read "Alaskas wolf man". It appears to me the elk hunters today feel they are a big stud if they shoot some huge canon they dont need. Insecurity perhaps.

[@jamiehurtt3530]

I do t think it'd that necessarily It's the fact that many of us hunt elk moose o r deer I. Areas where there are grizzly or coastal brown bears and want to be able to defend against that as well as we can Just using a stout bulle like a 180 grain barnes ttsx or swift a frame t in even a 30-06 is reassurance enough I. Griz country when you're hunting Hooved critters

[@cs51207]

Yeah question how ethical these kills are. I certainly wouldn't consider an elk running even five yards after being shot an ethical shot.

[@maccaspope2275]

@@cs51207 Pretty much every animal will run unless you hit the CNS

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Frank Glaser was a known liar and big talker by anyone that actually lives up here. Nobody that talks as much as he did can always be telling the truth. I have no doubt he accomplished alot, but he embellished alot too

[@jamiehurtt3530]

@@whiteyfisk9769 Lol I have reservations about anyone published and thst many really tall tales ..40+ yr alaskan pioneer sourdough here Here buy I don't seel monetary gain either..just wanna enjoy the wilderness amd be left alone. So I believe yiu are correct

[@lmbear]

So many good choices out there right now. Bullet technology really improves cartridge efficiency these days. I've found the 30-06 with a good 200 grain Nosler partition to do a stand up job. Recently I switched to the 7mm08 using the 140gr Barnes TTSX and it also punches above its weight class. My all time favorite has always been the 338wm though. It was made for elk hunting.

[@BlkInc1]

Just at longer distances I think that the rest?

[@beavisbrowne3497]

I've used .308,30-06,.300 win , 300wby,.338 win, 340 wby. All killed them. Surprisingly I carried a 300 wby with 165 ballistic tips on deer hunts that I had a slight chance at elk in a few seasons, I took 3 raghorns out to 350 yards that combo just hammered them, none made it over 10 yards.

[@markfiora3140]

I agree... 300 wby with 165 ballistic tips gets my vote. Done all my hunting with it. Moose, Elk, and Deer!

[@johnblackbird7523]

Thanks Ron

[@randy3577]

Oh my goodness, the best Elk rifle is the one you have and hunt with every year. Practice with it, be confident in with it. And it is works. I use a 358 Winchester and wouldn't even blink to use it on Elk. Heck 30-30 will work and has taken alot. Shot placement is where it's at.

[@scottg9208]

My all around rifle for North American big game is the 7mm RUM. I shoot the Barnes 145 gr LRX and have always liked the smaller bullets for caliber with more speed. It has served me well for many years. I will also say my first big game rifle my dad bought me was a 270 Win, which I still have. Shot 130 gr bullets in it and it also did a great job.

[@theliberating1]

LRX is a great bullet.

[@galenhaugh3158]

Look at a 140 grain in the 270.

[@ohanailo6681]

Surprised you did not mention 8mm Mauser or the 8x57mm. It works great on evrything as well as the 30-06. I like the 200grain weight and a much higer BC. It's very compatable to the, 30-06, but with a much heavier weight bullet, straight from the factory.

[@jenniferprice6160]

Not much selection on ammo in the USA

[@gasstationburrito5286]

@@jenniferprice6160 8mm has a pretty good selection of brands but alot of places don't sell it because there's so much old military ammo out there

[@ohanailo6681]

@@gasstationburrito5286 it's .32 caliber the bullet manufactures sell it under that label if you are inable to find 8mm. Look for .323 caliber bullets, its the same thing. Remington makes some great, "8mm hunting ammo" it knocks em down quick. Solid hits nice mushrooming.

[@danielleclare2938]

You can practice more with the smaller 30's way less costly in gun and ammo even when reloading. Add lighter friendlier and more shooting fun so I am all for the versatility of the 30.06. Varmits to Bullwinkles and Match Target to boot. Available worldwide by every manufacturer of G and A. Conversely the logic of the less than perfect shot placement still being effective is a sound principle where big holes count so know your limits. Great presentation we all have something you talked about!

[@CandidZulu]

Even true with the .300WM, with more power and range on tap. Can be handloaded for small game or Grizzlies.

[@danielleclare2938]

@@CandidZulu Yes but the cost penalty for magnums make them less than ideal overall. And accuracy does suffer with high velocity light bullets that the Win Mag is not designed for. So I mostly agree.

[@CandidZulu]

@@danielleclare2938 There's not much sense in using a hunting rifle for practice and plinking, get a .308 for that!

[@danielleclare2938]

@@CandidZulu Not much sense in your comment. I doubt you have any by the tone of that remark.

[@CandidZulu]

@@danielleclare2938 Sorry , no idea what upset you. But if having more guns upsets you, we have nothing in common!

[@n2trkys18]

I shot my only elk with a Remington Model Seven SS in 7 SAUM with 160 grain Partitions. I hope to shoot my next one with a Remington Model Seven SS in 7-08 with 140 grain Accubond.

[@jimseaman2558]

Ron, I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your programs. You are informative and entertaining. You have a great style. Thank you for what you do. Jim Seaman Darby, Montana

[@foubert45]

6.8 Western with 165gr ABLR for Canadian Moose this fall!

[@billdont2458]

I believe something left out of the equation is distance. That plays a huge part in success. Any of those cartridges will do a fine job depending on the distance as well as the accuracy of the rifle\bullet combination. I always choose accuracy over bullet weight because if I can put it exactly where I want it, and depending on distance I can take an elk with a .223. Obviously that's not my first choice but distance plays a role. For me a 30-06 has always been plenty. Ammo is easy to find and many different choices.

[@jackvaniciaadams4089]

Yep. Inside 100 yards opens up a lot of calibers. Not to mention bullet placement.

[@F16ViperPLT]

Hey Ron, interesting video/analysis. I was born/raised/grew up in the Bighorn mountains of Wyoming. The Most lethal Elk hunter folks in those parts we knew , was a guy that used a 308. A 308 in an AR platform that is. (AR-10) He could/would carry that rifle anywhere he wanted to go. He could get off 2/3 shots into a bull elk so fast if would make your head spin. pop,pop,pop and that elk was down! And, he could/would use the open sights below his optic to do the same thing in wooded areas where he had a small window or field of fire in which to shoot. Absolutely deadly. And, you can get ammo just about anywhere that sells rifle ammunition. The most 'sporting' way to hunt elk? Maybe not. I think his quote was "I'd rather overwhelm em with firepower than dazzle em with accuracy. The most effective Elk gun? That'd get my vote. Thx.

[@MrMacacson]

7mm-08 150 grain Hornady precision hunter. Expensive, hard to find, but it is top notch!

[@texastomsshavingtips6359]

Have you tried the 150 grain NORMA Whitetail ammo?? It's good in my Handy Rifle.!.!.!

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@texastomsshavingtips6359 I can’t find them. I’ve looked.

[@nmelkhunter1]

My choice for elk would be the 300 Win Mag, 30-06, 7MM Rem Mag or 280 Rem since I’ve killed elk with each. If I had to pick just one, it would be the 7MM Rem Mag since it provides the best balance among the four.

[@jonathandiamond6801]

Smart pick. I would pick the 7 rem mag too. It has the best balance of all the cartridges. It's the true sweet spot.

[@poisonPpaully]

Yes 7mm rem mag all the way

[@tileman1814]

My choice has been and still is today the 7MM Rem Mag with 120-150 gn bullets. This is the combo I have been using for over fifty years. I have killed my elk every year I have hunted.

[@timbucker]

You should check out the 280 Ackley Improved, on Nosler's load data, it beats 7RM 185g with 13g less powder at max velocity.

[@tileman1814]

@@timbucker I never use 185gn and the 280 doesn't have it when it gets out to 1,000 yards. I shoot a Savage 111 bolt action with a X-Caliber 26" barrel with a 9.25 twist. I sight with an Arken 6-24 X 50 scope and use Hornaday 139 SST.

[@mikegoodwin2386]

I like your reasoning in the way you explained pros and cons of these various cartridges. I was considering a 338 Win Mag, but I have a tendency to choose less popular or less well-known stuff and bought a used 8mm Rem Mag. Anyone who knows anything about this cartridge says it kicks hard, and it does. But it's really right in the same ballpark as the 338 Win Mag which is a very popular choice, as you mentioned. Hard to find ammo for it. Pretty much have to order it online, or reload. I've been shooting 200 gr Nosler AccuBonds in factory ammo, but I have some 220 gr Sierra Game Kings I'm going to stuff in that brass when I shoot up the ammo supply I have.

[@johnleahu9503]

Thank you sir! I very much appreciate your honesty! Happy hunting!

[@darylkenny4562]

The 7mm Remington magnum is pretty close to perfect for elk. Likewise with the 270 Weatherby Magnum. One of the things about elk hunting is the shots tend to be at longer distances so I tend to lean towards a faster, flatter shooting cartridge. The 7mm RM has some high BC bullet options that make it a formidable choice for elk hunting.

[@twolak1972]

Yup. My 7mm .magnum shoots a 175 gr nosler partition. As flat as a 270 shoots a 130 gr and there's a lot more at the end in wallop.

[@Knotrockets]

Yes sir