Ten Greatest Elk Cartridges: Voted By You

[@backfire]

After 24 Hours Of Voting, The Winner Of The 2024 Best Elk Cartridge Bracket Is the 300 Win Mag! 2nd - 7 Rem Mag (26.59%) 3rd - 280 AI (15.87%)

[@pb7087]

You got the last word on each. No rebuttles?

[@TODinWY]

Common Sense Wins Again.

[@warreng2885]

Agree, but surprised 7mag isn't closer

[@geraldgreen123]

Correct poll. Although I use a 300 H&H - nostalgia.

[@Snorkl7879]

60% of the time, 300WM works every time.

[@joemarchinski914]

All I have is my .270 win so that's what I would use, I've never been disappointed with it

[@chetlockwood1491]

@@joemarchinski914, I hunted with the 270 for 10 years and never found it lacking, it always performed well.

[@biggs8729]

You have never been disappointed with it and you never should be. The 270 Win has put a lot of meat on my table growing up.

[@m444ss]

right on

[@galenhaugh3158]

Same here. Got my 270 back in '67 and it has never disappointed me. Of couse, I'm always a neck shooter--why waste meat??

[@jcows12]

I dont own a 270 but it seems like its close to 7 mag but almost half the recoil, thats nothing to be disappointed with. Ive shot 7mag since 16 it doesn't kick that bad but it kicks enough, 300 mag is just too much recoil for me to really want to shoot.

[@jaydiffy]

300 win mag. I love it! Got my elk this year at 436 yards. Hand loads, 3200fps. At that distance it still hits with 2900 ft lbs energy. 180gr. Berger elite. Done.

[@ronburlison7559]

yep absolutely accurate

[@joesebia6138]

7 mag or 300 win are probably the best 2, but Ill still chose my 270 with 130g partitions. Shoots great to 325 yds or so and drops em like a scalded spider.

[@danieltrembley8275]

7 Rem Mag for sure, manageable recoil, great ballistics, excellent ammo availability

[@ChronicalsofAl]

This one is about the best ELk cartridge! 300 win mag thank you very much.

[@Accuracy1st]

300WSM-Long, 200 gr Terminal Ascent, 2965fps + any elk = not compatible with life

[@jamescole2725]

I've had good results with the ta in my bergara hmr wilderness

[@Accuracy1st]

@@jamescole2725 This year will be my first to see what a TA will do

[@chadmorrison5094]

The 300 wsm should have been in the contest!!!

[@joshcollard7834]

I’m blown away by the industry. Seems to be pushing 300 short mags away. 300 saum, 300wsm, and 300 rcm are all beasts of a cartridge.

[@RollingRigTraction]

​@@Chemically_Inducedthe whole process behind it was action length, consider how the .300 WSM and the .300 WSSM hit the market about the same time, the WSSM is a ghost and not even hardly considered now. Personally, I just don't have issues with a long action. I grew up with Dad rolling with a .39-06 sporterized Winchester made M1917 Enfield. I now have two of them a Win and a Rem but the Savage 110FP .300WM I got as my first ever Magnum has a serious bolt throw for a .300WM long action anyway. I kick myself for having to sell that rifle but I'm blessed now to have replaced that rifle with 3 other .300WM's. I'm more than happy to stick to the venerable old .30-06 and the .300WM but if I got close enough I would absolutely give a 6.5 Grendel and a .350 Legend a go to see how well they do. I am however building a .308 AR-10 and sourced enough upper parts to also build a 6.5 Creedmore just for the Hell of it(at least with the Creedmore) my son got hot on building AR platform rifles before I did and he set me up with some .308 stuff so "I😅 had to build a .308 AR10😂😂!)

[@JohnHerman-x7l]

7 REM Mag would be my choice. It’s strikes a great balance between recoil, ballistics, cost and ammo availability, as well as practical rifle weight for hiking through mountain terrain on an elk hunt. Nice video Jim and good luck filling that tag!

[@rosskruse2643]

My TC Encore weighs about 8.5 fully loaded - scope etc. 300 WM shoots like a dream with an overall rifle length that is awesome to carry.

[@Chemically_Induced]

@@rosskruse2643 8.5lbs is not particularly light weight by modern standards, and it's a single-shot. You're just poor. No hate. I've been poor too.

[@aeis3007]

⁠​⁠@@Chemically_Induced how much does your hunting rifle setup weight?

[@Chemically_Induced]

@@aeis3007 There isn't much of a "setup". My meat getting rifle is just a pre-mk2 Ruger M77 in .270 from when they didn't make their own barrels and buying one was a crap shoot, and a Leupold 3-9x scope. It's not ideal but it's what my dad bought me as a kid and I never had cause to use anything else. It's still lighter than your T/C and has a box magazine.I have a custom barreled 35-348AI Model 71 Jap made Browning clone lever gat, a .375 H&H Weatherby rifle. Meat hunting inna woods I still take that stupid 2moa Ruger. It just works

[@Chemically_Induced]

@@aeis3007 oh, and according to my bathroom scale it weighs 8lbs.

[@MegaLostOne]

280AI. I own a 7mm Rem mag and a 7mm-08. I am getting a 280AI even if I have to custom build it. Reason? easier on brass than 7mm Rem mag, less recoil (2.5lbs less recoil counts on a lighter rifle), ballistically can be loaded to almost 7mm Rem specs and I reload so no issue there. Here is one point I didn't see brought up in the video it's a 2" shorter barrel length on average over a mag. I know it doesn't sound like much but slung over your shoulder and going through brush and you will find out what a difference it is. Niche yes, but if you reload and once you have the brass it's not an issue for ammo availability, shorter and lighter on average, less recoil. Not much distance lost on range over the 7 mag and definitely with in my abilities and I believe most peoples abilities if they where to be honest with themselves.

[@lostcreek7551]

If you like efficiency, 6.8western.

[@Chemically_Induced]

Homie, if your issue is being easy on brass, just buy a magnum length action rifle. Buying a AI 7mm makes zero sense when you already own a 7mag. Just use slower powder if you're worried about beating the cases up.

[@Chemically_Induced]

@@lostcreek7551 or you could just buy a used .270. There is millions of them out in the wild because Jack O'conner

[@MegaLostOne]

@@Chemically_Induced Magnum powder IS slow burning powder that's why typically magnum barrels are longer in order to get higher velocities. Belted magnums have always had issue with bulge, hence the need for a special die if reloading for multiple rifles and not separating the brass to each rifle as I do in order to bring it back close to a saami spec and have it chamber in all my rifles, and weakening in the body portion. AI shoulders have always been easier on brass than even typical calibers since the shoulder doesn't want to move as much and require less trimming. Again non magnums also typically have a two inch shorter barrel, making it easier to maneuver in brush, usually accept one more round in magazine. The 280AI is cheaper to reload than the 7mm mag, I don't just use my rifles once a year for a hunt. Then why do I own 7mm mag? I bought them before getting into reloading and the 280AI hadn't really taken off and I didn't know it's capabilities. If I wasn't a reloader and only used my rifles once a year for a hunt I would take the 7mm mag over the 280AI, since it is easier to get ammo for, not arguing that but since I am a reloader the 280AI is the better option IMO as I pointed out above, that is why I explained my reasoning. I'm not saying 7mm mag isn't a fantastic round, the list is full of great calibers. What I am saying is after weighing the pros and the cons MY personal choice is to change over to the 280AI as my primary, that doesn't mean I will get rid of all my 7mm mags. One other major advantage to the 7mm mag is just about every major manufacturer offers it so a buyer has a lot more options when buying over the 280 AI.

[@montaego]

Agree with you. I have had a 7mm rem mag and now have 2 x 280ai. It's as good, but doesn't have the recoil of the magnum and uses 6-8 grains less powder to accomplish the same. Go for it. You won't be disappointed. You will want a 24inch barrel if you are shooting heavies and want the velocity.

[@Unknown_user_est1776]

300WM all day.

[@CiviTac]

And oldie but a goodie my friend

[@nikovlahou2553]

100% been proven the longest. Always works.

[@michaelstalenberg2407]

I love mine to . I have a sauer 100 xt

[@ASimao71]

And twice on sundays😊😊

[@jtylermcclendon]

7 mag and 300 win are only in the same class if you you shoot factory loads. 300 win mag can deliver much more energy downrange at the cost of recoil. 7 PRC is a modern 300 win mag that's 10-20% better in every way.

[@Sean0.284]

280AI, ammo choice is starting to improve and love the efficiency. The other two would also be my second and third choices interchangeably.

[@Chemically_Induced]

how many rounds do you put through your duur rifle that powder efficiency overwhelms the versatility of 7-mag?

[@koryscullawl8895]

280ai is better than 7mag. That’s a pretty inefficient cartridge

[@noahhorinek]

@@Chemically_Inducedit’s not about volume of shots. Less powder means less ejecta which means less recoil, but at nearly the same velo.

[@sslifehf]

300WM all day. It has never disappointed and is very accurate!

[@zachvydra9309]

325WSM. Hate on it if you want. It’s well appreciated in the western provinces and territories.

[@Chemically_Induced]

I don't hate it, but I also don't understand why it exists as a hunting cartridge. Is it trying to be a PPC but with big boy bullets? I'm not trying to sound like a Fudd, but why did the world need a handicapped 8mm? Its parent cartridge shoots the not special caliber bullets of the same weight with a better BC and sectional density. What does it do that 8mm Mauser didn't already at a lower pressure? Not fit in a short action? The 100 year old Mauser will still be doing 8mm things when yours is a blown out rattle trap.

[@phild9813]

I like the 325. Not very overbore, so it’s efficient. Slightly faster per bullet weight than its smaller cousins. Bigger hole in the game you’re shooting. I’ve seen 325s, but I’ve never seen an 8mm mauser, which from what I understand is also a fine cartridge.

[@gburwash01]

None of my hunting buddies shoot it. We hunt all over the prairie provinces.

[@RobertYoung-i3p]

300 WM for the win! My Wife and Daughters shoot 7mmO8. GREAT INFORMATIVE VIDEO!

[@philipharris1890]

7mm rem mag is a better elk rifle The 270 win my favorite deer rifle

[@tannervanasten]

no reason to ever buy a 7mm rem mag with 7prc out. Future is here

[@Westerner_]

I’m not convinced 7 PRC is here to stay yet and 7 REM mag has been around for 60 something years at this point. There’s almost no practical advantages to the PRC within ethical distances, then there’s powdergate on top of everything. I own a 375 Ruger, a 338 RCM, and a 6.5 PRC, I like cartridges based off of the case, just think 7PRC did the least to fill a hole in the market.

[@paulkysar6207]

​@@tannervanasten Hornady made a mistake by trying to replace one of if not the most popular big game rifles. 7prc has fallen well short of the hopes and dreams of the future.

[@MIDNIGHTSUNALASKA]

@@Westerner_Wondering…Do you have any 338 RCM Brass you’d want to sell.? I’ve got a little over 500 new pieces, and I’d like to acquire another 500.

[@willnorholm1255]

​@tannervanasten The 7mm PRC will not compete with 7mm rem mag when handloading. I'm getting 3125 fps with 168 gr ABLRs under 72 grains of Retumbo in a 26-inch barreled Browning X-bolt long range. I have a 9.5 twist and it will even stabilize the 175 grain eld-x bullets. The 7mm prc is marketing hype for people who don't handload, and it will not achieve the same velocities as a 7mm rem mag.

[@mikegould1401]

280ai , effective, efficient, and user friendly do to less recoil Less recoil also helps with accuracy!

[@Error-4-0-4-]

280AI for me absolutely love it less recoil than a 7mag uses less powder and very close in performance. If I'm hunting for anything thats not dangerous game I'm grabbing my custom lightweight 280ai every single time.

[@biggs8729]

300 Win Mag for the win! I picked it before I even saw the contenders. That being said, I’m hunting with the 6.8 Western.

[@retylerment8860]

280 Ackley is a perfectly balanced cartridge. Plus the narrower case head usually gets you and extra round in the magazine. It gets my vote.

[@Chemically_Induced]

if you need a 5th round, you already missed 4 times at something which started off fairly static and is now dynamically running away. Another round isn't helping that situation. Most rifles can fit at least 4 + 1 belted cartridges in them. Also, Good options for 7mm bullets is a fairly recent thing.

[@Hawkinsoutdoors-mr3ry]

@@Chemically_Inducedneeding that extra rd doesn’t mean you missed the others. Elk are known to take multiple rounds and keep going. Most magnum caliber hold 3+1.

[@thepracticalrifleman]

@@Chemically_Inducedfairly recent? In like decades?

[@jcarry5214]

@@thepracticalrifleman pretty sure this individual is just regurgitating things they heard somewhere. 175 partition was what, 70s?

[@thepracticalrifleman]

@ exactly!

[@JD-jn5we]

If you have a 7 rem mag you don’t need anything else! lol the best of all time and the 7 prc is proof cause all they did was update it to better suit reloaders

[@Hunter_300winMag]

So is the 300 prc proof that the 300 win mag is the best cartridge ever? Cuz all they did with the 300prc is update it

[@mattmiller4241]

It's actually to better suit people who don't reload! Also, another caveat of 7mm prc is that the 7mm rem mag can do everything it was originally meant to do if reloaded.

[@Chemically_Induced]

@@Hunter_300winMag 300 Win Mag has too short of a neck to shoot heavy bullets. It has its place, but it doesn't displace actual magnum length cartridges. It's kind of a wimp in comparison. Its Al Bundy claim to fame is being slight faster than 30-06.

[@Lethal_Intent]

​@Chemically_Induced my 300wm shoots 230 atips with a factory chamber with no problem. And i can make it longer coal with my aics 3.850 mag, and it's not eating up to much case capacity then.

[@codyoldford1592]

​@@mattmiller4241if you rebarrel with a better twist rate for sure

[@DFuzzy1]

Have to go with the .280 AI. My son has a custom-built Ackley that shoots very well. I have taken quite a few elk with different .30-06 rifles. My first elk was when I was 13. Used a 1903 Springfield with a 180 Rem round nose at 25 yards (he was sleeping, and I was creeping. I used a Ruger No. 1 .30-06 with my hand loaded Speer 165gr Grand Slam in the same area many years later and anchored a 6 pt at between 35 and 40 yards. (Again while still hunting...he was also sleeping.) I have taken elk with my Ruger No. 3 in .45-70 with the Speer 400 gr at 2200 fps. This was at around 125 yards. In Montana I used my TC Contender 14" in .357 Herrett, 180gr spire point at 75 yards. About 35 years ago I got a Ruger M-77V in 7mm Express/.280 Rem. That is a "varmint" model with a 24" bull barrel. Since then, I have used nothing else. Black tails, white tails, numerous mulies in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. I hunt the open and high country in the west, but the majority of my harvests have been under 100 yards. By the way, whose rig is that with the Franklin plates? I'm a native spud.

[@BertShackleford]

My induction into the One Mile Club was behind a .300 Winchester Magnum back in the day. This was around the time that the new WSM and WSSM cartridges began to hit the market. And _long_ before the Creedmoor's and PRC's ever existed. Therefore, it [.300 Win Mag] will *_ALWAYS_* be my favorite cartridge of all time! However, I have been transfixed with the *6.8 Western* as of lately. It _literally_ seems like thee best overall cartridge to date. Happy to subscribe, brother. Stay classy my friend.

[@brado647]

The final 3 are all excellent choices. I personally shoot a 7mm Rem and that’s my pick for this discussion. If I was to get a new custom rifle built I would get the 280 ai. But I’m not selling my 7mm.

[@dougwilliams1741]

280-AI... Ballistically it does everything I need for elk hunting... I reload and it offers advantages there. I also find it easier to shoot across a wider range of rifle platforms from compact and light, to larger longer range setups with less of a need for muzzle brakes or cans. Having said that, all three cartridges work just fine.

[@g1mpster]

The voting results pretty clearly favor name, recognition and personal familiarity over objective data. I would love to see this redone with objective measurements and clear criteria spelled out.

[@jaydunbar7538]

7 rem mag is my choice, literally when I set up a new rifle a few years ago when it all came down to it I ordered it in 7 rem mag

[@Hollywood41642]

300 RUM never lets me down.. #1

[@Ridesmule]

Another thing I love about my 300 RUM is that there are three levels of power in the ammunition that you can buy. One is equivalent to a 30-06, one is equivalent to a 300 Win mag and one is the 300 RUM. Something for every occasion unless you’re rabbit hunting all in one rifle. 😊

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

300 WM because of the power, frontal diameter and ammo availability. I have a 300 WSM and my Dad has had a 300 WM since 1979 and my one brother has one too. 7 REM Mag is a great balanced choice with less recoil and still great ammo availability. 280 AI is a great option too, but only for those who can reload

[@bigpete3372]

280 AI. Another thing to remember is mag capacity is typically one round better with the 280 AI.

[@theeasternfront6436]

Are there any rifles factory chambered in it?

[@drdes9609]

280 AI just because it’s so well rounded.

[@MNvikfan]

280ai does everything the 7 rem does but more efficency my hand load 175ablr at 2850

[@Chemically_Induced]

you get that you can just down load a 7 Rem Mag if you wanted to, right? how many rounds do you actually put through your duur rifle per year that efficiency supersedes the flat shooting smack of a 7mag? I say this as the owner of a custom 7mm express mauser that makes no sense.

[@thepracticalrifleman]

@@Chemically_Inducedusually “loading down” isn’t a factory option on magnums and “loading down” tends to produce reduced accuracy as well increase the risk of hang firing in cold conditions.

[@MNvikfan]

@@Chemically_Induced well I actually had both a custom built 7rem and a custom 280ai the 7 rem was 80fps faster but you then have a belted magnum witch brings its own set of problems plus a 175 @2850 has enough speed and energy to kill deer past a 1k and elk your about the 850 yard point

[@scottsmith3324]

280 ai is a magic round.

[@EC-mc7vg]

7 Rem Mag has the best balance of recoil, energy, range, overall ballistics and ammo availability for up to elk size game. For moose or big bear would opt for the 300 Win Mag for bigger heavier bullets.

[@Ugh_its_dat_guy86]

280 AI because the recoil is manageable, you great ballistics and it's just cool. Now with that being said I mean either 7 rem mag and 300win mag are both top tier elk cartridges at least in my opinion

[@MisterEdd79]

300wm. My REM 700 shoots factory Precision Hunter 200gr ELD-X regularly 1/2”-3/4” @ ~2,860fps.

[@cheatinggravity173]

I reload my 1:10 twist .270 win with 170 grain bergers (G7 BC of .339) going 2907 fps using vitavouri n560 powder and because of my elevation (7700') it stabilizes them very well- accuracy is phenominal. At 600 yards it is still going 2300 fps and has 2013 ft lbs of energy. The same or better performance at longer ranges than 7 mag with less recoil and powder burned than the 7 mag or 7prc. Was going to switch to one of the bigger cartridges but after seeing what it could do with the heavies, I'll just stick with my old tried and true elk dropper.

[@vanesagiselamartinez]

Si es por algo he hecho bits para ampliar hasta 180, largos como 195 Berger de los 7 Rem Magnum, asusté el 270 más largo y lo puse en una acción de un solo disparo y no solo, lo estabiliza y agrupa casi 0.25 moa pero se expande, pero sinceramente deja de ser un 270, parece un anémico 6.5 sueco y baja mucho, Solo obtén 2750 pies por segundo con esa punta

[@blindboyjonny]

I am blessed to have each and every one of these cartridges available to me. When I am grabbing an elk rifle, it is either the 6.8 or the seven Ackley. All of them can do the job, but some are a little light and some are more than needed. The chance of seeing a 400 inch bull at 500 yards are slightly more than winning the lottery. Just saying. Thanks for a great series.

[@blindboyjonny]

That should read .280 Ackley, not 7 mm Ackley, however, if you make it out of a 7 mm express case I guess it would be a 7 mm Ackley…

[@trentonauman8224]

270 wsm would be my choice. As it is not in the running, i would choose 280AI

[@unibrow3699]

I love my 280 AI. I have been able to find ammo on the shelves where I live and stocked up on it so I’m good for a few decades of hunting. I’m open to the 300 win mag (300 PRC is my preference) because it’s always enough bullet at any distance. 280 AI is definitely the best “all-around” cartridge but I’m open to the argument for the 300’s. since I have a 280 AI I would never waist my money purchasing either of the other 2 finalists. 280 AI is my pick.

[@jerrywhittaker1052]

7mm Rem mag. Its just really good in every way.

[@chetlockwood1491]

There is a visible difference in the animals reaction to the bullet impact between the 300 Win Mag and the other two, profound difference. If a person can handle the recoil, the 300 Win Mag is hands down the Champ. To give a little context to my vote, I own all three, the 280 is a standard 280 Remington, 7MM Rem Mag is a Custom, the 300 is a 30-338 Win Mag Custom, I put together. I love them all and would not feel undergunned carrying anyone of them.

[@TonyGillis]

7mm Rem Mag is my pick

[@richarddelvecchiojr542]

7 Rem mag and the 338 Win mag all day long. Great video.

[@Almost_Made_It]

I think the 280/7mm vs 270/6.8 argument is kinda silly. We’re talking about 6 thousandths difference in diameter. I can’t even think of another two cartridges with that little of a difference off the top of my head. I suspect there would be zero practical difference between them with the same weight projectile.

[@jimgaines7839]

Growing up in Montana and Hunting elk all my life, most people i run in to have a 7mag, 300 win mag, 338 win mag, 300wsm, 300 ultra mag . I've used a 30-06 , 270 win, 300 ultra mag, 300 wsm, 270 wsm 300 saum , and 7saum, and they all have worked great, but i fell in love with the 300 ultra mag from day one

[@dionysis84]

300WSM is what I went with for a custom elk rifle build but that was right before the 7PRC came out. If I was using it for deer & elk I’d go with the 7prc but I’d still stick with the 300wsm as a primary elk rifle

[@07cmm]

280 Rem has been a go-to for 14 years so I'll side with the 280AI.

[@JAC8504]

1. 338WM 2. 300 WM 3. 7mm RM 4. 30-06 5. 300 WSM

[@benjaminbradley3009]

It comes down to, "if aint broke, dont fix it." If Grandpa's old rifle works for you, keep it. I still choose 308Win, for all North American big game. Great video 👍

[@johnkaraphillis754]

.280AI because I handload. If I didn’t, 7mag.

[@RyanMast-c5e]

300 win mag! I have it in the tikka t3x superlite. It was my least favorite rifle till I put a muzzle brake on it now it’s my favorite. I had the opportunity to make a 770 yard shot on a nice bull this year. One EldX through the heart and he didn’t go 10 yards.

[@afroghair6793]

280ai for me, because that's what I have.175 elite hunters, or 162 eldx.

[@JC26266]

300WM. Inexpensive as far as magnums go. A muzzle device will drop recoil significantly. More range than you will ever need. Etc etc etc. All the options were good options depending on your situation.

[@ryananderson2860]

7mm mag all day!

[@lookoutnw]

300 win mag. 180 cx or 200 eld-x depending on shot distance. X-bolt max, getting a Backfire Recoil pad for it soon.

[@Range_Unknown]

300WM. If you can handle the recoil, it's the best choice.

[@lookoutnw]

@@Range_Unknown backfire recoil pad?

[@Range_Unknown]

@lookoutnw I have one on my 338WM T3 Lite. Still kicks like a mule, just not as bad.

[@ryanfrank1309]

300 Win Mag is what my grandpa used and it never let him down. Goated round.

[@hawks_stuff]

No love for the 338WM?

[@WilliamKister]

A .338 with a 210 to 225 grain projectile has been know elk medicine for those who know. I use the 340 Weatherby.

[@andyeighttre]

300 Weatherby, 8mm rem mag, 358 Norma mag.

[@DJHunter-P]

7mm Rem Mag all the way. Whether it’s deer, elk or moose, I always grab the 7mag. I bring my 300 win as a back up, but have never had to use it.

[@timothyorendorff7642]

This was well done, interesting and entertaining. To me 7mm REM Mag is for dedicated hand loaders as this round has always been “throttled” back in factory loadings.

[@elkhunter6746]

300 wsm 175 gr barnes lrx That's my choice and I have all the above . I have taken elk with my 30 30 but with the choice I would say 7mm AI as my second choice .love these videos.

[@stephenhair5501]

7 mag for the win. Although I'm not a belted cartridge fan, I just have to go with this because it's very capable, not heavy recoiling, ammo widely available and so many rifles chambered in the 7 mag. Thanks for putting this video together. It's been very enjoyable and interesting.

[@nathanhazlehurst484]

They all work fine.

[@nagibson1]

nuff said

[@georgecruz6226]

For me, I would be taking my 300RUM! But if I had to choose out of those three,it would be the 7mag cause I own one of those as well! Great content!🙌🏼

[@benf8487]

David Petzal has a fantastic article on Field and Stream comparing the 270 and 7mm rem mag. I'll summarize it; there is a frog hairs difference in ballistic performance for a lot more recoil.

[@MrBm1968]

I see at the 300 wm won this pole and I agree. I have used 300 wm for many years combained with 200 grain partition loaded to moderat speed of 840 m/s and it just works and there is very litle damage in the animal.

[@nathanielmatzeo5274]

not a magnums fan but if i was going elk only a tikka 300 wsm with long action mag and bolt stop with the barnes bore rider lrx would be my top top choice

[@Accuracy1st]

I did that. Took my JGS reamer and honed a Tikka 300WSM stainless factory barrel. Switched out the bolt stop and mag. It's excellent.

[@nathanielmatzeo5274]

@@Accuracy1st It's on my bucket list but i barely get out for elk so my x bolt 30-06 serves well with 168 ttsx

[@Accuracy1st]

@@nathanielmatzeo5274 You're speaking my language. In my 30-06s, the 168 TTSX over Reloder 19 kills just about everything. I've taken more bears with that load than deer

[@nathanielmatzeo5274]

@@Accuracy1st It covers anything I'd ever need to do once. After i saw desert dog outdoors video on the 270 and his 100gr 25-06 loads i need to try that for deer. My vanguard gets here monday and if i get anything close to his 3400 with 100gr ttsx I'll be ecstatic

[@Accuracy1st]

@@nathanielmatzeo5274 I'm loading 130 TTSX in 270s with Superformance and getting 3325 to 3380, the latter has nearly a 26" barrel, and the 110 TTSX with Superformance and Hunter over 3400fps

[@GRW2]

Been using a 338 WM for 30 years. Dad uses a 300 WM. Nothing kills like a 338.

[@markherrick1784]

300 WM, super available and a huge range of projectiles.

[@ianbonifer2092]

You guys make great recoil pads for any rifle for a reason! 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM ALL DAY.

[@philipharris1890]

300 win mag is the best elk rifle Where can I get 6.5 ammo?

[@LeifyGuy]

280ai is the best compromise of performance to recoil to mag capacity, 280ai all the way

[@coreystoner4129]

If someone had to hold my feet to the fire on this one it would be the 300 win mag all day for elk. It’s been around for awhile. Ammo is easy to come by. Has enough power to shoot anything in North America plus imo you can’t beat a 30 caliber when it comes to big game hunting. If I were hunting out west my 300 win mag is going with me with 180 grain Barnes ttsx. My 300 win mag is also my bear gun out here in pa

[@lyletruenortheh.1998]

Win mag is my choice for Elk and Moose in the foothills of Alberta .

[@z987k]

280AI all day.

[@jeremiahdavis7666]

300 WM For the win 7MM Formidable opponent 280 Ackley lacks support but awesome, highly unknown caliber.

[@Clambelly]

6.8 Western is the most superior ballistically compared to everything on the list, and works out of a short action. 6.8 Western surpasses .300 Win Mag at long range without the extra weight & recoil. 6.8 Western is easily the best overall cartridge despite the fact that it didn't make it past the first round of voting.

[@keithprinn720]

until you see how few rifles, factory ammo and reloading options . sorry great calibre but availability, choice or options to actually find rifle and ammunition. who cares about short action seriously, doesnt count much.

[@Jez-p9k]

Lack of ammo kills it

[@geothunder1971]

Man I don't know who over at Winchester is doing their new product media and PR, but they suck lol and it started with their WSM family in the early 2000's

[@RepublicofTX]

Put the bottle down, grandpa

[@Jez-p9k]

@@geothunder1971 exactly. Most people don't realize this is a modernized 270/270wsm cartridge. If they did I think more people would be interested. 6.8 western is a really weird name.

[@hueyadams4064]

300 RUM has always done the trick for me. 220 grain ELD-X gets the job done.

[@TheMightyflea2001]

300 RUM is the way to go

[@concretefinisher4010]

I love them all but there’s something about touching off the ultra mag👌

[@scottscheuerman8714]

@@concretefinisher4010they are horrible on recoil without a muzzle break but with a muzzle break they are not bad and boy they knock the elk down

[@gutshotaz2805]

As I reload, 280 AI is my choice. Better BC at birth, and no belt to mess with. 750-900 yard lethality depending on elevation (not that I need to shoot at game at that distance), and good wind drift (benefit of high BC bullet construction).

[@hammerheadms]

.300 Win Mag. I got mine for the express purpose of elk.

[@brucebanner9911]

Back in the 80's there was a journalist who wrote a hunting piece in a farming magazine every month here in South Africa, he always said that if you owned 20 different calibers, which one is the best.."the one you shoot the most accurate with" Lucas Potgieter

[@brandondavis5249]

300WM was my favorite, but i sold it. I hunt the caost of Oregon, so 35 Whelen

[@pabloco091]

My #1, I'm to blind to shoot past 300, the ol 35 is the man

[@pabloco091]

With 30-06 as my 2nd, or my #2, however it qua9

[@willybiddle2001]

340 Weatherby is my favorite. Exceptional power gor the largest Elk, moose, or bear. Will never let you down and shoots great ouy to 500 yards. Recoil? Man up. LOL

[@Kingnickie]

No love for the classic 338win mag so sad ahahah

[@stevespalding5433]

I would like to have seen the 7PRC vs 7MAG. 300WM is awesome but I like the 300PRC more.

[@theblindsniper9130]

Id give it to the 300 win mag just due to the 308 diameter bullet and massive selection available

[@walterlebaron3008]

7mm rem mag for the win here. Also had a question on the frontal diameter. Is it the frontal diameter that makes the hole or the energy ? Probably a combo. I just don’t quite understand how that works. Does total amount of energy directly correlate with wound chanell? Obviously bullet makes a difference on that too Hope you understand my question?.

[@Rhinodo99]

300 wm. I don’t have experience with the Ackley though.

[@kylesummers1565]

I had a unicorn 30 years ago. I had a Ruger 77 in .300 Win and it was magna-ported and had a trigger job. You lost sight of your target when you fired, but it was a tack-driver. I sold it to a rich guy at the range for $900 back in 1991. I bought it for less than $400 3 years earlier when I worked at a gun store (I even sold it new to the guy I bought it from). I wish I had kept it, but money talks and puts gas in the tank. I'm on the .270 and 6mm Rem mag train right now but am eying newer calibers. The .270 is a pretty old mauser action sold as a Herters (old sporting goods store). The 6 is a Remington 700.

[@galenhisler396]

270 win. Is my pick second but not on the list 300wsm.

[@davidfarrell4289]

If 270 is your first choice, why is 300 your second choice when .280 cal is available in so many cartridges and bullets?

[@galenhisler396]

@davidfarrell4289 because of the choices, my favorite is the 270 win. It's not on the list, but one of my favorites is 300wsm, I've shot 3 bull moose with it .

[@treasurestatetarantulas406]

280 ai because I think it would be the best option for accuracy factory loading.

[@brucebarr2003]

300 Win Mag all day, best ever

[@saltyOG]

Last year I took my Rosie 5x5 with my Tikka 30.06 with 180 TTSX. It was DRT at 30 yards. I will be using the same in three weeks for my Rosie tag.

[@Paul-q3m7k]

I’ll take my 35 whelen all day everyday over any other cartridge . Loaded up with 225 accubonds it’s good in the Timbers and out to 400 yards . It also has the horsepower to deal with the grizzly bears

[@JamesCarney-iz9uq]

The 300 WinMag is pretty much all around. I own a CZ ultimate hunting rifle. It’s only chambered in 300 They didn’t make very many of them. I was lucky enough to get one. I never seen a more accurate factory rifle. It’s a 550 with a Mauser claw extractor action. It weighs 8 pounds empty with a scope. I have a 4 to 12 Leopold bringing the weight up a little. But I’m hunting in the brush and short range. I have a 4:50 marlin. Chamber and a Winchester model 94. It’s very lightweight with a small variable scope and I still have iron sites with a flip of switch.

[@8d4o0c4]

Of those listed I prefer the .280 AI, but the .35 Whelen is probably my favorite elk cartridge.

[@rickvann3489]

.30-06 cartridge

[@sfcareivy]

280ai, factory ammo is plentiful online. Have never had an issue getting ammo for mine, even have shops carrying on the shelf

[@flattenedprimer-hz6vw]

300WSM.... oh wait you didn't list that.

[@donaldberes1963]

280 AI. I have purchased 2 since you did a shoot out 4/5 years ago and then bought a second after the 280 vs. SAUM "best Cal. shootout".