Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Best Elk Cartridge in the World??

I lately have been hunting deer with a .308, which is more-than-adequate for the task.

I know there are countless times when a modest rifle will do basically as well as a more-powerful one—both with good bullets and placement—on most animals.

However, I’m not so certain on some situations, including one that was important to me.

The bullet on the left below is a .338 caliber 225gr TTSX that, impacted a moose at about 3,000 fps; went through about four feet of moose; and, at the very end, smashed through its off-side shoulder before coming to rest under the hide.





The bullet on the right is a .243 one that was stopped by a modest-sized deer that my son shot (different bullet construction, I know).



The moose collapsed nearby. If he had gone much further, he might have died in this lagoon, ruining my day.



What would have happened if I had had been using a .243 or even .270? I honestly don’t know. I might have pulled it off. But, at the time especially, I am glad I didn’t have to find out.

Just my own experience and opinion.