Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Nearly Perfect Elk Rifle....Caliber

Yes, I stole that from Larry Potter. Some quick background on my hunting. I hunt mostly public or block managed land in MT. It is a long travel for me, but I used to live there, so I kind of know what to expect.

I have a Ruger Hawkeye in 6.5x55. I really like it as a hunting rifle. Low recoil, drops mulies in their tracks, shoots like a laser, what could I not like? Well, I’m not sure about 6.5x55 on elk. If your only comment is that Swedes have killed moose with them for years, save your breath....I got that. I’d also be willing to bet most Swedes would rather have a 9.3x62 in their hands on that hunt!

So, the step up to me is some moderately customized model 70 based rifle with a good barrel, custom fit wood, open sights and a quality scope with bdc to 500 and about a 40mm objective.

So, let’s talk caliber....right now, I’m thinking 6.5X55, 6.5-06, 270 Win, 280 AI, or 30’06 AI. My deciding factors are elk killing ability, ballistics to 500 yds, bullet selection/quality, recoil, availability of good brass at reasonable cost, mag capacity, etc.

So what should I be thinking?

.284

Of those the 280AI would be my choice.

No wrong choice in that list... if you hunt around grizzly's you may want to lean towards the upper end.

They will all work...but I'd lean '06 for all the usual reasons.....

.280 AI of those. I wouldn't bother A.I. a 30/06, it's good as is. If you want the extra FPS save yourself the headache of fire forming and go with a .300 WSM, WM, etc.

Open country I tend to grab my 270 or 6.5-06.....

In the thick forest around home my 9.3X62 or 338 mag gets used.... too many big bears causing trouble lately

You may need two perfect elk rifles....

6.5x55 is the correct answer, use a good bullet and it is an elk killer. You know your drops on it, from your post you obviously have confidence in shooting it, there is an old saying with a lot of truth in it - "dance with the one who brung you".

I used a 243 and a 260 for years and never had issues with either of them, although I was always careful with shot placement with the 243.

drover

With those choices, why bother? None of those are going to do anything the 6.5 x 55 won't do just fine at the ranges you are discussing. If you're going to take a step up, make it a worthwhile one- 300 Win Mag or a 338 WM (my favorite)... excellent ballistics far beyond your stated ranges and enough energy to be sure it won't bounce off anything on any continent on earth. Excellent bullets available also- in factory fodder and for handloading.

Bob

Anything will work, I’ve done it. 338 win mag was made for elk...

I’m liking the looks of that AALF, specs?

270 for sure.

Man...I’d honestly use your trusted 6.5. Spend the money saved on alpha glass and alpha boots

I would want a 30-06 at least, 338 would be better!

Hunting camp chat, after a few whiskey.
These new mono's change the picture quite alot. The 6.5 's with a good copper bullet is adequate, 500 yards too is far , imo, for any chambering.
Believe it or not we have killed elk with a 22/250- not recommended.
Our southern moose are easier to kill than elk, imo.
A mature bull will take a vital shot and run, you had best follow. The old guy might be piled up in the creek bottem.

It's been said many times, it's the bullet not the headstamp. All the rounds you mentioned will do if you use a good bullet, like the Nosler partition. There are other good bullets too. But, at the end of the day, you've got to make a round choice. I chose the .280 AI. I know it works because I've killed eight bull elk it and the 160gr NP.

Answering the OPs question, .284 or .308.

Cartridge depending upon platform, shot distance, etc.

Just to be clear, I was set on 280 ai due to the dies being more common and good 7mm bullets.

What I found was 30’06 ai can hit same velocities with slightly better bullets and Lapua brass.

I think you have answered your own question.....