I admittedly spend much more time on this forum reading others posts than I do offering any input. That being said, I've noticed that one of the most repeated themes is what rifle/caliber/load do you use or is best for elk? That in turn got me thinking about my own experience & was struck by how eclectic it is. So, here goes what I can remember. Largest bull was killed with a 7X57 shooting 175 grain Hornadys. Smallest bull was shot with a .270 using 150 grain Sierras. Longest shot was with a .338 WM using 250 gr Sierras. Closest shot was with a .416 wildcat based on a blown out .325 WSM shooting 400 gr Hornadys (really glad nothing was behind that one....) Most elk overall with the same rifle is a 7X64 Brenneke shooting 154 Hornadys, only because it has been my trusted go to for the last 20 years or so if I'm not trying something different. So here is a list of rifles I have killed elk with, some of them just one while some of them multiples. Pre 64 Winchester .270 standard grade, pre 64 super grade .270 Winchester, commercial Mauser 7X64 Brenneke, custom commercial Mauser.338 Win Mag, Custom Mauser .270 Win.,Ruger 77 7X57, previously mentioned .416 on Montana Rifle action, 1895 Winchester .30-40 Krag, original Newton Arms .256 Newton, 1886 Winchester (reproduction) extra light .45-70, and last but not least, a 2nd year production 1894 Winchester .30-30 takedown rifle. That is it as I recall. Hunting partner has taken more elk than I ever will & every one of them was with the same pre 64 standard grade 30-06 using nothing but 165 grain Speer flat bases. Please tell what you have used, I'm really interested to hear what others have used over time.

For what little it's worth......Have only killed one elk and that with a 7 mag shooting 140 gr, partitions at 40 yards.

.30-40 Krag
.30-06
.30 Gibbs
.257 Ackley
7 mm RM
.300 Wby
and a sharp stick

It is worth a lot! I find the subject interesting no matter the numbers. The 7mm Rem Mag is an interesting animal in this area, seems to be a lot of used rifles in that caliber on the market, especially since the .300 wsm hit the streets. I have nothing for or against it myself, just an observation.

2 elk, one rifle: Tanger M77; 7Mag; 160gr Grand Slams.

Off the top of my head:

Bow and arrow
6mm Rem
.25-06 Rem
6.5X284 NORMA
.270 Win
.300 Win
.300 H&H
.340 WBY
.375 H&H

That's 8 different rifles and 2 different bows.

I killed a red deer hind in New Zealand with a suppressed .22 LR. Does that count?

.243 Win
.308 Win.
30/06.
7 MM Rem Mag.
.300 Win Mag.
.50 cal muzzle loader.

Forgot .270 Win.

30--06.....(2)
300 H&H...,.(2)
35 Whelen.....(1)
280 Remington...(1)

300 Jarrett
300 RUM
338 Win mag
270

.243 Win
257 Roberts
256 Newton
7x57
280 Rem
7x61 S&H
30 Newton
358 Win
35 Whelen
375 H&H

More with the Whelen than the others combined......
I like the Whelen for elk!!

,270 win.
7mm RM
7mmWea. Mag.
.300 WM
.300 Wea Mag,
.338 WM
,340 Wea Mag
.375 H & H

.308 Win
.35 Whelen
7mm Weatherby
.300 Weatherby
Whelen for the win!

.270 Wby
7mm Dakota
.300 Win Mag
.340 Wby (2)
.338 RUM
.35 Whelen

22 hornet
243
243A.I.
270
30-30
32 spl.
300 savage
30-06
44-40
45-70
450 Howell







Rio7

Calibers::

270 Win
270 WSM
280 Rem
308 Win
30-06
338/06
338 WM

Rifles: 14

Point is proven, can kill an elk with nearly anything but for many of us choosing the rifle is half the fun.

I've been elk huntimg 10 times, 3 times I carried a 30/06, once a 7mm/08while the rest of the times I carried a 300 Win mag. I've taken 6 elk, a small sample.

I had 180 gr bullets of one type or the other in the 30 calibers and 145 gr Speer Grand Slams in the 7mm. By some strange quirk, I took all my elk with the 300 mag. It worked fine but I could have used about anything and had a decent result at the ranges I shot.

More .35 Whelen shooters than I expected so far. Old school for sure. Happy Trails

Killed elk with -

30.06 (3) - 1970 something remington model 700.
300 H&H Mag (1) - pre 64 model 70 winchester.

-----------

Only other guns I own are a couple of shotguns, a 222 remington, a 22 L.R., and a 7mm08 that was recently bought for my teenage son.

Killed way more with the .30-06 than anything else--a pre-64 Model 70 Fwt. bought new in 1961. Here is the complete list:

.270
.280
7mm Rem Mag
.30-06
.300 WSM
.300 Win Mag
.338-06
.338 Win Mag
9.3x62
9.3x74R
.375 H&H

Forgot 1 with a 45-70
2 with a 50-90 Sharps
both cartridges loaded with black powder & paper patched bullets :-)

.308 Model 88 Winchester
.308 Savage 99E,
.30-06 Model 70
.338 Win Mag, Model 70

270 win
30-338 win
7MM STW
243 win
7MM-08 rem
260 rem
22-250
25-06

Distances ranged from fifteen feet to four hundred yards.

35 Whelen 1903 - A3 Springfield

35 Whelen Ruger 77

7x57 1924 VZ 24 Mauser

7x57 pre-64 Win M70

7x57 Ruger 77

22-250
220 swift
260
6.5 creed
7-08
270
30-30

Myself: Two different rifles, same caliber!

My wife: In order of use..... .243 Win., .270 Win., .338 WM ( used since ‘95). memtb

Glad to see so many classic calibers, surprised at how few ultra super magnum whatzahoozits

30/06 Remington Model 700
30/06 Tikka 596

Eight right off hand.Might have forgotten one or two

30-06
300 Weatherby
30-378 Weatherby
243

223
243
6mmAI
250AI
25-06
257wby
6.5x284
6.5-06
6.5-280AI
270
280AI
300wsm
338-06AI

7mm RM
.30-06
.300 WM
.338 WM
.45-70

Reflex Caribou Easton ACC Arrow Slick Trick Broad head

Hoyt ProVantage LTD Easton FMJ Arrow Stick Trick Razor Trick Broad head

6.5 x 55 Swede
.270
.270 Jet Mag
7MM-08
7MM Mag

It's no mistake that your smallest bull was killed with a .270....





-Jake

Yeah, think I have four rifles around here that I have used to take elk.

Have a good day.

270
7x57 (most)
7mm Mag
30-06
338-06 (favorite)
338 Win Mag

270 win and 338 win mag

7 rem mag
300 WBY
White 50 caliber muzzleloader
125 grain Thunderhead

1 with 280 AI, all the rest with my 300 H&H

45/70 1
338 wm 1
Bow 4

I have only hunted elk three times. I carried a Remington 700 in 300 Winchester Magnum the first time, switched off between a 300 Weatherby and a 358 Norma Magnum the second, and 30-06 the third hunt. Shot an elk on the second hunt with the 300 Weatherby.

.270 - 2
7x61 Sharpe & Hart - 5
.308- 2
.338-06 - 1

This may not count, but I made a couple feeble attempts, emphasis on "attempts" with a 340 weatherby.

My 1st, age 15, was with a Win 94 in 32 Spcl
270
300 WSM
30-06
arrow

Started using a Pre 64 264 in the late 60s until 2000 then switched to a Mod. 70 300 RUM. Don't remember how many elk have been shot with those two guns. Now if you are talking deer, that list is longer than my arm.

First was a cow elk with a borrowed 8x57 iron sights. Two with my bow. The rest were with a M77 30.06 tanger and then a Tikka 30.06. Bout 23 as near as I can remember.

340 wby -250 hornady
378 wby -270 hornady
375 H&H -270 hornady
45/70 -350 and 405 grain cast gas check bullets
35 whelen-250 speer
358 win- 250 speer
30/06 - 220 peters and 190 hornady bullets
62 cal hawken- patched ball

the rifles in bold print were the rifles carried on most trips
I've hunted Colorado about 26 years and Wyoming three years
I tend to like hunting steep timbered canyons
similar to these photos

Nice!

35 whelen
338 Federal
338 RUM
308 win (2)
7STW (4)
338-06
300 Win Mag

rossi 1892 44mag
browning 1885 7mm mag

3 with a 30-06 and 180 gr. Hornady's
1 with a 270 Win and 130 Nosler Partitions
1 with a 257 Roberts Ackley and 115gr. Nosler Partitons
4 with 300 Win Mag. using 180 Speer Grand Slam, 180 Nosler Accubond and 168gr. Barnes TTSX

Down to a "One rifle for everything from mice to moose" in 270 Weatherby shooting 129gr. Barnes LRX @ 3450fps.

Hope to add to my list coming up this October!

Elk Country

44 mag carbine
50 caliber Hawkin ML
50 caliber TC Back Diamond ML
50 caliber TC Impact Ml
.308 Model 88
45-70 Browning 1886 lever
30-30 Winchester 94
7MM Rem Mag, Winchester model 70
7MM Weatherby Mag
30-06 Winchester Model 70

Current harvest count is 17 and all have been taken with two calibers. 270 Winchester and 300 Winchester Mag. Probably won't change a thing on the next 17.

longbow
260
280ai
308
338-06
338-06ai
338 win mag

270 Win
338-06
35 Whelen
375 H&H

Three.
Remington M700 ADL, .270.
Browning 1885, 7mm RemMag. This one was too heavy to carry in steep mountains, it only accounted for one.
Remington 700 Classic, 8mm RemMag.

Killed 14 elk. 7 bulls, 7 cows on 8 trips to Colorado. All with 338 RUM. First bull with 225 accubinds, rest have been with 210 swift scirocco.

3

.270 WSM Browning A-Bolt
30-06 Remington 700 ADL
30-06 Remington Faux Ti 700 ADL

Remington 700 .270 Winchester]
NULA 7x57 Mauser
Weatherby Ultra Lightweight 7mm Weatherby Magnum
Ruger 77 .30-06
Springfield 1903 sporter .30-06
Benelli R1 .30-06
Nosler Model 48 .300 WSM
Sisk custom Ruger 77 .300 Winchester Magnum
Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA .300 Weatherby Magnum
(Also used a bow to take a cow and 5-point)

My wife has been far more constrained, using only four rifles, one .257 Roberts, two .270 Winchesters, and a .308 Winchester.

9.3x62. Husqvarna model 146.
30 Govt 1906 Browning 1895 copy
.35 WCF Winchester 1895

I'll play....

.223
.243
.30-30
7x57
.30-06
.300 H&H
.300Winchester
44 magnum ( handgun)


I feel like I'm leaving some out...

I thought there would be a .338 Win Mag in there...

anyone else look over the cartridges list and realize that damn near anything in a center fire cartridge,
used in the hands of a decent shot that knows the games anatomy will work,
its simply getting into reasonable range and finding the game,
not the limitations of the rifle being used thats critical to success.
I'm certainly not suggesting some choices don,t have advantageous properties,
in range and penetration or flat trajectory,
only that its the hunters skill and experience, not the rifle selected, thats more critical.
if guys are successful with a 44 mag, and other guys use a 375 H&H, or a 257 Roberts ,successfully
obviously power and penetration and flat trajectory are not as super critical,
as getting a shot at the vitals,within reasonable ranges your comfortable with, with a rifle your familiar with using

First Model 54 peep sighted 270
Next Several Browning BBR 338 win mag
Then 10-12 Browning Abolt 300 win mag

Few with Whitworth express 375 H&H
Few with the Browning Abolt in 300WSM

The rest with the Browning Abolt in 325 WSM

7mm Remington Magnum-160 Nosler Partition-1,
7mm Remington Magnum-168 Berger VLD-1
7mm Weatherby Magnum-160 Nosler Partition-1
270 WSM--150 Nosler Partition-1
300 Weatherby Magnum--180 Nosler Partition-8

338 win with 210 Partitions
340wby with 210 Partitions
300wby with 180 spire pts (wby) and corelocts
300 win with 165 Speer hot core
30-06 with 180 corelocts and Partitions
270 win with 150 Partitions
7mm STW with 160 accubonds

Ranges averaged 300+yds. All lkilled. I remain quite partial to the 210 Partitions out of 340/338. Second choice would be 300wby with 180s. STW was not as quick killing as I’d have expected expected even at 3400fps. 270 had disappointing penetration at 350-400 yds. I want racquetball sized exit wounds from close range to 500yds. The 210s never disappointed unless I caught both shoulders. I’m loading some 225 accubonds for the 340. Hoping for another perfect load (wby no longer sells the 210 Partition loading—I’ve never been able to match factory velocity and accuracy at the same time).

Dancing Bear,

Have only used the .338 on a very few elk that had already been shot by somebody else. Have also seen some other elk killed by companions with the .338. The list is of elk only I shot with those cartridges.

Wby MK V in 7mm Wby Magnum

Love that gun.

Me too! So much so that I have two; a 24” barreled Jap Mark V synthetic and a 26” Mark V Fibermark.
Happy Trails

M70 SS Classic 300Win/200NP x2
M70 SS Classic 300Win 200TSX x8
M70 SS Classic/Lilja 257Wby/100TSX x1
M84L Kimber Montana/1:8 Lilja @ 22" 270Win 150ABLR x1
M70 SS Classic Fwt 270Win 140TSX x1

Knight wolverine .54 cal
Smith and Wesson model 1500 30-06
Smith and Wesson model 1500 7mm
Smith and Wesson model 1500 .270
Smith and Wesson model 1500 300 win
Weatherby vanguard 7mm
Marlin guide gun 45-70

Mighta forgot one or two along the way.

Zero

Thanks for the input.

Have you never killed an elk, or did you use a bullet, rather than a rifle? Inquiring minds, memtb

I use bullets. I've not ever been close enough to kill one with a rifle, though I did nearly kill one with a pistol. But I opted to pull the trigger instead.

I went a couple of times, no luck, I had a 333 OKH belted built by Charlie O’Neil. I really wanted to kill an elk with it. I did kill a few hogs and a couple of deer with it.

About a dozen elk over the years. 3 with a 30-06 the rest with a 7mm mag.

ok, since I started this I'll give an update. Besides, sitting home with a nasty cold & was told I should do something because I'm acting like a crabby old bastard...… Very un-scientifically added up the responses, not numbers of elk nor numbers of rifles, just the cartridges. Also, each respondent only gets counted for one even if they have shot elk with several different rifles in the same caliber. i.e., I have killed elk with three different .270 Win rifles, but only count one .270 response. Also, not throwing in the onesie-twosie stuff, lots & lots of that. That said, here are the most popular so far.

1. .270 Winchester
2. .30-06
3. .300 Win mag
4. (tie) .338 Win mag
4. 7 mm Rem mag
6. .300 Weatherby
7. (tie) .45-70
7. .35 Whelen
7. .308 Winchester
7. .243 Winchester
11. (tie) .338-06
11. .375 H&H
13. (tie) 7X57
13. .340 Weatherby
15. (tie) .300 H&H
15. .300 WSM
17. (tie) 7mm STW
17. .280 Remington
17. 7 mm Weatherby
17. 7mm-08

No real surprises considering the venue, not all average Joe Hunters will have a .338-06, .35 Whelen, or an STW due to ammo availability & cost, however this respondent group is likely made up of a high percentage of handloaders.

for me two. first with 45 colt -cow
the bull with my 375h&h
the colt was with 300 gr. lead at 980fps
the 375 was a hornady 300 gr. factory. drt with both

The top spot goes to the .270 Winchester? How can that be? I see many threads on these hunting forums where the "experts" posting there say that you need more that a .270 to kill elk.

At one time, I was one of those guys that tried hard to hunt elk in multiple States every season. Elk hunting was my passion, and I did managed to hunt them in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Colorado. Now, it something I still do, but just in the pure “easy -going” enjoyment mode. In any event, here is my list of cartridges that I have used to kill elk over the years:

.308
.30-06
.300 Win mag
.338 Win mag
.35 Whelen
.358 Norma mag.

Before I knew better, I killed elk with Power Points and Core-Lokts, but I was enlighten by some forgotten expert in the early 80s and switched to Partitions. I did try a Barnes bullet once and it worked, but I went right back to Partitions after this one excursion. However, about five years ago, I switched my elk hunting bullets over to AccuBonds, and I believe they work as well as Partitions and fly a little better out of my rifles. CP.

Pretty interesting list so far, makes me feel like switching it up a bit next year. 7rm 300wm

All archery kills for me, nothing to contribute but enjoyed reading the list.

I have come full circle in my thinking. For the past 6 or 7 years, I generally grab one of my 30-06s, using a 180 gr. premium bullet with a plain vanilla loading, and go elk hunting. Looking in the rear view mirror, I would have been just as well off staying with a 308 or a 30-06 over all the years of pursuing these big brown critters-neither one of those cartridges have ever failed me. CP.

300 Win.
338 Win
300 WSM
30-06
308
260

Model 700 ADL 270 WCF, several pre-64 Model 70 3006's, pre-64 Model 70 300 H&H, Model 700 338 Win mag, Model 700 280 Remington.

No way! Just caught this... Bashing .270's??? Somehow that just seems un-American...… Do you kick puppies and speak ill of Ronald Reagan as well?

I guess I am really the odd man out here.
I bought a 7mm RM and have hunted for 25 or 30 years with it.

Took 17 elk with that rifle. One year I took an elk with a custom 264 Win Mag just because I had the chance to and I thought it was a cool rifle.
The past 10 years of so I've bought some other more costly elk rifles thinking that accuracy or comfort level of one of them would surpass the old workhorse - none of them did.

Next year, if I am able to hunt at all, I must go to a lighter rifle. I've noticed that .308s and .270s can save 1/2 to 3/4 lb over the larger calibers in the same model rifle, but I also need to go to a very lightweight model of some sort.

arrow
45 acp 1911 (I know you said rifles)
22 hornet
30-30
243
25-06
280AI
7mm rem
308
30-06
300 wby
Probably missing one or two but 300 wby was the biggest

well this was fun to read. I've only gotten 2 elk over the past 20+ years, we in AZ don't get drawn every year and I don't put in every year, but when I do, I almost always have friends and relatives on the same hunt. So thinking over the years hunting with my brother, son, nephews and hunting partners, we've only gotten cow elk. Every one of these, except one, I helped gut & load into my truck, so its fairly firsthand experience.

.270Win - M70 push feed - 150gr Kodiak handload
.300 Win Mag -M70 CRF - 180 gr Fed factory
.30-06 - Butcherized 1903 - 180 gr Fed factory
.300 Rem Ultra Mag - M700 - don't remember the load my friend used, probably factory.
.300 Rem SAUM - M700 - 180 gr Hornady BTSP handloads
.257 Roberts - M700 - 115 gr partition handload
.270Win - M70 CRF - 150 partition handload
.270Win - No1A - 150 partition handload

so I guess around my campfire the .270 Win wins the popularity contest, unless we count.30 cal of all chamberings.

Poole

I have shot:

4-with a bow
1-with a 6mm Remington
11-with a 30/06
18-with a 338 Winchester magnum
1-with a 300 Winchester magnum
22-with a 7mm Remington Magnum
14-with a 7mm-08

Winchester Mod 70 7mag...Several.
Winchester Model 70 crf chambered in 300 Wby...A lot.
Sako AV with a Lilja fluted barrel in 300 Wby...More than a lot.
Weatherby FiberMark stainless 30-378...Way more than a lot.
Remington 700 300 Ultramag...The most.
Accurate Arms 7mm/08...One.

😎

71 Elk, that is a lot of Elk.

Sure is!
Notice any difference in how well the different cartridges worked?

One thing I noticed is if you hit them right the first time, there really isn't a nickels worth of difference between what cartridge/rifle I've shot them with. Make a crap shot, again no matter what cartridge, its going to be a chit show. Depending on the country a person hunts, there can be advantages/disadvantages to some.

I think bullets make the biggest difference with elk, they do have pretty heavy bones.

2- 280 ack 150 corelokt
7- 8mm rem mag 220 hornandy
3- 376 steyr 270 hornady
5- 7mm stw 168 berger
2- 7mm-300 mag 180 berger
6- 7mm rem mag 175 berger

I've lost count... But, I'll make as good of a guess as I can.


9 Ruger M77R .30-06 Ut & Nv

2 .50 cal Muzzle loader AZ

4 .54 cal Muzzle loader AZ

300 Win mag, 165 Speer Grand Slam
300 Ultra mag, 180 Scirocco...485 yards
7 STW, 160 Partition

Archery
.257 Wby.
.280 Rem.
.280 RCBS Imp.
7mm Rem. Mag.
.300 Weatherby
.50 cal. TC

270 win
308 win
30-06
300 win mag
300 wsm
54 cal ML
50 cal ML
50lb Longbow
55lb recurve
60lb compound

Bow
280 Rem
280 AI
300 Win mag
35 Rem

Personally never had a problem with an arrow. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to using a rifle for Elk. But for now I like chasing them with the bow.

In order:
.338 WM 210 Gr Barnes XBT
.30-06 150 gr Rem Cor lokt
.300 RUM 200 gr Accubond
.338 RUM 225 gr Accubond
8mm Rem mag 200 gr Partition

You nailed it on the last sentence.

Just one M70 30Gov't06 - 6 or 7 bulls, can't remember. Have to bowhunt most years, drawing a tag is getting to be like winning the lotto.

6.8 SPC, 308, 300 wsm, 300 mag, 300 h&h, 30-06, 6.5 creed, 35 Whelen, 375 RUM, 270, 350 rem mag, 450 marlin,

Do you recommend it or for that matter all opinions welcomed. Say 180gr bullets.

Idaho's only big game restriction is that it has to be a centerfire. You can use a 22 Hornet on elk, bear, or moose if you want to. That's not saying it's smart, just legal. ML & archery have tougher restrictions than the smokeless guns.

7mm Weatherby

35 Whelen

In order, 3 with a 30-06 and 180 ballistic tips
2 with 300 WSM and 168 TTSX
1 with a 7mm WSM and 140 Accubond (was after a deer at the time)
Last one was with a 300 RUM and 200gr Accubonds (great combination IMO)
Lately built a 300 Win Mag using 200gr Sierra spbt Gamekings, but haven’t shot one with it....yet:)

7 Rem Mag-140g ballistic tip and partition-flattened their azz right now
243 winchester-100g partition-load for cows, one took 20 steps, rest just flopped

We rode mules, got in close

.

Traditional bow
Compound bow
22/250
220 Swift
220 Swift AI
6 Creedmoor
243 Winchester
25/06
257 Weatherby
260 Remington
6.5 SAUM
6.5 PRC
270 Winchester
7 RM
30/06
308 Winchester
300 WM
338 LM

That's it!

I want to be scenarshooter in my next life.....

Pat, you are the man. AMAZING! I would love to see a pic of your pile of antlers and horns. Thanks for sharing your experiences and photos over the years.

Roughly in order of use:

340 Wby (learned to love the cartridge/platform I had)
30/06
45 Colt*
45/70
284 Win (ditto)

*Ruger RH

Zero, Zilch, Nada... Never been elk hunting. However, I have several rifles that would work. I have a .270 Winchester, a .280 Remington, a 7MM Remington Mag, a .30-06, A .300 WBY, and a 9.3x62. One of them should get it done.

I’ve only killed 9 bulls but they were all shot with one rifle and one load.
The rifle: A Remington Laminated Stock Stainless 700 Mountain Rifle in 30/06.
The load: R-P nickel brass, Nosler 180 A/bond, W-W LRM primer and 58 grs of H-4350 for 2725 fps.

6.8spc
6 creedmoor
243 WSSM
6.5 creedmoor
28 nosler

Browning A-bolt 300WM
ULA 30-06
Weatherby Super Game Master 30-06

5 with Remington 700, 300 win mag, 180gr Nosler partition.

One with T/C Encore, 250gr powerbelt.

My goodness, there's a lot of elk-hunting experience here!

I've only taken two. Two shots. Two rifles. Two elk:

Rem 700 ADL, 7mm Rem mag, 175 gr Nosler Partition

Rem 700 CDL, 30-06, 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip

In order of most elk taken:
270W
243W
Black Widow TD 56#
Bear Grizzly 55#
257R
30-06AI
30-06
7mmRM
300WM
35 Whelen
25 Souper
284W

Not in any particular order

.35 Whelen Improved
308 Win
338
.300 Win
7mmR
.300 Ultra

Prolly used 7MM the most followed by .308

Lefty
.

I've never killed a elk.... grin

That’s about ten bulls (340 - 8; 30/06 - 1; 284 - 1). Two cows at about 30-45 yds with the 45C and 45/70. Three bulls were taken at about 100-125 yds with the remaining 6 taken from 400 to 500 yds, the furtherest at about 480 yds.

My 340 which really slammed those further ones was on R 700 with a Brown Prec Classic stock, 3-pos safety, and a Sako-type claw extractor, and a Decelerator pad. Scoped it came to 8.5 lbs which I found about ideal for that cartridge. After many bullets I settled on the 210-gr TSX.

Most recently, I used a Rifles Inc lightweight Strata 284 with a 3” box and with a leup 6x36 with LR dots. I took this bull right at about a 100 yds, a smack-down with a140-gr TTSX (3100 fps) through the spine at the neck-shoulder juncture. This rifle with its scope is under 6 lbs, a weight more to my liking now.

only 3 but in order...
cow 7mm Wby Mag @ 40ish yards
5x5 bull .270 WCF @ 45 yard
7x8 bull with 100gr fixed blade broad-head on an arrow @ 20 yards

two different 30/06's.... is that considered one or two guns?

I forgot the 300 RUM also

Me neither, but my rifles have.....😎

I was surprised at the 22 centerfires.

yeah, I,ve often wondered if elk being a reasonably large,400-800 plus lb animal had a tendency,
if wounded,,too stomp and gore hunters like a cape buffalo ,or claw and bite like a Kodiak bear,
if we would see what I consider rather un-realistically light caliber rifles being used on elk.
I know a few guys in my hunt club think theres nothing unsporting or unethical in using a 24-25 caliber rifle,
on elk, I know of a few cases where several follow -up shots were required,
now obviously bullet selection shot placement and hunter skill plays a huge part here, not just the cartridge used....
but still I think if the hunter could reasonably be expected to be at serious risk if he failed to deliver a first shot stop mortal wound,
we might see a shift to larger bores and a bit more power in respect to the consequences of failing to deliver a rapidly lethal wound

I admit I don’t ‘now chat about elk hunting. I’m surprised to see the 6mm and 243 replies. I have heard of 270s being used on elk however.

I shot a small bull a few years ago using a 243 with a chest shot, through the heart at 350 yards. He dropped on the spot.

My wife shot a huge bull this year. She used a 6 creedmoor. The bull ran about 20 yards and fell from a lung shot.

45-70
35 Whelan
338-06
30-06

I've hunted them with an assortment of weapons but these have been in my hands the most when I've found them.

I’ve only killed one- used a .300 Winchester. Might try something different the next time I head out, although the .300 certainly did a fine job.

Bow
TC Renegade .54
TC Triumph .50
.270
.270 WSM
.284 Win
7 mm Rem Mag
.300 WSM
.300 Win
.300 Weatherby
.300 Ultra
.308
.338 Win
.348 Win Forgot a couple cows with the 71. Dunno how many with each rifle/caliber. Maybe half a dozen cows and 4 dozen bulls in AZ, CO, ID, NM, Wyo. Hunted em once each in UT and NV and not connected, Yet.

Ok

Seven elk in eight trips
4 with Ruger 30.06
last 3 with Sako 30.06
All with 165 boattails

0 for 1 with my bow

I hunt with a 338 RUM and I know its over powered, but I like it. My partner hunts with a 7mm RM. I shoot 210 grain, he shoots 160 grain. Ive seen 28 of 29 elk shot that we've taken together. He shot one when we were separated once. If the bullet is in the vitals, there is little difference in killing efficiency. The RUM does hit harder, and the animals often display a larger reaction to the shot. However, if that first shot is in the vitals, they don't go anywhere to speak of. Maybe a death dash down hill or something. If the first shot is in a bad spot, they require follow up shots. Doesn't matter which gun is used. We have been hunting elk in Colorado with over the counter bull tags and left over cow tags. So our bulls are rag horn 5points. I guess 3 year old bulls most of the time, so not huge elk. My brother hunts private property (for big $) in southern Colorado and his elk are in the 6-9 year old range and they are noticeably larger animals. He uses a 300 RUM. There is actually a sign hanging in the outfitter's lodge near the door that STRONGLY recommends 300 win mag as a minimum cartridge. I find that silly, but that is their point of view.

.308 Win Savage 110
.308 Win Rem 700
.35 Whelen Rem 700
.356 Win Win 94
7x64 Brno 21H
7x57 Brno 22F
.270 win Sauer 200
.35 Whelen Sako AV
.35 Whelen Ruger 1S
.375 H&H Ruger 77 RSM
9.3x62 Sauer 202
8x57 Brno 21H
30-06 Sako L579
maybe a couple more...

7mm mag 160 partitions
.338 WM 210 and 250 partitions

The first rifle was a Sako AV in 375 H-H.

Next was Mossberg Patriot in 30-06.

last two were with a Howa in 308 winchester.

My biggest was with a 20 year old bow. High country machined supreme. LOL.

30.06 Remington pump
.300 win. Mag Ruger bolt
30.06 Tikka bolt.

"Eclectic" is a word I don't see used much on hunting and gun forums. Are you one of those transplanted Californians by any chance? Seriously that's quite a list of rifles you've named! Couldn't quite figure out which one you really favor huh?

yay! good on ya!

Winchester model 70 .30-06
Mark V Deluxe .300 Wby Mag
Ruger #1B .300 Wby Mag
Stainless Mark V .300 Wby Mag
Accumark .300 Wby Mag
Weatherby Ultra Lightweight .30-06
T3 Lite Stainless 7mm-08

14 total





P

You need to add my Sako AV in 300 Wby to your collection. If you happen to have a SWFA 5-20x50 laying around your house my Sako could be yours...Grin 😎


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...4a-swfa-5-20x50-or-nf-scope#Post13618195

7 with 270 Win and 150 gr Nosler
2 with 30-06. Hornady and Sierra by - 180 gr

7mm Remington mag. 98 mauser. 160 Sierra 160 hpbt
270 win. Browning bar Hornady 140 spbt and Nosler 150 partition
270 wsm browning abolt 130 Barnes ttsx 140 Hornady spbt
338 win mag browning abolt Berger 250.

In close to 40 years of elk hunting I’ve only seen 3 elk knocked down without a central nervous system hit and it was with the 338.
Of course as a precious poster put it you don’t get to hunt a lot in Az. We have packed into the Gila wilderness several times.

The quickest elk kill that I have made was my second largest 6x6 bull that simply collapsed when I put a 115 grain Sierra GameKing bullet from my .257 Ackley just behind his shoulder.

I've had a number of other bulls and one cow that didn't take more than 3 or 4 steps after I put a 180 grain Nosler Partition from my .30 Gibbs, or a 168 grain TSX or TTSX from my .300 Weatherby, or a 160 grain Accubond from my 7 mm RM right behind their shoulders.

So far (would like to get another trip or two in).

My first 5 were with a pre-64 Model 70 in 270 WCF shooting 150 Partitions starting in 1976, next 4 (three raghorns and one cow) were with my Rem. 700 BDL in 30-06, there has been one cow with a 348 WCF, one respectable 2nd CO rifle season bull with a 30-338, one cow with a 35 Whelen and my last one (raghorn) was with my custom Sako AV in 338 Win. Mag shooting 225 gr. Partitions.

I missed a great opportunity once with my rifle slung over my shoulder and we kicked up a decent bull moving through some dark timber; the old cowboy I was hunting with remarked "you'll never kill one with the rifle slung, keep the rifle in your hands and put the damn sling in your pack or leave it in camp"...wise words.


StarchedCover

I have to guess at the chamberings and the number of head. The smallest was a 22/250. , the largest was a .375 H&H. I personally always carried a 30/06, .270 win and 25/06. I gets blurry, separating the elk out otherwise. I worked for various outfitters as a guide as a 20- 30 year old and sporadically since.
Those were the Weatherby mark v days. They were zero'd at the factory and tightened up at camp. I still despise them those inaccurate fire breathing things..Just my little old opinion

azrancher,

From your post, it sounds like the 250-grain Berger the only bullet you've used in the .338. Is that the case?

"Eclectic" is a word I don't see used much on hunting and gun forums. Are you one of those transplanted Californians by any chance? Seriously that's quite a list of rifles you've named! Couldn't quite figure out which one you really favor huh? R Walter




"Transplanted Californian" ? Really? Honestly, nonsense like that is why I have avoided posting much on not just this forum, but any publicly accessible site. Not that it matters a whit, but I like/liked/favor all of the rifles used & my great grandfather homesteaded part of the place I still have in 1897. To be fair, he came to Montana from California so perhaps the family being on the place for only 122 years qualifies us as transplants.

375 win 220 Hornady fp
280 rem 160 gr Speer grand slam
35 whelen 225 NP. My favorite elk rifle of all

Forgot about one
4 years ago I got a cow with a 2005 Acura TL at 60 mph. Pretty low velocity round, but lots of energy

.270 Win.
.300 Win. Mag.
.35 Whelen

2 public land bulls

Both taken with a 330 Dakota using 250gr. Swift A-frame.

I was able to recover one bullet from last years Bull. it retained 97.6% of its weight. Shot was at 125 yards broadside.

.54 cal muzzle loader
.270

Back in 1968, I hunted with my Grandad within the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming. We both carried 30-30 Winchesters with iron sights. I shot a medium sized bull at about 80 yards through the chest but it only flinched and started to gallop away. I shot again and missed. Grandad told me to wait for the animal to lie down while he rolled a couple smokes from his packet of Bugler tobacco. After what seemed like an eternity, we hiked down the slope to find the bull dead. This elk had traveled about 150 yards before expiring. The next evening, Grandad toppled a young bull with a neck shot at about the same distance. The animal dropped in its tracks! Neither of us read outdoor magazines and had no idea that 30-30 rifles were considered inadequate for elk hunting. Years later, I bought a Savage 99 in .308 and topped it with a Redfield 2-7X scope. This rifle accounted for several more elk. My longest shot ever at a bull elk was about 225 yards or so. My impression is that elk do not react to a lethal double lung shot like deer but they don't travel very far. Most of my relatives in Wyoming hunt with 30-06 rifles but one cousin has had very good luck with his Marlin lever gun in 35 Remington. This rifle shoots a 200 grain bullet at about 2200 feet per second which seems un-impressive on paper charts but slams through elk ribs with great authority.

Sherwood

Ruger 77 30-06 165 grain Nosler Partition
Ruger 77 7mm Rem Mag 160 grain Accubond, 250 grain NBT, 150 grain TTSX
Weatherby Vanguard 300 Wby Mag 180 grain TTSX
All glass Zeiss Conquest of different flavors

308 win a frame, rem 700 Ltr
7x57 Mauser 160 partition
30-06 220 core lokt pre 64 70
300 win mag 200 partitions

Only a handful with the top three combined, the bottom one has killed most of my elk. I have one bull with a bow.

I can’t remember all the rifles my clients have killed elk with. But have pretty much run the gamut from a blr, pre64 70, factory bolts of all kinds, long range rigs.

My daughter has killed elk with an ar-10 and a tikka youth, both shooting 308 150 federal fusion ammo.

338 win mag
7mm rem mag
30-06
308
7mm/08
270 win
6.5 creed
358 win
257 Weatherby
270 Weatherby
284 win
338/06

MRKbass said

4 years ago I got a cow with a 2005 Acura TL at 60 mph. Pretty low velocity round, but lots of energy

I do not recommend that "bullet". It's a soft point and the "expansion" makes it stop working well right after it's used, (like all soft points) but the replacement to get ready for a 2nd shot is REALLY expensive! And I do mean REALLY expensive,------ even more then Swift A-Frames.

I find it interesting that the original question of "how many different rifles" has been answered so many times with "how many different cartridges" - I'm curious, do many people only try one rifle in a particular chambering? Not me, Have used several in .308 and 30-06 and .35 Whelen, so I'm trying to figure out why so many answers that apparently miss the question? Please help me understand.

castnblast, I was 50% correct with my answer! Does that count? memtb

shure that counts, all the answers are good, I'd just like to know what rifle was used to fire those cartridges too!

castnblast, When answering for my wife, I only listed calibers. As she was only 20’ish with her first elk (a borrowed rifle) .make and model unknown, though the caliber was a .243 Win. From approx. 1975 thru 1995, she killed numerous elk with a Ruger Model 77 in .270 Win. From 1995 thru present, her only hunting rifle has been a Winchester, Model 70, SS in .338 WM. Question......mostly answered! memtb

One critter so one rifle.

T/C Icon Classic in .30-'06. Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40. Leupold PRS rings. Factory Federal with 180 TBBCs. 365 yards. Cow. December 2014.

300 Wby
375 JDJ

Depends on where you hunt. Next elk tag will be filled with a 358 Norma. Why?? Because I believe in carrying a big enough rifle to get a griz off of ya. If I ever go over to the Big Horns - there are no griz over there. I could take a 6.5-06 or 280 AI.

They (grizzlies) may soon get there! They’ve been seen near the Gooseberry Rest Area, and the Wyoming Game &Fish had to destroy a sow with cubs near Powell. You may never get to use those “small-bores”! memtb

My notes say 19 elk using 13 different rifles/calibers. From pre-'64's to modern-day options. From 6.5CM's to the 338WM. The goal is to put a respectable bullet in the heart/lungs regardless of the bullet diameter.

300 Win Mag
300 RUM
6.5 Creedmoor

1 with a 54 cal. Lymans Great Plains mzl
Quite a few with a .270 - wanted more knock down power so moved up to a 7mag.
Probably shot as many with my 7 mag, wanted to reach out a little further so went with a 300RUM.
Probably shot as many with the RUM as I did with the 270 and 7mag, but got tired of lugging around a 10lb rifle so built a light weight 7mmSTW.
Probably shot a half dozen or so with the STW so far, its definitely my favorite elk gun of the bunch. Will probably add two more elk to its total this fall.
Not sure how many elk I've killed, probably 40-50.

Nothing with a 223...

How many different elk have you killed rifles with?

4 elk with 4 different guns

Ruger M77,, 338 win mag 225 core-locts.(Factory) Huge Cow
Husqvarna 30/06 180Nosler Partitions.(Handloads) Young cow
Remington 700 338win Mag 210NoslerPartitions,(Handloads) 5point Bull
Browning Stainless Stalker 300WSM 180 Nosler Partition( Protected Points) BigMature Cow

of the four, the Browning is the only one I still own.

300 win
30-338 win
338 lapua
20ga slug

.300 Win Mag
30-06
6.5-06
.50 Hawken

7mmRM
300WM
338WM
35Whelen

Counting my current full time elk rifle....0!!! Some guys have all the luck!!

Two Elk

One with 7mm Rem Mag
One with 338-06

First 4 elk 270 win 160 nosler Partition. Last 38 elk 338 win mag 250 grain nosler Partition.

I’ve never killed a rifle with an Elk...

I did once Kill an elk with a 30-06 though

I have always used the same rifle on the elk I was aiming at - it was always way too far to get another rifle.

Just one , 30-378 worked perfect every time, no need to try and better it !

300 Win Mag
338-378 WBY
375 H&H

3 different rifles

A bunch, over a dozen easy, 50 and 54 cal muskets, few different bows.

2 -cows 7mm RM
2 -bull 300 bee
1 bull APA mamba bow.

3 Cows
30-06 & 180 Hornady Light Magnum ammo (135 steps) ( 1st shot broke spine/wadded up in vertebrae. 2nd shot fragmented against for rib cage. Exactly opposite of what I thought it would do.
.375 H&H 300 Sierra GK 200yds ( made a 5" exit hole through ribs, appeared too soft)
.338 Win Mag Barnes 185 XLC 250yds ( perfect 2 inch hole all the way through ribs/heart/lungs.)

.50 Cal White Muzzleloader
Model 70 SS 7mm rem
Weatherby Mark V 300 bee

Forgot. Remington 700 280

A whole one with a 6.5X55.

Just one rifle. Had it almost 30 years.
Husqvarna commercial '98 action barreled in 35 Whelen AI by the late John Pell. Here's last year's bull and the rifle.

Cheers,
Rex

There is a whole lot of experience represented on this thread, and I am humbled by it. I have to say I was surprised by the .22 Hornet, .223, .220 swift, 22-250, et. al. But I don't know the circumstances of those shots at all - they could have been 10 yard brain shots on cows for all I know.
I think it is important to note that the title of this thread is "How many different rifles have you killed elk with?" If the title was "How many different rifles have you shot elk with?" (not necessarily recovered) we might see even more of the little stuff.
I am reminded of something one of my mentors showed me several decades ago. He handed me a perfectly mushroomed 6mm bullet - it could have been a picture in an ad. He said "I found this overgrown in cartilage in the heart muscle wall of a perfectly healthy 6x6 bull I killed with a .375H&H. Looked like it had been there for years."
I do think it's important to remember that these are just really BIG critters and we owe it to them not to go too light in the caliber selection. Just my two cents - not trying to tell anyone how to do their hunting.
Cheers,
Rex

Here in Alberta we have a minimum caliber of 6mm/.243 allowed on big game. And well I love my 243 & 6mm’s I wouldn’t necessarily use them for elk, unless it were under certain parameters.
I have loaded for and help kids and one buddys wife take moose with 243win . Without incident in 3 cases, moose are softer animal it seems and we can usually close the distance to under 75-50 yrds most times without much trouble.
For me I believe in using good bullets if going light caliber and does make up a bit for being under gunned.

Over the years, I’ve recovered two “small” caliber Bullets from elk....very healthy elk, until I shot them. My wife killed her first elk with a borrowed .243 Win., and while she was successful....she quickly realized, that it was not a good choice for elk. After several more elk with a very popular cartridge, in 1995 she was persuaded to step-up into her present cartridge. After her first kill with the new cartridge, she was very impressed with it’s performance. She continues to be impressed! So, for her ..... 3 different cartridges. memtb

Over the years, I’ve recovered two “small” caliber Bullets from elk....very healthy elk, until I shot them. My wife killed her first elk with a borrowed .243 Win., and while she was successful....she quickly realized, that it was not a good choice for elk. After several more elk with a very popular cartridge, in 1995 she was persuaded to step-up into her present cartridge. After her first kill with the new cartridge, she was very impressed with it’s performance. She continues to be impressed! So, for her ..... 3 different cartridges. memtb

3 bulls killed with a 300 win mag and 180 partitions.
1 bull killed with a 308 and 165 Trophy bonded federal factory load.
1 cow killed with 300 win mag and a 165 Hornady.
1 cow killed with a 30-06 and 180 partitions.

All of them died quick.

.270
30-06
.300 Win Mag
.338 Win Mag

30-06
300 SAUM
7 mag
300 WM
30-30

.260 Rem
6.5-284
7mm Rem Mag (accounts for most of mine)
.338 Win

2 different 30.06
.54 round ball
.50 conical
Jennings model K bow
Golden Eagle bow

6.5 x 55
270
270 Jet mag
7mm-08
7mm Mag

Three.

Robb, can I ask which bullet you used in the 6.5x55?

Weatherby Vanguard VGX - .30-06 w/ 180gr Rem PSPCL
Ruger M77 -.270 Win w/150gr Win PP

1910 Ross - 303 Brit. - 180 gr. KKSP
110 Savage - 270 Win. 160 gr. Nosler
Browning A-Bolt -30-06 - 180 gr. Speer HC
Browning A-Bolt .35 Whelen - 250 Speer HC

2 elk one rifle 7mm mag

.30-06, no problems, .300 WM, 2 shots required (Hornady 180 Interlock), some operator error, trying for a meat saving neck shot, 9.3x62, no problems instant paralysis. All cartridges, all shots within 120 yards. .30-30 probably would have worked.

7 Rem mag, 7x57 Mauser,

Cows = 243 with 100g partitions

Kimber 338 Federal
Beanland 338-06
Shiloh 45-90

7mm-08
.270 win
.30-06
.35 whelen
.338 wm

30-40 Krag, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 375 H&H Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, 9.3x62 Mauser, 6.5x55 Swedish, 30-30 Win, 41 Rem Mag, 450 Marlin, 54 Cal T/C Renegade and probably 1 or 2 more.

First cow with a .300 Ultra Mag...the first year of its existence
Cow with .300 Weatherby 700 Classic
Young bull with .300 Weatherby 700 Classic (same caliber different rifle)
Cow with 50 cal muzzleloader 300 gr
Cow with 50 cal muzzleloader 350 gr

All too long ago

KC

Clearly some of you guys are bald faced liars, because everybody knows that the .243 and the 30-30 can hardly kill a whitetail deer much less an elk! :^)

264 Win Mag (first)
300 Win Mag
270 WSM
300 H&H
7mm Rem Mag

On this forum cartridges like the .30-30 and .243 are picked on. On the G&A forum even a .17 Rim Fire will take an elk, but the .270 Win. is limited to PDs and Coyotes and some then limit the range to 50 yards for those, if that, LOL!

You left out the important fact that some swear to on here.........270s are gay.

Only one elk! 300 Weatherby Magnum did the job.

375 H&H magnum
35 Whelen
30.06
.308
.25-06
.243

One Elk, one 308 Winchester Extreme Weather, 2010.

270 Win
7-08 Rem
308 Win
30-06 Sprg
300 WSM
338 WM

I have to admit 0!!

7 Rem Mag 6
300 win mag. 15
338-06 2
35 Whelen 2
308 2
44 mag 1.
270 1
6.5 swede 1

Getting old so the 308 is my go to rifle now days. 6# Kimber MT does it all.

6.5CM
270 Win
308 Win
30-06
300 WM
300 WSM
325WSM
338WM

250 Savage
243 Win
6.5x55
6.5x257
270AI
7mm Mag
308 Win
30-06
300 H&H
338-06
8x68S
358 Win

30-06 AI
30-06
358 Win
308
300 WSM

Two, a shiloh sharps 45/70 and a Win model 70 338 win mag.
Killed many more with bows.

Nine with a 340 Wby; three with the 30/06, 284 Win, and a 45 Colt.

30-06 w/ 180gr ballistic tips. —-3
300 WSM 168gr TSX ——1
300 WSM 168 TTSX —-1
300 RUM 200gr AB ——1
7mm WSM 140gr AB —-1(after deer at the time)

Have carried but not killed with the following
300 Win Mag 200gr Sierra GK
338 Lapua 300gr Berger’s

Just finished building a lightweight 7 RSAUM on a M7 action and thinking of trying either the Sierra TGK’s or the new Federal offering when they come out.

10at6, how did that Swede do on your Elk? I have a really nice light-weight 6.5 Swede that fires 140gr Partitions at a very accurate 2800 fps, have thought about taking it up the mountains someday.

257 Wby 120gr NP
7mm Wby 160gr NP
300 Wby 180gr NP

Forgot 264 Win Mag 140gr NP

8

6.5 Creed w/ 127gr LRX
6.5 Creed w/ 140gr AB
.270 Win w/ 140gr AB
.30-06 w/ 180gr AB

2 338 win in a springfield action
3 45/70 95 narlin
2 30/30 338 marlin
1 35 rem mdl8 rem

1 - 243
1 - 7mm rem mag

1-.300 H&H

My first elk was downed while hunting with my Granddad in the foothills of the Bighorn Mts. of northern Wyoming. It took two quick shots into the chest organs from a shooting distance of approx 75 yards. I shot this bull with his Winchester 30-30 using iron sights. Granddad never read hunting magazines and neither did this elk. My 30-30 did the job quite well!

My next three bulls were downed with my Savage 99 in .308 with a Burris scope attached. Distances varied from about 125 yards to approx 225 yards.

Elk are not armor-plated despite what Boddington has to say about his love for magnum rifles.

Sherwood

You haven't kept up with Boddington lately!!

4 with muzzle loader
4 with bow
2 with tikka 300 win mag
2 with Rem 260