2 lost elk and conclusions.

[corey006]

Better to have one 0.277” hole in the lungs than one .308” hole in the rump because contrary to what most manly men claim, most of them cannot handle recoil.

Yep....100 % agreed.

But 9 times out of 10 a .270 isn't going to result in 2 holes....

Theres 2 things that matter.

To kill.

and to find the kill.

We lost 2 Elk in camp this year, both died within 150 yards, both shot in the lungs, maybe a little high, both little to no blood trail....Both with 130gr GMX bullets.

If your hunting in thick stuff you almost certainly will need a good blood trail ...at times.

If your rifle, scope fit you and are not ultra-lite theres no reason one cannot shoot a 300 win mag.????

 

[3325]

If your rifle, scope fit you and are not ultra-lite theres no reason one cannot shoot a 300 win mag.????

I reckon I’ll continue to struggle along with my women’s cartridge. But I’m 55, so I could be suffering from low T these days.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Yep....100 % agreed.

But 9 times out of 10 a .270 isn't going to result in 2 holes....

Theres 2 things that matter.

To kill.

and to find the kill.

We lost 2 Elk in camp this year, both died within 150 yards, both shot in the lungs, maybe a little high, both little to no blood trail....Both with 130gr GMX bullets.

If your hunting in thick stuff you almost certainly will need a good blood trail ...at times.

If your rifle, scope fit you and are not ultra-lite theres no reason one cannot shoot a 300 win mag.????

A magnum likely would not have resulted in a different outcome assuming everything else stayed the same.

Folks should “shoot enough gun that they can accurately shoot”. The problem is most folks’ egos get in the way. Far too many hunters are not nearly as recoil tolerant as they think.

Lots of game, of all species, die each year with “womanly” cartridges. Maybe the shooter plays a larger part in success than the cartridge. Nah, that’s heresy.

 

[Jbehredt]

Yep....100 % agreed.

But 9 times out of 10 a .270 isn't going to result in 2 holes....

Theres 2 things that matter.

To kill.

and to find the kill.

We lost 2 Elk in camp this year, both died within 150 yards, both shot in the lungs, maybe a little high, both little to no blood trail....Both with 130gr GMX bullets.

If your hunting in thick stuff you almost certainly will need a good blood trail ...at times.

If your rifle, scope fit you and are not ultra-lite theres no reason one cannot shoot a 300 win mag.????

I was trying to ignore you but I think I can offer real advice that will improve the sport for all of us. If your camp full of manly men lost 2 elk within 150 yards of where they were shot you need to give up big game hunting for now. Get with some experienced guys and beg them to teach you how to follow up on a hit. Spend some days following blood trails with proper adult supervision before you draw blood on your own again. I repeat, if you can’t follow a wounded elk 150 yards you have no business shooting at one. NONE.

 

[Stalker69]

My brothers and I grew up shooting elk with 300 savage and 30-30s with open sights. In the dark timber, we had no issues killing or finding both deer and elk. And we shot a lot of them. Guys that would go with us using there 7mm mag, 300 wm, 338 win, all lost more animals then any one of us did. My nephew still uses one of the savages to this day. If you can’t hit them in the “life house “ (heart lungs) It’s a gamble weather you will find them or not, no matter what you hit them with.

 

[Seeleylakehunter]

It sure does hurt the heart when you lose an animal. I didn't take a questionable shot on a monster white tail at 75 yards last year . Could my shot have killed him facing me when I'm shooting a 7mm with 154 sst Hornady. Yea sure it could of. But I wasn't willing to take that chance. Would it have been a wall hanger ? Hell yea. But still if you are not comfortable 110%. Don't shoot. I see alot of people get hung up after the shot where they lose their brain. Not know exactly and I mean exactly where the animal was standing . Then when they get to said spot of where they think the animals was and they see no sign they lose it even more. Start rushing trying to find something . Slow down that's all just slow down take your time. As to the post. Shit happens. Be hard on your self for not doing what you were supposed to and do better next time. It's just me but I don't shoot over 200yards. Not that I can't see worth a damn or I'm shaky or whatever. It's the hunt it's the stalk that gets me goin not the shot. Sorry for the long winded deal that didn't go anywhere .

 

[Stalker69]

Yes, we see that a lot with these long range “ experts” they don’t remember where the animal was after the shot. And really truly have no clue once we walk over to where they thought it was and “should be.” Sooo many times it’s ,” it should be right around here”. And there is no sign any thing was ever standing there. Far more animals are lost this way then any thing. We have even had many that shoot, the animal don’t go down, so they claim they missed. When told we are going to look for sign, many elect to stay where they shot from, as they are not walking that far “ for nothing”.

 

[Seeleylakehunter]

I think I got her figured out boys. Must not have had the newest kuiu jacket and kenetrek boots on. Man that's the game changer right there. Hell if they can even see that schweet camo they are done . I heard they will jump in the back of your truck and gut them selves.

 

[Stalker69]

I think I got her figured out boys. Must not have had the newest kuiu jacket and kenetrek boots on. Man that's the game changer right there. Hell if they can even see that schweet camo they are done . I heard they will jump in the back of your truck and gut them selves.

What the hell, the animals we are hunting there are plenty of guys dressed to the tees ( kuiu, Sitka) and this hasn’t been the case. They must not of heard what they are supposed to do yet, maybe next year. Lol

 

[Seeleylakehunter]

What the hell, the animals we are hunting there are plenty of guys dressed to the tees ( kuiu, Sitka) and this hasn’t been the case. They must not of heard what they are supposed to do yet, maybe next year. Lol

Oh I forgot I'm sorry. The lifted truck with the tires that stick way the hell out is the topping on that ice cream . No chance in hell you will get it done without that hush sticker . Big one to. Can't be a small sticker. Not enough weight retention in the smaller stickers ya know.

 

[CoStick]

If you make a bad shot you probably lose the animal, you make a good shot you will probably get it, regardless of rifle,

 

[sndmn11]

I think darned near all 99% of blame the equipment excuses are, in reality, bad shots or the hunter didn't know where the animal actually was when starting their track.

 

[corey006]

I was trying to ignore you but I think I can offer real advice that will improve the sport for all of us. If your camp full of manly men lost 2 elk within 150 yards of where they were shot you need to give up big game hunting for now. Get with some experienced guys and beg them to teach you how to follow up on a hit. Spend some days following blood trails with proper adult supervision before you draw blood on your own again. I repeat, if you can’t follow a wounded elk 150 yards you have no business shooting at one. NONE.

It wasnt Me.

LOl.

I somewhat agree with what your saying.

BUT there isnt a hunter on this forum that hasnt made a bad shot, wounded an animal or lost an animal.

ANYONE that makes thst "claim" is 100% full of kaka.

IF you dont have a strong blood trail, and the Elk is on another trail with fresh tracks...

You can easily lose a blood trail.

They tend to die in thick stuff.

I shot my Elk this year in Archery and I followed the blood trail for 250 yards...in the rain.(towards the end). I was lucky to find him.

As far as the "guys" in my camp that lost the Elk.

One was a hunter with 40 years in the field.

The shot was double lung.

WHY he didnt find it? I wasnt there.

He thought he missed. He checked the spot where the Elk was standing and didnt find blood, or hair.

I do know he would have followed a blood trail IF there was one....he has the patience of Job.

The area we hunt has lots of water and they will cross it. Mix that in with a "Black" Elk path and no blood?

Getting back to the point I was trying to make.

A 270 will definitely work.

IS it the best choice?

Probably not... especially if the shot is high in the lungs....as the chest cavity will hold most of the blood in.

I would suggest a 300 mag with a Barnes , E-Tip, A-Frame or Partition.

A bullet/cartridge combo that if shot into the ribs has at least a chance making an exit hole....which makes for a better blood trail.

 

[corey006]

I apologize for ruffling the tail feathers of the .270 fanboys....

 

[Stalker69]

It wasnt Me.

LOl.

I somewhat agree with what your saying.

BUT there isnt a hunter on this forum that hasnt made a bad shot, wounded an animal or lost an animal.

ANYONE that makes thst "claim" is 100% full of kaka.

IF you dont have a strong blood trail, and the Elk is on another trail with fresh tracks...

You can easily lose a blood trail.

They tend to die in thick stuff.

I shot my Elk this year in Archery and I followed the blood trail for 250 yards...in the rain.(towards the end). I was lucky to find him.

As far as the "guys" in my camp that lost the Elk.

One was a hunter with 40 years in the field.

The shot was double lung.

WHY he didnt find it? I wasnt there.

He thought he missed. He checked the spot where the Elk was standing and didnt find blood, or hair.

I do know he would have followed a blood trail IF there was one....he has the patience of Job.

The area we hunt has lots of water and they will cross it. Mix that in with a "Black" Elk path and no blood?

Getting back to the point I was trying to make.

A 270 will definitely work.

IS it the best choice?

Probably not... especially if the shot is high in the lungs....as the chest cavity will hold most of the blood in.

I would suggest a 300 mag with a Barnes , E-Tip, A-Frame or Partition.

A bullet/cartridge combo that if shot into the ribs has at least a chance making an exit hole....which makes for a better blood trail.

If the shot is high in the lungs with a 338 or any caliber, the chest cavity has to still fill with blood before it starts to spill out on the ground. If in deed it was broadside and both lungs were punctured, a 270 should have no issue making two holes. If not look at different bullets.

 

[sndmn11]

Why

It wasnt Me.

LOl.

I somewhat agree with what your saying.

BUT there isnt a hunter on this forum that hasnt made a bad shot, wounded an animal or lost an animal.

ANYONE that makes thst "claim" is 100% full of kaka.

IF you dont have a strong blood trail, and the Elk is on another trail with fresh tracks...

You can easily lose a blood trail.

They tend to die in thick stuff.

I shot my Elk this year in Archery and I followed the blood trail for 250 yards...in the rain.(towards the end). I was lucky to find him.

As far as the "guys" in my camp that lost the Elk.

One was a hunter with 40 years in the field.

The shot was double lung.

WHY he didnt find it? I wasnt there.

He thought he missed. He checked the spot where the Elk was standing and didnt find blood, or hair.

I do know he would have followed a blood trail IF there was one....he has the patience of Job.

The area we hunt has lots of water and they will cross it. Mix that in with a "Black" Elk path and no blood?

Getting back to the point I was trying to make.

A 270 will definitely work.

IS it the best choice?

Probably not... especially if the shot is high in the lungs....as the chest cavity will hold most of the blood in.

I would suggest a 300 mag with a Barnes , E-Tip, A-Frame or Partition.

A bullet/cartridge combo that if shot into the ribs has at least a chance making an exit hole....which makes for a better blood trail.

I'm curious why on one hand double lung seems adequate in defending your friend and his archery equipment, but on the other hand, isn't adequate for those who choose certain cartridges with a firearm?

 

[corey006]

If the shot is high in the lungs with a 338 or any caliber, the chest cavity has to still fill with blood before it starts to spill out on the ground. If in deed it was broadside and both lungs were punctured, a 270 should have no issue making two holes. If not look at different bullets.

It was factory load, Hornady GMX 130.

Maybe a handload would be better.

 

[corey006]

Why

I'm curious why on one hand double lung seems adequate in defending your friend and his archery equipment, but on the other hand, isn't adequate for those who choose certain cartridges with a firearm?

Not sure what point your trying to make?

It was me that shot a Bull in Archery, and it wasnt a double lung....I never said it was?....it was a Liver and back part of one lung.

The guy in question has used a
270 his whole hunting career and he usually kills an Elk or Moose every year.

Get your panties out of a bunch.... becasue I never said the 270 would NOT kill an Elk?

I said there are better choices....and there is.

You guys are going to sit here and argue the 270 is an ideal Elk cartridge and somehow the 300 win mag is a bazooka that sends hunters flying 10 yards back with recoil?

Its a 300 win mag....Not a 378 Weatherby or Nitro express.

I really dont see the need for being offended when someone calls out the mighty .270?


As far as blood trail, high lungs shot and chest cavity pooling with blood, I would want to guarantee a passthrew so you get 2 holes.

Under perfect conditions a 270 might do it.

But I would rather use a 300 win mag and and appropriate bullet to make sure its going through....2 holes dripping tiny dropplets of blood doubles your chance of following up the blood trail...

Same is true for archery.....a passthrew shot is best/ideal.

 

[sndmn11]

Not sure what point your trying to make?

It was me that shot a Bull in Archery, and it wasnt a double lung....I never said it was?....it was a Liver and back part of one lung.

The guy in question has used a
270 his whole hunting career and he usually kills an Elk or Moose every year.

Get your panties out of a bunch.... becasue I never said the 270 would NOT kill an Elk?

I said there are better choices....and there is.

You guys are going to sit here and argue the 270 is an ideal Elk cartridge and somehow the 300 win mag is a bazooka that sends hunters flying 10 yards back with recoil?

Its a 300 win mag....Not a 378 Weatherby or Nitro express.

I really dont see the need for being offended when someone calls out the mighty .270?


As far as blood trail, high lungs shot and chest cavity pooling with blood, I would want to guarantee a passthrew so you get 2 holes.

Under perfect conditions a 270 might do it.

But I would rather use a 300 win mag and and appropriate bullet to make sure its going through....2 holes dripping tiny dropplets of blood doubles your chance of following up the blood trail...

Same is true for archery.....a passthrew shot is best/ideal.

I was asking a question, not making a point. Here are your words I quoted above, I will quote them again...

"I shot my Elk this year in Archery and I followed the blood trail for 250 yards...in the rain.(towards the end). I was lucky to find him.

One was a hunter with 40 years in the field.

The shot was double lung.

WHY he didnt find it? I wasnt there."

I don't own a .270, nor any panties. I was simply asking why double lung with one is satisfactory in your mind, but double lung with the other means panties and woman like traits are involved.

For the record, myself nor any of my family has wounded or lost an animal, we kill things every year.

 

[WCB]

Yep....100 % agreed.

But 9 times out of 10 a .270 isn't going to result in 2 holes....

Theres 2 things that matter.

To kill.

and to find the kill.

We lost 2 Elk in camp this year, both died within 150 yards, both shot in the lungs, maybe a little high, both little to no blood trail....Both with 130gr GMX bullets.

If your hunting in thick stuff you almost certainly will need a good blood trail ...at times.

If your rifle, scope fit you and are not ultra-lite theres no reason one cannot shoot a 300 win mag.????

Caliber of bullet really has very little to due with getting an exit. Bullet construction in most calibers has much more to do. Also in general on Elk seeing them get shot with about every common caliber and bullet make...exit holes are not the norm. If you are looking for blood trails hunting with a rifle is not a good method.

I don't care how thick it is...how do you lose an elk with in 150 yards let alone 2?