.257 for elk- experience?

[mtwarden]

I've been eyeing the Kimber Hunter in .257; I'm confident it would make a superb deer/antelope rifle, but elk not so sure. With advancements in bullet design, is it a viable cartridge for elk? Partition, Accubond, TSX, others have offerings in .257.

I know it's on the marginal end of the scale even with quality bullets, but is it stupid marginal?

Thoughts?

tia

 

[BruinPoint]

I know it's on the marginal end of the scale even with quality bullets, but is it stupid marginal?

Not if you don't take stupid shots.

 

[GKPrice]

Not if you don't take stupid shots.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^mostly what he says^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

the Hunter will come in other more adequate chamberings ie: 7mm-08 or .308

 

[Ryan Avery]

I've seen lots of elk shot with a 243. Keep it under 500 yards, make solid hits and you will be fine.

 

[GKPrice]

I've seen lots of elk shot with a 243. Keep it under 500 yards, make solid hits and you will be fine.

500 yards with a .243 ?? Of course "it's been done" but that doesn't make it "right" With a GOOD rifle and an even better RIFLEMAN (person) 250 yards would be an outside IMO and I'd bet I'm not alone

 

[WyoElk]

I've killed a few elk with my .257WBY in a very effective manner. All one shot kills inside of 300 yards. I wouldn't stretch it out but if you are reasonable it will be just fine.

 

[Ryan Avery]

500 yards with a .243 ?? Of course "it's been done" but that doesn't make it "right" With a GOOD rifle and an even better RIFLEMAN (person) 250 yards would be an outside IMO and I'd bet I'm not alone

I was talking 25 cal to 500 yards with a good bullet.

I have witnessed several 400 yards plus shot on elk with a 243. So I don't need to be convinced or listen to opinon... I've seen it happen.

Is it a preferred caliber for elk.... Hell no!

 

[Matt Cashell]

I would use the "Bob" on elk with a good bullet at moderate ranges.

They aren't invincible. Put a bullet through the lungs and you're good.

If you want to run the bullet ass to nose, you will likely need a bigger gun.

EDIT: on the experience side, I have seen a number of elk killed with the diminutive 250-3000 savage. Worked well, and so should the Bob.

 

[Ryan Avery]

[video=youtube;hY0w1c-gf18]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY0w1c-gf18[/video]

Again, not preferred, but it shows the power those little cases have.

 

[missjordan]

Shot a couple elk with my 25-06 with a 115gr Berger VLD and I wouldn't think twice to do it again. Shot placement is key just like everyone else has stated


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[mtwarden]

Lots of good input thus far, much appreciated

I tend to be pretty conservative (read safe) with my shot selection so that shouldn't be an issue. I do hunt varied terrain and sometimes opportunities arise for longer shots, longer being a self imposed limit of 350 yards (this is with my .06) which I'm sure many don't consider long. I'm confident with my shooting out to 350 and would prefer not to give that option up. Is there enough "poop" with the .257 with distances between 250-350? If I'm reading correctly, there seems to be at least some consensus that with a good bullet and shot selection 250 yards and in I should be OK.

I know the Hunter is available in more advantageous calibers for elk, but own an .06 and if possible would like to pick a second rifle that has less overlap and for many years have always wanted one

Thanks

 

[Idaho Sandman]

Hell of a shot in that video, esp since there was what looked to be a 3mph rtl wind.

 

[Beastmode]

Smaller calibers are lethal. Bottom line practice practice practice and be selective in your shots and elk will definitely die.

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[Jason Snyder]

I've killed elk no problem with my .243. The Barnes TSX is an excellent bullet for the smaller bores on elk. Hit 'em in the "<" behind the shoulder and you'll watch them fall within steps of where you hit them.

 

[flyinsquirel]

I've killed elk no problem with my .243. The Barnes TSX is an excellent bullet for the smaller bores on elk. Hit 'em in the "<" behind the shoulder and you'll watch them fall within steps of where you hit them.

I'd bet on a full pass through inside of 300yds and probably more with a TSX out of the 25-06 unless you hit a major bone. Hell, you probably could ass to nose one assuming no bones. Those mono-metal bullets plain don't want to stop.

Go for it.

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[Jason Snyder]

I'd bet on a full pass through inside of 300yds and probably more with a TSX out of the 25-06 unless you hit a major bone. Hell, you probably could ass to nose one assuming no bones. Those mono-metal bullets plain don't want to stop.

Go for it.

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I shot a cow at 250 yards, quartered away, with a 85 grain TSX. The bullet broke the offside humerus and exited. I'll be using the same gun this weekend.

 

[Ryan Avery]

My cousins had a complete pass threw on a MT goat with a 25 STW with the old 100 grain blue coated Barnes bullets at 740 yards. Those baby's dig deep


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[Trial153]

Get the Roberts like you really want to, then go kill an elk. It's a pleasure to shoot and plenty effective. Enjoy it!

 

[hodgeman]

It would likely work and it certainly has before. But why would you when there are so many more adequate cartridges out there to kill an elk with?

If you can only swing one rifle- I'd certainly make it bigger than the Bob.

 

[mtwarden]

thanks gents! I think I'll give it a go

hodgeman- I have a .06 (Featherweight) currently with no plans to part with it, easier to justify (at least in my mind) a caliber a few steps away