At odds with elk rifle calibers

Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Messages
90
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In the hills
Just looking for some input on Elk Rifle Calibers, the market is flooded with so many options it makes the head spin. I currently have a 7mm rem mag. It has been an alright gun but it has let me down almost as much as it has impressed me. I have killed a handful of elk with it over the last few years but I'm sure not impressed with its knockdown. I hunt with a savage rifle , Hornady precision hunter ammo, I do not reload... My step brother hunts with a 300 WSM and I've watched him drop 3 elk with it, every time it's a no question hit, it sure packs a lot more punch. The only thing that sucks about it is the spendy ammo and lack there of in factory ammo options, so its appeal is somewhat diminished. What's everyone hunting with and if you had to buy a new rifle what would it be? Elk calibers...
I’m using a Ruger American Predator Gen 1 in 6 Creedmoor with the Hornady 108 gr. ELDM.
 
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Joined
Sep 13, 2021
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I’m pretty sure you could be in a helicopter firing directly down and a 200 yard hold wouldn’t be off enough to miss an elk.

The main things that will drive a shot like that wide enough to miss are contacting a branch or dirt between you and the animal, or the elevation knob brushed against something and you’re a full turn or two off, but you would have seen that after the fact.

You may not have seen dirt or a branch in the scope, but when using a low bipod it’s not a mater of if, but when being so low to the ground gets you in trouble. I couldn’t take a shot on a 200 yard bear because of it, and another shot at a deer across a meadow. Because of that, 200 yard shots are now automatically taken from a sitting position, or even shooting over a pack usually provides more opportunities to get up higher. It’s better you learn the lesson on a spike up close so it’s obvious, rather than on the buck of a lifetime at distance.
You make a good point after we assessed the scenario the next day my brother figured I was hitting dirt in between me and the elk there were lots of weeds in the way as well, 28 years hunting and still learning 😂.
 
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