Best rifle caliber for western hunting?

6arc🎤⬇️

Seriously though look at the 6.5, 6mm and 233 kill threads the terminal ballistic are probably better than you think.
The 6 ARC is hands down my favorite caliber. If I need more than that, I'm jumping to 7 PRC. Don't need any other calibers to cover everything in NA.

Edit: To add why I like the 6 ARC so much - out of my 16.5" proof the 108 ELD retains enough velocity to perform out to 450 yards.
 
Your .270 is more than adequate for anything in NA with the right bullet.
If you just want to buy a new rifle, take your new gun money and buy a .223 bolt, gun lots of ammo and shoot the barrel out practicing.
 
Hello all. I am looking at hunting out west in the future, specifically elk hunting and was wondering what caliber rifle you would consider to be the best for the job? Ideally id love to get one with my bow, but for the time being the rifle seems to be more obtainable. The majority of my hunting career I have used a .270 win which has dropped every white tail I've pulled the trigger on, but I know elk are a completely different animal. Im a reloader, so cost of ammo isn't a huge concern. Will 270 do the job or should I step up to something like a 30-06 or even 300 win mag? im thinking realistically shots under 300 yards.
Elk are not a “completely different animal”. They can take longer to bleed out on non CNS disruption shots, but other than that, when shot with a bullet, they are far more similar than they are different.

If you have a 270 that is already reliably shooting and killing well for you, stick with that gun.

One of my best friends has exclusively used the 145 ELDX out of his Browning A Bolt in 270. He’s killed a pile of deer and elk with no issues.
 
Hello all. I am looking at hunting out west in the future, specifically elk hunting and was wondering what caliber rifle you would consider to be the best for the job? Ideally id love to get one with my bow, but for the time being the rifle seems to be more obtainable. The majority of my hunting career I have used a .270 win which has dropped every white tail I've pulled the trigger on, but I know elk are a completely different animal. Im a reloader, so cost of ammo isn't a huge concern. Will 270 do the job or should I step up to something like a 30-06 or even 300 win mag? im thinking realistically shots under 300 yards.
Honestly anything in the .27-.30 caliber range with a moderate-heavy bullet for caliber will get the job done sufficiently. I have a 7 mag, 7 PRC, and 300 win mag. All perform well from antelope to elk. My wife has a 243 that puts the smack down on deer sized game. Pick your shots with confident ones, practice past your effective range, and understand the wind. Then go kill shit.

If you need a new rifle setup, go nerd out on all the cartridges available today and make a good choice with manufacturer, good optics, and rings/bases. Torque everything correctly, develop a load and go shoot.
 
I chose the 6.8 Western as my do-all Western hunting gun, but its only 6% "more" than a 270 Win under 600 yards. Not worth an upgrade, unless thats what you want to do.

The 145 ELDX has shot beautifully out of my gun, probably a good option for yours as well if you're looking to push your effective range out a little further. Otherwise almost any reputable 270 hunting ammo will work out to about 400 yards.
 
The 6 ARC is hands down my favorite caliber. If I need more than that, I'm jumping to 7 PRC. Don't need any other calibers to cover everything in NA.

Edit: To add why I like the 6 ARC so much - out of my 16.5" proof the 108 ELD retains enough velocity to perform out to 450 yards.
Same. I'm taking my Ruger American Ranch 6 ARC with 108's to elk woods here in Colorado this year.
 
I'll say a solid bullet out of just about any .25 caliber and up.

I only say that because, to be honest, I mostly archery hunt and when I rifle hunt, it feels like cheating using just about any caliber....This is actually just another silly internet conversation.
 
I never stand in the way of someone that wants to buy a new rifle. But 400 yards and in (and even farther) your .270 will do the job as well as anything. Spend your money on tags.
 
As stated, .270 with quality bullets will serve you well. If you’ve got an itch for a new rifle, pick up a good ol 7mm rem mag. Still the best all around western caliber imo
 
Hello all. I am looking at hunting out west in the future, specifically elk hunting and was wondering what caliber rifle you would consider to be the best for the job? Ideally id love to get one with my bow, but for the time being the rifle seems to be more obtainable. The majority of my hunting career I have used a .270 win which has dropped every white tail I've pulled the trigger on, but I know elk are a completely different animal. Im a reloader, so cost of ammo isn't a huge concern. Will 270 do the job or should I step up to something like a 30-06 or even 300 win mag? im thinking realistically shots under 300 yards.
Your 270 is a just fine for elk. Most guides and outfitters I’ve talked to say you need 1500lbs of energy to kill elk efficiently. So if you stick with your 270 figure out at what range it drops to the 1500lb threshold and keep under that range on your shots. If you’re not happy with the range that offers I would look into one of the faster 7mm’s out today or any of the 300 magnums.
 
The best way in your position to justify a new rifle is to research Remington trigger safety and reliability issues.
...and hope your wife doesn't know you can stick a Timney in it for less than $150.

Most guides and outfitters I’ve talked to say you need 1500lbs of energy to kill elk efficiently.

My Rem 700 in .270 shoots 140gr Accubonds superbly. It carries 1500 ft-lb out past 475 yds.
 
I wouldn’t buy any caliber that ammunition is hard to find and is expensive
270 win , is great, better glass and equipment is where I would put my money.
Hunt with your eyes and feet , no fancy rifles needed
 
Back
Top