Best rifle caliber for western hunting?

[ridgerunnerrron]

This has to be the most asked question on this forum

It's sorta like asking what do you like better blondes, redheads or brunettes!

 

[T_W]

This should be fun

Seriously though, if all i had was a .270, I'd pick a good bullet and roll with it.

Agreed. Especially under 400 yards.

 

[KenLee]

It's sorta like asking what do you like better blondes, redheads or brunettes!

"I like em big, I like em small, I like em short, I like em tall. I like em all."

 

[Tbonespop]

There is no best caliber. There are many good ones, depending upon how you hunt. If you don't shoot over, say 300 yards, a 7-08 or 308 is fine. If you're one who will walk 15 miles in a day looking for elk, the 10 lb magnum is a bad idea. Likewise, if you're taking 900 yard shots, you'll want one of the modern long range calibers. For me, a 270, 270 Wby or 300 WSM is plenty but I don't shoot past 500.

A .308 will do everything a .270 will do at about the same distance - assuming quality ammo. I have rifles of both calibers and like both. Thow .30-06 into the discussion with these calibers. All will do the job on elk and anything smaller out to 500 yards, and honestly a lot of hunters have no business taking shots at animals beyond 500 yards in the field. Both are great rounds with lots of options available and are affordable to shoot. Both have very manageable recoil which lends to people shooting/practicing more. My personal opinion is, if I can't get closer that 500 yards, that's on me. And I prefer not to rely on a bigger caliber rifle to make up for what I can't do as a hunter. Just my opinion for myself. By all means, others should buy what guns they want and enjoy!

 

[kcm2]

For me, flat shooting rifles make shooting at distance easier and faster. My 270 set at 3.5" high at 100 yds makes shooting to 500 simple: plus 3 (100), plus 3 (200), 0 (300), -12 (400), -24 (500).

I'm off a few with this shorthand, but it is easy to remember and just point and shoot. I'm not turning dials, I'm just picking a spot. YMMV.

As to how far a 7-08 or 308 would reliably kill elk, that's why I said, if you don't shoot over, say, 300 yards for elk because there's no actual formula or magic number. I tend to use 1,500 ft lbs as the minimum but that's all a guess at best. You can't make definitive choices based on one or two animals. I tend to want bullets to not drop too far but I am also not shooting at elk 1,000 yards away, either. My limit is around 500, where I can range, make a quick decision on drop and wind, and fire.

 

[Bleeb]

For me, flat shooting rifles make shooting at distance easier and faster. My 270 set at 3.5" high at 100 yds makes shooting to 500 simple: plus 3 (100), plus 3 (200), 0 (300), -12 (400), -24 (500).

I'm off a few with this shorthand, but it is easy to remember and just point and shoot. I'm not turning dials, I'm just picking a spot. YMMV.

As to how far a 7-08 or 308 would reliably kill elk, that's why I said, if you don't shoot over, say, 300 yards for elk because there's no actual formula or magic number. I tend to use 1,500 ft lbs as the minimum but that's all a guess at best. You can't make definitive choices based on one or two animals. I tend to want bullets to not drop too far but I am also not shooting at elk 1,000 yards away, either. My limit is around 500, where I can range, make a quick decision on drop and wind, and fire.

I use 2000 fps as a limit, as it ensures designed bullet terminal performance.

 

[22rave]

Federal Premium Trophy Copper cartridges are available in many popular calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270, .308, 30-06, 7mm Magnum, 300 WinMag. All of these would be suitable for mule deer and elk, depending on the range. The high power and magnum cartridges will have higher recoil, but longer lethal range.

 

[grfox92]

For me, flat shooting rifles make shooting at distance easier and faster. My 270 set at 3.5" high at 100 yds makes shooting to 500 simple: plus 3 (100), plus 3 (200), 0 (300), -12 (400), -24 (500).

I'm off a few with this shorthand, but it is easy to remember and just point and shoot. I'm not turning dials, I'm just picking a spot. YMMV.

As to how far a 7-08 or 308 would reliably kill elk, that's why I said, if you don't shoot over, say, 300 yards for elk because there's no actual formula or magic number. I tend to use 1,500 ft lbs as the minimum but that's all a guess at best. You can't make definitive choices based on one or two animals. I tend to want bullets to not drop too far but I am also not shooting at elk 1,000 yards away, either. My limit is around 500, where I can range, make a quick decision on drop and wind, and fire.

My 7mm08 is lethal on elk out to 950 yards. Ft Lbs of energy mean precisely Zero regarding terminal velocity. Zero.

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[buffybr]

My .30-06, later rechambered to .30 Gibbs, put 30 elk into my freezers. All were DIY hunts, most on public land, most were one shot kills, and all were shot at less than 300 yds.

My favorite elk rifle now is my .300 Weatherby. With it's KDF muzzle brake it doesn't kick any harder than my .308 Win.

Over the years, the .270 Win has killed hundreds of thousands of elk. With proper bullets and bullet placement, the OP shouldn't have any problem killing an elk with his.

 

[Crebel18]

I'll be heading to Wyoming next year and will be bringing my 270... But man I keep looking at the 280 ackley and 7mm backcountry.

 

[Wertherman]

If you like the 270 like many people have said it will get the job done. If you don't there are so many options and no best from what I've found. Whatever puts a smile on your face!

 

[Dark timber]

My 7mm08 is lethal on elk out to 950 yards. Ft Lbs of energy mean precisely Zero regarding terminal velocity. Zero.

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

What bullet? It’s a cool little cartridge, especially in a med action.

 

[HDwild]

.270+appropriate bullet+shot placement= a dead (insert 99% of North American species)

 

[HGSNDGS]

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.

I like .30 calibers for deer/elk. I shoot a .300 RUM and I’ve been nothing but happy with the results I’ve had with 180 grain Barnes TTSX bullets. I think it’s the perfect middle ground for deer/elk and if you want one gun that will do the job on both species, or the occasional bear you might stumble into, you’re good to go. It shoots flat and hits hard.

 

[HGSNDGS]

.270+appropriate bullet+shot placement= a dead (insert 99% of North American species)

I agree 100%. But if your huffing and puffing when that bull jumps out across the canyon at 300 yards and your shot placement is off an inch or two, that .300 won’t mind as much as the .270 LOL

 

[TradLife406]

I agree 100%. But if your huffing and puffing when that bull jumps out across the canyon at 300 yards and your shot placement is off an inch or two, that .300 won’t mind as much as the .270 LOL

Or go to a 6 UM. You'll have less recoil and a bigger hole

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I agree 100%. But if your huffing and puffing when that bull jumps out across the canyon at 300 yards and your shot placement is off an inch or two, that .300 won’t mind as much as the .270 LOL

Please show me where you can hit an animal with a .300 and drop it cleanly, but not do the same with a .270.

What you just stated is why rodeos start.

 

[HGSNDGS]

Please show me where you can hit an animal with a .300 and drop it cleanly, but not do the same with a .270.

What you just stated is why rodeos start.

Not looking for an argument. I’m all good here. You do you partner! Jack O’Connor never shot anything but a .270

 

[KurtR]

I agree 100%. But if your huffing and puffing when that bull jumps out across the canyon at 300 yards and your shot placement is off an inch or two, that .300 won’t mind as much as the .270 LOL

Thats just not true

 

[treydfoster]

Not looking for an argument. I’m all good here. You do you partner! Jack O’Connor never shot anything but a .270

That's definitely not true.