Favorite non-magnum elk gun?

[jpmulk]

What is your favorite non-magnum cartridge for elk with a max range of 400 yards?

 

[Brooks]

I say of the choices the .308 just because that’s what I have had on many hunts but the 30.06 at one time was probably the top caliber. All those will do the job. I was with a guy last year and he took a bull with his .270 at 400 yards killed it as good as my .338 win mag would.

 

[roosiebull]

They all fit the criteria well, I wouldn’t hesitate, feel under gunned, or think twice about any of them… the projectile choice would be a more weighed decision than the cartridge choice out of those… personally, I would go with the 270, but I have seen them all make short work of elk besides the 280ai, which is obviously a solid cartridge, I just have not watched elk die to them… the rest I have, and I have seen the lowest energy cartridge listed blow up heavy bone on a Roosevelt bull.

If I were shooting factory ammo, the 308 would be my choice due to availability even during ammo shortages, and factory ammo is cheaper than the rest… I just bought one with that being a big factor even though I plan to mostly reload… I have been paying 42$ a box for terminal ascent, which is tough to beat for anything I do… same ammo for our creed is close to 60$

 

[WormSportsman]

I voted for .280AI but all of them are great cartridges. We have killed elk with .30-06 and .270 win and I would not hesitate to use my 7mm-08 either and doubt I would tell a difference. .280AI You just have some great bullet selections, recoil is very manageable and solid ballistics. Checks a lot of boxes for me for Elk.

 

[LongCut]

Out of those I would pick 7mm-08. I don't own one, but plan to put a nice light one together.

All of those choices would be fine, so I would say personal opinion. 30-06 honestly bores me, so I will likely never own one.

 

[jpmulk]

I think 7-08 is my preference. But there is so much more 308 ammo available out there its making it tough not to go that way. There is such a small difference between the calibers as all of you have said that it probably really does not matter.

 

[S-3 ranch]

Most of my elk kills are 30 caliber, 1. .280 Remington

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Inside 400 all of those are going to perform beautifully on elk. Like @roosiebull stated, I love my .308 for ammo availability, short action, and mild recoil. 168-180 grainers all shoot well out of my restocked Ruger American.

 

[Rufus]

3006 has worked well for me for elk……and everything else. Thanks, Rufus.

 

[Fogalo]

What’s up with the no love for big bores?? 338-06 and 35 whelen???

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

I love my .35 Whelen.

 

[35WhelenAI]

I love my 35 Whelen AI.

 

[9.1]

I was looking for the 35 whelen option, but maybe it was disqualified for being the "poor man's magnum"?

 

[Sgtusmc14]

6.5 Godmoor

 

[35WhelenAI]

Lol, gotta go to other forums for the medium bores. With the money that gets thrown around here on the latest and greatest ("but no less dead"), anything that has "Poor Man's" in the intro is not getting any love.

 

[waitforit]

I love my 7mm-08 but can't really recommend it right now because you cannot find ammo for it (I am a reloader). Off the shelf, hard to argue with a .270.

 

[Laramie]

I love my 7mm-08 but can't really recommend it right now because you cannot find ammo for it (I am a reloader). Off the shelf, hard to argue with a .270.

There is actually quite a bit of 7mm-08 ammo out there online. I just bought 2 boxes of Hornady precision last month for $49 + shipping. The seller has plenty more in stock.

 

[jpmulk]

There is actually quite a bit of 7mm-08 ammo out there online. I just bought 2 boxes of Hornady precision last month for $49 + shipping. The seller has plenty more in stock.

This is ultimately what is pushing my question. 7-08 is what id like. But theres a lot more 308 ammo out there. Ill take a harder look online.

 

[jzeblaz]

If it is a question of 308 Vs. 7mm-08, I'd take the 7mm-08. I haven't killed an elk with one, but I've killed 2 with my 280 and it was impressive. I'm partial to 7mms, even though I have all the options on the survey. I'd spend more time looking at the projectile you're gonna use as all of these are good options out to 400 yards. My 7mm-08 is a delight to carry and very easy on the shoulder. My 280 is much heavier. Good luck and make sure you've got a sharp knife, you're gonna need it.

 

[LFC911]

6.5 PRC with 156 Bergers will be my choice this year