Smallest elk rifle

[Jon Boy]

I shot this young cow the other day with a 25/06. Not my preferred elk caliber but it did the trick at 200 yards. I think the 7/08 is a better round though.

 

[msalm]

I built a 25-284 a few years ago that I really like. For elk I'd maybe step up to a straight 284 Win and be good.

 

[5MilesBack]

it's for a small framed child who will eventually grow up to be a beautiful woman.

I was in this situation a couple years ago. Narrowed down to the 7mm-08 and the .308. Ended up with a .308, and even ended up with 165gr Accubonds in it. My 12yo daughter handles them wonderfully, and shoots some great groups with it.

 

[JWP58]

Anyone ever use a 375win on an elk? I know its not small in diameter, but the power is very moderate.

 

[husky390]

For elk rifles I have a .375 H&H, 300wm, 300wssm, 45/70 and a 30/06. After talking with Luke and what he's done with his .308, I'm seriously considering getting a Ruger American Revolution in .308. 7lbs with a scope sounds pretty sweet and bullet/ammo selection is endless.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

I love my 264wm and have killed a sheep, multiple deer, and an elk with it. Recoil is less than a 30-06. Dropped multiple mule deer over 325yards and killed my elk at 315. My buddy also dropped his elk with his 25-06 at the exact same distance. Lots of good choices and my personal opinion is what is the cheapest and easiest ammo to get a hold of and I would go that route. A 264 has great ballistics but you cant go down to the local gun store and just get ammo. Basically have to reload or shoot nosler customs.

 

[GFY]

85 grain Barnes X from a cow I shot last year with my .243 - found under the skin on the off side shoulder. Did not recover the other bullet as it went zipping through her. 125 yards

 

[roknHS]

Most of the discussion has been about what caliber/cartridge will do the job. Many good ones have been mentioned. A few comments about the platform have been offered. I believe you can choose a good cartridge that generally isn't known for excessive recoil and pair it with a gun/platform that is designed to produce less recoil and you will have your best choice. Gas operated guns are hard to beat recoil wise.
I love the new Browning (BAR) Shorttrac. 243, 7mm-08, 308, etc. These are some of the sweetest shooting rifles you will ever experience. And they really aren't considered heavy. They are worth a look............

 

[MRidge]

The .260 will be about the same as a 7mm-08. It really all depends on bullet weight.

I feel that the .260 is one of the best calibers available for a young hunter.

I have two of each in the house. A model 7 in each and two M700 Varminters in each caliber.
Comparing the two 700's I believe the 7-08 has more felt recoil, but I use 140 grain bullets out of it vs 130's out of the .260.
Both 700's shoot exceptionally well - my choice is the .260 every time. We've put many a elk in the freezer from that "little light" 130gr pill.
I'll post photos later of a 130gr Accubond found on the far side hide after going through a shoulder at about 325 yards.

 

[wyoming]

Found this while searching for the same question, seems like 7mm-08 works good for him.
http://backcountryhunter.blogspot.com/

 

[TwoTikkas]

85 grain Barnes X from a cow I shot last year with my .243 - found under the skin on the off side shoulder. Did not recover the other bullet as it went zipping through her. 125 yards

That's pretty impressive. Picture perfect bullet performance. Any major bones involved?