Im hoping to get out to Colorado elk hunting this fall for the first time. I've been talking to different people on what caliber of rifle to use and everyone has a different opinion. I currently have a 30.06 and will most likely be taking that. But would like to purchase a new rifle in the future. Also what bullets would people recommend. Any input is helpful. Thank you in advance.
Elk hunting guns and ammo.
- Thread starter giant87
- Start date
eaglebuilder
New member
- Mar 8, 2016
- 10
I suggest 165or 168 grain bullets. I live in California and I am required to use copper bullets. Barnes is one the best and now Hornady plus Nosler are making copper bullets. I used the Nosler and did not like the results. If you looking for a new rifle ,7mm mag short or Rem is good choice .My whole family and 90% of my friends shoot .270s. Since I started hunting 18 years ago I've only been on one hunt where an elk was shot and got away. And that only happened because someone jumped him. He was shot and ran about 300 yards and laid down on a road. (we think it was a gut shot is why he ran so far) Someone coming down the road jumped him and we never found him after that. so I've seen 20-30 elk killed with a .270. I shoot barnes triple shock 140 gr bullets. I even have some buddies that use .243s and shoot them in the head or neck. (not recommended in my book) I would say anything .270 or bigger is pretty good, but its all about shot placement. I mean Indians did it with a homemade stick with the right shot placement.
eaglebuilder
New member
- Mar 8, 2016
- 10
I have used the 270 win and no problems, but I was required to use copper bullet in this California hunt. I was using the Nosler green tip bullet ,I hit the elk and she ran off and never found her. I a cow tag and found out later in camp someone calm a cow bagged. If read about elk hunting ,the 270 win is smallest caliber suggested.
