All arounds hunting rifle for antelope deer and elk
- Thread starter Schw15
- Start date
The 270win is pretty tough to beat for an all around hunting rifle, not the coolest or newest just effective, readily available ammo everywhere you go and efficient design for being nearly 100 years old.
6.5mm, 7mm, and .30 cal of pretty much any standard (.473) or magnum bolt face will get it done.
22, 6mm, and 25 cal is okay up to mule deer in my book. A little slim for elk but I'm sure it will work if you select the right shots, bullets, etc.. .338 and larger is unnecessary IMO. I'm sure others opinions will vary.
It's all on a sliding scale, though. Range vs. power vs. shots you want to be able to take. Limit it to 400yd or less, broadside only, no shoulder shots and you'll have no problem with 6.5 creedmoor. If you want to plow through shoulders and bone, better off with a 7mm or .30 magnum and a bonded or copper bullet. Know your limitations and you'll make it work.
7mm rem mag, .284 win, .280 AI, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC, 300 wm, .30-06, .308, 6.5 creedmoor, .260, 7-08....
22, 6mm, and 25 cal is okay up to mule deer in my book. A little slim for elk but I'm sure it will work if you select the right shots, bullets, etc.. .338 and larger is unnecessary IMO. I'm sure others opinions will vary.
It's all on a sliding scale, though. Range vs. power vs. shots you want to be able to take. Limit it to 400yd or less, broadside only, no shoulder shots and you'll have no problem with 6.5 creedmoor. If you want to plow through shoulders and bone, better off with a 7mm or .30 magnum and a bonded or copper bullet. Know your limitations and you'll make it work.
7mm rem mag, .284 win, .280 AI, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC, 300 wm, .30-06, .308, 6.5 creedmoor, .260, 7-08....
Have used the 130 VLD for deer and antelope. Going with the 139 Scenar for elk this year.
Longest shots I’ve taken was 370 yards on a cow elk with my 7mm08, and 510 yards with the 130 VLD out of my SAUM on a whitetail doe.
People really underestimate the toughness of Elk. However if you are smart about shot placement and distance you can get by with smaller cartridges. The thought of using a 6.5 on elk makes me cringe personally, I know I'm in the minority here and am not telling anyone what to do or that they are wrong. I just personally want a larger bullet with more energy given the hide, bone and muscle tissue. We're all human and a bigger cartridge can, not always, save your bacon if your off a little.
Whichever you choose make sure its something you are comfortable practicing with ( from shooting positions ) and spend the time doing so. That way you'll know your limits with whatever caliber you choose.
I've seen too many people use live animals as target practice and shoot far beyond their capabilities in the field. Don't be that guy.
Whichever you choose make sure its something you are comfortable practicing with ( from shooting positions ) and spend the time doing so. That way you'll know your limits with whatever caliber you choose.
I've seen too many people use live animals as target practice and shoot far beyond their capabilities in the field. Don't be that guy.
Yes i agree i wasnt asking for getting one just asking to see what people use. I curretly use a 300 win 212 eld x elk are very tough. I use to use alot 6.5-06 ai for elk worked good just not like 300 win mag
