Elk Hunting – Stirs your Blood!
Elk are remarkable animals and live in North America’s most awe-inspiring terrains. Elk Hunting is a thrill unlike any other. Choosing the right rifle and bullet combo is critical to any elk hunt. Don’t fret; we have you covered. Read on and find that “just right” best caliber for elk hunting.
I was 19 years old, and for the first time in my life, I was on an elk hunt. The pungent stench of elk urine hung in the frosty October air, and heavy tracks of bull elk dotted the fresh-fallen snow. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I loved every moment. Slipping through the timber quietly, I ducked under a fallen pine. When I stood back up, my eyes locked on horns rising above the brush only 30 yards away. The bull elks eyes, which I couldn’t see, could see me. The 4×5 jumped to his feet and stared holes through me. Instinct took over, and before I realized what was happening, the crosshairs of my Walmart-special scope were on his neck, and the trigger was jerked, not squeezed.
I don’t know how, but thank God, that bull reared up, flipped over, and went down. That day, my love affair with elk hunting started.
The following year, I returned to the same Colorado unit with the same 7mm Remington Magnum with the same janky scope. Once again, my wandering miles and miles each day through hellish terrain was rewarded. I shot nine times at a bull—thank God he was in the open. Finally, as he fled, one round hit him behind the last rib, and the beast fell. I was a lousy shot—the lightweight 7mm Rem. Mag. with no break was too much for my small frame. I cringed every time I shot it, and the scope never held zero. The only thing I did right during those early years was shoot an elk-killing caliber loaded with Remington Core-Lokt 175-Grain bullets, which are certified elk killers. Oh, how things have changed. While I’m still not the most fabulous rifle shot in the world, my WANT to learn as much as possible about elk-killing calibers and top-tier elk bullets has led to many thrilling elk pursuits across the West.
I realize many of you reading this article may be, like me, certified elk junkies. Others, though, and this is the group I hope this article resonates with, may be planning the only elk hunt they will ever be able to execute in their life. Or perhaps you fall into the crowd that can hunt elk once every five or 10 years. Regardless, the to-come intel will point you in the right direction regarding the best elk caliber to make your dreams of filling your freezer with tasty elk meat and having a heavy set of horns for the wall a reality.
Best Overall Elk Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum (Click to Shop)
If you walk into a cowboy town out West in October and find it filled with hardcore elk hunters, you could ask the question, “What’s the best elk caliber of all time?” and get several different answers. However, several of those answers will be the same, and the agreed-upon caliber will likely be the .300 Winchester Magnum.
The things the elk masses like about the .300 Win. Mag. are many, but perhaps most of all, it’s a belted magnum. A belted magnum is a caliber with a belt of reinforcing metal around its base to provide additional strength and ensure proper head spacing when the cartridge is chambered in the rifle. Belted magnum cartridges are ideal for high-pressure loads designed to harvest big-game animals, like bull elk, at long distances.
Bull Elk are big, tough, heavy-boned critters, and the .300 Win. Mag., developed by Winchester Repeating Arms in 1963 for use in the Model 70 rifle, delivers a high muzzle velocity and remarkable kinetic energy. This combo ensures fast, efficient kills on big-bodied bulls weighing as much as 1,000 pounds at ranges close and far.
Top elk .300 Win. Mag bullets like Hornady’s 178 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter have a muzzle velocity of 2,960 fps (26-inch barrel) and hit with over 2,000 foot-pounds of energy at 400 yards. If zeroed at 200 yards, bullet drop is only 6.6 inches at 300 yards and 18.8 inches at 400 yards.
As velocity drops at a distance, the Heat Shield tip drives backward into the bullet to initiate expansion, giving elk hunters that much-coveted mushroom.
While Hornady’s 178 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter is an elk killer, there are many .300 Win. Mag. ammo that will get the job done. This is another reason elk hunters covet the caliber. Reloaders can get loads sizzling from the barrel over 3,000 fps, but factory loads also come in many bullet styles and grain weights and are readily available.
I just returned from an amazing African safari. In eight days of hunting, I harvested 10 big-game animals. Nine of those animals were taken with Browning’s X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan SPR Carbon Fiber chambered in .300 Win. Mag. The bullet for this hunt was Winchester’s 190-grain Expedition Big Game AccuBond LR. I love a bonded bullet, and this load proved exceptional on this hunt. If it will put down an eland—Africa’s largest spiral-horned antelope at over 400 yards—it will destroy a big old bull elk. I am confident in this caliber, especially after toting across the big pond.
The Best Newbie Elk Caliber: 28 Nosler (Click to Shop)
Introduced in 2015 by Nosler, the .28 Nosler was primarily the result of the manufacturer’s fantastic success with the .26 Nosler.
The idea was to take a 7mm (.284 inch) cartridge and create a caliber capable of pushing a 160-grain bullet at speeds over 3,300 fps. Nosler was confident that a bullet with this weight and speed would shoot fast and flat and wreak havoc on large game like bull elk. Was Nolser right?
I respect many elk hunters, but no more than legendary hunter Scott Haugen and my good friend and hunting buddy Jason Weaver. What do both of these remarkable elk hunters have in common?
Their favorite elk rifle is the 28 Nosler. That should be all the proof you need. The shortened and necked-down .300 Rem. Ultra Mag. case allows for a large powder density, and the excellent ballistics provide better wind resistance at longer ranges. The wind is to be expected in the elk woods. When you shoot a caliber that pushes a heavier bullet at high speeds, the bullet cuts through the wind better, reducing the Kentucky windage factor and eliminating much guesswork.
When it comes to 28 Nosler ammo, you won’t find it at most box stores, and even most mom-and-pop gun shops have a difficult time keeping it in stock. I recommend reloading your 28 Nosler ammo or finding a factory load you like and buying it in bulk.
Weaver likes Nosler’s 160-grain AccuBond Trophy Grade. Loaded with Nosler AccuBond bullets, because the white polymer tip ensures accuracy and smooth chambering. The bullet’s boattail design provides a proper elk-killing weight retention platform. The bullet hits with 2,080 foot-pounds of energy at 500 yards and, if zeroed at 200 yards, drops 29.8 inches.
Best Can’t Be Ignored Elk Caliber: 7mm Remington Magnum (Click to Shop)
As you’ve read, my first-ever bull elk was harvested with a 7mm Remington Magnum. My first three bulls fell to that rifle, and while I wouldn’t say I liked its recoil, the shoulder abuse was partly due to a poor gun make. Most elk-killing calibers can be shoulder-busters. However, improvements in rifle design—better recoil pads, brakes, etc.—make shooting high-powered calibers non-problematic.
A popular and versatile caliber, 7mm Rem. Mag. ammo comes in various bullet weights, typically between 140 and 175 grains. 7mm Rem. Mag. ammo is readily available, allowing elk-goers to choose the best option for their specific elk-hunting needs. A lighter bullet that still hits with a wallop is an excellent choice for a long, cross-canyon shot, while a heavier bullet is a solid go-to for those who hunt in deep, dark timber and want right-now knock-down power.
Introduced by the Remington Arms Company in 1962, the caliber is based on the highly coveted .375 H&H, which was necked down to accept a 7mm (.284 inch) bullet. The design choice allowed for an increased powder charge and increased velocity compared to existing 7mm cartridges.
From 1962 through the early 1980s, Remington’s Model 700 Rifle action in a 7mm Rem. Mag. was popular with elk enthusiasts. And, it’s still popular today. Tried-and-true wins in the elk woods, I promise. My favorite 7mm Rem. Mag. ammo is still Remington’s legendary freezer-filler: Core-Lokt. As mentioned, the 175-grain Core-Lokt was the only reason I could harvest my first three bulls. Other than the neck shot, my other two shots were terrible.
The Pointed Soft Point Core Lokt bullet hits like a ton of bricks, expands perfectly, as a soft-point bullet should, and causes massive trauma. Muzzle velocity is 2,860 fps, and the bullet boats a ballistic coefficient of .427. This is the type of bullet I want when 300-yard-and-in shots are likely.
Best Outlier Elk Caliber: .264 Winchester Magnum (Click to Shop)
I often tell people my buddy, who I’ve already written about in this article, is the best elk hunter you’ve never heard of. When Jason Weaver doesn’t have his long-range, custom-built 28 Nosler, he totes his .264 Winchester. It makes an excellent saddle gun, and twice, I’ve seen Weaver make one-shot kills on elk over 400 yards with this rifle.
The .264 Winchester Magnum was brought to life by Winchester Repeating Arms in 1959. This is another remarkable elk caliber that has withstood the test of time. Winchester wanted to expand its magnum cartridge offerings and build a rifle that would compete with and possibly trump the .270 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnum.
A belted magnum, the .264 Win., was derived from the .375 H&H magnum. The caliber was necked down to accept a .264 (6.5mm) bullet. When Winchester offered the caliber in a well-priced Model 70 Westerner, elk hunters noticed.
Suppose you’re reloading, which if you’re interested in the .264 Win. Mag., you should be (factory ammo is difficult to find); it’s hard to beat a 140-grain Partition bullet. Long and thin, these .26 caliber bullets are fast, accurate, and hit hard. If you want to use the .264 Win. Mag. route but chamber factory ammo, go with Nosler’s Trophy Grade 130-grain AccuBond.
Best Overkill Elk Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum (Click to Shop)
No, it’s not actually overkill, but the .338 Win. Mag. is known more for use on cape buffalo, bison, and grizzly than it is for elk. Those who’ve never shouldered the .338 Win. Mag. often rave about its bad recoil. Oddly enough, unless the rifle you’re shouldering is junk, this round doesn’t beat up the shoulder too badly when considering length, width, and impact power. If you’re looking for an excellent elk gun that will take down dangerous game in other parts of the world, this caliber will serve you well.
Once again, when looking at this caliber, we must pay homage to the .375 H&H. The .338 Win. Mag. jumped on the scene in 1958 as a short magnum. A full 0.36 inches shorter than its parent cartridge, the .338 Win. Mag. could be chambered in an elk hunter’s favorite, the Winchester Model 70 rifle.
.338 Win. Mag. ammo is typically found in the 200 to 250-grain bullet range. The caliber promises remarkable penetration. The heavy-grain weight bullets will blow through dense bone, making high-shoulder shots a .338 Win. Mag. users favorite. Also, because the bullets hit with such extreme energy, shots can be taken at challenging angles.
A few years back, one of my elk hunting buddies told me he took his most giant bull, a 350-class 6×6, from 270 yards. The shot angle was severely downhill, and the bull was quartering hard to him. He’s told me multiple times a hard quartering-to-angle on elk; if the hunter is shooting an appropriate caliber and, more importantly, an appropriate bullet, is an ultra-deadly shot angle. My elk amigo noted the 200-grain Trophy Bonded Tip in his Federal Premium bullet blew through the point of the shoulder, hammered through ribs and organs, pushed through a soggy grass-filled gut, and was just under the skin on the opposite side. Impressive!
While the ammo mentioned above works wonderfully on elk, I recommend a higher BC bullet that will be more accurate at longer ranges. Push the grain weight to 225 grains, and experiment with the hotness of your load.
Best PRC Elk Caliber: 7mm PRC (Click to Shop)
I don’t think many will tar-and-feather me when I write that Hornady’s PRC line (6.5, 7, and 300) forever changed the face of accuracy. Many of you who read the “Best PRC” headline and don’t see the colon followed by “300 PRC “rolled your eyes. Hear me out, though.
Last fall, I shot three bull elk with all three PRC calibers. The 7mm PRC won my heart. Why?
Another fantastic Hornaday creation, the 7mm PRC is based on the .375 Ruger cartridge, necked down to accept 7mm bullets. The case length is 2.28 inches and is roughly 3.34 inches long. The bullet diameter is .284 (7mm), and the cartridge was designed to give hunters and competition shooters high velocities and maintain exceptional energy over long distances. The recoil is extremely manageable, especially if you purchase a quality rifle in this caliber.
Last fall, while hunting with the man who got me into hunting, I called a pair of bulls from dense cover at the bottom of a deep, gnarly canyon. My buddy and I were on the caprock above, and the bulls were closing the distance too fast to get down. My buddy is an elk-hunting nut, and at 66 years old, he knows his days of hardcore, public land, DIY backcountry elk hunting are numbered. His rifle/scope combo couldn’t make the 476-yard shot to the bottom of the canyon. I quickly got him prone and handed him my 7mm PRC. His shot was at an extreme downhill angle, and the bull was slightly quartering to him. The 155-grain Federal Terminal Ascent bullet smashed through the front shoulder, and the bull was down in seconds.
Due to the distance and the fact that the second bull was lovesick and couldn’t pinpoint where the shot came from, he ran back about 30 yards and stopped when I cow called. I traded places with my friend, settled the crosshairs, and turned the dial to 525 yards on my Leupold VX-5 HD scope. The bull was quartering away, and though the shot was a little further back than I wanted, the bullet blew through a stomach filled with heavy prairie grass and broke the opposite front shoulder.
Federal’s Terminal Ascent 7mm PRC 155 Grain leaves the muzzle at 3,100 fps, has an extremely high ballistic coefficient, and the exclusive Slipstream polymer tip initiates low-velocity expansion. At 500 yards, the round still hits with over 1,800 foot-pounds of energy.
Those considering making the 7mm PRC their next elk rifle should know that because it’s a relatively new caliber, ammo can be hard to come by. I purchase my ammo directly from Federal and Hornady. I have tested my Browning X-Bolt Speed LR 7mm PRC with Hornady’s 175 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter, and it’s an ultra-accurate round. I’ve rattled steel out to 700 yards with it, and the 175-grain ELD-X bullet still posts a muzzle velocity of 3,000 fps.
Best Lever-Action Rifle Caliber for Elk Hunting: .45-70 Gov’t (Click to Shop)
Known as the .45-70 Government, this caliber was introduced by the U.S. Army in 1873 for use in the Springfield Model 1873. The bullet diameter is .458 inches, and the case length is 2.105 inches.
This is not your caliber if you’re looking for a long-range shooter. However, this caliber is an excellent go-to if you’re looking for a great saddle gun to cause massive trauma on bulls within 150 yards. The .45-70 Government is also ideal for those who chase bulls in thick timber and put a premium on getting within muzzleloader range.
Most .45-70 rifle builds allow for easy scope mounting and will showcase shorter barrels. The shorter barrel makes the rifle excellent for off-hand shooting. Short-barreled rifles are highly maneuverable, and while recoil can be an issue, especially when shooting a heavy-grain elk bullet, this caliber is an elk-killing kingpin.
Winchester’s Super-X ammo has been a fan-favorite since 1922, and if you’re looking for a great, heavy-grain round to pair with your .45-70 lever-action shooter, this ammo fits the bill. The 300-grain jacketed hollow point ensures explosive impact and consistent expansion. A straight-wall round, the bullet leaves the muzzle at a respectable 1,880 fps and zeroed at 100 yards; drop is a manageable 12.2 inches at 200 yards.
Read Also: Best Straight Walled Cartridges
Best Because It’s A Winner: .280 Ackley Improved (Click to Shop)
I can’t write a big-game caliber article without mentioning the .280 Ackley Improved. My good friend, fantastic elk hunter, and caliber fanatic, Aram von Benedikt turned me onto this caliber about five years ago. It is one of my favorite calibers for any big game. I’ve been asked several times why I love the .280 Ackley Improved. The answer is simple: The caliber is accurate, hits hard at close and far ranges, and is super fun to shoot. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that I’ve killed a handful of big bull elk with it.
A wildcat caliber brought to life by P.O Ackley, the .280 Ackley Improved is a modified version of the original .280 Remington. The change was altering the cartridge’s shoulder angle to 40 degrees to increase the case capacity. The modification allows for higher velocities and improved performance, especially accuracy and downrange energy retention. The sharper shoulder allows for a more consistent powder burn, which leads to exceptional downrange accuracy.
With Kimber’s Mountain Ascent chambered in .280 Ackley Improved in 2021, I took my largest bull ever. The shot angle was quartering away, and Federal’s Terminal Ascent .280 Ackley Improved 155-grain bullet hammered through nearside liver/lung and broke down the opposite front shoulder. The bull was 264 yards away and only made it another 10 yards after the shot.
I’ve mentioned Terminal Ascent bullets several times in this article because I’ve had remarkable success with them. I love the bullet’s high BC and the fact that you get match-grade accuracy in a long-range bonded hunting bullet. With this bullet chambered in .280 Ackley Improved, I feel the maximum range for an elk hunter should be 500 yards. At 500 yards, the .586 BC bullet travels around 2,180 fps and will hit with a tick over 1,600 foot-pound of energy.
If you’re looking for an uber-accurate caliber that will also work extremely well on mule deer, pronghorn, Dall sheep, mountain goat, whitetail deer, and many other species of North American big game, the .280 Ackley Improved is an excellent choice.
Best Legend Elk Caliber: .270 Winchester (Click to Shop)
We realize this title could cause some controversy, which is fine. We could have easily slugged the .30-06 Springfield with this title. However, the fact remains, the .270 Win. has been and remains a trusted caliber for elk.
My hunting mentor mentioned earlier in this article, has over 80 elk kills with a .270 Winchester. While his furthest shot was, as he says, “about 400 yards,” most of his elk kills came inside 200 yards. Like many .270 Winchester lovers, my elk amigo appreciated the caliber’s high velocity, pinpoint accuracy, bullet availability, and reduced recoil compared to other elk-killing calibers.
When hunting elk, your maximum range should be 450 yards unless you’re ultra-familiar with your rifle and can hit the exact hair you’re aiming at. It’s important to know that most modern-day .270 Win. rifles feature a 1:10 rifling twist rate to 150-grain bullets. While a 150-grain bullet isn’t necessarily light for elk, it doesn’t hit with as much energy as a heavier-grain bullet at longer distances. Beyond 250 yards, I recommend a center lung shot rather than trying to go high-shoulder.
Brought to life by Winchester Repeating Arms in 1925 and derived from the .30-.03 Springfield Win., the .270 Win. case was necked down to accept a .277-inch bullet. Oddly, the .270 Win. didn’t go gangbusters out of the gate. It wasn’t until popular outdoor writer Jack O’Connor started putting his stamp of approval on the caliber in the late 1920s and early 1930s that it grew in popularity.
Winchester’s Super-X Power Point in 150-Grain and Remington’s Core-Lokt 150 Grain are excellent Soft Point bullet options and work fantastic on elk. However, if you’re looking to go a little lighter bullet that promises maximum precision, Nosler’s 130GR Partition Trophy Grade is a solid choice. Loaded with a 130-grain Spitzer Partition Bullet, muzzle velocity is 3,500 fps, and if zeroed at 100 yards, drop at 300 yards is a mere 11 inches. While dial-to-the-yard turrets are ideal, I know a lot of elk hunters who’ve mastered the feel of their .270 Win. on shots inside of 400 yards and know their exact holdovers.
Best Short-Action Mountain Hunting Elk Caliber: Browning 6.8 Western
Designed specifically for western hunters by the masterminds at Browning, the 6.8 Western is one of my all-time favorite calibers. Relatively new, it is widely accepted, and while I’ve had excellent success with Browning’s 175-grain Long Range Hunter Pros, many ammo manufacturers now offer 6.8 Western ammo.
What I love about the Long Range Pro Hunters is the 175-grain Sierra Tipped Gameking bullets. On a recent trip to Africa, I watched this bullet cause devastating, one-shot kills on six species of African big game, including sable and roan antelope. While many of the bullets passed through the game, I found four, including one I sent into a 375-yard gemsbok, just under the hide on the animals’ opposite side. All bullets were perfectly mushroomed. Expansion was controlled, and energy loss was minimal.
My good friend and big-game hunting legend Scott Haugen was so impressed with the caliber and bullet he ordered a new Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR chambered in 6.8 Western and a case of 175-grain Long Range Pro Hunters.
The 6.8 Western’s impressive features include its perfect blend of long-range accuracy, felt recoil, and terminal ballistics. It is based on the popular .270 Winchester Short Magnum case. However, the case length was reduced to accommodate heavier, high-BC bullets while still fitting into a short action to ensure rapid cycling. Most bullets range in weight between 165 and 175 grains.
Since 2021, this caliber has become extremely popular with the elk hunting crowd. It has long-range capability and excellent knock-down power.
Things To Consider When Choosing An Elk Hunting Rifle
I appreciate that rifle manufacturers have beefed up their lines and offer various rifle styles in plenty of elk-killing calibers. When choosing my elk hunting rifle, I first consider my elk hunting style.
Horseback: Many elk hunters, including me, hunt from horses. Horses are fantastic for elk hunting. Some of you may not own a horse or aspire to go on a horseback elk hunt, but the outfitter you book with may use horses, so keep that in mind. I prefer a light, short, maneuverable bolt-action rifle that rides well in a scabbard when using horses.
Sit-and-Wait: One of my good hunting buddies is a sit-and-wait elk hunter. He uses his vehicle, UTV, and legs to access vantage points overlooking areas where he expects elk to be. His goal is to shoot elk within 800 yards of his location. For this reason, he opts for a heavier, longer-barrel rifle that allows for bipod attachment.
Spot-and-Stalk: My favorite way to hunt elk is to glass them from a distance and use the wind and terrain to slip within 250 yards. I love getting close to game. I recommend a lightweight, maneuverable rifle for elk hunters who are constantly on the move. I look for makes with synthetic stocks, barrel lengths between 22 and 24 inches, synthetic stock, and a fluted bolt, barrel, or both. You don’t want your rifle to weigh you down.
When choosing the right elk rifle for you, consider where and how you hunt.
Things To Consider When Choosing An Elk Hunting Caliber
While I focus more on bullets than I do on a specific caliber, I recommend going bigger than smaller when it comes to elk. As mentioned, elk are big and tough. A sage nine or 10-year-old bull elk has survived so much, and he doesn’t have an ounce of quit in him. For this reason, if elk are your primary focus, go with a 7mm Rem. Mag. over a .270 Win., and a .300 Win. Mag. over a .30-06 Springfield.
As with choosing an elk rifle, you should also consider the terrain in which you hunt. You want to select an excellent long-range caliber if you know shots will be longer. If you know 90 percent of your shots will come in deep, dark timber, you can opt for a straight-wall caliber like the 45-70 Gov’t.
Things To Consider When Choosing An Elk Bullet
Bullet choice trumps everything. You can’t go wrong with a bonded bullet. One of my all-time favorites is an AccuBond. Other excellent elk bullets include Federal’s Terminal Ascent, Sierra-Tipped Gamekings, Barnes TTSX, Hornady ELD-X, and copper.
FAQs on Elk Hunting
How much should I spend on an elk rifle?
While this is entirely up to you, I always recommend rifles like Browning’s X-Bolt and X-Bolt 2 Speed rifles to elk hunters. Remington Model 700 platforms, Kimber’s Hunter and Mountain Ascent, Winchester’s XPR, and Savage’s 110 Family are all excellent choices. Of course, you can never go wrong with custom-made rifles; however, you’ll need to get your checkbook out. You can get into an excellent elk rifle for under $1,100, and yes, you can go cheaper. The problem with lesser elk rifles is often weight, recoil, and overall functionality. Take my old-school 7mm Rem. Mag. It got the job done, but I hated shooting it. It rocked my shoulder every time I pulled the trigger, which meant I was never as accurate with that rifle as I should have been.
What is the best bullet grain weight to use on elk?
I spoke to an accomplished elk hunter recently who told me he killed an inside 100-yard Centennial State bull with a single, well-placed shot with a 130-grain bullet fired from his 6.5 PRC. While I don’t consider the 6.5 PRC the best elk caliber on the planet, bullet performance, in many ways, trumps caliber. A few of my favorite elk bullets include Berger’s Hybrid, Remington’s Core-Lokt, Barnes TSX, Hornady’s MonoFlex, and Nosler’s Partition. The more you read and learn about bullets and understand how specific bullets perform from the time they leave the barrel through impact, the more informed decisions you can make.
What is the best caliber for elk?
We gave the 300 Win. Mag. a “Best Overall” award, and if you go with it, you get a superior elk killer and an excellent crossover rifle. However, all of the calibers mentioned in this article, and several that weren’t, are remarkable for elk.
Should I shoot a PRC for elk?
Why not? PRC stands for Precision Rifle Cartridge. I’ve extensively tested each caliber, and while I don’t slug the 6.5 PRC an “elk caliber”,” it is a flat, fast, and ultra-accurate shooter. I do like the caliber for youth shooters or small-framed hunters. My Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro Tungsten barely moved my shoulder thanks to the 130-grain ammo, Inflex Recoil Pad, and Hawg muzzle brake. Plus, I killed a 300-yard-plus bull with it. It’s all about bullet choice and placement, remember?
If I had to pick three elk calibers for the rest of my days, they would be the 7mm PRC, 300 PRC, and .300 Win. Mag. in that order.
Why is felt-recoil talked about so much?
Shoot an unfriendly rifle—one that shocks the shoulder and body—and you’ll never want to shoot it again. Part of becoming a consistent elk hunter is being able to execute during the moment of truth. Shot execution can only be mastered by spending a lot of time behind the trigger. And not only on a bench with your rifle in a vise and a pad on your shoulder. Proper practice should include shooting from sticks, shooting off-hand, shooting prone from a backpack, etc. If you don’t like to shoot your rifle because of recoil, you won’t want to practice with it, and you’ll develop a flinch. Always pick a rifle and caliber that promises manageable recoil.
Final Thoughts on Selecting an Elk Caliber
Elk hunting is highly romanticized, and for good reason. Elk are majestic. One glimpse of a hard-horned bull, his tan hide stained with mud, strolling through a maze of golden aspens, and you’ll be hooked for life. However, as impressive as elk hunting is, it’s a grind. Few hunts are more physically and mentally challenging than a public-land DIY elk hunt. Regardless of the amount of time you allotted for your hunt, your body will experience pain, and your mind will tell you, many times, to throw in the white towel. It’s just part of the process and the magic that is elk hunting.
I mention the pain and mental stress because when you do earn that shot, you want to know your rifle, optic, and bullet combination will get the job done. Heed the advice in this article, and you’ll be set to go when you settle those crosshairs on a bull.
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