Elk Gun

I posted results of a Kansas deer hunt in the 2019 thread. A discussion with my hunting group there was the potential for an elk hunt in 2021.

We had a long discussion about suitable elk rounds and the need for various upgrades (especially for my pipsqueak .308). Votes for .30-06, 300 Win Mag, and one .338 (which each of the voters actually had)

However, based on my results (complete pass through and good exit with 165 BTSP) and review of the various internet cowboy sites, I know this rifle, and can shoot it well. I don’t think I would be undergunned (considering right bullet, right placement, right range, etc)..

Anyone with direct experience?

What caliber do you already have?

A teen girl in Wisconsin used a 243.


I’ve used 270 and 45-70...

Most any deer adequate caliber with a good bullet will do, if you do your job.

Currently .308 and .30-40. No direct experience with the second one (yet), but the .308 did not disappoint me on my Kansas hunt (in the 2019 Deer thread).

You’ll be fine with .308.. just pick a bullet with solid construction and do your part.

Where are going Elk hunting? I’ve done Northernmost NV, CO, UT.

No location yet.

Colorado based airline pilot is doing some research. I’m not sure my old bony **I VOTE DEMOCRAT** would hold up to a horse ride in, so we may need to explore age-friendly options.

With the selection of modern bonded and monocore hunting bullets that are suitable for elk you do not need magnum calibers for most elk hunting situations. Unless your planning on taking 600-800 yard shots, a 7mm-08, 270, 308 or 30-06 would all work well. No need for expensive, high recoiling magnums. I have a cousin who is avid elk hunter and after years of using 7mm Rem Mags, 300 WSM and the likes he switched to a 7mm-08 about 10 years ago and would never consider going back to a magnum.

Thanks for the comments.

No long range shots in my future. I’ve got lots of confidence in my current setup and my ability, but I know my limitations.

Ive always wanted to go on a elk hunt. I think I'm finally going to start enjoying life more/work less. With that being said I bought a .30 tc when they first came out years ago. Not so much for the caliber but the thompson center icon is beautiful. I shot a deer with it shortly after buying it and was not impressed at the killing ability, so I put it away. This year grabbed it for kill permit (soybean damage) and have killed quite a few with it and its been awesome. Its slightly more oomph than a .308 and is a sweet shooting gun, one you just can't miss with. Ive thought if I ever took a elk hunt I would like to use it, but have wondered if it was big enough. I feel confident that a 165 grain pill would do the job after reading the confidence for .308/ 7mm-08 in this thread.