Short Action Elk Rifle

300WSM or 270WSM would be options. Or any of the WSM/SAUM cartridges would probably do it.

Wouldn't be my first choice because I truly believe there are better cartridges available in standard/long/magnum length actions. Not to mention the lack of factory ammo. But if you are trying to shave weight...
 
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.308win paired with 130gr barns ttsx is pretty good short action cartridge imo
My friend Margie uses a.270wsm paired with 140gr ttsx and I’ve never seen anything run off .
My 6.5cm I wouldn’t be scared to bust a elk or something similar in size
 
.338 Federal would fit the bill nicely but if the choice is .308 or 7mm-08, then the .308.
 
Easy choice…300 WSM.
Great all around caliber.
Short, Efficient & Effective.
Plenty of factory ammunition available & nice selection of Winchester Model 70 rifles.
 
Mnwhiskeyman said:
Would anyone use a 308/7mm-08 for an Elk hunt within 400 yards. I am asking cause I would like to double this as my sons new rifle and with the cost of things why not get one that can do elk pronghorn whitetail and more?
Thanks
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I used an older Rem 700 BDL in 308 for multiple elk before it was stolen. I shot 165gr Trophy Bonded Tips, and older Federal loaded 165gr Accubonds. Within 400yds you should be fine with quality premium ammo and knowing/learning both you and the rifles capabilities.

I now shoot a 257wby or 300WM but wouldn’t hesitate to use a 7-08 if that’s what I had. I know a lot of guides and almost universally they’d say they prefer someone to hunt with their deer rifle or whatever they’re most comfortable with than a new gun or a bigger magnum that’s a little bit too much for them to practice with.
 
Comanche 6 said:
308 will get it done. A 7mm 08 is a touch small IMO on elk. If you’re looking for just one, it’s a pretty easy choice. Lot more variety of ammo and better ammo availability for the 308 as well.
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Agree. I'm a 7mm-08 fan but .308 is a much better choice for elk.
 
In my group there have been a handful of cow and spike elk killed with a 7mm-08 rem 700. Bullets have varied but mostly 145 grand slam and 150 Accubond long range handloaded bullets. Haven’t lost any and I don’t remember any that required extra shots. Goes without saying that Shot placement is key.
I would have no qualms about the .308 or the 7mm-08. All my little girls and a couple nephews used my little 7 rifle to take their first elk or two-
 
My choice would be .308 if your son can handle it, my daughter started with 7mm -08 but now likes the 308, both are great on Elk, shot placement is key!
We have taken five elk bulls/cows with the above mentioned calibers.
 
I agree with many of the above comments; .308 with quality bullets and good shot placement is more than adequate for elk. 7-08 will do it too, but is a touch light for my tastes. That said, I shot exactly one cow elk with a .243 when I was a kid and it worked just fine, but shot placement was perfect.

You don't need a magnum round to kill an elk, but it can certainly be an advantage. I generally carry my 7 PRC these days.
 
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Hornedfrogbbq wrote on Rhoyland4's profile.
Do you mind me asking what auction you are referencing? I'm not in the market for any of those rifles...just curious.

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Good morning from Montana.

I'm looking at a post from 2018 where you were looking for a lefty Winchester in .375 H&H Magnum. I'm selling mine. My email is [redacted] in the event that you're still searching for a unicorn.

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