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...
 
Last edited:
.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.
 
.308 paired with a quality bullet, you'll be good to go!
 
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

... and 993 more.
Total: 453,570 (members: 1,043, guests: 452,527)

Forum statistics

Threads
70,308
Messages
1,572,389
Members
169,553
Latest member
LeeBennet
 

 

 

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

K_P
K_P wrote on Buckleyguy12's profile.
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 kdp59935@gmail.com in the event that you're still searching for a unicorn.

Best,

Kelly Palmer
•••
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
Gents, if you book and pay your deposit before the end of this year , you can have the bigger cull package for the 2026 price! https://www.africahunting.com/threa...griffiths-safaris-starting-at-us-2-560.96285/
•••
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
I am currently in Northern Cape scouting a hunting area, we will have lots of amazing hunting opportunities for 2027! I will post updated available dates soon!
•••
Azklmsr
Azklmsr wrote on MANKAZANA SAFARIS's profile.
Good Evening. I am very interested in you hunt for the spiral slam. March in 2028 would be fine for me

Couple of quick questions:

1) Can we add some additional species on
2) what do you want for a deposit?
3) how do you want me to sign up

I'm on whats app or email

Kurt [redacted]

have a great evening
•••
M
MHYOUNG 375 wrote on Marley7x57's profile.
If you really are interested I 'll send some pix. I have quiet a few.
•••

Share this page

 
Top