Advice on picking a caliber for deer and elk?

Question

Looking at different calibers for deer and elk. I'm looking at .270, .308, .30-06, 7mm Mag, and the 7mm-08 for this purpose. I just want one good rifle that will take both deer and elk. What do you think?

Answer 1

I've supplied a large portion of my family with rifles in 7mm08, which will do anything 270 will do (if you handload--factory loads are limited). It's just about perfect for deer, but I like a little more frontal area with elk and would go with 30-06.

Answer 2

The 30-06 is your best choice, because it has been tried, true, tested, and proven since 1906.* It will harvest any game in North America cleanly & efficiently.* It has harvested more big game than any other caliber, except for the 30-30 Winchester.* You have a greater variety of bullet weights to choose from with the 30-06.*

Answer 3

Q:  Advice on picking a caliber for deer and elk?

A:  If I could only use one rifle for deer and elk I'd use the .30-06.  With the .30-06 ammo will be cheaper and more universally available.  Also, the '06 is available in more diverse bullet weights.  If you prefer magnum then go with the 7mm Remington Magnum which is really very ballistically similar to the older '06.  

Happy hunting.

H

Answer 4

G'day mate any of those calibres would do.but i would go 4 the 7mm08 or the 7mm but 7mm would go a lot more distance and shoot  flatter than the 7mm 08.7mm 08 is just a 7mm projectile in a 308 case but it has a lot of energy on that bullet because of it's bullet grain. cheers mate

Answer 5

30-06, .243, 300 sav.

Answer 6

Of the calibers you named the 30-06 is the most versatile for deer and elk.

The loads available will allow you to through 220 grain bullets at elk and still have the ability to get 150/165 grain for deer with good knockdown power.

Answer 7

They all are good and all have taken Elk. I would be hard pressed to decide but  lean slightly toward the 270.

Answer 8

30-06  /  .308  + u will need it in the next war  .........WWlll......

Answer 9

The best for deer is probally the 270. The 270. can work on moose and elk too. It is good for range and has plenty of punch for an elk. I would get the 270.

I have a 270. win and i have never hunted elk with it i have killed about 3 bull moose and 4 moose cows. I also have a 300 wsm and thats is what i ususally use on my bigger game but the 270. has worked better for me so far only because i just got it last year. The 300. wsm has a 130 grain bullet which you can use on deer and a 150 grain, 165 grain and 180 grain that can be used on moose, elk, bear.

I suggest either the 270. win, or he 300. wsm

Answer 10

I would agree, the 30-06 is the best of the rounds you've named. 2nd and third plae would go to the 7mag and 308. You're pushing it with the other rounds --- and I personally would not try when there are others that are worlds better.

Other choices would be a 7mm mauser, 8mm mauser, 303british, 35 whelan, 338 federal, etc.

Aside from the 7mag, I would certainly be looking for a 30 cal and preferable bigger.

  

Answer 11

The 7mm/08 is a little too weak for elk, but excellent for deer.

The .270 with 140 gr bullets will handle both.  You would not have to change bullets or power as you might want to with the 30/06 or 7mm mag.  

Examples would be that 150 gr bullets better for deer, but 180 gr better for elk

7mm  140 for deer and 160 gr for elk.  The .270 is the long tradition of one gun one load.