Which is the best elk caliber...the 35 whelen, 264 win mag, or the 7mm rem mag?

Question

I want one for all-around elk hunting. Thanks.

Answer 1

Look at Alan T in the hunting section above your post, has the perfect setup.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7990/...

Answer 2

Of the three you list the 35 whelen would be best.  Even better would be an 8mm Mauser or 30-06.  

Answer 3

264 WinMag and its European twin, 6.5x68, don't exactly have a huge market share. They simply can't do anything that can't be done with 7mm Rem Mag. That 0.02" isn't much, but it isn't nothing, either.

That said, I'd go with 35 Whelen (or even better, 338-06). Maybe I just read too much Elmer Kieth in my youth. If you're hunting the same area near home year after year, that would be especially true, because you'll be better at range estimation, where 7mm Rem Mag might get a slight nod for the guy who's hunting new territory as on a guided out-of-state hunt.

Answer 4

Of your list, I would have to go with the 7 mag but my personal choice would be the 30/06.  Unmatched versatility, ammo availability, and 300+ yd performance make it an easy choice.

Answer 5

Of those three choices I would happily take the 35whelen. Although my personal choice would be my .338 win mag or 30-06.

Answer 6

I'd choose the 7mm remington magnum as the best all around elk gun

the 264 is a good choice too, but I prefer the little extra power and little extra mass the 7mm remmag has.  If you were looking for an elk-mountaingoat-pronghorn rifle, i'd suggest the 264 win mag then

The 35 whelen would be my choice for elk and moose in thick cover, otherwise I'd always take the 7mm rem mag above it

However, if you currently own a rifle in any of those three, you are equipped well enough for elk

Answer 7

Do you already own rifles in these calibers?  It might help us to answer your question if you told us how you narrowed your choices down to these three.

To clarify, why would you not consider a .308 Win. or a 7mm-08, or other less expensive, more common, practical, good calibers?