Short Action Elk Caliber
- Thread starter Rooster52
- Start date
Laelkhunter
Well-known member
That's a tough one. I have hunted with Elk hunters who shoot them all, except for the .243. All with excellent results. Good luck choosing !! It would probably boil down to which one shot the best with an Elk load I felt comfortable with. Also, the optics on each would matter (making it even harder to choose).
First off, I would say - nice collection! 
Secondly - what type of terrain would you be hunting? If timbered, I would opt for a lighter, faster handling rifle; perhaps the 7-08 or 308. Both should work well.
FOr more open terrain, I would opt for one of the WSM's. Any of the 3 would work. Of course, with any caliber, a good bullet is necessary. My preferences always go towards a lighter rifle (weight, not caliber), scope magnifications all being equal or adequate, the lightest of the 3 WSM's would get my nod.
With the wide variety of excellent ammo available these days, my feelings are that an accurate load can be found for most rifles. It just takes experimenting. Good luck!
Secondly - what type of terrain would you be hunting? If timbered, I would opt for a lighter, faster handling rifle; perhaps the 7-08 or 308. Both should work well.
FOr more open terrain, I would opt for one of the WSM's. Any of the 3 would work. Of course, with any caliber, a good bullet is necessary. My preferences always go towards a lighter rifle (weight, not caliber), scope magnifications all being equal or adequate, the lightest of the 3 WSM's would get my nod.
With the wide variety of excellent ammo available these days, my feelings are that an accurate load can be found for most rifles. It just takes experimenting. Good luck!
6mm Remington
Well-known member
I'd shoot the one that I shot best and that felt the best in my hands. Out of those you have listed I would probably go with one of the WSM's or the 7mm-08.
Rooster, I think your gun collection is seriously lacking in the short action elk round category and you should buy at least three more rifles. Seriously though, any of those rifles would do the job with the 243 being a little on the light side when the distance gets our past a couple hundred yards. My choice would be the one that I shoot the best and and have the most confidence in. Only you can answer that question.
Very True.
sbhooper
Well-known member
For the ranges that you are talking about, I would go with the 7-08, or .308 with quality bullets.
LCH
Well-known member
Gunner46
Well-known member
Oh, I gotta chime in on this one. You need to buy one more, or re-bore one. Short action rig? 100yds +/-, or even 200yds, if your hunting luck is anything like mine ?
Me? I thought about this for over 20 yrs now and am doing something about as I type. 200-210 gr bullet @ 25-2600fps, 7 1/2# rifle (scoped & loaded), easy to find/form brass, and won't rock your back teeth or leave too many rattled brain cells! Makes a Big hole, on both sides, without excess bloodshot damaged meat.
338 FEDERAL
Me? I thought about this for over 20 yrs now and am doing something about as I type. 200-210 gr bullet @ 25-2600fps, 7 1/2# rifle (scoped & loaded), easy to find/form brass, and won't rock your back teeth or leave too many rattled brain cells! Makes a Big hole, on both sides, without excess bloodshot damaged meat.
338 FEDERAL
100% agree. I really want one myself. would love to see Howa chamber their Mt rifle in 338 federal, would be a good addition to the lineup I think
MinnesotaHunter
Well-known member
I would be standing in line...
jryoung
Well-known member
Talk about a fun one in the timber.
Matt from LSI are you reading this?
noharleyyet
Well-known member
WSM's..smoke'm if you got'm.
Rat Fink
Member
My last 5 rifle killed elk have all died from a 7mm-08 (1 cow and 2 bulls) and a .260 (1 cow and 1 bull). I have been very happy with the 7mm-08 for elk and my .260 has been impressive as well.
