300 or 338

[SJB358]

Totally agree, the difference in reaction between the 35 Whelen, 270WSM and 300 Win Mag were all quite different. Granted, every animal is different, but it seemed the wind really came out their sails fast with the Whelen and 225's. My old man used my 338 for a few elk and none went anywhere, and one was a fairly marginal shot. Again, every animal, shot, range and reaction is different, but you all have nailed it, the big bullets, moving at decently high speeds are excellent. Scotty

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Scotty, you make a very good point. The benefit of the .338 is on that marginal shot, when you need the extra diameter and tissue damage to anchor the critter when you bullet doesn't go exactly where you wanted it to.

 

[JD338]

Tom and Scotty,

You both are correct but we have to be careful because some nimrod will think he can gut shoot an elk and drop it in his tracks or not make an honest effort to follow up on a shot because the elk didn't drop (the nimrod swears he hit him in the chest or the scope must have been bumped).
Thats why I said shot placement is king. I like to plan for the worse and hope for the best.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Shot placement is king.

Good to stress what should be obvious. A bad hit is a bad hit regardless of the velocity and the size of the bullet. A little hole through a vital organ will kill far more efficiently than a big hole in a non-vital region. A gut-shot elk can travel a very long distance!

 

[SJB358]

Totally agree, but after having to chase an elk over a mountain (after a bad shot by me) and then finally catching up to it, I had to darn near gun him down with my 270WSM to make sure he stayed down, I decided at that point, I wanted a little more oomph. It wasn't the 270's fault in the least, and the shots to put him down were good ones. I would use a 270 again, but wouldn't carry it primarily for elk. That day showed me how much life they really have in them. Scotty

 

[Greg Nolan]

I have to admit that there may be something to the idea that a 375 RUM is too much gun for an elk. The last one I shot was too dead. So I had to let it go :lol: Kidding aside, all the suggested calibers will do a elk in handily with good placement. Actually, the best placement is "any elk in my freezer" :wink:
Greg

 

[3006savage]

500 yards is a breeze for either cartridge. Unless you are recoil sensitive may as well go 338. A 200 grain AccuBond from a 300 WM is pretty awesome if you choose to go with the 300. You are choosing between 2 winners so either way you should get great results.

 

[Elkman]

Scotty is a marine he loves recoil!!!!!!!! Needless to day if you can handle the recoil of course the big 338's are better. I am old so my tolerance runs out at about 30 ft. pounds.+ or - depending upon the stock configuration. You younger guys have not learned about bursitis, arthritis, tendanitis etc. recoil is not my friend, and many others do not shoot well with their eyes closed anticipating the punshment they are about to inflict upon themselves. I really don't think there is such a thing as "to much gun for elk" just to much gun for some/most hunters.

 

[SJB358]

Love is a strong word Bill. I don't mind it, as long as it isn't painful. Besides, my 338 has a brake on it, so it lessens up the felt recoil quite a bit. Your right though, shoot what you can handle. That is the first step in getting it done. I think most folks would do well with getting some more hiking time in and not worrying too much about if a 338 or 300 is going to make a difference. Usually killing the elk s the easier part, just getting to the country they live in is the hardest part! Scotty

 

[Elkman]

You are right Scotty I think shooting skill and fitness go hand in hand for the successful elk hunter. I have seen a few malfunctions in the woods over the years regarding elk with failure to recover. Most have been with 6mm dia cartridges but a couple have been as a result of flinching with a large caliber rifle. (,338 win mag)

Bills first rule is "shoot um first, then worry about packing them out".

 

[SJB358]

Same here Bill. I would rather figure out a way to pack the meat out, than worry about going home without any elk! I get pretty excited anyhow, and not being a trophy hunter, usually I will down the first elk that fits into my criteria. My trophy is the memory of the hunt and the meat I BBQ when I get it home.

Bill, we are going to get you pack into a 338 if you keep pushing us! I know you ran around with a 338/06 for awhile, a well set up 338 Win Mag is truly a fun rifle also. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

My trophy is the memory of the hunt and the meat I BBQ when I get it home.

How true.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I am going to weigh in for the .338 Win Mag (or .340 Wea Mag) for elk at those ranges. The only way that I know to kill an elk in his tracks at 500 yards is with a 250 gr AccuBond from a .340 Bee. With that bullet's weight and high ballistic coefficient, it will deliver sufficient energy to 500 yards to assure a clean kill on an elk.

I have nothing against the .300 Mags. I hunted with a .300 H&H, .308 Noma Mag and .300 WSM for years. They are great calibers and throw 180 grain bullets with authority. However, 500 yards is a long shot and the .338 WM will deliver the goods with either a 225 or 250 grain AccuBond.

 

[30-338]

What would you choose for a dedicated elk rifle and a deer rifle every once in a while out to 500 yards, a 300 win mag or 338 win mag? Why?

I'm a 30 cal fan for those combination hunts if looking at a bull elk/buck tag. For many years here in Co if you wanted to hunt deer you had to do it in the same season as elk unless you drew a special tag (deer). So I selected what figure would work for both used 7mm till the 80's then switched over to 30 cal.

About the last 5yrs since you can hunt deer now in a separte season I've added calibers and it works out if I draw a cow elk tag. This year I drew 3rd season buck tag also cow elk wife got her buck tag but will buy OTC bull tag. I have the option for a OTC bull tag also 3rd season but the leftover list comes out the end of July and I'll look at bull tags on that.

My go to rifle is a 30-338mag it's a 338mag case neck down to 30 cal. Lots of good 30cal bullets haven't looked at the 338cal and I'm sure there good bullets for that also. Well good luck

 

[300RMEFshooter]

I'd go with a 338 RUM