Elk Hunting with a handgun

[big rifle man]

question for Elk Hunters. My buddy and I have decided to give a go at hunting Elk with a handgun in Colorado this fall. My buddy is using a 45.70 Encore and I will be using a Competitor 30.06. Both guns wear scopes. Realizing range is a factor and bullet choice is extremely important has anyone on this forum hunted Elk with a handgun and if so what bullet was used. We've both shot a lot of deer with handguns but this is a horse of a different color. Shots would be at max 100 yards. Any thoughts?

 

[JD338]

big rifle man

Sounds like a changeling hunt. If it were me, I would go with the 300 gr PT in the 45-70 and either the 180 gr PT or AB in the 30-06'
Good luck on your Elk hunt.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

big rifle man

Sounds like a changeling hunt. If it were me, I would go with the 300 gr PT in the 45-70 and either the 180 gr PT or AB in the 30-06'
Good luck on your Elk hunt.

JD338

Spot on as usual! 8)

 

[honkeetonkin]

Im with







































Im with JD and Pop and maybe the 180 E-tip in your 06 just for fun .

 

[big rifle man]

JD, thanks for the suggestions. I've shot my buddys 45.70 with 350 grain bullets and it is downright nasty. 300 grain partitions should probably work great within his range limits. My competitor has an excellent muzzlebrake so 180 grainers should work fine. The noise coming out of this gun when touching one off is ungodly so I'm kind of relegated to earplugs or some type of electronic earmuff to protect my allready somewhat deaf ears. Do you know what the minimum velocity required is to reliably expand a 180 grain Partition? Thanks again.

 

[JD338]

big rifle man

The PT and AB both need a min of 1800 fps for expansion.
http://noslerreloading.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1347

JD338

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

My thoughts are you have probably never hunted elk in Colorado. Unless you are hunting on a private reserve, I'd leave the pistols at home and bring a rifle.

 

[Greg Nolan]

All good ideas! Unless you plan to make 200yds your minimum (which you could do caliber wise) it might be wise to take turns with one using the handgun and the other carrying a longer range rifle. Just in case. Anyway you do it it's going to be a wonderfull experience in a beautiful place.
Good Hunting
Elkhunt :grin:

 

[bullet]

+1 as Greg said, "Anyway you do it it's going to be a wonderful experience in a beautiful place. Good Hunting"

 

[big rifle man]

antelope sniper, I've hunted in Colorado for a good number of years. Last year I nailed a 6X6 at 50-60 yards with a .338 Ultramag. The area we hunt has thick cover and open areas. I've had Elk walk past within 30 yards when the conditions are right. My feeling is don't put yourself in a position where you are going to get a long shot if you are using a handgun. Also, if I think my shot isn't what I want I won't take it. Just my feelings.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Very cool big rifle. We do have some thick, dark stuff out here where a pistol could have it's advantages.
Just didn't want you to be disappointed on your first Colorado Hunt, , and not get your tourism $$ in the future :grin:

In the 30.06, 165gr to 180 AB. Going with the 165gr could help you keep the velocity up, and that's what creates the expansion and shock.

As for the .45-70, I sure like the looks of that swift A frame that bullet tested 8)

 

[tjen]

Don't overlook the plain old 180gr Corelokt RN in the 06. What velocit are you getting and from what length barrel? I assume your reloading and use a faster powder the the normal say 4350 ish powder?

The 180 CLRN from a 300sav rifle has killed its shear of elk.

 

[YoteSmoker]

Check out www.specialtypistols.com for information from the guys who hunt primarily with pistols.

 

[onlybrowning]

Check out www.specialtypistols.com for information from the guys who hunt primarily with pistols.

+1 to that. I am a member there as well. Great site with great folks. I may have to change my name to onlyT/CandBrowning if I hang around there any longer. :shock: