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30-06 or .270 for elk.

Mike G
I realize neither cartridge is optimum but both are in my max recoil tolerance range (no flinch when loaded full snort). I've shot both quite a bit (friends rifles) though I don't own either...plan to change that shortly. I plan on reloading for either cartridge.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Mike
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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • He Dog
    The -06 is probably the top choice for elk hunting. It has the reach and bullet size to do the job at any reasonable distance. The .270 will work and is worth taking as a back up rifle, but the -06 is the way to go. Wayne Van Zwoll rates it #1 as well. With two recommendations like these, how could you go wrong.

    He Dog
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  • reb8600
    Both will work. The 06 is probably better, it has a better selection of bullet weights but I used a 270 for years and had no problems but bullet placement is more critical than caliber so which ever you get you still need to put the bullet in the vitals. You might want to look at the 7mm Rem Mag. I dont think the recoil is to bad with it at least not to me.

    Guncontrol-The ability to hit what your aiming at.
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  • gap1916
    The 06 is the way to go. reb and HeDog are correct. My 2 cents [8D]

    Greg
    Former
    USMC
    ANGLICO
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  • bnailon
    30-06, no question
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  • Contender Man
    go w/ 06, don't risk the waste of an animal by wounding it and then not being able to track it down.

    Oconnor was Mr. 270 and he could definately shoot 'em, but, why play that game when you have a larger cal. avail. to you. J.O. was bound to prove that anything anyone else could do with larger cal. he could do with 270's and for a lot for things that's just what he did!

    If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!
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  • Travis Hallam
    Go the 30-06 with a swift scirroco bullet. It will increase the velocity and energy compared to other bullets of the same grain. Remington sells them in a factory load for a 30-06. Got to the remington.com site and check out the difference it makes.

    Mad Dog
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  • CS8161
    We have quite a few hunters here in Wyoming that use the 270 with very good results. If you put your shot in the right place, either will do the job.

    Chris8161
    Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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  • scott
    Elk are tough critters..several years ago i shot a grazing bull three times in the center of the chest at 265 yards and he walked off dazed into the black timber never to be found. I made the mistake of not using a heavier , well constructed bullet in my .270...last years bull was shot at 100 yards with a 300 mag and a 180 partition. the bullet took out both lungs and the top half of the heart, but forgot to tell the elk it was dead so 150 yards later it got another in the hip which broke it and he fell about 75 yards after that.sadly, it still hadnt expired several minutes later when I got to it..I think the gentlemen who suggested the 7mm mag was right on the money when comparing it to the felt recoil vs a 30/06...I have seen elk killed with a 243, 270, 3006 7mm, 8mm and a .340..only one, shot in the head, died instantly and one other hit in the spine dropped in its tracks...the others either ran off and had to be tracked or required more bullets !
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  • bambihunter
    Why wouldn't a .17 HMR work (per posting on general discussion forum)... [:D]

    I'd go with the '06 if elk is what you are going to hunt the most with it. For deer I'd go with the .270. Both will work for both uses, so I'd get what you are going to use it the most for...
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  • old06
    As this won't come a big deal my pick a ought six with a load of noslers part in 180 gr. It worked for years for countless hunters it's still poent combo today.

    psalms 16
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  • earthmvr
    30-06 is probably the better choice for elk. I myself used a 270 for years and had good results. But I never buckled one up on the first shot. That's why I decided to buy a 300 RUM for next year. If recoil is your only concern, there are lots of ways to reduce it. A muzzle brake for instance, installed by a good gunsmith ( not a factory brake) can make an ultra mag shoot like a 270. So I would definately think about going with one of the bigger magnums if I were you. But whatever you decide, just remember accuracy is THE MOST important thing.
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  • JimmyJack
    I have both but opted to use the 06 with Hornady light magnums in 180 grain. Probably a lot of luck, but one shot at 353 yards in the heart and 6x6 never made one step.
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  • savage12bvss300wsm
    The 06 is the sensible choice. You will want a minimum of 180 grain bullet. Leave the polymer tipped non- bonded core stuff alone. As most have stated, elk have an uncanny knack for absorbing large amounts of lead and showing no signs of fatal hits. Your bullet choice should be limited to Partitions, barnes x bullets, swift a-frame, trophy bonded bear claw or something else along those lines. The nosler accu bond or hornady interbond should also work.

    Everyone has a photographic memory. Only some have film.
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