270 or 30-06?

[swamptiger]

Quote:

I noticed my grandpa's 30.06 eventually collected dust as they went with a softer recoiling deer rifle.

I've noticed as I age, my preference is for less recoil. I own a dozen or more rifles, but I usually reach for one with less recoil these days.

It could be wisdom, or just a lower testosterone level, not sure which..

[Musky Buck]

I'm with ya swamptiger, lets call it wisdom

[Swiftswamper]

This topic got My day going with a smile. good Work Fellas

[Swiftswamper]

I've got a 270. This should be enough gun for elk hunting right?

[Whoaru99]

I noticed my grandpa's 30.06 eventually collected dust as they went with a softer recoiling deer rifle.

Ammo mfg have reduced/managed recoil loads for 30-06 and others. It's certainly a viable option depending on the situation. 'Course then you may have less justification to get another gun, but that's a whole different can o'worms.

[picksbigwagon]

Swiftswamper, yes your .270 is enough for Elk. Choose the correct ammunition and you will be set. I know of a gentleman in SE MN who only uses .270 when elk hunting, caribou hunting, Moose hunting and on at least 2 different Safari's

[leechlake]

I've elk hunted with a few guides and they all have said .270 is fine and frankly they've seen too many people attempt to use a .300 or some other "elk" gun and shoot like dump. They'd prefer people use what they can shoot accurately.

You may want to change bullet selection from what you would use for a whitetail though.

[Swiftswamper]

Thanks for the insight. I have never elk hunted but it's going to happen in the next three years. What's a good state to look into? We're thinking we'll look into state land

[Lunker]

I used to shoot a .270. I now shoot a .270 WSM. The rest of my family shoots 30-06. They are all great rounds and you will be happy with any. I love my .270 WSM but if you shoot it a lot it gets expensive. I watched my brother take an antelope at 450yds with a 30-06. They all shoot long and hit hard.

[Gordie]

No Matter which you choose the best thing you can do is get some trigger time behind it.

[minky]

The nice thing about the 06 is the wide range of bullet weights without reloading.

[collegepaul]

Another one to look at is a Weatherby Vanguard made by Howa great gun and I love mine specially since I upgraded the trigger to a Timmney, its like a whole new gun.

Just wanted to say thanks for the feedback. I bought my first rifle; a 30-06 Weatherby Vangaurd S2. Now to find a scope to put on it.

Paul

[jmd1]

I shot my first 3 elk with a .280, but ammo is kind of hard to find for it. I now have a .300 WSM and it just hurts to much to shoot. Shot 1 elk with it, but kind of wish i still used my .280. You can shoot many calibers but if you do not use the right ammo, you might as well use a finger gun. My buddy who draws much more than i do, uses a 7mm and 30-06. Both are plenty for the animal but again you need to have a decent round.

I agree with getting trigger time before the hunt. Nothing can fix the "deer glasses or shakes" when you go to fire but knowing that your shoulder won't be laying on the ground next to you does help somewhat.

[cam7069]

Great choice on the Weatherby. A nikon prostaff is a great scope 3x9x40

[adamr]

Great choice my gunsmith recommended the 165 grain to me so I tried it and love it. Shot a handful of deer around 400 yards or a little more has about a 12 inch drop. Very effective . A little tougher to find thou.

[collegepaul]

Great choice my gunsmith recommended the 165 grain to me so I tried it and love it. Shot a handful of deer around 400 yards or a little more has about a 12 inch drop. Very effective . A little tougher to find though.

I haven't picked out ammo yet but it seems like there's a lot 150 gr. available at the stores; I'll probably go with that. Should be plenty for whitetail. I won't be shooting 400 yards where I hunt.