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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: txtrophy85]
#2502727
08/14/11 04:03 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 490
Toepuncher
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 490 |
I don't know that I have anything to add to the above but I will throw my two cents in. There are two important factors, and you need to be able to put a check mark in both boxes to be successful. The easy one is bullet construction. I know of elk that have not been recovered after accurate shots with soft bullets. As long as you use one of the controlled expansion bullets others have recommended you will be fine. My elk rifle, a .300 Winchester Magnum, shoots 180 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claws exceptionally well. I have enough boxes to last me for many years.
The other important factor, just like others have said, is shot placement. There is no doubt that a .270 is plenty of rifle. Apparently I may be in the minority, but I shoot my .300 just as well as my other rifles (.270, 30-06, etc.). My theory is to use the .300 because it packs more of a wallop and I shoot it well. If I flinched with it, or otherwise did not shoot it well, I would use one of my other rifles instead and would be very confident in those rifles.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: Toepuncher]
#2502877
08/14/11 07:42 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,546
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,546 |
the others have said it well, the 270 is wnough for elk especially if you shoot it well. A good bonded bullet such as Nosler Accubond or Swift Sirocco would be my choice or the prooven Nosler Partition is never a bad one.
Punch both lungs or the heart with any of those or several other bullets and you have a dead elk in short order. gut shoot or jsut hit one lung and you have a bull that can and will go a long ways.
Good luck and happy
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: txtrophy85]
#2503007
08/14/11 01:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189
Skitini
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189 |
X2 I would like to hear more about that Federal 165gr Gameking load for a 270! It's slow! lmao. it would't be my choice, even if they made it, which i doubt. I would't be nervous shooting an elk with my .270 using 140 grian fail safes. i keep half a box in case i ever get the opportunity I know they never made it, just got a laugh out of the guy that made such a big deal out of using it...
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: txtrophy85]
#2503469
08/14/11 04:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 631
TnT Taxidermist
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 631 |
This may have already been said, but I didn't take the time to read both pages. As an outfitters/guide in Colorado, I would recommend a larger caliber than a 270. Although it is no doubt a big enough caliber to do the job, in my mind there are just to many other rounds that do a way better job. More often than not you are hunting big county in Co and might have to take a long range shot. Why not have a big enough rifle to put an elk down quickly at any reasonable yardage. I say, if you have a bigger gun, shoot it.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: billybob]
#2503540
08/14/11 05:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 613
Hogfather
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 613 |
the 270 can,I would suggest staying with 165-180 gr quality bullets that are designed for deaper penetration ( conrolled expansion rounds). t. do they even make a 165 or 180 grain bullet for a .270? i've always thought they topped out at 150 grains. i know for a fact that you are limted to 150 grains in a factory load They do but it's hard to find. You would have to handload. Sorry I should have stated this when I posted,especially for all the smart, well you know who you are!!
If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: Skitini]
#2503557
08/14/11 05:09 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 613
Hogfather
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 613 |
X2 I would like to hear more about that Federal 165gr Gameking load for a 270! Did not see anywhere on the post where any one referenced the 165gr Gameking load specifically. I said 165-180 grain for deeper penetration.
If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: Hogfather]
#2503567
08/14/11 05:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 613
Hogfather
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 613 |
Open mouth and insert foot!!! Sorry Skitini I see where he said he took his elk with a 165 game king now.
If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: Hogfather]
#2503574
08/14/11 05:15 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,058
HWY_MAN
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,058 |
the 270 can,I would suggest staying with 165-180 gr quality bullets that are designed for deaper penetration ( conrolled expansion rounds). t. do they even make a 165 or 180 grain bullet for a .270? i've always thought they topped out at 150 grains. i know for a fact that you are limted to 150 grains in a factory load They do but it's hard to find. You would have to handload. Sorry I should have stated this when I posted,especially for all the smart, well you know who you are!! Hornady makes a 165 grain SST Nosler makes 170 grain Accubond
Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: HWY_MAN]
#2503698
08/14/11 05:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189
Skitini
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189 |
Could you post a link for those bullets, I can't find either one currently in production at Nosler or Hornady?
I've still got some of the old 170gr Speers laying around and three of the Barnes 180gr, just didnt think anyone was making the heavy stuff anymore. Just curious.
Last edited by Skitini; 08/14/11 06:07 PM.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#2503754
08/14/11 06:27 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,546
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,546 |
At one time Barnes made the Barnes Original in a 180grain .277 bullet but most of the Barnes Originals have been dropped from the line including that one. So unless you find some old stock or they will do custom orders out of luck.
Nosler still makes a 160gr Partition
Woodleigh also makes a 180gr .277 bullet
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: Skitini]
#2503755
08/14/11 06:27 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,058
HWY_MAN
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,058 |
Could you post a link for those bullets, I can't find either one currently in production at Nosler or Hornady?
I've still got some of the old 170gr Speers laying around and three of the Barnes 180gr, just didnt think anyone was making the heavy stuff anymore. Just curious. They may not be I just seen them on a reloader site I frequent, Not many people would use bullet's of that weight in a 270, you lose too much velocity. While that may not bother a long range match shooter, it definitly deter's the hunter's.
Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: HWY_MAN]
#2503954
08/14/11 08:05 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,901
JJH
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,901 |
HWY_MAN; Are you sure you are not thinking of some other caliber. I have all the Hornady and Nosler manuals and frequent their websites often because I shoot several flavors of 270's. I'm quite confiednt that there is not 165gr SST or 170gr AB,(or 165 GameKing) in .277 caliber. If you have data otherwise, I will humbly eat crow!
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: JJH]
#2504362
08/14/11 11:15 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,058
HWY_MAN
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,058 |
This was listed in they're loading data, I don't know if their still produced.
Load 5998 in caliber .270 Weatherby Magnum LoadID 5998 Bullet HORNADY SST Bullet Weight 165 grs Powder NORMA 204 Powder Weight 84.9 grs Primer FEDERAL 215 MAG Brass Make WEATHERBY Barrel Length 26 (inches) C.O.L 35.77 (inches) Velocity 0 fps Group 100 yds 1/4 AT 100YRDS (inches) Submitted By HAWK
Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: HWY_MAN]
#2504502
08/15/11 12:13 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,546
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,546 |
they might make it but question is where would you find it if they do?
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: kmon11]
#2504529
08/15/11 12:23 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,273
boonee
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,273 |
we have had ALOT of success with 300 Wby. 180 Barnes TSX at 3000fps. Co. and NM elk, from 85 yds to just past 400 on a calm day. 1 shot 1 Elk. They just fold up in place. Good Luck,good hunting and tell us a good story when you get back.
Avenger Firearms 214-577-5818 avengerfirearms@gmail.com
Lifetime NRA member
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: boonee]
#2504569
08/15/11 12:47 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 32,069
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 32,069 |
ya'll wait till chital shakari shows up, he'll educate us on the fine are of neck shooting them with a .22-250
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: NTX270]
#2504686
08/15/11 01:31 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,778
prohunter2011
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,778 |
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: prohunter2011]
#2505090
08/15/11 04:43 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,969
jdickey
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,969 |
Big ooops on my part guys, sorry! I was using 130gr Game King for the 270. Chad Brauer was shooting 165gr Game King in the 30-06!
You guys can UNWAD your panties now!
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: jdickey]
#2516721
08/19/11 04:29 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 82
DogKeeper22
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 82 |
I grew up in AZ, the only thing that I have ever used for elk has been a .270 - 130 grain handloads. If you're comfortable with your rifle and have good optics you will be fine. Make sure you know the range of your shot/ballistics for your load. Good luck!
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: DogKeeper22]
#2516737
08/19/11 04:46 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
270wsm loaded HOT & accurate would be about as low on the totem pole as I would go on an elk hunt.. then again, that's my same mindset for quality unit muleys.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: kdc1143]
#2517254
08/19/11 02:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
Minor in training
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Minor in training
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547 |
you can kill almost anything with the 270 if you have a good bullet and you shoot your game in the right spot(you decide that) also i hope you have a bright scope with more that 9x zoom zeroed and 200-300 yds...on youtube and on tv it shows that the shots are very long...
Last edited by chital_shikari; 08/19/11 02:42 PM.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: txtrophy85]
#2517282
08/19/11 02:50 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,482
TSU99
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,482 |
LOL!! That's what I'm waiting for! ya'll wait till chital shakari shows up, he'll educate us on the fine are of neck shooting them with a .22-250
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: TSU99]
#2517325
08/19/11 03:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
Minor in training
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Minor in training
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547 |
not making that mistake...i said what i wanted to say and no more
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: txtrophy85]
#2517434
08/19/11 03:57 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,044
Eland Slayer
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,044 |
I personally believe that a .270 is a whitetail deer gun....and NOT an elk gun. I would say that it's the BARE MINIMUM I would ever consider using for an elk.
In my opinion, a .30 caliber of some flavor is ideal....or even a .338 Win. I would also use at least a 180 gr. bullet that is of premium quality.
Most people don't even realize how big an elk is. A mature bull will weigh between 700 and 900 lbs. That is MUCH bigger than any Texas whitetail.
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Re: Caliber for CO Elk
[Re: Eland Slayer]
#2517718
08/19/11 06:04 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,482
TSU99
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,482 |
Well said. I've seen a few old bulls that went just over 1000 lbs. I would say a 300 mag. thowing a good 180 bullet is the minimum in my opinion. 338 would anchor them pretty quickly.
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