This has probaly been covered, but I am new and like discussions. So if you could have only one rifle caliber for elk and whitetail ONLY. what would it be. is there any balance? like not overkill for the deer but not under kill for the elk.
------------------ it's not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of fight in the dog.
I like the 338/06 but then I don't take long shots either.
------------------ Doug Humbarger NRA Life member
Posts: 8350 | Location: Jennings Louisiana, Arkansas by way of Alabama by way of South Carloina by way of County Antrim Irland by way of Lanarkshire Scotland. | Registered: 02 November 2001
I probably sound like a broken record, but I'd take a .300 Winchester as my only rifle for these animals. I've absolutely hammered elk with this cartridge, and I've ironed-out scores of Hill Country whitetails and a couple of Sonoran Coues deer with it. With good bullet selection it works with great expediency, and at close and long ranges.
Used my 7 Rem Mag this way for a long time. an '06 is good, but I'm beginning to think I need a 45-70.These days I use a .54 Lyman Great Plains percussion rifle for this purpose. My deer and elk hunts occur at the same time and place--So I load too hot for deer to have enough for elk--but not an altogether bad dilemma. Just having fun, Chuck
300 Win Mag or 300 Weatherby...or 300 H&H(for Ray) or 308 Norma.Actually there is a Rem 700 Classic in 300 H&H in the local paper,better check this out,mmmm......
I used my 308 for years and had no problem with either of these animals. I have sense gone to a 338.(just because I wanted one) and have had about the same results. I just don't shoot deer in the meat unless I have to. I would also agree that any of your 300 mags are a great choice. X-Ring
------------------ Sinner, saved by God's unfailing grace!
I hate these questions!!! If my wife reads somewhere that we could do it all with one rifle I'm in trouble! I'd hate to have to pick between mine but it would be between my .338 WM and my 7mm RM. The 7 would probably win for sentimental reasons. My safe is full of rifles that are perfect for a very limited situation, at least thats my excuse!
.338 winchester magnum. slow it down with 250gr.partition bullets and you will kill what you shoot and reduce the meat damage should you hit some meat. the hyper-magnums are for stew lovers. even a wiser one rifle choice is a .375 h&h some say overkill I say perfect. 300 gr. bullets moving 2600fps will put a nice hole, (clear through) the animal dies, no drama! short magnums won't last,ultra mags requiring over 100 grs. of powder to gain 15-20% are'nt that bright either. a .338 or.375 will take you wherever you want to go.
