270 or 7mm for Elk hunting

Have taken two elk with my 7mm in Colorado.
Both at about 200 yards, both took about three steps after they were hit.
270 also effective.
Most would say take which ever gun you shoot better with, and I agree, hit 'em in the heart with either gun and you will have a dead elk.

predator
Stay with the 7mm. The 270 is ok but does not have the energy to consistantly shoot thru elk. My 280 has had problems with this. I do not want to start a "270 is not big enough" arguement. I just does not have the bullet weight, selection or power to provide pass thru shots that will give you a decent blood trail to follow in areas without sufficient snow cover. Yah, I to have saw elk shot with a 243, but under very limited range and conditions.
If you can shoot both guns equally, the 7mm will beat the 270 hands down.

7mm mag + 140gr TSX should be good elk slayer. If you are talking about a 7mm-08 I would lean towards the 270.

7mm

I'd bring them both. Use the 7mm and have the 270 as backup.

Why not call in an apache for an air strike? lol...


Seriously.. shoot whatever you are most comfortable with.
Shot placement ALWAYS trumps the biggest gun on the block.

id say shoot what u are most comfortable with as well. but the 7mm has more bullet choices but i have a 270 so im pretty partial to that.

I only call Cobras for CAS......

Fast movers would be Hornets......

Whatever caliber you choose, be sure to use high quality ammunition. That makes all the difference in the world. Find a premium load that shoots well and then stick to it, don't change loads. Ammunition is the cheapest part of your hunt.

I'd take the 7 mag. Shot an elk at 410 yards with a 160gr accubond, blew through both shoulders. I've also shot quite a few other animals with the 7, and have never been disappointed.

7mag, no brainer. 270 isn't man enuff for elk hunting.

do you reload? I just got done reloading some 140grn TSXs for the 7mm and im sure it would be enough for any elk at considerable distances with a well placed shot. but i also think a premium bullet loaded for the 270 would do the trick. Like others have said before me whatever you are more comfortable with.

I'd take both,, used a 270 for my elk 24 years ago

heck thats all my uncle ever used...

TSX and take your pick.

Seems like a read an article one time on Elk outfitters and one of the outfitters said the smallest Rifle they recommend or "suggest" bringing is a 7mag or they actually won't let you come to camp unless you have at least a 7mag......don't remember if they enforced it or suggested it but it was an experienced outfitter who seemed to know his stuff and wanted nothing to do with hunters coming to camp with "deer rifles" or something to that effect.(06-308-270-280 etc)

Never shot an Elk myself but would certainly agree with the outfitter on his opinion. My deer rifle is a 7mag and I would upgrade to a 300 or 7mm Ultra Mag if I ever get time to head to Elk Camp. I do know from experience a 7mag is hardly overkill for hunting mature whitetails ...when the stakes are high and the buck is big a 7mag on a 250 yard quartering away shot is a proper dose of medicine.....anything smaller is iffy in my book.

Either this outfitter has bad shots coming to his camp or doesnt get them close enough for a good shot. I also have a 300 win mag but just am not as comfortable with it as I am with my 270 and 7mm. I know both guns will do the trick but just wanted some feed back and I appreciate all the responses.