Big Game Rifle: Is There Really a
“Best Elk Rifle”?

The debate about the best big game rifle, particularly rifles for elk hunting, will never end. (Share your opinion below.) Elk are bigger than deer and big elk can get very big! Elk are very strong animals with a strong drive to survive. They are known for running after a lethal hit. Regardless of the size of the game or caliber of the gun, shot placement is critical. A good lung shot is the most preferred and deadly, regardless of the caliber of the elk rifle.

Whatever elk rifle you choose, make sure you sight it in properly and that you do good rifle practice with it each year. (Click on those links for our discussion of those topics.)

One Size Fits All?

Another big game rifle that has wide acceptance as a good caliber for elk hunting is the 300 Winchester Magnum. Among elk hunting rifles, the 300 Win Mag holds its own. I see less elk travel distance with my 300 Win Mag than a 30.06, but there are bigger guns that may be even more suitable for elk and other big game. Potential penetration from 30 caliber rifles will be less than the .338 or 8 mm calibers, for instance.

People do hunt elk with smaller caliber rifles. I know a guy whose only big game rifle is a .243, including for elk. That would not be my choice and he gets a lot of ribbing for it, but he has killed a number of elk with it and has never lost one. I would feel irresponsible recommending a .243 or .270 as an elk rifle, since a bull can weigh a thousand pounds and don’t die easily.

Take Your Best Shot,
Then Take Another One!

Unless you’re into only very close up hunting, choose a big caliber for elk hunting that you can shoot well and can operate quickly for a second shot, if one is presented. With practice, bolt actions are plenty fast enough and are the most popular because of their accuracy.

Other excellent calibers for elk hunting rifles are the 8mm Rem Mag, 308, .338 Win Mag, 300 and 338 Remington Ultra Mags, 340 Weatherby Mag, .375 H & H and others in between. Bullet weights from 165 to 240 grain can all be acceptable for killing elk, depending on the caliber.

Since I only have experience with a few big game rifle calibers, I want to open up the discussion below to anyone who wants to chime in, disagree or fill in the gaps.

Stock and Barrel Composition

Elk hunting is rough on a rifle. Put it on your backpack, mountain bike, four-wheeler or horse and it takes a beating. Weather can take its toll on big game rifles while elk hunting, too. Many hunters still prefer blue metal and wood stocks, but stainless steel and synthetic stands up to the bumps, snow and rubbing of traveling to, from and in elk habitat. All of my guns are ugly, so I don’t have to worry about it too much. Buying a good used gun that has taken a cosmetic beating takes the stress out of protecting it, as well as the bank account.

Choosing a big game rifle caliber for elk hunting should involve some research into the widely varying opinions, tried and true knowledge, experience as well as scientific data. What works for you and what hasn't? Please share your experience, opinions and knowledge about big game rifles below.

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Do you have a favorite elk rifle?

In your opinion, what is the best North American big game rifle? What is your favorite elk rifle or rifle caliber for elk hunting? There are many opinions about rifles for elk hunting and other big game. Please share yours! Our visitors are very interested in reading about this topic.

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