Is .270 the Best Choice for Elk Hunting?

Seeking Help for Elk Hunting with .270

I’ve got an elk hunt coming up, and I’ve been tossing around the idea of using my .270 Winchester. I’m hoping to gather some insights from those who have experience with this cartridge for elk hunting.

Questions I’m Trying to Answer:

  • Effectiveness: How effective is the .270 when hunting elk? Does it deliver the stopping power needed for a larger game?
  • Bullet Type: What bullet types do you prefer? I’ve heard that heavier bullets work better for elk, but I’m not sure which ones to choose.
  • Personal Experiences: Can anyone share their experiences using .270 for elk? What worked well, and what didn’t?

What I Already Know:

  • The .270 is a popular choice among hunters for various game, known for its accuracy and flat trajectory.
  • I’ve read that it performs excellently at longer ranges, which might be a consideration since elk can often be spotted at a distance.

Any Recommendations?

If you’ve had success with the .270 or have advice on things to keep in mind, I would greatly appreciate your input! Also, tips on shot placement or any other general hunting advice would be super helpful as well.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!

I’ve been using the .270 for elk hunting for years and it really shines at ranges between 200-300 yards. Its flat trajectory and low recoil make it a favorite for many hunters.

That’s great to hear, lauren26! What bullet weight do you recommend for the .270? I’ve heard 130 grains is popular.

The .270 is definitely effective, but I’ve also had luck with the .30-06, which offers a bit more punch. It really depends on what you’re comfortable with.

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That’s true! The .30-06 can be better in some situations, especially at longer distances, but I’d say the .270 is a solid choice for many hunters.

I’ve used both calibers on elk, and while I prefer the .270 for its lighter recoil, there are times when the .30-06’s versatility is hard to beat. It’s all about personal choice!

I agree with richardsjessica! The .270’s ballistics are impressive, but I’ve been curious—are there situations where the .270 might fall short for elk?

Good question, drobertson! In very thick brush or close quarters, the .270 might struggle compared to a larger caliber like the .300 Win Mag.

I mean, who doesn’t love the joke that with a .270, your elk might run a bit farther, but at least you’re not carrying a cannon all day! Just kidding; it really does pack a punch for its size.

Very true, jesuslutz! The .270 is also quite good for those who are recoil-sensitive. It’s about balance, really. Has anyone tried any newer loads that work well for elk?

I’ve been experimenting with some of the newer bonded bullets in .270, and they seem to perform excellently. It’s nice to see improvements in technology that enhance our hunting experience.

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I’ve been using the .270 for elk hunting for years. For ammunition, I highly recommend using a 150-grain partition bullet. It penetrates well and provides great expansion. It’s been effective in the field for me!

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That’s great advice! I’m curious, have you tried any lighter bullets like the 130-grain? I’ve heard mixed reviews about them for elk hunting.

I haven’t used a lighter bullet for elk yet, but I hear that a 140-grain round can also work well. It might deliver a flatter trajectory. Just be cautious about the type of shot you plan to take.

Good point! Shot placement is everything. I’ve had friends swear by the 150-grain Hornady Interlock for its performance in the field. Any thoughts on that?

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Absolutely! The Hornady Interlock is a solid choice. I took a nice bull last season with it, and the expansion was impressive. Gotta love when a plan comes together!

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Sounds promising! Has anyone tried the Federal Fusion? I read it’s designed for better terminal performance on larger game.

I’ve tried the Federal Fusion, and I can vouch for its effectiveness. The 150-grain version worked wonders for my last elk hunt. It really packed a punch!

That’s encouraging! What about the recoil? Is it manageable with the .270?

The recoil from the .270 is pretty manageable for most shooters. It’s not harsh like larger calibers. Just make sure to practice a bit before heading out!