Hunting & Fishing Short action elk cartridge?
- Thread starter dymailbox
- Start date
If you reload check out the Sherman short mags. Also the 7 SAUM.
The short mags come into their own when seated out but I get where you’re coming from and will eventually do a similar build where I have to compromise on COAL. From what I’ve gathered R26 will make up some of the velocity difference when giving up powder capacity to the longer heavier Bullets. Thus, I will probably end up doing a 300 WSM.
If you don’t reload I’d go 300 WSM and look at the Hornady hunter ammo loaded with the 200 ELDX.
The short mags come into their own when seated out but I get where you’re coming from and will eventually do a similar build where I have to compromise on COAL. From what I’ve gathered R26 will make up some of the velocity difference when giving up powder capacity to the longer heavier Bullets. Thus, I will probably end up doing a 300 WSM.
If you don’t reload I’d go 300 WSM and look at the Hornady hunter ammo loaded with the 200 ELDX.
6.5prc is always an option and I know a few taking down elk with them. 28% more case capacity than your 6.5cm. 143 ELD-X factory ammo close to 3000 out of a 24" barrel
Go for a 6.5 prc or a 300wsm, something you should be able to find at a sporting goods store if the airline looses your gear.
I was leaning toward the 300wsm too but looking at the Sherman short mags has me intrigued.
I considered a Sherman Short but ultimately the wsm won out for ammo availability.
If I used a 308 than I wouldn’t need a new rifle. That’s no fun.
I went 6.5 PRC, but will be hunting more muleys than elk. So far really diggin it, low recoil, and like was stated looking for 3000+fps with my 26" barrel. As of now im not comfortable shooting at an animal past 600yds, and this has good energy til there, and past. Decent factory ammo available aiso was the clincher.
I have a 6.5 prc I like but I’m thinking a 300 wsm 215 berger tikka build is in order so I don’t feel underpowered on the bigger stuff
Probably not nearly as many as the 30-30.
If your shooting over hunting, any of the super cartridges with over the counter ammo will do just fine. If your hunting over shooting basically any centerfire will ethically support your purpose. If you do your part.
History speaks. This continent was tamed with muskets buy real hunters. Question; What modern Cartridge has similar Ballistics to the musket of that day.
Hint; generally they were around 44 caliber, around 200 ish grain weight, and traveled at subsonic speeds.
Hope this helps, good luck on your hunt!
History speaks. This continent was tamed with muskets buy real hunters. Question; What modern Cartridge has similar Ballistics to the musket of that day.
Hint; generally they were around 44 caliber, around 200 ish grain weight, and traveled at subsonic speeds.
Hope this helps, good luck on your hunt!
My 300wsm Tikka is a hammer on elk.
180gr accubond going 3100fps gets em everytime.
Good choice
180gr accubond going 3100fps gets em everytime.
Good choice
I also went with the 300 wsm. Main reason for me was the availability of components and data versus some of the wildcat cartridges. I should have my build finished within the next week. Waiting for the barrel to come back from the cerakote shop. I plan to reload for it but there also appears to be a lot of good factory ammo if I change my mind. I'd like to try out the new'ish Federal Edge TLR's. Good luck on the Elk hunt.
I don't own one but they have peaked my interest over the years, never hunted elk but these will tip over a 1100# moose to approx 400 yards, no one mentioned them;
350 rem mag
338 wsm
And the 338 federal that has been mentioned.
350 rem mag
338 wsm
And the 338 federal that has been mentioned.
7 SAUM throated for the 195’s built on a medium titanium action is gonna be my go to back country elk gun
A short 7 or 30 would do well. I’m debating on a short mag or std mag for my next rifle. It will come down to brass for me.
There’s some good reading over at Rokslide on elk rifles. Definitely a bias towards 30s on a big case but many are using WSMs. And who doesn’t enjoy looking at rifles? Good way to waste some time with mountain scenery.
7SAUM, 308, 260 and 25CM are what we have killed the last few years worth of elk with:
Years ago, I became friends with a fellow from Sherman, WY who was an avid Elk and Muley hunter. He swore by his 264 belted magnum which is not a short action. However, his father used a 270 Win and was harvesting Elk from as far as 400y out. Based on that anecdotal data, any short action cartridge which can match the ballistics of the 270 on the lower end or the 264 on the upper end and satisfy your needs for accuracy, etc will fill the bill. I would say 7mm/08 is the bottom with your 300 WSM being the upper end. I would have chose the 270 WSM but only cause I am partial to the 7mm slugs and it is slightly flatter.
Habituallinestepper
A dude, playing a dude, disguised as another dude
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
- Mar 6, 2018
- 755
- 181
Was leaning toward the 6.5 PRC, but great discussion. Anything to use as an excuse for a new rig.
Is anyone running the 300WSM or 300SAUM in AICS mags with the 215 BERGER?
The 215 Berger has been an absolute hammer on elk for me. And I wonder if I could squeeze it into the SAUM or WSM case and AICS mags.
The 215 Berger has been an absolute hammer on elk for me. And I wonder if I could squeeze it into the SAUM or WSM case and AICS mags.
215 hybrid with a 300 SAUM case. I never worked up a load before I sold the rifle, however.
300wsm would be my choice for Elk if I was going o use a short action.
I went 300wsm. The 7mms are great too if you handload. Lot of factory 300wsm options though and you can get better bullet selection with a 30 cal in my opinion. I'd stay away from a 6.5 for larger game though. It can be done, but why risk it? I'd want a bullet at least 180 grains.
Never was a fan of Barnes bullets, seen to many with lack of expansion. Accubonds are my choice of bullets for Elk. Shoot what you like. I shoot what works for me.
It was. I will most likely always load accubonds for Elk. No reason at this point to change unless they outlaw lead bullets for hunting, and I'm sure it will happen at some point.
I have used TSX and TTSX for hunting for many years. The key is to push them fast. I have had the pedals break off and create multiple would paths but the shank always exits like a solid to break bone..
That’s the biggest mistake people make. Cup and core bullets weight is great for penetration. With the all copper stuff speed is def your friend. That’s why I shoot the 110 in 308 at warp speed around 3400 FPS.
I had a winchester 358 built while I was out in Oregon. Its real thick on the west side. I guess caliber is all about where you're hunting and personal preference.
