04-13-2010, 03:23 AM
Although you could kill an elk with a .22 long rifle, if it were legal, would you do it? I think not. I personally think elk hunting should be left to .30 caliber or larger. With that said, I have used both .270, .30-06, 35 Whelan and .54 muzzleloader. I really didn't like the job the .270 did. However, my .30-06 is my go-to gun. Its a common, easy to find cartridge and can be either purchased or reloaded in many, many combinations. Plus they are relatively cheap. I like the 180gr. FailSafe bullet. They have changed the name, but its the same thing. I've recovered the mushroomed bullets from 4 elk and they are text-book perfect. Go out and try find a 35 Whelan in a local WalMart or small sporting goods shop. Bet they don't have them (or any of the other less-known cartridges), but I guarantee they will have the .30-06!
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