130 grain out of 270 or 140 out of 280 for elk?

MD

MD

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Two choices here for elk hunting.

Do you think the bull elk would notice much difference if I shot him with a 270 130 grain Speer Grand slam bullet out of the Federal blue box or a 280 Remington with a 140 grain trophy bonded bullet out of the reddish box?
 
I had a friend who passed away late last year who hunted for 40+ years with the 270.
In that period of time, he shot numerous Elk and Moose.

All he ever used was the 130 grain Rem CL bullet. AFAIK, he never lost an animal.
That being said, he was an excellent shot, and chose his bullet placement with care.

I remember him saying many times. "If I don't like the presentation, I will pass on the
shot."

To the OP.....Of the 2 choices you list, the 280/140 TBB would go with me, due to bullet
construction. I have seen too many Grand Slam bullets disintegrate in big animals.
Dave.
 
The animal won't know the difference. I'm most comfortable with my 270, so I load it with 130 gr partitions and plan to take it moose huntig again.
I don't doubt I for a moment.
 
Those are both "light" bullets, and not my choice for elk in those cartridges. But my buddy has killed about a dozen elk with the .270/130 Speer GS. He has lost one elk during that time, not sure if it was a bullet issue or not. My preference would be strongly constructed bullets of 150 grains in the .270, and at least 160 grains in the .280. 175 is better. I have seen light for caliber bullets stopped in the shoulder joint of elk a few times, that's why I like heavier bullets. But then I also prefer to brag about how close i stalked, not how far I shot.

OR... to just quote something I read on another site:
"Bring what you've got, use what you brought, hit the right spot and hit it a lot".
;-)
 
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"If I don't like the presentation, I will pass on the
shot."

Things being what they are, sometimes you've got to deal with a little less than the ideal and elk don't die as easily as moose.

Grizz
 
Grizzly Adams said:
"If I don't like the presentation, I will pass on the
shot."

Things being what they are, sometimes you've got to deal with a little less than the ideal and elk don't die as easily as moose.
Grizz
Click to expand...

Re-quoted for truth. Big bull Elk can be a challenge. I like to hunt them with something that will get to vitals, even if the presentation
is not exactly right. If you pass on a shot, you may not get another chance.

This year, my Elk medicine will be my 8mm Rem Mag and 220's at 3000 fps. [backup will be 308 Norma and the 200 Partition @ 2900.]
Dave.
 
You guys are makin me go a little warm and fuzzy, thinkin the bull elk is a tough one, I would love too see your reaction on these Sambar Stags! many have said they are tougher than elk, pound for pound.



For years people needed Magnums and big ones to Kill Sambar, their will to live is emphatic and something to be admired but alas they are not bullet proof, as bove hit em right and hit em often.



the scenario of the shot plays the big part, across gulley feeding head down 200m? or walking them up 40m away in reasonable scrub, where one can take off adrenaline charged even with a hole in em.


good luck with either Cal... both Great.

WL
 
Egad my son shoots elk with his T3 6.5x55 and 140gr Partitions and none has made it more than 50 yards..........Harold
 
mbogo3 said:
Egad my son shoots elk with his T3 6.5x55 and 140gr Partitions and none has made it more than 50 yards..........Harold
Click to expand...

The Swede has super powers though. Similar to the 7mmx57.

I'd use either of those cartridges but I prefer a stouter bullet on principle. Hell, I shoot deer with Partitions. Pass-throughs are good, IMO.
 
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