HOW FAR IS TOO FAR?
If I got a license to hunt elk in your part of Idaho, how long a shot would I be likely to have?
Raymond L., Iowa
That's tough to predict. As a local resident, who might have the time and inclination to do some pre-season scouting, especially just the week prior, you may be able to reduce the length of the shot. But as an out-of-state hunter, without a professional area guide, there are shots at elk that go beyond 300 yards. I have my own rules and, if the rangefinder indicates a distance in excess of 300 yards, I don't take the shot.
I'd say this... be prepared to take a shot at up to 300 yards, no matter at what position the elk is facing in relation to you. Coming prepared from out of state means, at least to me, that you haven't gotten comfy with the dream that your elk is going to be standing still and exposing himself to a perfect side shot. Instead, dream the nightmare; your elk is going to be moving away at a quartering angle, 30 yards from heavy forest, at 250 yards. Be ready for that shot.
My hunting partner relies on a 338 Winchester Magnum, while I most often reach for a 300 Weatherby in a stainless Model 70 Winchester. I still have a good supply of 200-grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claws, and they will drive through from flank to shoulder without destroying more than a relatively small channel of meat that will need to be trimmed away. In known tighter areas of the scattered forests, a 30-06 is all that is needed.
Many hunters in this area rely on the 270 Winchester for elk. Some of them are successful year after year. If a 270 was all I had, I'd responsibly limit the shot to no more than 250 yards, and use a excellent bullet on the heavy side. At the shop, we often suggest the 160-grain Semi-Spitzer Nosler Partition bullet for reloading, as well as the 150-grain Swift A-Frame. To kill the elk quickly, which is very important for meat quality, a bullet has to get in and seriously disrupt the immediate life-support vitals. Heart-and-lung shots are the best for most hunters, because brain and neck-breaking shots are not generally thought of as very sporting for non-dangerous game.
The question often comes up regarding the effectiveness of the 7mm Remington Magnum, and other similar 7mms. Certainly they are more effective than the 270 Winchester. The faster twist of the 7mms (9 to 91/2 inches versus 10 inches, typically) allows the use of heavier bullets -- right up to 175 grains in most shapes. Even with the heavier bullet, velocity is about a match with the 270. Therefore, you have a lot more thump on the target.
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JDC