First elk hunt, what to bring....

[GeauxLSU]

Quick hunt next week. First time for elk. Can also shoot white tail. This is west Texas.
I tend to go on the lighter side trading "fast and flat" for "slow and rainbow". Used mostly a .260 for years for Ga whitetail.
So realistic choices would be:
.270
.30-06
7mm mag
.300 win mag
In addition to above also have a .308 I'd love to use but I don't trust it unfortunately (old 742).
Very confident in that .270. never hunted with the others.

 

[Medic1957]

With the right bullet, the .270 should be fine. Shot placement is the key.

 

[Whetstone]

7mm rem mag or .300 vin mag, both will do the job with a heavy bullet

 

[GeauxLSU]

The cow would presumably be 3x bigger than any whitetail I've ever shot. I know the .270 is capable. Maybe I'm just looking for a reason to notch a new gun...

 

[BIKER13]

180 grain in the bullet 300 win mag for the gun

 

[bubonic]

.270 is fine but .300 win mag would be better. Is your tag for a cow or bull?

 

[SAR 6114]

Don’t forget your elk tag.

 

[the_great_white]

Beer....lots of beer....

 

[Remmy]

The elk that I have taken has been with 7mm or 300 win mag
I wouldn’t even think about using a 270

 

[Huey Deer Processing]

.270 is capable with the right bullet within the right distance but elk are incredibly tough animals. I’ve seen videos of them hit through the vitals and remain standing. Most guides seem to say shoot until it’s down because a wounded elk can cover an unimaginable amount of ground compared to a whitetail. Like miles not yards lol. If I was paying money I’d want the round that gave me the best chance at incapacitation so 30/06, 7mag, and 300mag would all be good choices with 180gr or heavier. Good luck!!