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  5. Best Caliber For Elk Hunting: Top caliber, Gear, Ammo, & Seasoned Tips
Sep 15, 2025

Best Caliber For Elk Hunting: Top caliber, Gear, Ammo, & Seasoned Tips

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Andy Kloss
Table of Contents
  • Why Caliber Matters for Elk Hunting
  • Understanding Elk Hunting Seasons & Tag Options
  • What Makes a Caliber Elk-Worthy?
  • Best Elk Hunting Calibers (With Chart)
  • Ammo Recommendations by Caliber
  • Elk Hunting Gear Essentials
  • Elk Hunting Strategy: Terrain, Public Land & Tactics
  • Beginner Elk Hunting Tips
  • FAQs About Elk Hunting
  • Final Thoughts + Product Picks

Why Caliber Matters For Elk Hunting 

Elk aren’t like your typical whitetails. A full-grown bull can tip the scales upwards of 700 pounds and is stout in his bone structure and thick hide. Simply put, your elk setup shouldn’t be the exact same as your whitetail rifle in many instances. What does that mean? That means your caliber needs to be bumped up or your rifle ammo selection needs to be fine-tuned to deliver the appropriate terminal performance for an ethical harvest. 

Even though shot placement remains the ultimate factor, your rifle and rifle ammo still need the horsepower and terminal performance to back it up. 

As an elk hunter, it’s essential to know these things before hitting the backcountry. Elk are incredible creatures and deserve respect from hunters. When the time comes to make a harvest, you need to have confidence in your caliber and load selection; you owe it to the animal. Know your range, know your rifle, and understand your abilities. Read along to learn about the best calibers for elk hunting, elk hunting tips, and a basic guide for gear this season.  

hunting aiming rifle at an elk standing between two trees

Understanding Elk Hunting Season & Tag Options 

Elk season is similar to deer season in the sense that it has multiple seasons for different types of weapons. The season dates, harvest limits, and tag systems are left up to the states to decide. Many states have lottery-style draws where hunters put in for a hunt unit of their choice. They must get lucky to obtain a tag. Others offer over-the-counter (OTC) tags, allowing anyone to show up and hunt.  

  • Archery Season: Typically, early fall. Expect mild weather, active bugling, and the physical challenge of close encounters. 
  • Rifle Season: Mid-to-late fall, depending on state. Terrain may be snow-packed, elk herds are moving, and shots can stretch longer. 
  • Muzzleloader Seasons: Popular in states that offer them, bridging the gap between archery and rifle. 

Remember: deadlines for draws and tag purchases vary. Always check your state’s wildlife agency before buying a tag. 

hunter holding antler of downed elk

What Makes A Caliber Elk-Worthy 

Not every cartridge will survive the cut to become an elk cartridge. When determining what criteria make the cut, consider some of these factors: 

  • Energy Delivery: It is widely recommended that a cartridge deliver a minimum of 1,500 ft-lbs of retained energy at your furthest effective range. 
  • Effective Range vs. Recoil: A flat-shooting magnum may stretch distance, but recoil can punish your shoulder and recovery. Choose what you can shoot consistently and handle in a controlled fashion. Managing brute recoil often comes with practice. 
  • Bullet Construction: Your bullet must be engineered to expand in a controlled fashion and on the heavier weight side. A locked cup and core bullet, a bonded bullet, or a monolithic copper bullet are great choices. All these bullet styles prevent jacket and core separation and effectively punch through game. 
  • Hunt Style & Terrain: Packing a heavy magnum up a steep slope isn’t for everyone. A lighter rifle in a 7mm Backcountry, 270 Win, or a 308 Win, may be better if you’re going to be mobile. 
Core-Lokt Tipped box sitting on the inside of a gun case

Best Elk Hunting Calibers 

When hunters debate the best caliber for elk hunting, the cartridges below are often in the running. 

Elk Caliber Comparison Chart (all figures are based on Remington Loads) 

Caliber Muzzle Engery Recoil Effective Range Best Use Case
308 Win ~2680 ft-lbs Moderate 300-400 yds Suitable for cows and bulls. Short action and compact. Great for beginners.
270 Win ~2700 ft-lbs Light 300-400 yds Effective with proper shot placement. Mild recoil compared to other long-action rifles. Flat trajectory. Takes any elk with proper shot placement.
7mm Rem Mag ~3200 ft-lbs Mod/High 500+ yds Mountain and meadow hunts. Performs strongly on long shots with high BCs.
30-06 SPRG ~2880 ft-lbs Moderate 400-500 yds A true classic and very versatile. 30 caliber performance that can cover most ranges and all kinds of elk.
300 Win Mag ~3400 ft-lbs High 500+ yds A magnum caliber for magnum bulls. Excellent long-range performance and effectiveness. Brute power.

Each of these cartridges is time-tested as an elk cartridge. Ultimately, your decision comes down to how far you expect to shoot, how far you are comfortable with shooting, and whether you need a lightweight rifle for mobile-style hunts. Remember, shot placement is key! 

Rifle Ammo Recommendations By Caliber 

Your rifle is only half the equation. The bullet you load is just as important and needs to be selected carefully. Here are a few Remington picks tailored for elk: 

270 Win – Premier Long Range 150 gr 

A lighter recoiling choice perfect for beginners and cow hunters. Consistent expansion and dependable performance. Out of Remington's line of 270 ammo, our Premier Long Range offering is the best 270 ammo for elk hunting.  

270 win cartridges

308 Win – Core-Lokt Tipped 180gr 

The improved version of our Iconic Core-Lokt. A balanced option for all-around elk hunting. Delivers high BCs and iconic terminal performance. This is some of the best 308 hunting ammo for elk you can get a hold of. 

308 Win Core-Lokt Tipped cartridges

7mm Rem Mag – Premier Scirocco 150gr 

High velocity, flat trajectory, and bonded bullet construction make it a long-range elk stopper. Great for the open country and mountains.7mm Rem Mag ammo is a highly sought-after magnum caliber and will not let you down. 

7mm Rem Mag Premier Scirocco cartridges

300 Win Mag – Premier Long Range 190gr 

Built for open terrain and mountain hunts where shots stretch long. Delivers energy at long ranges and hits with authority when it matters most. 

300 Win Mag Premier Long Range cartridges

Elk Hunting Gear Essentials 

Caliber alone won’t pack an elk off the mountain. The right gear gives you an edge when tackling daunting tasks and keeps you ready for anything the hunt throws your way. 

  • Layering System: Merino base layers, insulating mid-layers, and weatherproof shells. Elk hunts swing from sub-freezing mornings to warm afternoons, even in September. 
  • Boots: Lace-up, waterproof, and broken-in. Expect steep climbs with uneven terrain and heavy loads. Avoid bulky rubber boots.  
  • Pack: Use a pack based on your style of hunting. If you're day hunting, consider a pack that can hold your daily essentials but can also serve as a rig for hauling meat. Being nomadic for a few days? You’re going to need a large pack and hopefully a few dependable buddies... 
  • Optics: Quality makes a difference. Invest in quality binoculars and a reliable rangefinder. Pro Tip: Get a harness you can tether them to.  

Elk Hunting Strategy: Terrain, Public Land & Tactics 

Success on elk often comes down to reading the land. Always look before you leap. Don’t underestimate the terrain and how unforgiving the backcountry can be.  

  • Public vs. Private: Public land will be crowded. Scout hard and scout early. Shed season is a great time to get boots on ground. Find access routes into spots and put your walking boots on. You’re going to have to push deep to find them. Fun fact: elk can cover more than 10 miles in a single day. 
  • Mapping Tools: Get the Onx app and download an offline version of the area you’ll be hunting. GIS apps help pinpoint elevation, edges, travel corridors, water, and thermal cover.  
  • Biologist Intel: Local wildlife biologists are great resources. Also, check out the previous year's harvest data, hunter success rate per unit, and any data surrounding your state's elk plan that is great to be familiar with.  
Hunting kneeling in front of downed elk

Beginner Elk Hunting Tips 

Get Mentored If Possible 

Elk hunting is not easy. It is not uncommon to hunt multiple times without seeing or hearing an elk. This is very demoralizing. However, a positive mentor makes the world of a difference. When everything seems to be on the elk's team, a mentor on your team can significantly boost your attitude and teach you woodsmanship that stays with you as long as you hunt. If you find a great mentor, make sure to mentor a fellow beginner hunter once you've been battle-tested. That’s what it’s all about.  

Start With Easier Tags 

Sometimes the best route to achieving a goal is to start with one that feeds into the big one. If you’re after a magnum bull and getting whooped, perhaps grow your confidence with a cow harvest. This only builds confidence. Most deer hunters don’t begin their hunting careers stackin’ booners. It is a learned art to harvest big bucks, especially the first one. Elk hunting is no different. The challenge makes achieving the goal even more special.  

Focus on Gear Prep and Physical Fitness 

You can’t control the elk, but you can control how you prepare. Everyone should prioritize physical fitness in their life, but it is essential in elk country. You don’t want to be scaling a mountain if you’re out of shape! Additionally, invest in quality gear. Common activities like packing out with an elk can be painful, but with the right gear, it makes the experience less painful.  

Choose Manageable calibers like a 308 Win or 270 Win 

If you’re just starting out, a caliber like a 308 Win or 270 Win is a solid pick. Typically, these rifles are lighter than magnum rifles, but they still provide elk-dropping performance without the bite of magnum recoil and weight.  

hunter in a prone position looking down rifle scope

FAQs About Elk Hunting 

Is a 270 Win good enough for elk? 

Absolutely. One of the most iconic hunters of all time, Jack O’Connor, harvested his fair share of magnum bulls with his trusty 270. Just be sure to load a heavier controlled expansion bullet. Check out this Premier Long range 270 Win offering if you’re shinin’ up your 270 for elk season.  

What is the best elk caliber for beginners? 

Two good choices for beginners are a 270 Win or a 30-06 SPRG. Both calibers are widely available for hunters and are loaded in offerings suited to take down stout bulls. With the 270 Win, expect less recoil but higher velocity compared to some 30-06 SPRG ammo. With the 30-06 SPRG, expect greater retained energy at longer ranges but a bit more recoil.   

What is better: 7mm Rem Mag vs .300 Win Mag? 

Hands down, both 7mm Rem Ammo and 300 Win Mag ammo are fantastic choices for elk hunting, but it comes down to personal preference. Both are well-suited for taking long shots and transferring elk dropping energy with the proper bullet. Just know that when comparing recoil, the 7mm Rem Mag has less bite than the 300 Win Mag.  

Can I use one caliber for deer and elk? 

Yes! There are plenty of caliber’s in the market that make a great deer hunting cartridge and elk hunting cartridge. For example, a popular magnum cartridge, the 300 Win Mag is an excellent deer hunting cartridge. It’s flat trajectory and superb power results in deer dropping in their tracks on many lethal shots.  

Final Thoughts + Product Picks 

At the end of the day, there isn’t one “best” caliber for elk hunting. Moreso, there isn’t a best cartridge for any variation of hunting. Shot placement, bullet type, and your own abilities with your rifle matter more than blastin’ with the biggest caliber you can find. 

Simply put, choose a caliber you can shoot well, pair it with a load suitable for elk, and focus on preparation. That is how you select the best cartridge. Elk hunting is tough. It is not for the light-hearted, and you can expect a lot of adversity and challenges. However, enjoying the journey and being patient makes that first harvest more special. Good luck this season. Stay safe, shoot straight, and make sure you’re chambering Remington rifle ammo. We’ll see you out there.  

Featured Products

Core-Lokt Tipped, 308 Win, 180 Grain

Buy Now

Premier Long Range, 270 Win, 150 Grain

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Premier Scirocco, 7mm Rem Mag, 150 Grain

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