Elk caliber - 30.06/338WM?

[Bear2]

Question:
For a Utah Elk hunt this fall, which would be better;
Remy 700 in 30.06 shooting 165 gr Nosler Partitions (PTs) at almost 2900 fps, OR
Remy 700 in 338 Win Mag shooting 200 gr Nosler ABs or 210/225 gr Nosler PTs.
Both partition loads are MOA. Have not tried the ABs yet.
All help appreciated.
Bear@

[sawsman]

Either caliber will work just fine. The elk probably wouldnt know the difference if it was hit in the same spot with either bullet/caliber. Bullet placement is more important.

I would pick the 30-06 just because of less recoil.

Did you draw a LE hunt?

[ABert]

Well, I hunt elk with my .270, so I guess if I can put them down with that, either of the two calibers you listed should do the job. I'd just shoot whichever rifle you are most comfortable with and can hit your spot consistently.

[David W]

Either combination would be fantastic. I think you will find the Accubonds do shoot very well too. My buddy shot a great 6x6 bull two years ago with a 180 grain Accubond in his 300 WSM at 300 yards and they worked perfectly. One exited and one was found under the skin on the off side, perfectly mushroomed.

I use 165 grain Partitions or Accubonds in my30-06 as well. That is a great combination too. Good luck and shoot straight.

[Twitch]

I also use a .270, like everyone says its bullet placement. If you can shoot the .338 without having to worry about the "kick" you might as well use that for the extra knockdown power.

[justinthebowhunter]

30-06

[dreaming big]

I agree with sawsman, i would take the lesser of the two because of the recoil.

[one hunting fool]

I have shot a bunch of elk in my life and I have knocked every one down with a 150 gr 30.06.

[79Ford]

I'm going to have to throw the .270 option out there as well. I shoot a Remington 700 in a .270 win and love it. I stay with the 130 grain bullets (yes, even on elk) because they shoot flatter than the 150's. As said earlier it's all about bullet placement. I'd say shoot what you feel comfortable shooting and you'll do just fine.

[wingmaster36]

I sold my 338 win mag, 300 Weatherby, 308 win, 270 win, 25-06 and kept my 7mm mag for everything that is big game. The 338 is my pick for the ultimate elk/bear/moose round, but if you are hiking away from the crowds they are too heavy for me anymore. If you are on foot I vote for the 06, but on a horse hunt I would pack the 338. There is something comforting about a stout 250 grain loaded 338 in grizz country. I have considered putting together a medium/light weight 338-06 loaded with the 210 grain partition as a carry rifle for elk someday. That might be a perfect compromise.