Best Calibers for Elk and Muleys

Ok here goes a can of worms:
The calibers that you are considering are fully capable of bring down both of the animals listed, and very popular rounds. If the recoil does not both you, also look at the .338mag, if you want to stay with the 30 calibers, what about a 308 Norma MAG.
If I had to only have one rifle in the safe (I glad I don’t that restriction) it would be the 30-06. You can hunt any thing in North America. Using the 55gr accelerators for coyotes to a 220 gr. Round nose with out reloading (store bought). You will find 30-06 ammo about every place to include the little back woods store.
Best of luck with your choices
M. Bird

8MM REM MAG,MORE THAN ADAQUATE FOR EVERYTHING IN NA

Can of worms being opened is the correct statement! There are many calibers capable with taking both elk and deer. As many folks that respond is probably going to close to the different caliber to use. I'll just say anything from a .270 up should work and they really don't need to be magnums. No offense to anyone on here, but I've always felt those who feel the need to go to a magnum really need to spend more time at the range.

The 300 mags should work just fine. Kick badly though. The 338-06 A-Square is the best all around rifle I ever owned.
Mark

I spend more time at the range than anyone I know,I own several mags and several non magnum rifles,you need to spend time practicing regardless of caliber.

I agree about spending more time at the range to work on accuracy. I know ammo costs more for the short mags and maybe this is not reason enough but I prefer the short barrel and action of the short mags. What do you think?

I have use my 308 win project on all my antelope this year and will continue to use it on all my doe deer (8 tags :) ) but when I have to knock down a big buck/elk the 7 and 8 mags are coming along,there is no substitute for a mag when you have to shoot long range and knock em down hard. :thumb

No such thing as a best caliber. I have shot elk and deer with everything from a 6 mm - 300 WSM. I prefer the bigger calibers because I can shoot a heavier bullet at an equivelant FPS and feel more confident with its ability to break down bone on a tough angle or forward front shoulder shot. I currently own a 7 mm mag and 300 WSM and feel completely confident in using either rifle for deer or elk. I lean towards the 300 with elk for the above reasons, but have had good success using it on elk as well.

As far as 300 mag vs short mag. There is really no reason ballistically to use the short mag...I like it for the shorter action and lighter weight, but would never steer anyone away from the 300 mag.

I shot a 30'06 for years and never could get confortable with it. It was a combinaion of factors, but in the end that particular rifle wasn't a good fit for me. I find the recoil on my 300 WSM far more manageable than my old 30'06. Shooting more than you are comfortable with will result in getting results far below what your firearm is capable of providing.

Like my grandfather always tells me.... It doesn’t matter the size of the bullet, it all depends on where you aim..
He grew up in Washington & Oregon.. He hunted Deer, Elk, Coons, Bear and Lion his entire life...
I have so much respect for him. He has years of stories from his hunting experiences.
When I drew for my bear tag this year I asked him to come along. Unfortunately he cannot due to his bad knees. But I am determined im going to get him up there next month with us.
He say's ... All I used to kill my bear and lions with was my trusty old .22 his father gave to him when he was young. "Just pluck 'em between the eyes" he says..

I have only been elk hunting for 3 years and I have killed 2 bulls. I use a .280 and dropped them both with the first shot...
My husband has killed many bulls and bucks, usually uses a 30.06. A couple years ago he took his grandfathers 30 30 with open sites. A spike came out of the pines about 800 yards away across the canyon. I didn’t think he would hit him.. 1st shot he dropped..

my best friend hunts with a 300 wsw and he loves it I for one couldn't aford to shoot it much at $50.00 a box i would stick with a 7mm or .06 i love both and have dropped ever animal with one shot with both.