Elk capable?

dakota1 · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:39 pm Post subject: Elk capable?

I have a question for someone that has hunted Elk with a .270 Winchester. There are opinions on both sides of the argument whether the .270 Winchester is big enough for Elk. I believe that Elk can be taken with much smaller bullets...if a perfectly placed shot is made. If the shot offered is quartering towards the hunter, will the .270 have enough stuff to go through the front quarter leg bone and still reach vitals?

Thanks for any input.

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

Use a premium factory round or load a premium bullet...For what it's worth. Remington (green box) Core-Lokt do a fine job on Elk. Loaded correctly the .270 will do as good a job on Elk as any .30-06. Just make sure you are using a heavy bullet for .270...

WileyWapiti · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:19 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

my buddy hunts exclusively for elk with a .270 - I know several people actually who have used this caliber for elk successfully. Reinforcing Bushy's comments, right shot placement and the right bullet will make it work.

FALPhil · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:33 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

There have been several boatloads of elk killed with 25-20 from Winchester 1892s. I imagine that the 270 Win will be more than adequate. With today's technology, bullets are better than ever before.

dakota1 · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:54 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

I appreciate all the replies, but my question is still remains. Will the .270 get through the big leg bone to the vitals, on a quartering shot, or should this shot be avoided?

Has anyone made this shot, and if so, how did it turn out?

English Mike · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

Use a more robust bullet like the 140 or 150gr Barnes TSX & you shouldn't have any problem with a lack of penetration.

d_hoffman · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:37 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

Hey Dakota, this data should also convince you:

Ballistics Calculation

Input Variables Firearm type Rifle Sight Height 1.5
Bullet Weight (grains) 150 Ballistic Coefficient .525
Muzzle Velocity (fps) 2900 Temperature 59
Barometric Pressure (hg) 29.53 Relative Humidity 78%
Zero Range (yards) 50 Wind Speed (mph) 0

Ballistics Table in Yards Hornady SST 150 gr., .525 B.C. www.hornady.com

Range (yards) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Velocity (fps) 2900 2811 2723 2553 2389 2231 2079
Energy (ft.-lb.) 2801 2631 2469 2170 1901 1658 1439
Trajectory (50 yd. zero) -1.5 0.0 0.4 -2.4 -10.4 -24.6 -45.8
Come Up in MOA -1.5 0.0 -0.4 1.1 3.3 5.9 8.7

Work up a load to about 2900fps. with 57gr max load of IMR7828.
This load should devistate an elk at any reasonable range with good shot placement to include heavy bone.

You could also buy some Hornady light magnum 140gr;

270 Win., 140 gr. BTSP 8556
Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd 500 yd
3100/2987 2900/2614 2709/2280 2525/1982 2349/1715 2180/1477

Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd 500 yd
-1.50 1.30 0.00 -6.10 -17.60 -35.40

Either one will do the job.

vint2 · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

Hey, I like the sound of that 270 load, d!!! Smile

Handloader · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:29 pm Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

+1 for Barnes TSX in the 270 when hunting elk. It will outpenetrate any bullet with which I am familiar. Even on a quartering shot, I doubt there would be a bullet to recover. I've used the 130gr TSX on several bull elk in Arizona and Idaho with total satisfaction. This bullet is available from Federal in factory ammo.

vint2 · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 4:51 am Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

I have not had the opportunity to hunt elk, but would not hesitate to use my 270!!!! Smile

sniper · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:25 am Post subject: Re: Elk capable?

I have hunted elk, and my .270 was PLENTY adequate. Federal ammo, Nosler Partition 150 gr. KAPOW, gottim!