I like your choices. As you probably know, I love a 25-06 but it is nice to have even more than you need for elk. Good luck on your hunt.

http://www.dakotaarms.com/currentinventory/inventory_item_detail.php?serialNumber=H0727!^33871

Pressed the button too son, sorry.

Sounds like you have good choices. I would carry whichever is lighter.

Any caliber 7mm or higher with high quality bullets will do the trick. Your first shot is your best one, use it wisely.

Del, wish I was going with you and Bee. Best of luck and kindest regards.

Del a 270Win or 270 WBY with a 150gr Barnes or Partion will work. But I do like your choices plenty of penatration. I never did like the 25.06 and never will but each to thier own. I think a .06 with a good Nosler or Barnes in 165 or 180 would work great to, but Happy has more elk under his belt than I so head to his word. Happy glad your back when is your next adventure?

Dell,
You made a good decision. Both rifles are great, the 338-06 might be best because of distance.
Years ago I read an article from Jim Zumbo about hunting elk. He said the first 19 elk he ever killed he used a 30-06, then he decided to switch to a .338 Win.

The late Jack O'Connor said that his .270 was all he ever needed for elk, but I think the modern consensus would favor a bit more gun. Happy's list includes the .243, but both of his favorites deliver considerably more energy.

I hope you and Bee have a great time and take home some meat and antlers. Don't forget the cameras! Say, doesn't Bee also have a .338-06?

99explorer,
Interestingly, both bulls I killed with my 270 using O'Connor's favorite 130 grain Nosler Partitions required additional shots even though hit properly with the first round. Hasten to add I feel it was a fluke as the autopsy showed the bullets performed well. Sometimes the animal just does not know it is dead.

I know, I know, should have used a heavier bullet.
Thanks for the compliments, I am a little embarrassed. Kindest Regards to all

I believe Jim Zumbo used a .30-06 for his first teen-odd elk kills and switched to a 7mm Rem Mag for nearly 20 years , then to a .300 Rem SAUM in a long barreled Model 7 stainless under sponsorship from Remington before the cowards ditched him over the black rifle fiasco. I have read reams of Jim's writing and I never recall him favoring a .338 Win Mag. I could be wrong, but you will have to quote a source. I could email Jim for a verification if required.

Hands down the Colonel built the best Elk cartridge ever. The .35 Whelen

Del I meant to add that I would take the 338-06 since I understand that brass is horrendously expensive for the .350 mag. Either would be adequate. I would make myself be proficient out to 400 yards and be sure to shoot on windy days. I can't wait to see your bull. Don't wait on mine as I still think the wolves have about done us in here in NW Wyoming. Maybe I should look elsewhere or at least to the southern portion of the state for better elk choices. This is heart rendering since my piece of Wyoming used to be among the best in the US. Old Jack, Carmichel, Les Bowman, Mike Walker, Townsend Whelen, Warren Page, Bob Milek, Jimmy Doolittle, Roy Rogers, the seven Mercury Astronauts and even David Petzal used to ride and hunt on the same trails I use. Well at least Zumbo is still here.

Del

I am in Alabama right now, but I will check Kesselring's when I get home or send Justin by to check on .350 Rem Mag tomorrow since I don't get home until Sunday P.M. How much do you want if they have it?

WAM

Del,

I'll check tomorrow and have Justin go by and pick up 20 if they have them. I have about wore out the 20 load development case I use for the Weatherby. Some have been some pretty warm loads so I am going to toss them and load a box of 20 in brand new Weatherby brass for the hunt too.

Del, Ya thats a valid point. If I ever get an Elk tag I'll proly use a rifle to. It would be hard for me to not use my bow though.

Jim

I know Zumbo casually and have read his stuff for years. I did not intend to be a wise a$$, just stating the facts as I knew them. I won't be renewing my OL subscription either. I got a screaming deal on a 5 year subscription which expires at the end of DEC/JAN so there was little incentive to just cancel it. Now that Gentleman Jim is gone also, adios MF to Outdoor Life. I won't ever buy another Remington firearm until they apologize to Zumbo and make it right. Frig 'em. There are plenty of other excellent rifles out there, although I love my Remington rifles and shotguns.

I agree that he could have held his fire on the black rifle issue, but WTH, it was quite the innocent remark.

Nah, the folks that tout the mouseguns for elk are more interested in bragging about their shooting skills than killing elk. They will never be convinced of their err.