I can’t believe you left the 270 off of elk. I have never lost an elk with a 270. But I have also made sure I could make the shot. I like shooting under 350 yards and I know shooting closer improves my odds of making an ethical kill. I have had multiple one shot kills. I like to shoot 140 grain or 150 grain bullets for elk and I think using their heavier bullets is essential. I echo Jack O’Conner and would say that the 270 is an adequate cartridge for elk. I have successfully use the 7mm REM mag and would concur with your using this caliber as a premiere choice for hunting elk. I give this cartridge a lot of love and give it my top elk pick. I do think you under estimate the 270. I really enjoy your content and would love to meet you some day. Keep up the good work.
Yeah, the correct answer is usually the heaviest rifle you are willing to carry and the most recoil you can handle and be accurate. For years it was a 9.5lb rifle in 7RM. I kinda like my 7.5lb rifle in 30-06 these days though.
Anyone that attempts to bag on the 7mm rem mag clearly is misdirected. I mean you wouldn't want to use it for grizzly bear hunting or similar craziness that you simply need a small cannon for, but that's about it
.243 Win for me personally. A central nervous system shot will kill anything in North America, any decent shot will kill most, ammo’s plentiful, it’s downright pleasant to shoot, it can be loaded light enough for small game, it shoots flat, is pretty good in wind, and is VERY inherently accurate. I live in the Appalachians, so more than 300-400 yards isn’t a concern for me. I’d want something better for long range if I were out west.
One day you will say you want a round powerful enough, fast enough, light enough recoil with outstanding reliability as availability.....you will want someone to build that round....and you will call it 30-06.
Until you realize that bullet construction and shot placement on animals over 400 lbs is so critical that you want more flexibility. Then you'll arrive at the 338 win mag so you don't have to wound anything else.
@@papajohnsy6659 bullet construction and shot placement are critical on any game animal! You could shoot a red tail deer with a 200 grain FMJ out of a 300 win mag and watch it run over a mile away from you into a thicket to be lost for ever if you hit it in the gut....hit any elk or moose with a properly constructed 180 grain or heavier 30 caliber bullet in the boiler room within it's designed velocity window and you will fill the freezer. Honestly I think the same can truly be said for a wide range of cartridges (i.e. 7mm mag, 270 win, etc)....the reason I suggested the 30-06 of course is because it's more versatile than just about anything else out there...100grain -220 grain, enough case capacity to cover your velocity windows, shorter and lighter action than the magnum cartridges and recoil can be managed be even smaller stature shooters. And yes....a lot of people will say the same about the other cartridges....at the end of the day. Go with what will work for you and hunt ethical. :-)
I’m glad to see you are keeping the .30-06 in your selections. It may be old and in some people’s minds out dated, but it still does the job just fine within it’s reasonable use and range. I have a .30-06 in a Savage 110 Ultralight (which I hate the stock, but the new one is on the way and I’ve figured out how to smooth out the bolt) and a Remington 742 Woodsmaster that is my grandpa’s, which he bought new in the 60s. They both have polar opposite uses; 110 UL for backpacking hunts and the 742 for tight quarter hunting, but the old tried and true .30-06 sure puts a smile on my face and meat in the freezer every year. Keep up the great work on these videos! I surely enjoy every one of them!
@@JohnDoe-zg6fn yeah absolutely! I know it lost to the 300 WSM by about 200 FPS, but it still performs great - it isn’t a magnum cartridge, but for 90% of hunters, it is more than adequate. There’s a reason it is still around today. The 300 WSM is a great cartridge; especially if a person is hunting suppressed and would like a short compact gun. They both have their uses and aren’t going anywhere.
This guy prefers the .308 over the 30-06. That tells you all you need to know about his knowledge and experience. The 30-06 has higher velocity and shoots flatter than a .308. And he has a prejudice against long action versus the newer milk bottle cartridges. Long action vs short action has very little consequences for gunners and in my opinion La cartridges feed better. He obviously has never shot a 25-06 because its nowhere on his radar but it is a fantastic cartridge .It's much overlooked but gaining popularity especially using some of the new higher bc bullets with faster twist rifle barrels.
@@RichardSmith-ps7qc i still wouldnt choose a 30-06. I can load a 160gr .30 cal into a .300 WM and then load it with 220gr and still be putting out far higher velocity. Its a better all around cartridge. If you already have the gun of course use it. But i wont buy a new 30-06 or .308
"You can never go wrong with the 7mm Mag." I concur. My favorite all around big game cartridge. Better ballistics than the 06 without noticeably more recoil. If I needed more than the 7mm Rem Mag, no .30 cal would make the cut. I would go straight to .338 or even .375. And that would only be for stuff that bites back. I've hunted deer, elk, black bear, and antelope in Montana my entire life with .308 Win and 7mm Rem Mag. My grandpa, dad, and his brothers all used .30-06. My brother tried to one up my 7mm Rem Mag with a .300 Win, but eventually had to admit none of the animals seemed to notice the difference as much as his shoulder did. I think the sweet spot for a one rifle North American battery is probably in the .280 AI/7mm Rem Mag/.30-06 range. Most adults can handle these recoil levels from a sporter weight rifle, and when properly loaded they all carry the ass downrange to anchor any non-dangerous game species out to a quarter mile or more, which is about as far as most can shoot without specialized gear and dedication to developing that skill set.
Has a reputation a a destroyer of meat. And 7mm Mag was the fanboy round of the 1980’s. Just like the 6.5 Creedmore. And .243 Winchester is more than adequate for caribou
@@shawnmiller4781 Choose better bullets. I am more a fan of the heavy, high SD bullets. I've had good luck with 162 gr SST, 160 gr Accubond, and 175 gr Partition. I've actually seen the 175 gr Partition penetrate lengthwise through an elk. Still a lot of fanboys of the 7mm Rem Mag. It is still one of the top ten most popular rifle cartridges in the US.
@@shawnmiller4781 And? There is still more of them in use than most anything else. Die and ammunition sales confirm this. Backfire has a good video on it. Keep your .243 if that is what you want. It doesn't make the 7mm Rem Mag any less useful or popular.
Back in the days when I couldn’t imagine myself shelling out for a second big game rifle I picked the .30-06. Because it’ll do anything from pronghorn to brown bear. Not necessarily ideal for either, but she’ll do the job, and - at least in normal times - ammo’s plentiful.
Tried and true....during unnormal times I see WAY more of it than the Fad calibers mentioned here....20 years from now you'll still be able to find 30-06....and not have an obsolete rifle. You made a great choice.
The 30-06 Springfield was the cartridge used in the M1 Garand, "The best battle implement ever devised.” According to General George S Patton. I have seen it drop a bear where it stood, on the other end, I have seen it make a red squirrel implode, leaving nothing but a bloody stump of a spine, half a rear leg, and half a tail. If you're shooting shorter range, this cartridge is a no brainer. It is perfect for deer and like the coveted 7.62x54R, it will be around forever!!! Is this a good squirrel cartidge, hell no. Is it the best bear cartridge, not quite. But for me IT'S JUST RIGHT!!!
Well said. I think you hit on something that people don't think about enough. Does it really have to be "the best" at whatever? Is the difference in performance between cartridge "x" and cartridge "y" worth the price of a second complete setup of rifle, optic, etc? Why are so many people fixated on "top 5" lists and so forth? If it does the job safely and reliably, can't that ever be enough?
For every thing you mentioned in this video, I'm going to have to choose the most versatile and capable caliber there is and with today's modern rifles and ammunition it just keeps getting better. And that's the 30-06!
@@darrengarcia4937 You mis-spelled 300 PRC. It is just such a sexy round. I like to load them up in Nickel Plated brass with the longest bullets I can find and seat them so far out they could never even fit in my magazine let alone my rifle chamber. Then I buff them to a super high shine and kinda just leave them out around hunting camp to make everyone jealous and ashamed of their 30-06 and 300 win mag rounds. buwahahaha.
Hahahhaha 300 weatherby took care of that in 1944 if you shoot 30-06 your stuck in your wayd which is fine but dont say it is as versitile as you claim as to many others out shoot it now a days
7 Rem!!! I love the 7mm Remington Magnum, it is my “hunt North American rifle” and have had wonderful memories made with it hunting in Alaska. Taken caribou with 6.5 CM quite a few times, my wife has as well and it does just fine 👌🏼
I appreciate the thoughtful summary. I can only afford 2 rifles and hunt from coyotes to elk. Also because of injury have difficulty with recoil, so I have gone with 243 and 308
This so far is one of my favorites of your videos…..so far. I’ve watched a lot of them and learned a ton of great information and you keep it to the point and interesting. I bought a 308 last year but afterwards realized it’s not ideal for many bigger animals that I want to pursue over the next few years. This video answers so many of the questions I had as a beginner that it really is my favorite one so far! Thank you
Man don’t take this guys word as a end all the calibre debate. Practice with that .308 and it will kill anything in North America. The best calibre is the one you shoot comfortably. I early on got caught up in this and shot a .300 rum for years now it’s a safe Queen and I use a .308 win and it’s never let me down… if anything it’s made me a better hunter-stalker trying to get closer to the animals
I’m so happy to here you picking the 7 mag. I’ve absolutely loved mine and really believe in using it for absolutely all the big game I hunt. It’s just my absolute favorite caliber!
.308 for elk, all the way out to 500, all day everyday. 30-06 as well. I refuse to jump on these new cals. They don’t do anything new. Everyone thinks 6.5 creed moor or prc is the shit, a 7mm-08 does the same with better availability. Shame people don’t recognize the 7mm-08.
My Best Cartridge for Every Big Game Animal is ....30/06. With the proper bullet the 30/06 will work great for every scenario you mentioned. Also thank you so much for telling people about your experience with the 6.5 PRC. I agree it is not ideal for big game.
It’s interesting a few cartridges show up a lot but never get selected, like the 06 or 270. Good for everything, but maybe not “the best” for anything. He certainly likes the 6.5 PRC though ;)
@@reaganriddle 270 better for antelope deer size game. 30-06 more powerful shooting 180-220 grain bullets are much better for larger animals like elk moose ect. Just depends on what your hunting. People like the 06 cause it's good at hunting ranges for everything on the continent.
@@reaganriddle Really? 270 with Hornady 145 ELD- X when sighted at 200 yards drops 37.6 inches at 500 yards.... where a 30/06 with 150 grain SST drops 38.4 at 500. I don't think 3/4" at 500 yards is that huge of improvement. I chose those two bullets because they both come from the same Manufacture and are very close in weight.
I have used the 30-06 for 40 years and use the Nosler 180 grain partition for everything. Deer, elk, musk ox, bison, etc. I eat them and don't display them. Most of the cartridges people talk about blood shot meat and explode bones. Can't think I have ever shot an animal more than once with the load. I switched to the .308 10 years ago only because It's lighter and I'm 73. Same results with one shot kill and little meat damage.
I really think you know what your taking about when picking a specific round for each game category. I would choose 30-06 for everything because I do not want to purchase all those rifles, the different reloading dies, specific powders, projectiles and cleaning equipment to use the perfect weapon for every animal I might hunt. Sheezus.!
Yep, historically has been loaded from 110gr to 240gr. Has 2000ftlb a 300yds (with hotter loads in 180gr) for those quartering elk shots. More than enough for deer. Rifle is light. Ammo is everywhere. Barrel life is solid too. Hard to go wrong!
A lot easier to suggest all these new whizbang-super-ultra calibers. When pateron and the like are buying them all.. or companies x, y, and z are all sending you scopes and the like for free. (Just make sure it's a nice review)
Yep. The 7mm is where it is at. Anything the 6.5, .277, or .30 cal can do, the 7mm can do better. And I mean that. Even on dangerous game like grizzly, I'll take a 175 gr Partition or Aframe in a 7mm Rem Mag over anything you can put in a .30-06 or .300 Win. You have to get over 200 gr in .308 cal to beat the sectional density of the 175 gr .284. WDM Bell killed hundreds of elephants with a 7x57 and 173 gr ball ammo. A 175 gr 7mm has more than enough penetration to kill anything on this planet if placed right.
I received a savage 30/06 from my parents after completing hunter/gun safety at age 13 (I'm 50 now) its still by go to for everything. My ole man was a sniper in Vietnam he taught all about ballistics calculation. I've taken everything from coyote with ap rounds to Maine moose with that rifle .
Maine moose are big bastards. 1000-1500lb monsters with a propensity for violently protecting their young. Scary up close, beautiful at a distance. Decent meat. Never got a permit for one myself, but seen a few on deer hunts. One at no more than 25 feet away, barely saw him taking a nap in thick brush as I walked by. Had myself a good heart attack as he stood up, but we just let him look us over then he just turned around and walked off. 30/06 is very popular up here. .308 has become a lot more popular recently though.
If I could only have one rifle, the 30-06 wins hands down. You can do 99.9% of what needs to be done with a 30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag. The massive bullet selection will cover you from mice to moose. If you could have only one rifle, either of these two gets the nod. You just can’t go wrong with these two.
I'm a 300WSM guy myself... but I think in the Moose and Elk and bear categories I would add 338 Winchester Magnum to your list as a super viable option.
I like the 300wsm and the 338 win mag, but in my book 300 RUM LA or 30-378 weatherby would be some great choices, but be prepared for the mule kick of your life, but that’s apples to oranges when you have a round that you absolutely love and can trust it will take down the game
I was a bit of a gun junkie for years and have most of the calibers from .17 to .338 chambered in one or more rifles. It’s always fun figuring out the one optimal cartridge for the game you’re hunting. These days I’m older and have broken it down like this… Coyote- .17/.204/.223 Hunting club- 26-06/7-08 Paid hunt- 7mm rem with 160 Accubonds and my .300wm with 180 Accubonds. With these 2 I’ve made 1 shot kills on game from antelope to elk, from 50 to 450 yards. If I’m paying todays rates for a hunt and your dream animal only gives you a few seconds and at a less than perfect angle, these 2 will reliably hit vitals through bone and thick muscle. Especially if you’re hunting mulies or elk in the mountains. Another thing many people forget about is ammo availability. The 6.5 whiz bangs, Weatherby’s and PRC’s are wonderful and I have more of these than I need. But I’ve been on more than one hunt where a hunter forgot his ammo, got it separated and lost in flight or shot up way more than he figured zeroing in at camp because the scope was off. Finding ammo is hard enough these days without needing specialized ammo. I haven’t been out west this year, but always in the past you can usually go in any hardware or grocery store in Montana and come up with 270, 30-06, 7mm rem and 300wm.
Don't forget gas stations. I grew up in Big Sky Country, and you could always find .30-30, .22LR, .30-06 and maybe 7mm Rem Mag in most quick stop stores. I really miss Montana.
I'll be honest man, I've hunted with lots of calibers and it's hard to beat how effective a .308 win is even out to 300, 350, 400 yards with the right bullet. Elk at the proper distance even. After than I'm going 7 mag, .300 win or 300 prc for large elk and moose if needed.
@@sassysilver4451 for sure! People have used 30-30 for over a century ethically. some of the most renowned moose/elk hunters in the world use the .308win.
@@WallyMerc06 308 is no different than an 06 for the most part, just can be used in an AR. I agree. 180gr round nose in 308, 06, or 270 have killed more deer and bear in PA than anything. Guys still use them here to shoot elk as well. It just sucks we have to be drawn out of a lottery to get an elk. The elk herd is doing amazingly well. If you get a chance, go to elk state park visitors center early in the morning after frost (October) and you can hear them bugle and watch them. It's awesome.
With all the debate. I cant be drawn away from the 3006. For game over 50lbs. It covers them all. With proper bullet selection...it will match the performance of the spread. And since coyote is the hot topic this time of year. Many prefer the 22 250. If the ranges are beyond 300 yds. The 243 is my pick. There are guys taking coyote at much closer ranges with .22 lr. A reduced loaded 3006 with 125gr barnes makes the same whole as the 243. With only the change of the powder and projectile, the 3006 is king. For anything beyond 1200.....338. Obviously the 3006's big brother!
Part of the reason for the Swedes hunting successfully for such a long time with the 6.5x55mm cartridge is ….. Their government requires hunters to pass a shooting/accuracy test with the rifle and cartridge of their choice . Before being allowed to hunt . That is one of the reasons these police forces across the country decided to change back to the 9mm . They are required to pass the shooting exam for the required firearm that they intend to use .
@@Jake-mm1cz Agreed, many people here in the states are pretty much incompetent with their rifles, and rely entirely on the killing power of the cartridge they are firing. Too many older gen x folks who lie about military service out there in the woods with a rifle they only fired 3 shots from, and no idea what they are doing.
Great video! The 280AI is my favorite by far. After I saw what can do on elk I'm sold. The 30-06 is a close second, but I'm thinking I might step it up to the 300wsm. Just a little more horse power IMO.
I just carry a golf bag with a selection of rifles in a good cross selection of calibers. That way I can have the ideal combination in any situation. 😁 My caddy hates me.
7mm08. Great round not even shown once. One of the best multiple game cartriges. Not necesarily the best but definately in the running in multiple categories.
I agree and so much flatter shooting than a 30/06 all the .30 cal bandwagon guys should open a reloading manual up something and look at ballistic coefficient's, grain weights, velocities, etc.
This old Wyoming guy has taken well over 100 antelope, dozens of mule deer and a few dozen elk (never drew a moose tag, and would never shoot a bear) with my old Savage 110 L in 270, with a cheap 4X Tasco scope. Bought in '61. Savage, as they were the ONLY one out there with left handed bolt actions.....and the triple bolt lugs that beat the snot out of W 70. Only ONCE did it take more than one shot to drop an animal, but I never shot at one that was moving. My bony old (83) shoulder can't take it anymore....so the 243 is my new go to. This "best for each animal" stuff is........ok. But few of us can afford it.
I love all the price level reviews, the cartridge reviews, scope reviews, etc... I'm wondering if you could hook us up with a best setup (rifle, scope, caliber) for different price levels... $1000, $2000, and $3500? Target species would be "big game"... from antelope through whitetail, mulies, and the top end being elk. I think most guys don't have the disposable income to have an endless supply of rifles (in different calibers) and scopes. But, I think most guys could save up one time to get the right set up. As a newbie to rifle hunting this sort of video would be super helpful. I also know you're big on suppressors, so, feel free to fit that in if need be. I also recognize there are so many variables (treestand hunting v. backcountry, personal preference, etc...) but, I think a lot of people value your insight.
Also if you get a suppressor for a .308 will it also work on a .280 AI, provided both are threaded 5/8 x 24? Thanks. The cannel is great. You and like 3 others are really good.
@@timnichols3582 Yes, most suppressors that are .308 will do just fine for smaller stuff. Most first time buyers will just get a .308 can rated for stuff like the 300 RUM so they can use it on anything smaller like 7 mag, 6.5 prc, etc. Performance of sound suppression probably wont be as good as a dedicated 7mm can, but its so close you probably wont even notice a difference. I have used a .45 cal can on a .223 before and its still pretty decent.
@ Backfire - Years ago, as a younger man, I did forestry field research in Minnesota and Canada. During my time there, a friend and I were on the way towards Ely, MN on a logging road at night. A full-grown black bear darted out of the woods and ran ahead in our vehicle's headlights for perhaps 75-100 yards before disappearing into the woods. We were doing 30mph at the time, yet that big old guy kept pace with us without a problem. It is nothing short of awesome to see something that large move that fast.
My first deer, 11-01-2015. Went down @5:15pm, so deboning in the dark. Finally back to truck. Maybe 10:30p-11:00p ... I start heading home...on the road I'm on... it's approaching the turn where it goes thru the "flatlands" of this one place... up ahead, maybe 100yds or so I saw a critter jump into the road! Excited I speed-up to see if I can catch a glimpse. It was a yote! I ended up speeding up to getting behind him and this straight-away is lined with barbed wires on both sides and it's night so he knows he can't rapidly negotiate the barbed wire fence....so instead.. he tries just running faster in that straight line! I ran him up to 35-40mph for a little bit before backing off and he finally turns and makes a dash thru the fence-line at a more opened up spot. Was such an awesome way to end that night! Total two-fer! I was astounded at how dang fast he coudl run and more importantly for how long he kept it up!
Excellent video sir. The caliber choices was great. It's hard to beat the older proven calibers 308, 30-06, 6.5 PRC, 7mm mag, 300 mag. I have all these calibers I listed and in my world the heck with the rest. I will not buy the new calibers due to it could be a trap phasing out the old stuff and then stopping production on the new ammo then no one has ammo. I could be thinking upside down or strange but I try to think ahead keeping guns I can get ammo for in hard times. I did get the 6.5PRC because I can reload for it and I have a lot of brass and bullets for it. Thanks for the hard work putting together the videos.
Certainly some excellent calibers you have mentioned and I fortunately own several of them. My personal 2 favorites for almost everything I hunt are the .270 Winchester and the .300WinMag. They always do what I ask of them whenever I ask them. Well done on the video! One of the better channels for all things guns on RUclips...
My thoughts exactly. I’ve taken more deer with a .270 Weatherby. But my favorite rifle has to be the .300WSM, just not a fan of how expensive the rounds are. The furthest shot I’ve taken in Missouri was 316 yards and the tracking was zero, the .300 short mag dropped a decent size buck.
In New Zealand a 7mm 08 or 270win is pretty perfect for our soft skinned deer. 7mm08 allows shorter barrel for getting through our thick scrub and ya mrs can take the shot without destroying her shoulder!!
Well said, Im from South Africa, and I 100% agree on the blue wildebeast topic, they are tough and anatomy is different than most. I use a 270win for most hunts and although I dropped plenty wildebeasts with it, I also lost a few, it is not the best suited (same on 6.5 PRC). I now aquired a 300 PRC for that task. (did not want belted magnum). Stay Safe and keep it up!
My buddy and I are beanfield shooters in the South, so 400 yds is a chip shot. We both shoot custom 7 mags using the Hornady 180gr eldm's. Longest kill shots are 1102 yds and 1065 yds. We have never lost a deer in the 25 years of long range. Longest shot this past season was 785 yds. The 7 mag was excellent for Africa for plains game animals out to 920 yds on a Kudu. One of the guys in our party drop a zebra in his tracks at 505 yds with a 6.5 Creedmoor. It's the man behind the gun that makes the real difference.
Yerp you can instinctively shot as far as you can see with a sling shot I can lead instinctively with a 45 Kentucky muzzle loader I've had since birth .
I am Colorado native with many years in the field. I ask many hunters what they shoot. 7mm Remington mag is the most popular for deer, elk. .243/6mm is minimum for big game by law. My personal choice: 30/06 150 grain for deer. 180 grain for elk. Remington core lokt bullets. You don’t need to overthink this. My freezer is full using $20/box Remington core lokt.
I'm a lever action guy, but I can be flexible for an old fart. The Henry long ranger in 308 is excellent for dear and other's. But for African game in Texas or American Bison I like my Winchester 50-110. But it has a lot of kick to it, I usually have my son and I look for my shoulder in the next county. ( Lol ). My hand load's are from 5,500 to 6,440 ftlbs of energy. I do use shoulder shield's and that really help's. Loved the video and I'm going to save it, because I'm so confused just like Sleepy Joe. Have a great night my 2A friend!
How the hell are you getting that much energy out of a 50-110 cartridge? I've never shot that round but the highest muzzle energy I've seen for that is 3300.
I went with a 30-06 for my lightweight do it all AK gun. A mix of ammo availability/prices, capability and grizzly bears set me on it. After hitting this years caribou right in the vitals at 407 yards and watching him drop in his tracks I'm happy with my choice. Lightweight gun with low recoil and relatively cheap ammo got me out shooting way more than I ever did with my 338wm. Practice makes you deadly, not ballistics charts.
300 blackout really should get a mention for deer. Fantastic cartridge 200 yards and in. That’s all ya need in the north woods. That and 308 are my favorite calibers. Nice vid!
Finally someone brave enough to admit that 6.5 of almost any flavor is not a true elk cartridge. Sure it can be used but for a dedicated elk gun you want more punch
Well, I would argue if you cannot kill it with a 6.5Cm or other 6.5mm options, then you probably shouldn't be shooting at all. I have killed a number of elk with the 6.5CM and my 26 Nosler. They die within 30 feet of where they were hit. These shots are taken within 350 yards and most under 200. To me, the proper shot, with the weapon and ammo you have trained with does to the trick regardless of caliber.
@@mcman007 seems like this 🤡 was just try to hate on the 6.5 caliber. Out of all this info Backfire put out, that’s what this 🤡 gathered. I own multiple calibers, and the 6.5 CM is my favorite. Everything that I’ve hit dropped immediately.
Name dropping Joseph VonBenedikt in this episode I like it. I just listened to two of his BackCountry Hunting podcasts today. One was about planning an DIY Alaska moose hunt and the other was Predator Cartridges. I like my two rifle system with the 270 Win and 300 WSM. I have thought about getting a light weight mountain rifle with a suppressor in 6.8 Western, 280 AI, 7 SAUM, 7mm -08. One of those cartridges. Even though the only medium game to large game cartridge that I see ammo for in Cabela’s is 308.
Jim Carmichael did a list like this for the Oct 06 issue of Outdoor Life called "The Best Big-Game Calibers". Of course, his list came out before a lot of the newer cartridges. The interesting thing is that he recommended the 30-06 for everything in America except grizzly. It may not have been his favorite choice for a particular animal but it was still recommended. Add a 223 for varmints and small predators as well as a 12ga for small game and birds and you're pretty much covered.
Lets talk Elk. Honestly, how many average Joe's watching this U tube video will ever get to hunt more than once or twice 350 plus Bull Elk. Reality is 85% of us public land Elk hunters never see any Elk much above rag horn status. Elk are lost often on public land hunts because Elk shot opportunities are usually at Elk that have been kicked up by other hunters. The shot opportunity is 3-5 seconds, usually on the move, with the Elk's adrenaline pumping. This is most often the opportunity we public land hunters get. For this reason, I Love my Sako .338 Win Mag. I like horse power and cubic inches in my #1 Elk gun. 😁
I was shocked it wasn’t on the list for elk and moose. My dad loved his 338 win mag for elk. It hits hard and when we are discussing how tough elk are, I think this has to be on the elk dream team.
@@ronlowney4700 I completely agree with what you have said. Personally, I do not use a 338 as it’s too much gun for my needs. I use a 7mm rem mag and it suits my needs for the game I hunt in Alberta. I’ll be honest I could definitely gun down a little for deer, as that’s the majority of what I hunt. But I wanted a 1 size fits all and the rem mag works. I definitely agree the 270 does the job as well, but I think you have to have a certain degree of skill to be successful with that rifle on elk and moose. I’m good at target shooting but my shot placement on game could use improvement. Specifically in the heat of the moment. I get my game but when I’m analyzing my shot after the fact I see room for improvement. So, in conclusion, I agree with what you have said Ron but I don’t think I’m quite good enough to hunt that way yet.
Nice to hear a warning about the 6.5 caliber. I agree with the versatility of the 7mm. But I think that the .338 federal would be an excellent choice for black bear, hogs and the like. Surprised you didn't mention the .338 WM for elk.
Really enjoyed this video. Probably disappointed some 6.5 shooters but it’s important to know limitations. We hear about all these amazing long distance shots but never hear about so many animals never recovered due to poor shots and poor choice of cartridges. Thanks
@@jason91notch Yeah i hear it all the time from shooters that have these wild claims about the 6.5 Creed, I'm not impressed. I'm building a custom .308 Win
Done all these critters with a 7mm-08rem..... My boss took mine to Africa for his wife no issues. Btw a 140 gr bullet on everything is not only fur friendly but an effective quick kill
My wife’s first kill was a bison 100 yards with a 7mm08Rem and 140 grain TTSX hand loads, the next year she got her first Alaskan moose with same rifle, same loads. The 7mm08Rem is a very efficient cartridge.
My choices are simple: 22-250...priaire dogs, coyotes 25-06....coyotes, mule deer .300 win mag...mule deer, elk Of critical importance is bullet selection, which I find many hunters sadly lacking in knowledge.
for elk my favorite, and im biased because it's my favorite big cartridge in general, is definitely the 300 norma. Ever since I discovered it when SOCOM adopted the roound to replace the 300 WM and the 338 lapua, I've been hooked 210gr patrioto valley arms Cayuga solid with h1000 going 3150 FPS out of a 28in barrel is lights out. I believe you said 1500 ft lbs or more is what you want for elk and I know according to my ballistic chart it drops below that somewhere around 1500 yards. I'm an ELR shooter so I'm a softy for the 300 NM
Regarding your comments about 6.5s in general. Years ago a 6.5x55 became my go-to after my 30-06 wouldn't group and I was about to go on a hunt an needed a new rifle. The cartridge selection was inspired by an old timer behind the gun counter who said I'd love the round, and he was absolutely correct. With anemic factory loads chrono'd at 2383 fps , and 140gn soft point bullets, I've taken blacktail, mule deer, whitetail, cow elk, black bear, and some pretty hefty moose at a little over 200yds and 365 yds for a cow elk. All have either dropped in their tracks or within a few yards of where they were shot. Shot placement is key. You can debate all day long about cartridges and bullets, and I certainly have and hunt with more than just a 6.5 with soft points, but shot placement is always king.
100 percent agree. I love the old 6.5x55 too. The Swede drifts less in the wind, carries more energy down range than larger calibers because of the 6.5's efficient bullets and high BC, penetrates deep because of the 6.5 high SD, and has low recoil making it a pleasure to shoot, leading to more range time and promoting shooter accuracy (no flinch). And the bullet selection from 100 gr to 160 gr making it an acceptable choice for a multitude of game animals. It is nearly the perfect cartridge when the hunter does their part regarding shot placement.
Love his honest assessment. The 7mag, and 3006 are about as perfect as you can get, lot more punch than a 270 and carry up better. Have had a 7 mm rem mag for 30 years and she never let me down just like my other fave the 25/06.
Interesting take on 6.5 calibre. I've taken moose, elk, whitetail, mule deer, and black bear with my 6.5x55 Swede. The only bullet I use is Barnes, the 120 TTSX, and 130 TSX, virtually every shot was through and through. I think blame for any failures is squarely on the soft, cup and core bullets you were using, not the calibre.
Most people want to shoot these target bullets at animals. Bullet selection is more important than cartridge selection and for hunting there is no better and more reliable bullet than the Barnes TTSX.
I agree that the 6.5s are definitely light for wildebeests, I used a 6.5-06 on springbok, impala and blesbok, with a Barnes 130 tsx and they worked perfect. You had some great choices there, couldn’t argue with any except maybe the 308 for cougar, it just seems a little much. My son used my 6.5 Grendel on a big Southern Utah tom a couple of years ago and it worked perfect. Keep up the good work, you’re channel is great
Greetings from Switzerland (and not Sweden please ...) !!! Very interesting and thourough presentation. Thanks a lot !! Here in western Europe (Switzerland, Germany and Austria - not Australia ...) we mainly use the 30.06, 308, 300 Win Mag and 7x64 for big game : wild boar, red deer and deer. In the mountain areas, we appreciate, in addition, the 7 Rem Mag for chamois and ibex. All the best and keep going !!!
@@NuManXplore In Sweden and Norway the 6.5 x 55 is a popular caliber. In Switzerland, every state (called "canton") has its own legislation on hunting, subordinated by the federal legislation. In most cantons, the minimum caliber is 7 mm. 6.5 is therefore prohibited for hunting.
You left one of the best deer cartridges off that list 7mm-08! I used a 7rem mag for 20 years for deer and after seeing my son put down numerous deer and elk with his 7mm-08, I bought one for myself. My last two mule deer bucks went down to the 7mm-08.
I know it wasn't an option for comparison in this group of cartridges, but considering the real life conditions you shot under and the actual outcomes, I think the 308 Winchester would have been completely effective, if not ideal here... even out to 400 yards. Cheers!
Personally, the .243 is an underrated cartridge. I wouldn’t use it for anything bigger than a large whitetail, but the little bugger is surprisingly good. My father is 55 years old and has used a .243 Winchester pump since he was 20 and swears by it.
Agreed. The lack of recoil means that you are more apt to hit where you aim. It’s a necked down .308 win. I’ve taken deer with 100 grain loads. Not my first choice, but is good
As usual a very informative vid. Thanks. I am a Vancouver Island deer hunter that occasionally makes it to the mainland for moose. 30 06 (the true .308 I call it) just fit the bill all around. 125 grain core lokt drop these blacktail like nobodies business. If I hunt the mainland I'm allways aware of being in grizzly country. 165 grain for moose, a second clip with 185s, just in case.
I'll take my .30-06 all day any day, any weather to take anything in North America. Bullet construction and shot placement are critical on any hunt. IT Cannot be emphasized enough that every hunter needs more trigger time, and learn how to adjust to changing weather conditions and that you won't be shooting from a bench rest at 70*F on a sunny day at the Zero that your rifle is dialed in for. 99% of the hunters I talk to say that they take shots under 200 yards.
Amen to that. I love shooting on the crappiest weather days as possible within reason. My dad would always take us to the range on really windy days and bad weather days as well and as a kid I never understood why and dreaded the weather, but now I am thankful he did that. The weather here in Eastern MT can be very unforgiving and to be successful, you have to be able to adapt.
100% in agreement, gentlemen. The '06 is still widely respected here in the UK and I have used my old Sako 75 to take everything from muntjac to moose throughout the European continent. A 165 TSX or Interbond at over 2900 for stags, boar and elk or a 130 TTSX at 3200-ish for roe and fallow using Viht and Ramshot propellants respectively, seem to keep the old war horse in the fight! Across the pond, we tend to use the spot and stalk method, such that 250 metres is the maximum practicable distance I would personally entertain, leaning against a tree or standing with sticks. I also shoot competitive F-Class, so am conversant with wind doping and elevation, but ethically, would not exceed my abilities in the field. In summary, it all comes down to trigger time and familiarity with your rifle. I don't hold with the "golf club" approach, frankly, despite the fact that I do have another 7 rifles to play with! Respect from these shores.
30-06 with a 168 grain monolithic bullet doing 2800ft/s will take anything from squirrel to Eland within ethical hunting distances. Shot placement, energy downrange, bullet weight and ESPECIALLY bullet construction will ensure you bag the venison. Wind drift and bullet deflection only really comes into play at shots pass 350 yards. 30-06 for the win here.
It's 400 yards to the edge of the woods where my deer stand is. I realize that while I don't have to shoot that far...on occasion it's the best option. With a 30-06 I'm not as sure about tsx/ttsx expansion as another bullet selection. I'd love to go all copper/mono, but I have seen enough test results to know I would need more speed at that range to get great expansion and a quick kill on perhaps a less than perfect shot. Inside of 300? Yes, you are correct. This fall I will probably have a ttsx in the chamber and I can eject it quickly if a must-shoot buck is grazing broadside near the end of the field for a faster expanding second cartridge.
Couldn't. Agree. More. I'm usually in agreement with a lot of the content he puts out. But this is a real head scratcher. In one breath he proclaims the Aoudad a heavy bodied critter known to have a reputation for being hard to bring down, then in the next sentence he admits to using MATCH ammo as uposed to a well constructed hunting bullet. He then criticizes the 6.5 PRC for not having enough energy?!?! Huh??? A BIG aoudad will push 300 lbs. Smh...
Here's my thoughts, keep in mind I'm talking shots under 400yds, my ethical limit. Game under 60lbs- 223 Remington. It's so common, very mild, and for animals this size carries plenty of energy. 60-200lbs- 243 Win. Very easy to shoot, very aerodynamic bullets, and as long as you have proper bullet selection (bonded or monolithic) you'll kill anything in this size range with ease. 200-500lbs- 270 Win/280 A.I. Give me a 130 TTSX in the 270 or a 162 Interbond in the 280 and I'll give you a slew of very dead animals. 500-2000lbs- 338 Win/338 RUM. 200 gr Trophy bonded tips and 225gr Nosler accubonds/Barnes TTSX are very persuasive on game from elk to buffalo. 2000+lbs- 458 Lott/460 Weatherby. Is there really and explanation needed? Something that big is likely also very angry, and you'll be glad you have a 500gr .458 bullet to make them a little calmer.
Native people around here: -black bear 243 -moose 243 -caribou 243 - anything else? Yeah, 243 My Grand father back then: Hein? What? I dont ear you but 30-30 everything! Me: it depends... black bear 7.62x39 or 6.5 Grendel or 308 or 30-06, moose 7.62x39 or 6.5 Grendel or 308 or 30-06.
I love my 308 for elk. My experience here in colorado people shoot elk and don't go look for blood. They just assume they didn't fall so they missed. Or they shoot at noises instead of waiting for the good shot.
@@kodyshapka9696 It's really sad. We have point restrictions here as well so there's a good amount of elk not legal. But they don't care. I'd of taken alot more elk in my life if I had that mind from but ill pass if it dont feel right.
Shoot a real gun for elk and you don't have to look for blood, the elk will be laying there. 308 is sub-par for elk and one of the many rounds that cause many elk to be wounded and never found.
@@sakostwwy1903 been hunting with My 308 since 2004 its killed everything I've shot with it. I've watched deer run miles after getting hit with a 300 win mag. Your "opinion " is a joke at best.
Great series. Excellent!!! But, On Elk, you missed what I believe is clearly the very best Elk cartridge: 338 Win Mag. Your comments suggesting to use larger and heavier cartridges is right on. I have experience over the past 60 years with 7-08, 6.5 CM, 270, 280, 264 Win Mag, 30-06, 7 Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 375 H&H and 338 Win Mag. When it comes to elk, by far the 338 Win Mag is in a class by itself IMHO. It has the reach, portability and power. Something happens with the 338 Win Mag that just either drops elk where they stand, or takes all the starch out of them so that they don't go more than a few steps. My historical favorite bullets have been the 250 gr Nosler Partition, 225 gr Bear Claw and 225 gr and 250 gr Woodliegh Weldcore protected point. They all have worked so well that I haven't gotten around to trying any of the newer bullets. Sure it has recoil. But lots of practice with reduced loads helps with flinch.
Totally agree with the deer aspect! I have a .308 and took a nice whitetail with it this year. 250 yard shot shooting Nosler Ballistic Tip and the deer dropped in its tracks. I probably wouldn’t shoot past 400 due to my own confidence and ballistics.
Got my daughter a 7mm 08. With Hornady rounds she's on par with my .270 in most situations for anything smaller than elk. 7mm 08 hardly gets coverage, but with a shorter cartridge, high speed, good energy, and straight trajectories, it's an underrated round.
Excellent caliber. I can vouch for hornday custom lite 120SST (if that's what you are referring to) on whitetails.. If not, let your daughter at least practice with them. Very accurate and effective loads out to 225+/- yards with considerably less recoil.
Yep. 7mm-08 140gr hits harder than the 308 w 150gr past 150yds. It beats the 30-06 at 250yds and beyond. With 162 gr it's a charm for larger than deer animals.
Im blessed to be a land owner in New Mexico that has elk mule deer prong horn big game. Thought that I needed a magnum rifle for big game hunting so I bought a 300 Remington ultra mag and a 7mm. One morning I grabbed my Grandfather 30/06 that I used for years, 1903 Springfield that has been sporterised, when the rifle was given to me many years ago I glass beaded it laped the lugs drilled and taped and altered the bolt put a Timothy trigger on it set it at 2 pounds. Jumped on the side by side glassed a nice 6x6 bull with 5 cows razored the distance 236 yards made my dope change and pressed the trigger ran the bolt whent back on the scope the bull was down waited around 10 minutes, the bleed out were he played. Getting back to the mag debate that the choice every hunter needs to make for them shelf, a for me the 30/06 is not just my go to rifle its my only big game rifle.
My rifle is in 270... A decision I made after a lot of research including this channel... It wasn't picked for any as his top but glad to see it was on the list for at least half....
I've seen people rave about 25-06 for elk, deer, pig... but maybe not African game or bear. It's kind, accurate, and penetrates deep. You'd think it would be inadequate like the 243, on some of these, but for some reason it tends to hold together in the key bullet designs popular.
Does a great job explaining his choices of firearms for types of animals to hunt. New sub here due to your excellent format. Missão Brasil Maceió. Thanks for your content!
I love how honest you are about your hunts Jim, I try to be the same way, so tired of these youtubers and commenters with the old "I ONLY DO ONE SHOT ONE KILL, IM ETHICAL" and the doctored up videos and BS stories, the reality is things happen out there, kudos too you for being honest about the wildebeest and deer that died slow so that we can all learn and become more ethical hunters.
The only one I disagree with much is caribou. I have a fair amount of experience with them, living in Alaska. I have taken seven of them since 2012. Both sexes, ranges from 40 yards to 260+- in central to northern Alaska herds. Yep, longer shots can happen, I have not had to deal with them with a little patience and using the terrain. Largest ones were maybe a 350 pound bulls. And I've hunted southern Africa four times. I mention that because I'd put a caribou in the black wildebeest category of things. Honestly black wildebeest are tougher, but the weight and distance are comparable. I used a 30-06 for 3 of them, and a 7mm-08 for 3 others, friends have used 300 win mag and 308s with the same effectiveness. So, if you want to play it safer for trajectory a 7 mag or 300 win mag, but that Weatherby is way overkill.
my buddy and I have had a thing for 10 years now. He has a 7mm and I got a 30-06. He's hit and lost 1 deer 2 elk. I haven't lost one. His is flashy and shiny but mine is a work horse. I trust the 30-06 cal over any gun. It's not the best at any one thing, but it is great at everything it needs to be. The real kicker is 2 years ago, he bought a 30-06 and has been using that more and more. Only hunting rifle I own Is my 06 and I don't believe I'll ever use another. if it ain't broke am I right.
@@jrnbakken4348 if that’s the case then taking the recoil velocity of a 300 win mag and reducing it by 30% would be the equivalent of a 7mm-08, and a 30.06 less 30% would be just above a 30.30 in recoil velocity.
Yes. Properly designs are reducing recoil 30-50%. There are videos on the tube that cover it. Try muzzle brake search first, and you will find can styles in the search.
I can’t believe you left the 270 off of elk. I have never lost an elk with a 270. But I have also made sure I could make the shot. I like shooting under 350 yards and I know shooting closer improves my odds of making an ethical kill. I have had multiple one shot kills. I like to shoot 140 grain or 150 grain bullets for elk and I think using their heavier bullets is essential. I echo Jack O’Conner and would say that the 270 is an adequate cartridge for elk. I have successfully use the 7mm REM mag and would concur with your using this caliber as a premiere choice for hunting elk. I give this cartridge a lot of love and give it my top elk pick. I do think you under estimate the 270.
I really enjoy your content and would love to meet you some day. Keep up the good work.
I can't believe he left the American Bison off the list of animals...
I’m glad to hear you speak favorably about the 7 mag. It’s such an incredible round!!
Yeah, the correct answer is usually the heaviest rifle you are willing to carry and the most recoil you can handle and be accurate. For years it was a 9.5lb rifle in 7RM. I kinda like my 7.5lb rifle in 30-06 these days though.
Love the 7mm
Tried and True.
It seems all these new cartridges they’re making are trying to simulate 7 mag capabilities in short action calibers.
Anyone that attempts to bag on the 7mm rem mag clearly is misdirected. I mean you wouldn't want to use it for grizzly bear hunting or similar craziness that you simply need a small cannon for, but that's about it
@@CountryBoyMakinNoise your absolutely right, took a moose this fall with my 7mag tikka, it done the job quickly
....and the number one choice if you had to pick one caliber is.... still the 30-06.
.243 Win for me personally. A central nervous system shot will kill anything in North America, any decent shot will kill most, ammo’s plentiful, it’s downright pleasant to shoot, it can be loaded light enough for small game, it shoots flat, is pretty good in wind, and is VERY inherently accurate. I live in the Appalachians, so more than 300-400 yards isn’t a concern for me. I’d want something better for long range if I were out west.
if you like a 4 inch hole through and through go ahead. i prefer my critters in tact
@@dariangilman7835 load it down,,,
Still the mist versatile in bullet grain and "do it all" hunting round.
@@trevorgomez3343 Yep, ground hogs to grizzlies.
I'm left handed. Always wanted to buy a LH bolt action rifle. When I finally did, it was a .30-06. Best all around caliber out there.
One day you will say you want a round powerful enough, fast enough, light enough recoil with outstanding reliability as availability.....you will want someone to build that round....and you will call it 30-06.
Completely agree
Until you realize that bullet construction and shot placement on animals over 400 lbs is so critical that you want more flexibility. Then you'll arrive at the 338 win mag so you don't have to wound anything else.
@@papajohnsy6659 bullet construction and shot placement are critical on any game animal! You could shoot a red tail deer with a 200 grain FMJ out of a 300 win mag and watch it run over a mile away from you into a thicket to be lost for ever if you hit it in the gut....hit any elk or moose with a properly constructed 180 grain or heavier 30 caliber bullet in the boiler room within it's designed velocity window and you will fill the freezer. Honestly I think the same can truly be said for a wide range of cartridges (i.e. 7mm mag, 270 win, etc)....the reason I suggested the 30-06 of course is because it's more versatile than just about anything else out there...100grain -220 grain, enough case capacity to cover your velocity windows, shorter and lighter action than the magnum cartridges and recoil can be managed be even smaller stature shooters. And yes....a lot of people will say the same about the other cartridges....at the end of the day. Go with what will work for you and hunt ethical. :-)
Or 270 or 243 Winchester, other fine rounds. Rounds like 30-06 are usually overkill.
@@papajohnsy6659 get closer
I’m glad to see you are keeping the .30-06 in your selections. It may be old and in some people’s minds out dated, but it still does the job just fine within it’s reasonable use and range.
I have a .30-06 in a Savage 110 Ultralight (which I hate the stock, but the new one is on the way and I’ve figured out how to smooth out the bolt) and a Remington 742 Woodsmaster that is my grandpa’s, which he bought new in the 60s. They both have polar opposite uses; 110 UL for backpacking hunts and the 742 for tight quarter hunting, but the old tried and true .30-06 sure puts a smile on my face and meat in the freezer every year.
Keep up the great work on these videos! I surely enjoy every one of them!
.30-06 lost to the 300 WSM. It’s out. Good round though.
@@JohnDoe-zg6fn yeah absolutely! I know it lost to the 300 WSM by about 200 FPS, but it still performs great - it isn’t a magnum cartridge, but for 90% of hunters, it is more than adequate. There’s a reason it is still around today.
The 300 WSM is a great cartridge; especially if a person is hunting suppressed and would like a short compact gun.
They both have their uses and aren’t going anywhere.
This guy prefers the .308 over the 30-06. That tells you all you need to know about his knowledge and experience. The 30-06 has higher velocity and shoots flatter than a .308. And he has a prejudice against long action versus the newer milk bottle cartridges. Long action vs short action has very little consequences for gunners and in my opinion La cartridges feed better. He obviously has never shot a 25-06 because its nowhere on his radar but it is a fantastic cartridge .It's much overlooked but gaining popularity especially using some of the new higher bc bullets with faster twist rifle barrels.
@@RichardSmith-ps7qc i still wouldnt choose a 30-06. I can load a 160gr .30 cal into a .300 WM and then load it with 220gr and still be putting out far higher velocity. Its a better all around cartridge. If you already have the gun of course use it. But i wont buy a new 30-06 or .308
@@RichardSmith-ps7qc Yes but not that big of a difference. 2800ish vs 2900ish for a 150gr nosler.
"You can never go wrong with the 7mm Mag." I concur. My favorite all around big game cartridge. Better ballistics than the 06 without noticeably more recoil. If I needed more than the 7mm Rem Mag, no .30 cal would make the cut. I would go straight to .338 or even .375. And that would only be for stuff that bites back. I've hunted deer, elk, black bear, and antelope in Montana my entire life with .308 Win and 7mm Rem Mag. My grandpa, dad, and his brothers all used .30-06. My brother tried to one up my 7mm Rem Mag with a .300 Win, but eventually had to admit none of the animals seemed to notice the difference as much as his shoulder did. I think the sweet spot for a one rifle North American battery is probably in the .280 AI/7mm Rem Mag/.30-06 range. Most adults can handle these recoil levels from a sporter weight rifle, and when properly loaded they all carry the ass downrange to anchor any non-dangerous game species out to a quarter mile or more, which is about as far as most can shoot without specialized gear and dedication to developing that skill set.
This is an excellent reply by someone who has obviously done a lot of hunting.
Has a reputation a a destroyer of meat.
And 7mm Mag was the fanboy round of the 1980’s. Just like the 6.5 Creedmore.
And .243 Winchester is more than adequate for caribou
@@shawnmiller4781 Choose better bullets. I am more a fan of the heavy, high SD bullets. I've had good luck with 162 gr SST, 160 gr Accubond, and 175 gr Partition. I've actually seen the 175 gr Partition penetrate lengthwise through an elk.
Still a lot of fanboys of the 7mm Rem Mag. It is still one of the top ten most popular rifle cartridges in the US.
@@MTMILITIAMAN7.62 I know, I see a lot of them on the consignment and used rack at our local shops
@@shawnmiller4781 And? There is still more of them in use than most anything else. Die and ammunition sales confirm this. Backfire has a good video on it.
Keep your .243 if that is what you want. It doesn't make the 7mm Rem Mag any less useful or popular.
Back in the days when I couldn’t imagine myself shelling out for a second big game rifle I picked the .30-06. Because it’ll do anything from pronghorn to brown bear. Not necessarily ideal for either, but she’ll do the job, and - at least in normal times - ammo’s plentiful.
Tried and true....during unnormal times I see WAY more of it than the Fad calibers mentioned here....20 years from now you'll still be able to find 30-06....and not have an obsolete rifle. You made a great choice.
It was always mucho powerful, often more than needed, which lead to .308.
The 30-06 Springfield was the cartridge used in the M1 Garand, "The best battle implement ever devised.” According to General George S Patton. I have seen it drop a bear where it stood, on the other end, I have seen it make a red squirrel implode, leaving nothing but a bloody stump of a spine, half a rear leg, and half a tail. If you're shooting shorter range, this cartridge is a no brainer. It is perfect for deer and like the coveted 7.62x54R, it will be around forever!!! Is this a good squirrel cartidge, hell no. Is it the best bear cartridge, not quite. But for me IT'S JUST RIGHT!!!
150 grain for deer, 180 for elk, 220 for griz
Well said. I think you hit on something that people don't think about enough. Does it really have to be "the best" at whatever? Is the difference in performance between cartridge "x" and cartridge "y" worth the price of a second complete setup of rifle, optic, etc? Why are so many people fixated on "top 5" lists and so forth? If it does the job safely and reliably, can't that ever be enough?
For every thing you mentioned in this video, I'm going to have to choose the most versatile and capable caliber there is and with today's modern rifles and ammunition it just keeps getting better. And that's the 30-06!
Yeah no. If it was the most versatile calibers like 25-06, .270, and .35 Whelen wouldnt exist. You mean the .300 Win Mag
@@darrengarcia4937 You mis-spelled 300 PRC. It is just such a sexy round. I like to load them up in Nickel Plated brass with the longest bullets I can find and seat them so far out they could never even fit in my magazine let alone my rifle chamber. Then I buff them to a super high shine and kinda just leave them out around hunting camp to make everyone jealous and ashamed of their 30-06 and 300 win mag rounds. buwahahaha.
@@majorspittle1 i do love me some RUM. But for the people who cant afford it and think recoil really matters when you're hunting .300WM is more tame
Hahahhaha 300 weatherby took care of that in 1944 if you shoot 30-06 your stuck in your wayd which is fine but dont say it is as versitile as you claim as to many others out shoot it now a days
The 06 is no where near as versatile as something like a 33 or 37 caliber.
7 Rem!!! I love the 7mm Remington Magnum, it is my “hunt North American rifle” and have had wonderful memories made with it hunting in Alaska. Taken caribou with 6.5 CM quite a few times, my wife has as well and it does just fine 👌🏼
I appreciate the thoughtful summary. I can only afford 2 rifles and hunt from coyotes to elk. Also because of injury have difficulty with recoil, so I have gone with 243 and 308
This so far is one of my favorites of your videos…..so far. I’ve watched a lot of them and learned a ton of great information and you keep it to the point and interesting. I bought a 308 last year but afterwards realized it’s not ideal for many bigger animals that I want to pursue over the next few years. This video answers so many of the questions I had as a beginner that it really is my favorite one so far! Thank you
Thank you!
Man don’t take this guys word as a end all the calibre debate. Practice with that .308 and it will kill anything in North America. The best calibre is the one you shoot comfortably. I early on got caught up in this and shot a .300 rum for years now it’s a safe Queen and I use a .308 win and it’s never let me down… if anything it’s made me a better hunter-stalker trying to get closer to the animals
I’m so happy to here you picking the 7 mag. I’ve absolutely loved mine and really believe in using it for absolutely all the big game I hunt. It’s just my absolute favorite caliber!
It's fun to pause and try and guess which shell you'll pick and see if I think the same. Good job putting these cartridges into perspective!
.308 for elk, all the way out to 500, all day everyday. 30-06 as well. I refuse to jump on these new cals. They don’t do anything new. Everyone thinks 6.5 creed moor or prc is the shit, a 7mm-08 does the same with better availability. Shame people don’t recognize the 7mm-08.
My Best Cartridge for Every Big Game Animal is ....30/06. With the proper bullet the 30/06 will work great for every scenario you mentioned. Also thank you so much for telling people about your experience with the 6.5 PRC. I agree it is not ideal for big game.
.270 Winchester does the same thing when it makes contact as 3006 but doesn’t drop like a rock.
It’s interesting a few cartridges show up a lot but never get selected, like the 06 or 270. Good for everything, but maybe not “the best” for anything. He certainly likes the 6.5 PRC though ;)
@@reaganriddle 270 better for antelope deer size game. 30-06 more powerful shooting 180-220 grain bullets are much better for larger animals like elk moose ect. Just depends on what your hunting. People like the 06 cause it's good at hunting ranges for everything on the continent.
@@reaganriddle Really? 270 with Hornady 145 ELD- X when sighted at 200 yards drops 37.6 inches at 500 yards.... where a 30/06 with 150 grain SST drops 38.4 at 500. I don't think 3/4" at 500 yards is that huge of improvement. I chose those two bullets because they both come from the same Manufacture and are very close in weight.
I have used the 30-06 for 40 years and use the Nosler 180 grain partition for everything. Deer, elk, musk ox, bison, etc. I eat them and don't display them. Most of the cartridges people talk about blood shot meat and explode bones. Can't think I have ever shot an animal more than once with the load. I switched to the .308 10 years ago only because It's lighter and I'm 73. Same results with one shot kill and little meat damage.
I really think you know what your taking about when picking a specific round for each game category. I would choose 30-06 for everything because I do not want to purchase all those rifles, the different reloading dies, specific powders, projectiles and cleaning equipment to use the perfect weapon for every animal I might hunt. Sheezus.!
I couldn't agree more.
Yep, historically has been loaded from 110gr to 240gr. Has 2000ftlb a 300yds (with hotter loads in 180gr) for those quartering elk shots. More than enough for deer. Rifle is light. Ammo is everywhere. Barrel life is solid too. Hard to go wrong!
A lot easier to suggest all these new whizbang-super-ultra calibers.
When pateron and the like are buying them all.. or companies x, y, and z are all sending you scopes and the like for free. (Just make sure it's a nice review)
Big fan boy of the .284 calibers I'll use 7mm-08, 7mm rem mag, or 7mm ultra mag for anything.
They are fabulous. I wish the .284 Winchester would have caught on.
Yep. The 7mm is where it is at. Anything the 6.5, .277, or .30 cal can do, the 7mm can do better. And I mean that. Even on dangerous game like grizzly, I'll take a 175 gr Partition or Aframe in a 7mm Rem Mag over anything you can put in a .30-06 or .300 Win. You have to get over 200 gr in .308 cal to beat the sectional density of the 175 gr .284. WDM Bell killed hundreds of elephants with a 7x57 and 173 gr ball ammo. A 175 gr 7mm has more than enough penetration to kill anything on this planet if placed right.
I have a Savage 111 Chieftain in 30-06. It has never let me down. I don't need any more.
I received a savage 30/06 from my parents after completing hunter/gun safety at age 13 (I'm 50 now) its still by go to for everything. My ole man was a sniper in Vietnam he taught all about ballistics calculation. I've taken everything from coyote with ap rounds to Maine moose with that rifle .
Maine moose are big bastards. 1000-1500lb monsters with a propensity for violently protecting their young. Scary up close, beautiful at a distance. Decent meat. Never got a permit for one myself, but seen a few on deer hunts. One at no more than 25 feet away, barely saw him taking a nap in thick brush as I walked by. Had myself a good heart attack as he stood up, but we just let him look us over then he just turned around and walked off. 30/06 is very popular up here. .308 has become a lot more popular recently though.
I remember when i subscribed and yall had something like 1000 or 10000 subscribers. But i knew yall would grow. Nothing but good info. Great job guys.
Thank you!
If I could only have one rifle, the 30-06 wins hands down. You can do 99.9% of what needs to be done with a 30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag. The massive bullet selection will cover you from mice to moose. If you could have only one rifle, either of these two gets the nod. You just can’t go wrong with these two.
I totally agree.
I'm a 300WSM guy myself... but I think in the Moose and Elk and bear categories I would add 338 Winchester Magnum to your list as a super viable option.
a little over kill, I use 3006 and 6.72 x 55 for bear and elk , antelope , what ever.
I like the 300wsm and the 338 win mag, but in my book 300 RUM LA or 30-378 weatherby would be some great choices, but be prepared for the mule kick of your life, but that’s apples to oranges when you have a round that you absolutely love and can trust it will take down the game
I was a bit of a gun junkie for years and have most of the calibers from .17 to .338 chambered in one or more rifles. It’s always fun figuring out the one optimal cartridge for the game you’re hunting. These days I’m older and have broken it down like this…
Coyote- .17/.204/.223
Hunting club- 26-06/7-08
Paid hunt- 7mm rem with 160 Accubonds and my .300wm with 180 Accubonds. With these 2 I’ve made 1 shot kills on game from antelope to elk, from 50 to 450 yards. If I’m paying todays rates for a hunt and your dream animal only gives you a few seconds and at a less than perfect angle, these 2 will reliably hit vitals through bone and thick muscle. Especially if you’re hunting mulies or elk in the mountains. Another thing many people forget about is ammo availability. The 6.5 whiz bangs, Weatherby’s and PRC’s are wonderful and I have more of these than I need. But I’ve been on more than one hunt where a hunter forgot his ammo, got it separated and lost in flight or shot up way more than he figured zeroing in at camp because the scope was off. Finding ammo is hard enough these days without needing specialized ammo. I haven’t been out west this year, but always in the past you can usually go in any hardware or grocery store in Montana and come up with 270, 30-06, 7mm rem and 300wm.
Don't forget gas stations. I grew up in Big Sky Country, and you could always find .30-30, .22LR, .30-06 and maybe 7mm Rem Mag in most quick stop stores. I really miss Montana.
I'll be honest man, I've hunted with lots of calibers and it's hard to beat how effective a .308 win is even out to 300, 350, 400 yards with the right bullet. Elk at the proper distance even. After than I'm going 7 mag, .300 win or 300 prc for large elk and moose if needed.
I agree, I dropped an impala and kudu with a 308, no problem.
Moose with .308?
@@sassysilver4451 for sure! People have used 30-30 for over a century ethically. some of the most renowned moose/elk hunters in the world use the .308win.
@@sassysilver4451 yes ma'am. There are videos on RUclips of it..but keep in mind proper range, proper bullet, proper shot placement
@@WallyMerc06 308 is no different than an 06 for the most part, just can be used in an AR. I agree. 180gr round nose in 308, 06, or 270 have killed more deer and bear in PA than anything. Guys still use them here to shoot elk as well. It just sucks we have to be drawn out of a lottery to get an elk. The elk herd is doing amazingly well. If you get a chance, go to elk state park visitors center early in the morning after frost (October) and you can hear them bugle and watch them. It's awesome.
The more I keep hearing 280ai getting praise, the more excited I am about my choice of caliber for my custom build!
With all the debate. I cant be drawn away from the 3006. For game over 50lbs. It covers them all. With proper bullet selection...it will match the performance of the spread.
And since coyote is the hot topic this time of year. Many prefer the 22 250. If the ranges are beyond 300 yds. The 243 is my pick. There are guys taking coyote at much closer ranges with .22 lr. A reduced loaded 3006 with 125gr barnes makes the same whole as the 243. With only the change of the powder and projectile, the 3006 is king.
For anything beyond 1200.....338. Obviously the 3006's big brother!
Do you own a new truck?
I just ordered some 125gr bullets for my ‘06 today! Looking forward to working up a load.
@@Kmecha84 never! New trucks suck!
I'm going to stick with 7mm-08, my family member in Missouri proved to me how well it works on dangerous things
That sounds ominous
I wish I could find ammo for my granddaughter’s 7mm-08. No one in this area has had any.
Old time hunters will say modern marksmanship has decreased, Swedes had been using 6.5x55 to hunt caribou in late 19th century, that let sink in.
Well they could have killed them with a club too, but why not use a more qualified weapon
I was about to say the same thing. It's crazy how the 6.5x55 doesn't come up in these conversations. It's track record is undeniable.
Part of the reason for the Swedes hunting successfully for such a long time with the 6.5x55mm cartridge is ….. Their government requires hunters to pass a shooting/accuracy test with the rifle and cartridge of their choice . Before being allowed to hunt . That is one of the reasons these police forces across the country decided to change back to the 9mm . They are required to pass the shooting exam for the required firearm that they intend to use .
@@Jake-mm1cz Agreed, many people here in the states are pretty much incompetent with their rifles, and rely entirely on the killing power of the cartridge they are firing. Too many older gen x folks who lie about military service out there in the woods with a rifle they only fired 3 shots from, and no idea what they are doing.
@@Jake-mm1cz true here in Florida, police fire 5000 rounds from their service pistol to qualify. Fired over 2 days iirc
Great video! The 280AI is my favorite by far. After I saw what can do on elk I'm sold. The 30-06 is a close second, but I'm thinking I might step it up to the 300wsm. Just a little more horse power IMO.
Gotta love 300WSM
I do love me some 300wsm. Best all around cartridge in my opinion. Unfortunately it seems like new rifles aren't being chamber in it as much.
Glad to see people stepping up for the 7mm-08. I was disappointed it was only mentioned as being inadequate for elk.
Its amazing how much the 338fed gets overlooked. Such a great hunting round.
Sako 338...sweet shooter...
30-06
30-06
30-06
30-06
Etc.
Thanks for including the 300 Weatherby. It's my personal choice for Elk.
I just carry a golf bag with a selection of rifles in a good cross selection of calibers. That way I can have the ideal combination in any situation.
😁
My caddy hates me.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
7mm08. Great round not even shown once. One of the best multiple game cartriges. Not necesarily the best but definately in the running in multiple categories.
I think the .270 Win will take everything you have mentioned. Remember Sectional Density and bullet performance!
there isnt much a 130 grain partition or barnes wont kill.
@@ronlowney4700 say you dont fully understand the physics behind terminal ballistics without saying you dont understand lol.
I agree and so much flatter shooting than a 30/06 all the .30 cal bandwagon guys should open a reloading manual up something and look at ballistic coefficient's, grain weights, velocities, etc.
I agree my 270 is to this day my go to for everything unless I know it’s elk or larger out past 700 yards and then it’s my .338 lapua.
This old Wyoming guy has taken well over 100 antelope, dozens of mule deer and a few dozen elk (never drew a moose tag, and would never shoot a bear) with my old Savage 110 L in 270, with a cheap 4X Tasco scope. Bought in '61.
Savage, as they were the ONLY one out there with left handed bolt actions.....and the triple bolt lugs that beat the snot out of W 70.
Only ONCE did it take more than one shot to drop an animal, but I never shot at one that was moving.
My bony old (83) shoulder can't take it anymore....so the 243 is my new go to.
This "best for each animal" stuff is........ok. But few of us can afford it.
I love all the price level reviews, the cartridge reviews, scope reviews, etc... I'm wondering if you could hook us up with a best setup (rifle, scope, caliber) for different price levels... $1000, $2000, and $3500? Target species would be "big game"... from antelope through whitetail, mulies, and the top end being elk. I think most guys don't have the disposable income to have an endless supply of rifles (in different calibers) and scopes. But, I think most guys could save up one time to get the right set up. As a newbie to rifle hunting this sort of video would be super helpful. I also know you're big on suppressors, so, feel free to fit that in if need be. I also recognize there are so many variables (treestand hunting v. backcountry, personal preference, etc...) but, I think a lot of people value your insight.
That’s a great idea. I’m on it.
@@backfire Sweet! I know you'll do great. Will be looking forward to it.
Also if you get a suppressor for a .308 will it also work on a .280 AI, provided both are threaded 5/8 x 24? Thanks. The cannel is great. You and like 3 others are really good.
@@backfire Jim, can you start with the "perfect east of the Mississippi white tail set up" including a suppressor?
@@timnichols3582 Yes, most suppressors that are .308 will do just fine for smaller stuff. Most first time buyers will just get a .308 can rated for stuff like the 300 RUM so they can use it on anything smaller like 7 mag, 6.5 prc, etc. Performance of sound suppression probably wont be as good as a dedicated 7mm can, but its so close you probably wont even notice a difference. I have used a .45 cal can on a .223 before and its still pretty decent.
Big fan of the 270. Had some absolutely stellar hunts with it.
He under rates it
I love mine...it is a killer but the recoil has turned me over to 30-06 the last couple of years.
@ Backfire - Years ago, as a younger man, I did forestry field research in Minnesota and Canada. During my time there, a friend and I were on the way towards Ely, MN on a logging road at night. A full-grown black bear darted out of the woods and ran ahead in our vehicle's headlights for perhaps 75-100 yards before disappearing into the woods. We were doing 30mph at the time, yet that big old guy kept pace with us without a problem. It is nothing short of awesome to see something that large move that fast.
My first deer, 11-01-2015. Went down @5:15pm, so deboning in the dark. Finally back to truck. Maybe 10:30p-11:00p ... I start heading home...on the road I'm on... it's approaching the turn where it goes thru the "flatlands" of this one place... up ahead, maybe 100yds or so I saw a critter jump into the road! Excited I speed-up to see if I can catch a glimpse. It was a yote! I ended up speeding up to getting behind him and this straight-away is lined with barbed wires on both sides and it's night so he knows he can't rapidly negotiate the barbed wire fence....so instead.. he tries just running faster in that straight line! I ran him up to 35-40mph for a little bit before backing off and he finally turns and makes a dash thru the fence-line at a more opened up spot. Was such an awesome way to end that night! Total two-fer! I was astounded at how dang fast he coudl run and more importantly for how long he kept it up!
@@TheGDizzo - That's a very cool story.I guess when they make up their minds to go fast, they can!
Excellent video sir. The caliber choices was great. It's hard to beat the older proven calibers 308, 30-06, 6.5 PRC, 7mm mag, 300 mag. I have all these calibers I listed and in my world the heck with the rest. I will not buy the new calibers due to it could be a trap phasing out the old stuff and then stopping production on the new ammo then no one has ammo. I could be thinking upside down or strange but I try to think ahead keeping guns I can get ammo for in hard times. I did get the 6.5PRC because I can reload for it and I have a lot of brass and bullets for it. Thanks for the hard work putting together the videos.
Certainly some excellent calibers you have mentioned and I fortunately own several of them. My personal 2 favorites for almost everything I hunt are the .270 Winchester and the .300WinMag. They always do what I ask of them whenever I ask them. Well done on the video! One of the better channels for all things guns on RUclips...
My thoughts exactly. I’ve taken more deer with a .270 Weatherby. But my favorite rifle has to be the .300WSM, just not a fan of how expensive the rounds are.
The furthest shot I’ve taken in Missouri was 316 yards and the tracking was zero, the .300 short mag dropped a decent size buck.
It’s criminal that you didn’t include 7mm-08 in the deer category. Well, maybe not criminal but it could be the perfect deer cartridge.
I agree. I totally should have mentioned it.
I agree. I own a 30 06, otherwise I would buy a 7mm 08.
7mm08 is what we got my mom for a moose rifle. Has 3 under its belt now, including my first filled tag.
One hell of a video great work man
For me - 7mm08 is the best, .308, .270 2nd and 3rd respectively, and .223 for a fun round. Regards from New Zealand.
In New Zealand a 7mm 08 or 270win is pretty perfect for our soft skinned deer. 7mm08 allows shorter barrel for getting through our thick scrub and ya mrs can take the shot without destroying her shoulder!!
Well said, Im from South Africa, and I 100% agree on the blue wildebeast topic, they are tough and anatomy is different than most. I use a 270win for most hunts and although I dropped plenty wildebeasts with it, I also lost a few, it is not the best suited (same on 6.5 PRC). I now aquired a 300 PRC for that task. (did not want belted magnum). Stay Safe and keep it up!
My buddy and I are beanfield shooters in the South, so 400 yds is a chip shot. We both shoot custom 7 mags using the Hornady 180gr eldm's. Longest kill shots are 1102 yds and 1065 yds. We have never lost a deer in the 25 years of long range. Longest shot this past season was 785 yds. The 7 mag was excellent for Africa for plains game animals out to 920 yds on a Kudu. One of the guys in our party drop a zebra in his tracks at 505 yds with a 6.5 Creedmoor. It's the man behind the gun that makes the real difference.
Yerp you can instinctively shot as far as you can see with a sling shot I can lead instinctively with a 45 Kentucky muzzle loader I've had since birth .
I am Colorado native with many years in the field. I ask many hunters what they shoot.
7mm Remington mag is the most popular for deer, elk.
.243/6mm is minimum for big game by law.
My personal choice: 30/06 150 grain for deer. 180 grain for elk. Remington core lokt bullets. You don’t need to overthink this. My freezer is full using $20/box Remington core lokt.
I'm a lever action guy, but I can be flexible for an old fart. The Henry long ranger in 308 is excellent for dear and other's. But for African game in Texas or American Bison I like my Winchester 50-110. But it has a lot of kick to it, I usually have my son and I look for my shoulder in the next county. ( Lol ). My hand load's are from 5,500 to 6,440 ftlbs of energy. I do use shoulder shield's and that really help's. Loved the video and I'm going to save it, because I'm so confused just like Sleepy Joe. Have a great night my 2A friend!
How the hell are you getting that much energy out of a 50-110 cartridge? I've never shot that round but the highest muzzle energy I've seen for that is 3300.
"You can never go wrong with 7 mag" Truer words have never been spoken!
I went with a 30-06 for my lightweight do it all AK gun. A mix of ammo availability/prices, capability and grizzly bears set me on it. After hitting this years caribou right in the vitals at 407 yards and watching him drop in his tracks I'm happy with my choice. Lightweight gun with low recoil and relatively cheap ammo got me out shooting way more than I ever did with my 338wm. Practice makes you deadly, not ballistics charts.
"Practice makes you deadly, not ballistic charts"......Outstanding!!!!
300 blackout really should get a mention for deer. Fantastic cartridge 200 yards and in. That’s all ya need in the north woods. That and 308 are my favorite calibers. Nice vid!
Finally someone brave enough to admit that 6.5 of almost any flavor is not a true elk cartridge. Sure it can be used but for a dedicated elk gun you want more punch
Well, I would argue if you cannot kill it with a 6.5Cm or other 6.5mm options, then you probably shouldn't be shooting at all. I have killed a number of elk with the 6.5CM and my 26 Nosler. They die within 30 feet of where they were hit. These shots are taken within 350 yards and most under 200. To me, the proper shot, with the weapon and ammo you have trained with does to the trick regardless of caliber.
@@mcman007 seems like this 🤡 was just try to hate on the 6.5 caliber. Out of all this info Backfire put out, that’s what this 🤡 gathered. I own multiple calibers, and the 6.5 CM is my favorite. Everything that I’ve hit dropped immediately.
Great information. Thank you for posting your opinion and reasoning. I’m on the search now for a new rifle and this definitely helps.
Check out Ron Spomer. Way better info.
Name dropping Joseph VonBenedikt in this episode I like it. I just listened to two of his BackCountry Hunting podcasts today. One was about planning an DIY Alaska moose hunt and the other was Predator Cartridges.
I like my two rifle system with the 270 Win and 300 WSM. I have thought about getting a light weight mountain rifle with a suppressor in 6.8 Western, 280 AI, 7 SAUM, 7mm -08. One of those cartridges. Even though the only medium game to large game cartridge that I see ammo for in Cabela’s is 308.
I really like this guy’s reviews. Stumbled onto his channel last night and subscribed just now. Good stuff. 👍
Jim Carmichael did a list like this for the Oct 06 issue of Outdoor Life called "The Best Big-Game Calibers". Of course, his list came out before a lot of the newer cartridges. The interesting thing is that he recommended the 30-06 for everything in America except grizzly. It may not have been his favorite choice for a particular animal but it was still recommended. Add a 223 for varmints and small predators as well as a 12ga for small game and birds and you're pretty much covered.
Lets talk Elk. Honestly, how many average Joe's watching this U tube video will ever get to hunt more than once or twice 350 plus Bull Elk. Reality is 85% of us public land Elk hunters never see any Elk much above rag horn status. Elk are lost often on public land hunts because Elk shot opportunities are usually at Elk that have been kicked up by other hunters. The shot opportunity is 3-5 seconds, usually on the move, with the Elk's adrenaline pumping. This is most often the opportunity we public land hunters get. For this reason, I Love my Sako .338 Win Mag. I like horse power and cubic inches in my #1 Elk gun. 😁
I was shocked it wasn’t on the list for elk and moose. My dad loved his 338 win mag for elk. It hits hard and when we are discussing how tough elk are, I think this has to be on the elk dream team.
@@ronlowney4700 I completely agree with what you have said. Personally, I do not use a 338 as it’s too much gun for my needs. I use a 7mm rem mag and it suits my needs for the game I hunt in Alberta.
I’ll be honest I could definitely gun down a little for deer, as that’s the majority of what I hunt. But I wanted a 1 size fits all and the rem mag works. I definitely agree the 270 does the job as well, but I think you have to have a certain degree of skill to be successful with that rifle on elk and moose. I’m good at target shooting but my shot placement on game could use improvement. Specifically in the heat of the moment. I get my game but when I’m analyzing my shot after the fact I see room for improvement.
So, in conclusion, I agree with what you have said Ron but I don’t think I’m quite good enough to hunt that way yet.
Ron. Move to a new state. Yes. Utah is Private property or Limited Entry Units. Public land hosts a small army for hunting.
300 PRC is also perfect for Western Elk
7mm Rem Mag - SUCH a good round to cover all types of hunting
Nice to hear a warning about the 6.5 caliber. I agree with the versatility of the 7mm. But I think that the .338 federal would be an excellent choice for black bear, hogs and the like. Surprised you didn't mention the .338 WM for elk.
anything 338 not mention is insane such a great piece of gear
too much recoil in many rifles for many.
Really enjoyed this video. Probably disappointed some 6.5 shooters but it’s important to know limitations. We hear about all these amazing long distance shots but never hear about so many animals never recovered due to poor shots and poor choice of cartridges. Thanks
Probably a good thing to disappoint some 6.5 shooters, lol. It’s treated like the cartridge to end all cartridges by some people.
@@jason91notch Yeah i hear it all the time from shooters that have these wild claims about the 6.5 Creed, I'm not impressed. I'm building a custom .308 Win
Done all these critters with a 7mm-08rem..... My boss took mine to Africa for his wife no issues. Btw a 140 gr bullet on everything is not only fur friendly but an effective quick kill
@@TexanUSMC8089 ive downed elk from 500 yards with a 6.5. its all about bullet placement
My wife’s first kill was a bison 100 yards with a 7mm08Rem and 140 grain TTSX hand loads, the next year she got her first Alaskan moose with same rifle, same loads. The 7mm08Rem is a very efficient cartridge.
My choices are simple:
22-250...priaire dogs, coyotes
25-06....coyotes, mule deer
.300 win mag...mule deer, elk
Of critical importance is bullet selection, which I find many hunters sadly lacking in knowledge.
Luv the selection but I keep mine even more simple .308 for the small shit 300 wm for all the big shit
for elk my favorite, and im biased because it's my favorite big cartridge in general, is definitely the 300 norma. Ever since I discovered it when SOCOM adopted the roound to replace the 300 WM and the 338 lapua, I've been hooked
210gr patrioto valley arms Cayuga solid with h1000 going 3150 FPS out of a 28in barrel is lights out. I believe you said 1500 ft lbs or more is what you want for elk and I know according to my ballistic chart it drops below that somewhere around 1500 yards.
I'm an ELR shooter so I'm a softy for the 300 NM
Regarding your comments about 6.5s in general.
Years ago a 6.5x55 became my go-to after my 30-06 wouldn't group and I was about to go on a hunt an needed a new rifle. The cartridge selection was inspired by an old timer behind the gun counter who said I'd love the round, and he was absolutely correct.
With anemic factory loads chrono'd at 2383 fps , and 140gn soft point bullets, I've taken blacktail, mule deer, whitetail, cow elk, black bear, and some pretty hefty moose at a little over 200yds and 365 yds for a cow elk. All have either dropped in their tracks or within a few yards of where they were shot. Shot placement is key.
You can debate all day long about cartridges and bullets, and I certainly have and hunt with more than just a 6.5 with soft points, but shot placement is always king.
100 percent agree. I love the old 6.5x55 too. The Swede drifts less in the wind, carries more energy down range than larger calibers because of the 6.5's efficient bullets and high BC, penetrates deep because of the 6.5 high SD, and has low recoil making it a pleasure to shoot, leading to more range time and promoting shooter accuracy (no flinch). And the bullet selection from 100 gr to 160 gr making it an acceptable choice for a multitude of game animals. It is nearly the perfect cartridge when the hunter does their part regarding shot placement.
Love his honest assessment. The 7mag, and 3006 are about as perfect as you can get, lot more punch than a 270 and carry up better. Have had a 7 mm rem mag for 30 years and she never let me down just like my other fave the 25/06.
.270 is goated. 130 grains do almost too much damage on deer. 145 grain is good for elk.
@@samrichards589 Not
270 isn't even big enough for goat.
@@twolak1972 you must’ve never shot anything with a .270 and seen the on game performance.
@@samrichards589 yup. That's why I went to a 7mm mag, too many deer running off after hitting them.in the lungs with a 270. 7 mag, watched em drop.
@@twolak1972 I drop deer with a .243 and they are heavy northern deer.
I only have rifles in .223 Rem and in .338 Win Mag. They cover everything from roe deer to moose.
Absolutely absurd you didn't include the 7mm-08 in the deer category.
Interesting take on 6.5 calibre. I've taken moose, elk, whitetail, mule deer, and black bear with my 6.5x55 Swede. The only bullet I use is Barnes, the 120 TTSX, and 130 TSX, virtually every shot was through and through. I think blame for any failures is squarely on the soft, cup and core bullets you were using, not the calibre.
Most people want to shoot these target bullets at animals. Bullet selection is more important than cartridge selection and for hunting there is no better and more reliable bullet than the Barnes TTSX.
@@luthermoore4897 The Hornady ELD-X certainly give it a run for it’s money. Both wonderful bullets.
300 Weatherby mag
Is my go too for all of the wild game you just talked about !!
Thanks for sharing all of your videos with us !!
For pronghorn and coyote, really?
Yep why not !!
@@WilliamStihl blow the crap out of them.
I agree that the 6.5s are definitely light for wildebeests, I used a 6.5-06 on springbok, impala and blesbok, with a Barnes 130 tsx and they worked perfect. You had some great choices there, couldn’t argue with any except maybe the 308 for cougar, it just seems a little much. My son used my 6.5 Grendel on a big Southern Utah tom a couple of years ago and it worked perfect. Keep up the good work, you’re channel is great
You’re probably right
Greetings from Switzerland (and not Sweden please ...) !!! Very interesting and thourough presentation. Thanks a lot !!
Here in western Europe (Switzerland, Germany and Austria - not Australia ...) we mainly use the 30.06, 308, 300 Win Mag and 7x64 for big game : wild boar, red deer and deer. In the mountain areas, we appreciate, in addition, the 7 Rem Mag for chamois and ibex.
All the best and keep going !!!
Do many hunters still use the 6.5x55?
@@NuManXplore In Sweden and Norway the 6.5 x 55 is a popular caliber. In Switzerland, every state (called "canton") has its own legislation on hunting, subordinated by the federal legislation. In most cantons, the minimum caliber is 7 mm. 6.5 is therefore prohibited for hunting.
@@Forster1973 Oh ok, very interesting, thanks for the reply.
You left one of the best deer cartridges off that list 7mm-08! I used a 7rem mag for 20 years for deer and after seeing my son put down numerous deer and elk with his 7mm-08, I bought one for myself. My last two mule deer bucks went down to the 7mm-08.
I know it wasn't an option for comparison in this group of cartridges, but considering the real life conditions you shot under and the actual outcomes, I think the 308 Winchester would have been completely effective, if not ideal here... even out to 400 yards. Cheers!
30.06 for dreamland, .308 for real life.
Personally, the .243 is an underrated cartridge. I wouldn’t use it for anything bigger than a large whitetail, but the little bugger is surprisingly good. My father is 55 years old and has used a .243 Winchester pump since he was 20 and swears by it.
Agreed. The lack of recoil means that you are more apt to hit where you aim. It’s a necked down .308 win.
I’ve taken deer with 100 grain loads. Not my first choice, but is good
The 243 is great up to 200 yards. Beyond that, the bullet drop is huge.
As usual a very informative vid. Thanks. I am a Vancouver Island deer hunter that occasionally makes it to the mainland for moose. 30 06 (the true .308 I call it) just fit the bill all around. 125 grain core lokt drop these blacktail like nobodies business. If I hunt the mainland I'm allways aware of being in grizzly country. 165 grain for moose, a second clip with 185s, just in case.
Just moved to van from edmonton hows the hunting out here?
I find the older I get, the less interested I am in hunting. Yet, I still found this interesting. Thanks
I'll take my .30-06 all day any day, any weather to take anything in North America. Bullet construction and shot placement are critical on any hunt. IT Cannot be emphasized enough that every hunter needs more trigger time, and learn how to adjust to changing weather conditions and that you won't be shooting from a bench rest at 70*F on a sunny day at the Zero that your rifle is dialed in for. 99% of the hunters I talk to say that they take shots under 200 yards.
Amen to that.
I love shooting on the crappiest weather days as possible within reason. My dad would always take us to the range on really windy days and bad weather days as well and as a kid I never understood why and dreaded the weather, but now I am thankful he did that. The weather here in Eastern MT can be very unforgiving and to be successful, you have to be able to adapt.
100% in agreement, gentlemen. The '06 is still widely respected here in the UK and I have used my old Sako 75 to take everything from muntjac to moose throughout the European continent. A 165 TSX or Interbond at over 2900 for stags, boar and elk or a 130 TTSX at 3200-ish for roe and fallow using Viht and Ramshot propellants respectively, seem to keep the old war horse in the fight!
Across the pond, we tend to use the spot and stalk method, such that 250 metres is the maximum practicable distance I would personally entertain, leaning against a tree or standing with sticks. I also shoot competitive F-Class, so am conversant with wind doping and elevation, but ethically, would not exceed my abilities in the field.
In summary, it all comes down to trigger time and familiarity with your rifle. I don't hold with the "golf club" approach, frankly, despite the fact that I do have another 7 rifles to play with!
Respect from these shores.
30-06 with a 168 grain monolithic bullet doing 2800ft/s will take anything from squirrel to Eland within ethical hunting distances. Shot placement, energy downrange, bullet weight and ESPECIALLY bullet construction will ensure you bag the venison. Wind drift and bullet deflection only really comes into play at shots pass 350 yards.
30-06 for the win here.
It's 400 yards to the edge of the woods where my deer stand is. I realize that while I don't have to shoot that far...on occasion it's the best option. With a 30-06 I'm not as sure about tsx/ttsx expansion as another bullet selection. I'd love to go all copper/mono, but I have seen enough test results to know I would need more speed at that range to get great expansion and a quick kill on perhaps a less than perfect shot. Inside of 300? Yes, you are correct. This fall I will probably have a ttsx in the chamber and I can eject it quickly if a must-shoot buck is grazing broadside near the end of the field for a faster expanding second cartridge.
More important than slight energy gain, is bullet construction. Bonded bullets like Nosler Partition, or solid Barnes ect
Couldn't. Agree. More. I'm usually in agreement with a lot of the content he puts out. But this is a real head scratcher. In one breath he proclaims the Aoudad a heavy bodied critter known to have a reputation for being hard to bring down, then in the next sentence he admits to using MATCH ammo as uposed to a well constructed hunting bullet. He then criticizes the 6.5 PRC for not having enough energy?!?! Huh??? A BIG aoudad will push 300 lbs. Smh...
Here's my thoughts, keep in mind I'm talking shots under 400yds, my ethical limit. Game under 60lbs- 223 Remington. It's so common, very mild, and for animals this size carries plenty of energy. 60-200lbs- 243 Win. Very easy to shoot, very aerodynamic bullets, and as long as you have proper bullet selection (bonded or monolithic) you'll kill anything in this size range with ease. 200-500lbs- 270 Win/280 A.I. Give me a 130 TTSX in the 270 or a 162 Interbond in the 280 and I'll give you a slew of very dead animals. 500-2000lbs- 338 Win/338 RUM. 200 gr Trophy bonded tips and 225gr Nosler accubonds/Barnes TTSX are very persuasive on game from elk to buffalo. 2000+lbs- 458 Lott/460 Weatherby. Is there really and explanation needed? Something that big is likely also very angry, and you'll be glad you have a 500gr .458 bullet to make them a little calmer.
You have reason,a ttsx 130 gr in a 270,you drop all the North American animal,shoot correctly and that,s all you know.
I really strongly believe .270 WSM is one of those do it all across the board cartridges. Bummed to not see it on any of the choices.
Same
Native people around here:
-black bear 243
-moose 243
-caribou 243
- anything else? Yeah, 243
My Grand father back then:
Hein? What? I dont ear you but 30-30 everything!
Me: it depends... black bear 7.62x39 or 6.5 Grendel or 308 or 30-06, moose 7.62x39 or 6.5 Grendel or 308 or 30-06.
7.62x39 for moose and blackbear? Yikes, I wouldnt
@@alexfabian4244 100m or less, it's more than enough! As I said, it depend.
@@northman77 I suppose with a good bullet it shouldn't be an issue
I love my 308 for elk. My experience here in colorado people shoot elk and don't go look for blood. They just assume they didn't fall so they missed. Or they shoot at noises instead of waiting for the good shot.
Pretty sad, in alberta people are a little better but only a little
@@kodyshapka9696 It's really sad. We have point restrictions here as well so there's a good amount of elk not legal. But they don't care. I'd of taken alot more elk in my life if I had that mind from but ill pass if it dont feel right.
Shoot a real gun for elk and you don't have to look for blood, the elk will be laying there. 308 is sub-par for elk and one of the many rounds that cause many elk to be wounded and never found.
@@sakostwwy1903 been hunting with My 308 since 2004 its killed everything I've shot with it. I've watched deer run miles after getting hit with a 300 win mag. Your "opinion " is a joke at best.
Shooting at noises....and that's how you kill someone.
Great series. Excellent!!! But, On Elk, you missed what I believe is clearly the very best Elk cartridge: 338 Win Mag. Your comments suggesting to use larger and heavier cartridges is right on. I have experience over the past 60 years with 7-08, 6.5 CM, 270, 280, 264 Win Mag, 30-06, 7 Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 375 H&H and 338 Win Mag. When it comes to elk, by far the 338 Win Mag is in a class by itself IMHO. It has the reach, portability and power. Something happens with the 338 Win Mag that just either drops elk where they stand, or takes all the starch out of them so that they don't go more than a few steps. My historical favorite bullets have been the 250 gr Nosler Partition, 225 gr Bear Claw and 225 gr and 250 gr Woodliegh Weldcore protected point. They all have worked so well that I haven't gotten around to trying any of the newer bullets. Sure it has recoil. But lots of practice with reduced loads helps with flinch.
Totally agree with the deer aspect! I have a .308 and took a nice whitetail with it this year. 250 yard shot shooting Nosler Ballistic Tip and the deer dropped in its tracks. I probably wouldn’t shoot past 400 due to my own confidence and ballistics.
A 308 is pushing 1287 fps at 1000yrs... A 357 Mag point blank is 1240 fps... A 308 is very deadly even at 1000yrs!
100% agree with the 308 for pigs. It's dynamite on even the toughest pigs here in oz
I love listening to your reasoning and internally disagreeing with you.
lol 😝
Disagreeing is half the fun.
Got my daughter a 7mm 08. With Hornady rounds she's on par with my .270 in most situations for anything smaller than elk. 7mm 08 hardly gets coverage, but with a shorter cartridge, high speed, good energy, and straight trajectories, it's an underrated round.
And low recoil
Excellent caliber. I can vouch for hornday custom lite 120SST (if that's what you are referring to) on whitetails.. If not, let your daughter at least practice with them. Very accurate and effective loads out to 225+/- yards with considerably less recoil.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention 7 mm 08 with deer but mention to 308. However brought the 7 mm 08 up for elk
Fine point. 7mm08 is awesome for deer
Yep. 7mm-08 140gr hits harder than the 308 w 150gr past 150yds. It beats the 30-06 at 250yds and beyond. With 162 gr it's a charm for larger than deer animals.
Switching rifles for different game is understandable but I still believe in knowing your rifle and shot placement is everything
Im blessed to be a land owner in New Mexico that has elk mule deer prong horn big game. Thought that I needed a magnum rifle for big game hunting so I bought a 300 Remington ultra mag and a 7mm. One morning I grabbed my Grandfather 30/06 that I used for years, 1903 Springfield that has been sporterised, when the rifle was given to me many years ago I glass beaded it laped the lugs drilled and taped and altered the bolt put a Timothy trigger on it set it at 2 pounds. Jumped on the side by side glassed a nice 6x6 bull with 5 cows razored the distance 236 yards made my dope change and pressed the trigger ran the bolt whent back on the scope the bull was down waited around 10 minutes, the bleed out were he played. Getting back to the mag debate that the choice every hunter needs to make for them shelf, a for me the 30/06 is not just my go to rifle its my only big game rifle.
you have tags for sale lol
My rifle is in 270... A decision I made after a lot of research including this channel... It wasn't picked for any as his top but glad to see it was on the list for at least half....
@@ronlowney4700 done!
I've seen people rave about 25-06 for elk, deer, pig... but maybe not African game or bear. It's kind, accurate, and penetrates deep.
You'd think it would be inadequate like the 243, on some of these, but for some reason it tends to hold together in the key bullet designs popular.
Does a great job explaining his choices of firearms for types of animals to hunt. New sub here due to your excellent format. Missão Brasil Maceió. Thanks for your content!
I love how honest you are about your hunts Jim, I try to be the same way, so tired of these youtubers and commenters with the old "I ONLY DO ONE SHOT ONE KILL, IM ETHICAL" and the doctored up videos and BS stories, the reality is things happen out there, kudos too you for being honest about the wildebeest and deer that died slow so that we can all learn and become more ethical hunters.
Mr. Moose would look pretty good over that fireplace too!
The only one I disagree with much is caribou. I have a fair amount of experience with them, living in Alaska. I have taken seven of them since 2012. Both sexes, ranges from 40 yards to 260+- in central to northern Alaska herds. Yep, longer shots can happen, I have not had to deal with them with a little patience and using the terrain. Largest ones were maybe a 350 pound bulls. And I've hunted southern Africa four times. I mention that because I'd put a caribou in the black wildebeest category of things. Honestly black wildebeest are tougher, but the weight and distance are comparable. I used a 30-06 for 3 of them, and a 7mm-08 for 3 others, friends have used 300 win mag and 308s with the same effectiveness. So, if you want to play it safer for trajectory a 7 mag or 300 win mag, but that Weatherby is way overkill.
Thanks for giving that opinion. I’m anxious to go hunt one.
my buddy and I have had a thing for 10 years now. He has a 7mm and I got a 30-06. He's hit and lost 1 deer 2 elk. I haven't lost one. His is flashy and shiny but mine is a work horse. I trust the 30-06 cal over any gun. It's not the best at any one thing, but it is great at everything it needs to be. The real kicker is 2 years ago, he bought a 30-06 and has been using that more and more. Only hunting rifle I own Is my 06 and I don't believe I'll ever use another. if it ain't broke am I right.
Would love to see an episode on how much suppressors reduce recoil.
@Daniel Nave I’ve heard up to 30% but I haven’t seen any solid information.
It’s more like 30-50 felt recoil depending on the size of the suppressor.
Best from Norway.
@@jrnbakken4348 if that’s the case then taking the recoil velocity of a 300 win mag and reducing it by 30% would be the equivalent of a 7mm-08, and a 30.06 less 30% would be just above a 30.30 in recoil velocity.
Yes. Properly designs are reducing recoil 30-50%. There are videos on the tube that cover it. Try muzzle brake search first, and you will find can styles in the search.
@@jamiepezoulas4546 I have both 300 and 7-08 and I would say even a less.. But it depends on the suppressor.
Good video.👍
7mm mag. 308. 300wm. 22-250,280AI.
Still standing strong.
6.5 PRC. And 6.8 western. Awesome new kids on the block.