Thoughts on .270 Ammo for Elk: What Works Best?

Hunting with Firearms
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I’m gearing up for elk season and I’m planning to use my .270 rifle for the hunt. I’ve done some research, but I’d love to hear from folks who have actual experience with using .270 ammunition for elk hunting.

What bullet types do you recommend?

I’ve come across suggestions for different bullet types like partition bullets, monolithic bullets, and soft points. Which ones have you found to be most effective? I’m particularly interested in knowing about weight variations—some say the 130 grain works perfectly, while others swear by the 150 grain.

Personal Stories

If you have any anecdotes about your experiences, I’d love to hear them! Whether it’s about the effectiveness of your shot or challenges you faced in the field, sharing those moments could really help me (and others) in preparing for our hunt.

Load Recommendations

Also, are there specific brands or loads that you think really shine when it comes to taking down elk? I’ve read mixed reviews across the internet, and it’s tough to filter out the noise.

General Advice

Any additional pointers you might have for using .270 with elk would be greatly appreciated. From shot placement to terrain considerations, every bit of advice counts as I gear up for this hunting season!

Looking forward to your thoughts!

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I’ve had great success with 150 grain Nosler Partition for elk. It’s got excellent penetration and expansion. What do others think?

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I second that! The Nosler Partition is amazing. I also like the 160 grain AccuBond; it offers a great balance of accuracy and power.

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I prefer using Federal Premium with the 150 grain Trophy Bonded Tip. It’s tough and expands really well, even on heavier game like elk.

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Good point! I’ve also heard good things about the Hornady ELD-X rounds. They can really deliver on accuracy.

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I personally like the Winchester Super X, 130 grain. It’s lighter but has served me well out in the field. Anyone else tried it?

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130 grain for elk? That’s a bold move! I think going heavier provides better knockdown power.

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Honestly, I think it depends on your hunting style. I’ve used both heavy and lighter loads, and they both have their merits.

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I’ve also found mixed results with my .270 ammo. Sometimes I feel less is more with lighter bullets for faster speeds.

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I’m curious to see if anyone has experience with the Remington Core-Lokt ammo? I’ve heard pros and cons about it for elk.

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I’ve used Core-Lokt in the past. It’s reliable but not the best for penetration on larger game. I’d stick with Nosler or Federal.

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Exactly! Core-Lokt can work but your shot placement has to be spot on. Penned that they may not perform like others in tough conditions.

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Remember, regardless of ammo choice, shot placement is critical. That will always outperform a magic bullet.

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True! Although, I’d still like a magic bullet. Preferably one that does the laundry too!

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I’ve used .270 ammo for elk hunting, and I find it effective for shots under 300 yards. Shot placement is key; aim for the heart-lung area for a quick drop.

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Absolutely! I’ve read that proper shot placement can mean the difference between a quick kill and a long chase. What about environmental factors like altitude?

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When hunting at high altitudes, it’s essential to account for bullet drop. Practice shooting at longer ranges helps to adjust your aim accurately. Just remember to stay calm!

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Great point! I’ve been working on my range shooting. How far can you reliably shoot with the .270? I’m curious about the limits.

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The .270 is generally effective up to about 400 yards for elk, but it depends on the load and your shooting skills. Consistency is what really matters!

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That’s good to know! I usually hunt in lower terrains. Any tips on adapting your strategy for steep mountainous areas?