What's your average Rifle shot range on an Elk?

stuckinthecitylife · Nov 28, 2016

Been kicking this thread idea around ..

Here it is. Either list, or average your kill-shot on Elk. And specify Caliber(s) used.

If you're like me, you don't want to take any chance on a missed, or poorly placed shot. I've turned down 400-500yd shots, because I just wasn't in a good place, or didn't have the best visibility for where the animal might go after being hit. Or maybe I simply didn't have the confidence.

I was thinking about it. Since I started hunting Elk in 2008, my kills have all been pretty close.

Cow - 100yds, .308, Heart
Spike Bull - 10yds, .22 Hornet, Head Shot. (Dropped like a sack of flour)
5x5 Bull - 60yds, 30.06, Lung/Vitals x2 Shots
Spike Bull - 40yds, 30.06, Headshot.
5x5 Bull - 65yds, 30.06, Lung/Vitals x3 Shots (Longest I've had one stay afoot before dropping)
6x6 Bull - 40yds, 30.06, Heart

So, my average killshot is just over 50yds, and averaging am 1.5 shots.

I'm curious what others might post? My 30.06 has been the go-to the last couple years. And I've been shooting a 165grn Winchester Super X. I'm most certainly ready to change it up, and maybe go with a heavier, and more controlled expansion bullet.

I hunt in the Southern Idaho mountains. Usually semi-wooded with Fir, Pine, and brush undergrowth. With lots of open line of sight.

- Joseph

1_pointer · Nov 28, 2016

The very few elk that I have shot have all been within 10yds of 300yds away when I shot them.

TimeOnTarget · Nov 28, 2016

.22 hornet for elk? Is that even legal?

I'd say my average is probably about 200yds give or take. Longest being 484yds. closest being right at 80yds. All 1 shot deals.

Backstrap · Nov 28, 2016

I've killed 10 elk. All between 70 and 225 yards. 150 is about the average for me.

utahminer · Nov 28, 2016

Three of mine have been with a muzzleloader so my numbers are a little skewed. Two have been 50 yrds and then one at 150 yrds. I have taken on with rifle and it was at 375 yrds. That would make my average right around 150 yrs.

HighDesertSage · Nov 28, 2016

stuckinthecitylife said:
Spike Bull - 10yds, .22 Hornet, Head Shot. (Dropped like a sack of flour)

Seriously?

HighDesertSage · Nov 28, 2016

2011 Cow @ 10 yrds
2012 Cow @ 250 yrds
2015 Cow @ 379 yrds
2016 Bull @ 180 yrds

Idahoarcheryhunter · Nov 28, 2016

Pretty sure a 22 hornet is no where near being legal

idelkslayer · Nov 28, 2016

All with 180 grain sierra gamekings from a 30-06. It is rare that I get a one shot kill because no matter how good the hit looks, I keep shooting until the animal is down. I still shake my head at how many shots it took to bring down my first cow. and my bull last year at close range soaked up three shots also.

Cow, 200 yards, heart/lung x 3 (grouped 3 inches)
Spike, 60 yards, heart/lung x1
Spike, 200 yards, heart lung x 2
Cow, 35 yards, neck x1
Bull, 300 yards, heart/lung x 1
Bull, 400 yards, heart/lung x 1; 80 yards neck x 1
Bull, 60 yards, heart/lung x 3
Cow, 100 yards, shoulder x1; 200 yards heart/lung x 1

Average shots: 1.875 per elk
Average range: 156 yards

airlocksniffer · Nov 28, 2016

2013 Spike: 75 yards, 2 shots (spine and head), .308 with 165g Hornady SST
2015 Cow: 100 yards, 1 shot (double lung), .308 with 165g Hornady SST
2016 Bull, 174 yards, 1 shot (double lung), 30-06 with 165g Federal Fusion

stuckinthecitylife · Nov 28, 2016

All very good information. It seems like a lot of shots do fall in the 150yrd category.

Respecting the .22 Hornet kill. Yes, completely legal, at least in Idaho. It is a Centerfire Rifle. I wasn't really anticipating getting into an Elk that day, as I was Coyote hunting more or less. But when the opportunity presented, I made use of it. Hand loaded 35grn V-max. I knew a perfectly placed bullet would do the trick. We've slaughtered Beef for years, and done that with a .22LR.

- Joseph

Cheater · Nov 28, 2016

My average on elk has got to be around 175 yds. Deer is closer to 300 though.

sbhooper · Nov 28, 2016

I have killed them from close out to 443 yards and all distances in between. I would say that 200 would probably be a good average.

TRS_Montana · Nov 28, 2016

2013 Cow - 120 yds, low shoulder/vitals - slug gun
2014 Cow - 60 yds, liver - slug gun
2014 Cow - 40 yds, heart/lung - .300 Win Mag
2015 Bull - 15 yds - Bow
2016 Bull - 60 yds, heart - .270 Win

300stw · Nov 28, 2016

after harvesting 17 bulls and reading this thread, I am embarrassed at my poor sneeking skills, I have harvested one elk under 250 yards, the rest further,,,,,,

Straight Arrow · Nov 28, 2016

I would say average 150 yds, but the ranges have been anywhere from 25 yds to maybe 350 yds.

My son took his paraplegic wheelchair-bound buddy up on a cow hunt last week. His disabled buddy is not shooting disabled however and is highly accurate at the long distance shooting he practices. He shot a cow elk at 600 yds with his trusted 270, then got into his wheelchair to assist in field dressing his elk. Clean shot right through the shoulder into the engine compartment ... just as he described before reaching the downed elk. It was a very inspiring hunt to help with.

LCH · Nov 28, 2016

My one elk.. 15 yards, .30/06, 180 grain SST.

npaden · Nov 28, 2016

6 elk in the last 8 years. Average of 150 yards with the closest being 50 yards and the longest being 275 yards.

Deleted member 20812 · Nov 28, 2016

Anywhere from 30 feet to 400 yards. Average would probably be in the 150 yard range, and the vast majority a one shot affair.

hank4elk · Nov 28, 2016

2- bulls w/30-30 Win, 50 & 55 yrds ,1 shot each.
2-bulls w/50 cal. inline mz , 27 & 85 yrds,1 shot each.
1-cow w/50 cal. inline mz, 35 yrds,1 shot.
2 spikes w/30-06,165's ,10 & 325 yrds, 2 shots @ 325,and he ran 100 yrds.
3-bulls w/30-06,165's,25 yrds,1 shot,125 & 225 yrds, 2 shots each. 1st one put both down,then finishing shot.
4-cows w/30-06,165's,150 & 175 (Tule) yrds 1shot, & the Tule cow ran 150 yrds w/dbl lung & heart shot. 325 & 405 yrds,2 shots each. 1st put both down, then finishing shot.

What's your average Rifle shot range on an Elk?

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