Elk Cartridge choices

[LanceOregon]

They want to keep California Condors from ingesting lead fragments from the gut piles of animals shot by lead bullets...

The problem with all this is that to legally shoot a ground squirrel, I need to use a copper bullet or other non-toxic projectile.. Which is nuts!!!

Well, but no such non-lead rimfire ammo exists in the marketplace. The Defacto effect is that no one can legally shoot ground squirrels in much of California anymore.

The Anti-gunners in California are easily winning the battle there. They are clearly against hunting.

The sport is slowly dying off in that state.

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[GeauxTide]

I've spent some time chronographing 7mm Weatherby loads (24" barrel) and there is no comparison to the 270. The WBY will push 150s over 3200 and 140s over 3300, easily. In the most common 22" barrel, a 270 will push 130s 3050, 140s 2900, and 150s 2800. Pull the scope off that 27 and put it on the 28.

[ZeroJunk]

I've spent some time chronographing 7mm Weatherby loads (24" barrel) and there is no comparison to the 270. The WBY will push 150s over 3200 and 140s over 3300, easily. In the most common 22" barrel, a 270 will push 130s 3050, 140s 2900, and 150s 2800. Pull the scope off that 27 and put it on the 28.

The trend toward lower power is in style. I suspect better bullet selections, general ability to shoot lower recoil cartridges better, philosophy of current gun writers, etc. is influencing this. I can't say that it is a bad idea in general.

However, knowing that you can't kill something too dead, and knowing that if you make the perfect shot, that everybody uses to qualify using a smaller cartridge, you are not going to damage any meat anyway, I haven't seen the downside to taking the flattest shooting rifle your particular recoil tolerance allows you to shoot well.

A slightly out of position target, animal moves at exactly the wrong time, wind, nerves,...., there are a lot of factors that can get you off a little. And, the idea that a faster heavier bullet won't marginally be in your favor defies logic. To me anyway.

[doofus47]

Any of them will work. Assuming that all are equally accurate, pick the one you enjoy 1) carrying the most and/or 2) shooting the most.

[arthurrh]

"Well, but no such non-lead rimfire ammo exists in the marketplace. The Defacto effect is that no one can legally shoot ground squirrels in much of California anymore."

While lead-free .22 and .17hmr are difficult to get, they do exist. I don't like them as well as the traditional rounds but you do what you have to.

[458winshooter]

Any of the calibers listed will work with proper loads.I would agree with the other posts and look at accuracy and weight of carry to make my decision.Good luck with what I hope will be a successful and enjoyable hunt.