The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Minimum caliber for elk under these conditions:

Dogger · July 20, 2000, 07:29 PM

In the past I have done most of my hunting with a bow, so of course I avoid contact with bone. I have friends who always shoot (rifle) their eastern deer in the shoulder, and I have friends who always aim just behind the shoulder, opting for the heart/lung shot. They always get into arguments over which is better. I am a big believer in sectional density and moderate recoil, which is why I own a 7x57mm (175 grain) and a 6.5x55mm (160 grain). I think I would prefer the heart lung shot, with the shoulder the second choice - to minimize meat damage. Anchoring the elk with a shot to the shoulder sure seems to make good sense, though. You've got me thinking on this one...

July 20, 2000, 07:29 PM	#15
Dogger Senior Member Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: Virginia Posts: 481	In the past I have done most of my hunting with a bow, so of course I avoid contact with bone. I have friends who always shoot (rifle) their eastern deer in the shoulder, and I have friends who always aim just behind the shoulder, opting for the heart/lung shot. They always get into arguments over which is better. I am a big believer in sectional density and moderate recoil, which is why I own a 7x57mm (175 grain) and a 6.5x55mm (160 grain). I think I would prefer the heart lung shot, with the shoulder the second choice - to minimize meat damage. Anchoring the elk with a shot to the shoulder sure seems to make good sense, though. You've got me thinking on this one...