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The Best Elk Hunting Cartridges - Randy Explains What Really Matters

Fresh Tracks

25,393 views

When it comes to hunting elk, one of the most common questions is, "What's the best cartridge?"

In this video, Randy Newberg breaks down everything hunters need to know before choosing a cartridge for elk and other big game. He starts by explaining the often-confused difference between caliber and cartridge, then walks through the factors that actually matter in the field.

Rather than chasing the latest trends or the biggest magnums, Randy explains how to match your cartridge to your hunting style, shooting ability, expected distances, recoil tolerance, and the game you're pursuing. From bullet selection and shot placement to practical field performance, this video helps hunters make an informed decision instead of relying on internet debates.

Whether you're buying your first elk rifle or thinking about switching to a new setup, this guide will help you choose a cartridge with confidence.

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20 Comments

@jamesmooney5348 2 months ago

I like how Hal Blood used his 7600 30-06 on an elk hunt.

@dkm66 2 months ago

I really enjoyed this video, Randy. My cartridge of choice is the 7MM-O8. I am very comfortable and accurate with it and for me personally, I will not take a shot over 300 yards. That is my personal limit, my comfort zone and I stay within it. But when I pull the trigger with my rifle, there will be meat in the freezer.

@firemanfostercfd 2 months ago

Such a clear and well explained video. No nonsense or hype. Thank you sir.

@randycarpenter2914 2 months ago

300 win mag is my favorite and have used it for many years. I simply enjoy shooting it. It has taken many deer. You are correct shooting makes you better and confident in your ability makes meat in freezer.

@donaldanderson3249 2 months ago

I love my 270's with the 150gr nosler partitions

@mikemelina9607 2 months ago

6.8 Western, shoots 165gr ABLRs @2,970fps, or a 155gr LRX @3,050fps that's plenty.

@ccfdmd 2 months ago

Thanks for a great discussion that doesn't take an hour or two to get through!

@CircleBrewery 2 months ago

Always pleasurable thanks Randy 😊

@no_regerts5176 8 days ago

I hunt mostly thick timber for bigger bodied Roosevelt elk. Shots are usually within 75 to 100 yards, but can sometimes stretch to 300. I really like the 30-06 in a handy rifle, a Trijicon 3-9x with illuminated crosshair, and 200gr Nosler Partitions. Muzzle velocity is unimpressive at 2650 fps, but the impact velocity out to 300 is perfect for the way the bullet is constructed.

@williambehrend5452 2 months ago

Point is get your rear ends to the range an practice

@Ericviking2019 2 months ago

Your first answer is the best

@ZAKish-cy9xu 2 months ago

Great video, very informative. Thank you

@Paul-q3m7k 2 months ago (edited)

My wife shoots a 308 and i shoot a 35 whelen or my 300 win mag if some longer shots are possible . I hunt in grizzly country so I like 30 cal and up for the frontal diameter. I also like a bit more power for quartering shots . I dont want to be hamstrung to broadside only with a 243 or 6.5 cm , I dont think twice pounding through a leading shoulder or a quartering away shot with my 35 whelen or 300 win mag , within reason of course but I’ve not lost an elk yet and

@justjordan2262 2 months ago (edited)

Love seeing more fresh tracks! I completely agree randy, the best elk cartridge is the cartridge you can accurately hit your shots with! Watched another video recently that went over studies done on accuracy, it was shown that on average the study group was 65% less accurate with a 300win than smaller calibers, and it was found that there is NO correlation between heavier bullets and elk dying faster, likely due to the loss in accuracy. I use a 6.5 PRC because I know I am accurate with it, I trust that rifle and am not afraid to shoot it all day long and practice with it. I have taken around 20 deer/elk/antelope and none have gone over 20 yards. In my opinion, caliber/cartridge matters only when you are shooting long distances, even then many medium calibers are very capable of 600-700 yards if the shooter has the skill and are using the right load. Also agree on bullet choice, I found a massive difference in bullet performance when switching to ABLR bullets.

@jeffmorrow1957 2 months ago

Very well said Randy! Thanks for another great video😊

@KenB187 1 month ago

Well done!

@robertbrewer2055 2 months ago

Great video!!!

@joeetlinger3423 2 months ago

If you're shooting 300 yards or less like Randy, theres no need for a canon with high recoil. Can't go wrong with 308, 7mm-08, 270, 6.5 prc, 280 remington, or anything similar with a bonded or solid copper bullet.

@jad2484 2 months ago

My Savage .308 shooting 165gr Sierra TGK at 2668fps holds 1963fps and 1437ftlbs energy at 500 yards. And its accurate as hell. Can plaster a 5" circle at 500 yards all day long.
My point...I'd shoot anything with it, except big brown bears, 500 yards and in.
👍🏻