Best and worst cartridges for hunting elk (Cartridge Wars Round 1)

Published on October 21, 2021
Duration: 9:14

This guide synthesizes expert analysis on selecting the best rifle cartridges for elk hunting, incorporating Hornady's HITS formula and critical ballistic data. It details the evaluation process for numerous cartridges, categorizing them based on power, energy, and velocity thresholds at various distances, offering a data-driven approach for hunters seeking a versatile 'one gun' solution. The insights are presented with high authority, reflecting deep technical knowledge of firearms and hunting ballistics.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis reveals that for effective elk hunting, cartridges should meet specific ballistic thresholds, including maintaining 1500 ft-lbs of energy and 1900 fps for expansion. Hornady's HITS formula, considering bullet weight, velocity, and diameter, is a key metric, with scores around 900 recommended. Top performers include the .33 Nosler and .340 Weatherby Magnum, while cartridges like the .30-30 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor are often considered marginal.

Chapters

  1. 00:00The 'One Gun' Objective
  2. 01:16Hornady's HITS Formula Explained
  3. 02:37Power Rankings at Distance
  4. 03:43Specific Cartridge Critiques
  5. 05:07Energy and Velocity Thresholds
  6. 07:45Final Categorization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hornady HITS formula and why is it important for elk hunting?

The Hornady HITS formula calculates cartridge power using bullet weight, velocity, and diameter. It's crucial for elk hunting as it offers a more accurate assessment of terminal performance than energy alone, with a score of 900 recommended for elk.

What are the key ballistic thresholds for effective elk hunting cartridges?

For effective elk hunting, cartridges should ideally maintain at least 1500 ft-lbs of energy and a bullet expansion velocity of 1900 fps at the intended engagement distance. This ensures sufficient penetration and tissue damage for humane takedowns.

Which cartridges are considered top performers for elk hunting based on expert analysis?

Based on expert analysis using the HITS formula and terminal ballistic data, cartridges like the .33 Nosler and .340 Weatherby Magnum are consistently ranked as top performers for elk hunting due to their power and ballistic efficiency at range.

Why are cartridges like the .30-30 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor often considered marginal for elk hunting?

The .30-30 Winchester lacks the ballistic coefficient and energy retention for effective long-range elk hunting, while the 6.5 Creedmoor, though popular, is often deemed marginally underpowered for elk, potentially failing to meet necessary terminal performance standards.

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