That’s super helpful. I found an old video that Jim did on “lightest recoiling elk capable cartridges” where he looked at Hornady’s HITS formula and some other data to determine which cartridges would still be “elk appropriate” out to 500 yards. 6.5 PRC came up in his analysis as the lightest recoiling cartridge (and for deer out to 500 it was 6.5 CM), but I think there are some caveats to the 6.5 as you mentioned. All the short action cartridges such as .308, 7mm-08 seem to suffer from the same distance limitations, so are they elk capable–yes–but within certain boundaries. I think I was looking for something that would adequately “cover the bases” for broader opportunities. I like 270 also (plus I don’t own a 6.5 PRC but I do have a 270 I could lend him). But anyway, once I find an outfitter somewhere out west who can hook us up with the right opportunity, they would probably be able to provide some better detail on what distances we can expect, and how much gun to carry. Thanks for all the replies, folks. Great input. Appreciate it.
Ok my anecdotal update from the bull I posted in another thread. 300WM 165 gr. One shot through the bottom of the heart. One through lungs on a slight qrtr away and exit through front leg bone which had 3 inch hole blown through. Still moving away. Shot behind and clipped stomach. Finally dropped after about 100 yrds at the edge of a steep field that halfway down was someone else private land. We were on private land with LOP tags. I estimate live weight between 500 and 600 lbs. It is this kind of experience that leads me to say you need bigger calibers for big bulls. First two were perfectly placed shots. If you cannot handle the recoil of a magnum 7 or ‘06 or bigger 30 cal and on up, I do not think you should be shooting bigger bulls. Spikes, cows, 4pts - sure with 270 or 6.5 prc but those are 300 to maybe 400 lbs animals. But be prepared to pass on the 6x6 if you are not carrying enough gun. Perfect conditions- perfect shot - sure you can take one down. But how often is it perfect? Especially in elk country. Just my opinion.