.45 cal for elk?

[ateam]

This fall I have a chance at an elk hunt.  I had been looking into a new cartridge for the hunt, .300 win mag or maybe a 7mm rem mag, then it occurred to me that maybe converting my savage ml2 to 45 would be a better option.  I am looking to end up with a 500 yard capable rifle, my current 50cal does 1.5'' @ 100y but would not shoot it past 200y. 

I would like some input on;
Barrel, 458 or 452?
smooth or full form? 
Best bullet?

Has anyone shot an elk with a smokeless 45?

All input is appreciated.
-Alex

[wilmsmeyer]

With some customization and what we've seen on this board, I think you will be in luck in your goal. I am sure you will get some input. There is no magic here and duplicating high BC 7mm or 30 cal centerfire ballistics will not happen. However, some of these custom builds/calibers/scopes will offer some amazing possibilities as it pertains to SML's. Good luck in your quest.

[tar12]

I can tell you this....I would not hesitate 1 second to use my Sav./Pac .45 on anything in North America under 300-350 yards using the 195 Barnes. The only reason I would limit it to 300-350 yds is that is all I am capable of in field conditions and I have not taken it beyond that but 2 times. Both were pass throughs and both died. My friend who does not frequent this board has killed 2 Elk with the .45 I set up for him. 1 bull and 1 cow.1 at 250 yds and 1 at 86 yds both died right there were they stood. The combo used was the 195 Barnes,60 grn vit N120 and the Fed 209A. being launched out of a standard DD Pac-Nor barrel.

[Deleted]

If you can stand some recoil and would be willing to do a Nutless barrel you definitely will be able to get where to want to go IMO. What are the caliber regulations for where you are hunting? Luke (lwh723) took a beauty of an elk with his 310apb out of a light 45. It would have been 500 yd capable with the load he was using and if you go heavier on the build you can really pump those bullets out like Earnhardt. If you want higher bc you can look at the .416 caliber.

[12ptdroptine]

I just spoke with Bob Parker a few weeks back. And he told me they had some confirmed 528 yd kills on deer( I'm not sure if white tail or mule deer) with the 300grain Ballistic Extreme. I know it's not elk....but with a 275gn Match Hunter and appropriate charge I feel the .45 would be quite up to the challenge.
Good luck
Drop

[7mmfreak]

I would think you would need to use that SML during gun season as most western states require a .50 or larger for elk during ML seasons. I think the .45 is a good choice if you are doing it because you just want to. That said, it is not the equivalent of a properly loaded 7mm RM or .300 WM by the time you hit 500yds. As for .458 vs .452 I would choose the .458 for more bullet options; I have both.

[Deleted]

Luke has shot one with his 310 AP bullet is also recommend Barnes TEZ bullets

[picks]

I have shot three with a 195 barnes All were pass through's. all have been 200-280 yards. This year my 12 year old shot a nice 6/5 bull at 270 pluss yards with 195 barns and 65 gr rl7. I have shot a couple big bulls with my 416 sml too. The 416 has no trouble with the elk haha but the 45 is more than capable too.

[ateam]

Thanks for all the replies, this board is great for helping us new guys make informed decisions.
-Alex

[slammer]

I killed a 360 bull at 238 yards last year with a rem ml PAC 45 barrel full form using blackthorn 209 and Lukes 310 APB bullets went down were he got hit!! So don't Worry about it

[ateam]

This will be a rifle hunt, I just think using a sml would be more interesting. So I see quite a few votes for the 310 apb, is it 452 or 458? I am likely going to build around a specific bullet (with as high a BC as practical).

[slammer]

The  310 APB is 458 Thay soot great out of my gun

[bigmoose]

I heard a rumor that a 290gr Barnes TMZ w/ 56 grs of H4198, kills 1500 t0 1700 pound Moose. One shot kills no pass thur.

Than again Indians kill Moose with 22 LR.