After 25 years or so of not hunting, I am thinking of putting in for the cow elk draw in east central Nevada and would like opinions on firearm(s) to use.

I have 308, 30-06 and my soon to be favorite Marlin 444s. Which one?

If I use the 444, i am thinking the Beartooth 285 at about 2000 fps. I that adequate for the mama elk?

If the 30-06 or 308, prbably Nosler 180 gr BT, unless that is a bad choice.

Thanks

Don

Close hunting, all three will get the job done.

Over a couple hundred yards, the 30-06 with 180 gr Nosler Partitions would be my choice.

Close hunting, all three will get the job done.

Over a couple hundred yards, the 30-06 with 180 gr Nosler Partitions would be my choice.

Thanks

Don

Can't argue with kdub, but posssibly more important than caliber is to practice as much as time and finances allow. If you don't know the area well, buy some maps, study them and scout the area. Talk to the local game biologist and the local sporting goods store owners, if any. The preparation and anticipation is half the fun. Good luck.

BTW, I spent 5 years in Winnemucca, and then moved back to Wyoming, my home state. Rural Nevada has a unique attraction I can't quite explain, but I hope it never loses.

kdub and gomerdog are both absolutely right. I like a bigger gun for elk and use an 8mm Rem mag, but I shoot where a wounded animal can dive down into a canyon where recovery can become a nightmare.

Lots of elk killed with the 06 and the 444. The 06 may give you a little more range for long shots in open country.

Like gomerdog said if you've been away from shooting awhile practice from field positions and at ranges you can expect to shoot is more important than any of the three cartridges you've selected.

You may want to get a good bolt action 22 lr. or a lever 22 if you want to take the 444 and practice with that as well as your big game rifle. There's nothing like the non-recoil of a 22 to improve shooting technique and get you back to enjoying shooting.