Originally Posted by
Larry Gibson
I certainly don't have any problem with using a properly loaded 7x57 to hunt elk with. With proper bullet placement it will effectively kill elk.
Having killed over 30 elk with numerous firearms from the 223 Remington up through the level 4 loadings of the 45-70 I can attest to the hardiness and tenacity even a well hit elk can demonstrate. I have seen very, very well hit elk travel very, very long distances even though they were basically dead on their feet.
I have hunted deer with the 7x57 loaded with cast bullets. While it killed the deer I (Lyman 287308HP at 1900 fps) I was quite unsatisfied with the terminal results. Both deer went a long ways before laying down to die. Both were heart/lung shot. I decided after those two deer than I wouldn't use less than 30 caliber cast bullets for hunting deer, etc. Subsequently with the use of 30, 31 and 8mm caliber rifles with cast bullets I've not had any similarly hit deer go anywhere as far as those two deer hit with the 7x57 went.
Now with jacketed bullets of proper construction the 7x57 comes into it's own and is an effective elk cartridge out to 250 - 300 yards if the shooters accuracy is capable. I suggest the Hornady 154 gr SP loaded over any of the 4350s, RL19 or H4831SC to 2600 - 2700 fps. Of course the old 175 gr RNSP (If you can find them) loaded to 2300 - 2400 fps over H4831SC will give excellent results on elk out to 200 yards.
I surely do love hunting with cast bullets but we must realize there are some limitations which we should respect, especially when hunting larger game. Hunting elk with a 7x57 loaded with cast bullets would not be my choice.