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Elk Hunting Ammo

Precision and Power for Every Elk Hunt

The Perfect Shot Starts with the Right Ammo

When you’re after elk, you need more than just any ammo. You need elk hunting ammo that delivers accuracy, power, and dependable performance. Whether you’re hunting bull elk in the rugged mountains or tracking cow elk across open plains, Steinel Ammo ensures your shot counts when it matters most. Trust your elk hunting ammo to Steinel, where precision and reliability are guaranteed.

  • 45-70 Government 405gr. RNFP Trapdoor Load

    In Stock
    $43.04
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  • M1 Garand M2 Ball 30-06 150gr FMJ

    In Stock
    $37.33
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  • M1 Garand M2 Ball 30-06 150gr Hunting Load

    In Stock
    $41.15
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  • 500gr RNFP Subsonic 45-70 Government Ammo

    In Stock
    $44.08
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  • 45-70 Government 500gr RN Trapdoor Load

    In Stock
    $43.88
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  • 250gr Solid Copper HP 45-70 Government Ammo – Advanced Terminal Performance

    In Stock
    $63.63
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  • M1 Garand 30-06 Blanks

    In Stock
    $29.73
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  • 45-70 Government 405gr. RNFP Trapdoor Tradition

    In Stock
    $43.88
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  • 45-70 Government 500gr RN Trapdoor Tradition

    In Stock
    $44.94
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  • 30-06 Springfield 220gr RN Soft Point

    In Stock
    $45.90
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  • 500gr Soft Cast 45-70 Government Hunting Ammo – Penetration & Expansion

    In Stock
    $52.37
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  • 300 Winchester Short Magnum 165gr Sierra Tipped Game King

    $72.72
  • 30-06 Springfield 168 Solid Copper Hollow Point (Maker)

    $52.37
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  • 45-70 Government 500gr. Hard Cast

    In Stock
    $53.39
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  • 308 Winchester 168gr Ballistic Tip SCHP

    $47.19
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  • 45-70 Government 300gr. Hornady JHP (Goldilocks Load)

    In Stock
    $45.99
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  • 45-70 Government 325gr. Brass Monolithic 20rds

    In Stock
    $63.63
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  • 308 Winchester 165gr. BT Soft Point

    $37.02
  • 45-70 Government 300gr. Hornady JHP 200rds (High Power)

    In Stock
    $429.10
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  • 45-70 Government Light Recoil 300gr. JHP 200rds

    In Stock
    $405.10
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What is the Best Elk Hunting Ammo?

Choosing the best elk caliber starts with knowing your specific needs. Whether you are hunting in dense woods or across wide-open fields, Steinel Ammo’s elk hunting cartridges are designed to give you the edge. A long-range elk cartridge is your best choice for open plains, while a short-range elk round excels in thick terrain.

However, the best elk caliber also depends on bullet performance. From expanding bullets that offer controlled penetration to powerful magnum loads that bring down big game, Steinel Ammo ensures you have the right elk hunting ammo for any scenario.

Cartridges for Elk Hunting – Steinel’s Recommended Loads

At Steinel we build elk hunting cartridges with purpose: deep penetration where it counts, controlled expansion, and ballistics you can trust in the mountains or on the plains.

Proven Steinel Options for Elk

.45-70 Government – 300 gr JHP (Extended-Range)

  • Offers a flatter trajectory for a straight-wall cartridge and effective energy out to ~200 yards.
  • Balanced expansion and retained mass make it an excellent choice for heavy bulls at extended practical ranges.

.45-70 Government – 325 gr Brass Monolithic

  • Monolithic brass construction for catastrophic weight retention and deep penetration.
  • Built to drive through heavy shoulders and bone with minimal fragmentation, a true penetration specialist.

.45-70 Government – 500 gr Hard Cast/500 gr Soft Cast

  • Classic heavy cast options for brutal terminal performance at short to moderate ranges.
  • Excellent choice for hunters who prefer proven cast projectile behavior in straight-wall platforms and vintage rifles.

.450 Bushmaster – 280 gr Supersonic / 250 gr Extreme Expansion / 425 gr Subsonic

  • Supersonic 280 gr for deep penetration in thicker cover; 250 gr offers extreme expansion for rapid energy transfer; 425 gr subsonic for suppressed or short-range heavy impact.
  • Straight-wall utility with modern terminal engineering, good out to ~150 yards depending on load and shot placement.

.300 JHP – Trapdoor / Vintage-Safe Load

  • A JHP tuned for low-pressure, trapdoor and other relic rifles, light recoil and safe for historical actions out to ~100 yards.
  • For hunters who prize heritage rifles but refuse to compromise terminal effectiveness.

Best Rifle Ammo for Elk Hunting

When it comes to selecting the best elk rifle ammo, it’s important to choose a caliber that suits both your hunting environment and shooting style. Whether you’re hunting in the mountains or across open plains, having the right elk hunting rifle ammo can make all the difference.

Popular Elk Calibers:

  • .243 Win: A lighter option for smaller elk or hunters who prefer lighter recoil.
  • .270 Win: Versatile and powerful, ideal for both medium to large elk hunting.
  • .30-06 Springfield: A time-tested classic for elk hunting ammo, offering deep penetration and consistent expansion.
  • .308 Win: Popular and reliable, perfect for elk hunters in a variety of environments.
  • 6.5 Creedmoor: Precision for long-range elk hunting ammo that offers low recoil and excellent accuracy.
  • .300 Win Mag: A powerhouse elk cartridge that’s perfect for long-distance shots and bigger game.

FAQ: Elk Hunting Ammo

Q: Which caliber is best for elk hunting?

A: The best caliber for elk hunting depends on your hunting terrain and target size. For smaller elk, the .270 Win or .243 Win are great choices. For larger elk or long-range shots, the .300 Win Mag or .308 Win are ideal.

Q: How far can elk hunting ammo perform effectively?

A: Long-range elk hunting ammo like the 6.5 Creedmoor or .300 Win Mag can accurately shoot up to 1,000 yards with the right rifle and conditions. For medium-range shots, calibers like .270 Win or .308 Win are perfect.

Q: Can I use this ammo for long-range elk hunting?

A: Yes! Steinel elk hunting ammo offers precision options like 6.5 Creedmoor and .300 Win Mag, designed specifically for long-range performance.

Q: Where is the best place to hunt elk?

A: The best places to hunt elk are in the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and the Western U.S. regions, where elk populations thrive. You’ll find both public and private hunting lands available throughout the season.

Q: What are the most effective elk hunting methods?

A: The most effective methods for elk hunting include spot and stalk, calling, and tree stand hunting. Adapt your strategy based on the terrain and hunting season.

Q: When is elk hunting season?

A: Elk hunting season typically begins in September and runs through November. Be sure to check local regulations, as dates vary by state.

Q: Can I use the same elk hunting ammo for deer or moose?

A: Yes! The same elk hunting ammo can often be used for deer hunting and moose hunting, especially if you’re using a larger caliber like the .308 Win or .300 Win Mag. However, for smaller animals, you may want to opt for lighter bullets to avoid over-penetration.

Ready for Your Best Elk Hunt Yet?

From short-range woods hunting to long-range precision shots, we’ve got the right elk hunting ammo for you.