Is .45-70 Government suitable for elk hunting in mountainous terrain?

Ballistic Considerations

The .45-70 Government is a classic cartridge for big-game hunting, with a wide range of bullet weights and styles available. A good choice for elk hunting in mountainous terrain is a 300-400 grain bullet, which provides sufficient kinetic energy to drop an elk at moderate ranges. For example, the Remington 405 grain Core-Lokt bullet, launched from a 405 grain rifle, can achieve a velocity of approximately 1,800 feet per second, delivering around 2,600 foot-pounds of energy at 200 yards.

Rifle and Handling Considerations

When hunting in mountainous terrain, a hunter must be prepared for changing shooting conditions, including steep angles and limited visibility. A rifle with a minimum of 20 inches of barrel length is recommended, as this helps to reduce muzzle rise and improve accuracy. Additionally, the rifle should be equipped with a good scope or iron sights, and the hunter should be comfortable handling the rifle in various shooting positions. This includes the ability to shoot from a rested position, as well as from an off-hand or off-bipod position, which is common in mountainous terrain.

Hunting Techniques

When hunting elk in mountainous terrain, it’s essential to use tactics that take advantage of the terrain to get close to the quarry. This may involve stalking through dense cover, using natural funnels such as game trails or river crossings, or employing spot-and-stalk techniques to get within effective shooting range. Once within range, the hunter should take a moment to assess the shot and ensure a clear line of sight, taking into account any obstacles or background clutter that may affect the shot.