Eland

[Michael Dean]

I know that a majority of African Hunting members love their big guns, the 375 H&H the 416 Rigby and the 458, that's not my question. I now the larger calibers are a safer bet when hunting the Eland, they are a big animal. My question is simple is the 270 WSM enough gun to ethically shoot an Eland with.

I shoot my 270WSM very well, I'm not as accurate with the bigger guns. I've got a 300 Weatherby that I hate. I'm going on a plains game hunt this fall for ten animals and I'd like to take all ten with my 270. So the million dollar question is if the 270WSM enough gun to get the job done or, do I have to accept the fact that I'll need a second rifle for my Eland?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

With proper bullet and shot placement, I have no doubt it can be done. But it certainly would not be my first choice.

 

[Waterbuck2008]

A substantial, reliable bullet and your apparent confidence in shooting the rifle are the ingredients you need for an ethical eland hunt.

 

[Adrian]

Shoot an Eland through the heart with a .270 and it will die.
Shoot an Eland through the heart with a .470 and it will die.

Correct bullet placement using a sturdy bullet will kill your Eland.
It will do the job but as mentioned above, not my personal preference.

 

[Ryan]

Not my first choice, but I talked with an Alaska State Trooper last year who said he used a 270 Win loaner from the outfitter for his entire hunt the previous year and everything died quickly. The list included an eland that he said went 50 yards and dropped dead. Use a good bullet and put it in the right spot.

 

[meigsbucks]

#1- bullet placement
#2- bullet performance / penetration
Not my first choice, or even my tenth, but use a tough 150 or 160gr bullet and put it in the right place, you should be having eland steak for dinner.

 

[JakeH]

Take my advice with a grain of salt or less, as my knowledge comes second-hand...

I have zero doubts that a well-placed, well-constructed bullet from a .270 will definitely kill an eland. With that being said, I’d rather have a larger caliber and a heavier bullet if I’m traveling halfway around the world to hunt an eland. If I took my .270 it’d be my luck that my target would be a little further away than I’d like and be presenting a less than optimal angle.

 

[GeoffB]

I used a standard .270 win with 150gr premium bullets on my plains game hunt last year. Worked very well for me.
But when we were hunting Eland I took my up my PH's offer to borrow his .375 Ruger to shoot my Eland and Blue Wildebeest.
My buddy shot all of his plains game including, Kudu, Gemsbuck, Zebra, Waterbuck and Eland with a 7 X 64 and 160 gr Accubond handloads. All one shot kills.
As everyone else has mentioned shot placement is the key to your success.
Take your favorite .270WSM with premium 150gr bullets and enjoy the hunt.
Your PH will like the idea that you have a well used and familiar rifle on the hunt.

 

[BRICKBURN]

"Bring the 270 and have fun.

I've taken everything from Steenbok to Giraffe with 130 grain TTSX.

130 TTSX .270 Thick skinned Giraffe at 80 yards. One in the heart (typical shot placement) and the other into the heart lungs after a departure up hill. Down within 50 yards. ..........."

You will have to ensure that your shot opportunities are good ones. Don't take marginal shots or you'll be spending your hunting time tracking an Eland.

 

[flatwater bill]

I think the circumstances of your hunt are important. I have not killed an eland yet, although I have hunted them once. Carefully picking your shots from a blind on a fenced property is one thing. Chasing, and tracking and maybe wounding a $50 thousand LDE would be quite another. The only man I know locally who has killed a cape eland with a rifle, used a 270 Win..............whatever you decide..............best of luck...................FWB

 

[BRICKBURN]

.......... Chasing, and tracking and maybe wounding a $50 thousand LDE would be quite another. .........

In that instance I'm all for a 375 H&H.

 

[Deleted member 43267]

If this is the rifle that allows you to place shots accurately and you are using premium bullets, then use it. Do know that there may be situations where your PH may ask you to hold off if conditions are less than perfect. In those cases a heavier caliber might allow a shot that would be precluded with a lighter rifle. There, you will need to work for a better position or start another stalk. A rifle that gives you accuracy is better than big bore that does not. Especially if you have a chat with your PH and ask for specific advice on shot placement, and then follow it. You will be fine.

Jeff

 

[gizmo]

I killed an Eland with a bow set up no different than one would shoot western animals with. Eland are large but they certainty are mortal. I would comfortably shoot an Eland with a standard long action 270 win with140 grain TTSX’s. A 270 short mag with premium bullets with give him a dirt nap quick fast and in a hurry.
Shoot your 270 and have fun. It’ll do it’s job if you do yours. I’d take a well placed smaller caliber over a poorly placed canon round any day. Bigger isnt always better.

 

[lwaters]

I shot this eland with a 300 RCM 180 partition at 2830fps. It was a quartering shot. The bullet went through the front part of the stomach all the way to the off shoulder. He toke three steps and fell.

 

[gillettehunter]

Hi Michael,
Glad came over to this forum to ask advice. There are a lot of folks here more knowledgeable than me. Notice the theme. Good bullet in the right place. You were asking about bullets on the other forum. Like has been mentioned you will want a good shot angle too. The lighter bullet/caliber is not made for less than good shooting angles.Don't rush. Make sure you can shoot off of shooting sticks and have a good time.
Bruce

 

[flatwater bill]

That's a fine bull, Lenny..........I am hoping for something like that this May. I have planned to use a 300 Win, but have time to reconsider..........FWB

 

[Newboomer]

Take what you shoot best and put the round in the right place. I like heavy for caliber loads but use what you know. PLACEMENT, PLACEMENT, PLACEMENT.

 

[BeeMaa]

Take what you shoot best and put the round in the right place. I like heavy for caliber loads but use what you know. PLACEMENT, PLACEMENT, PLACEMENT.

+1 on the heavy for caliber quality bullets like Swift A-Frame, Barnes TTSX or Norma Oryx.
I will add...PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND MORE PRACTICE.

 

[ve7poi]

Use a good bullet 140 or 150
Barnes, Swift a frame if your rifle shoots them accurately
As stated multiple time shot placement is the key
Good luck have a great hunt

 

[CAustin]

As many have said absolutely your 270 used properly will be fine. Practice practice practice before going and have a great hunt.