Is a Marlin 30-30 with 160 grain bullet big enough for elk?

While the Marlin 30-30 is a capable deer rifle, it is generally not considered powerful enough for elk hunting. Elk are a large and tough animal, and require a rifle with more energy and penetrating power. A good rule of thumb is to use a rifle that produces at least 1,500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle when shooting elk. The 30-30 cartridge generally produces around 1,000 to 1,200 foot-pounds of energy, which is not enough for elk. While some hunters have successfully taken elk with the 30-30, it is not a recommended round for elk hunting.

Here are some of the reasons why the 30-30 is not a good choice for elk hunting:

- Lack of energy: The 30-30 cartridge does not produce enough energy to reliably take down an elk.

- Poor penetration: The 160 grain bullets commonly used in the 30-30 do not have the penetration needed to reach the vital organs of an elk.

- Small bullet diameter: The 30-30 bullet is relatively small in diameter, which makes it less effective at transferring energy to the target.

- High likelihood of wounding: The 30-30 is more likely to wound an elk rather than kill it outright, which can lead to a prolonged and painful death for the animal.

While the Marlin 30-30 can be used successfully for deer hunting, it is not recommended for elk hunting due to its lack of power and penetration.