When hunting larger game animals like elk or bear, the preferred rifle shot is a broadside shot that targets the heart-lung area (also called the "vital zone" or "boiler room"). This area is located just behind the front shoulder of the animal.
This shot is preferred for several important reasons:
- The heart and lungs present a large target area, increasing the chances of a quick, ethical kill
- This area contains major blood vessels that, when hit, lead to rapid blood loss
- The shot avoids heavy bone structures that might prevent bullet penetration
- The angle minimizes the risk of meat damage compared to other shot placements
For these large game animals, hunters typically use larger calibers with substantial bullet weight and controlled expansion to ensure adequate penetration through thick hide and heavy muscle. Popular calibers include .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum, and .30-06 Springfield.
