.308 for Elk?

[luxlue]

Was looking into a .308 (Ruger American) as a new Elk gun. I know that alot of folks will have opions on Yes it is versus the NO it's not... I have heard about the placement of the shot also so let me hear you personal experience with the .308. I know that choice of ammo also plays a BIG part... I plan on using I believe 180 grain in Nosler... I already own a Rem 300 SAUM (Rem Model 7 SA) that I use for elk and deer... I plan to pass this onto my son's one day and I am saving it from the beating that the tree's and brush give the barrel lol...

So toss it out gents... let me hear it...

[asmo]

I have taken more than a couple of Cows with a 308.. No issue.

[fly boy]

I use 168gr Winchester Ballistic Silver-tip without a worry

[CO Hugh]

While I wound up buying a 30-06, I borrowed a friend's 308 for a while and shot it. Killed deer with it, an the perceived recoil is lighter than an 06.

I would recommend dropping bullet weight to a 168 Barnes X. Check the ballistics tables but there should not be any problems.

I want to convert to a 270 for logistical reasons, and though many writers say a 270 win is too light for elk, check websites and postings, tons of elk killed with 130 gr 270 bullets.

For your son a 308 will be easier to start with than an 06, or magnum.

Bottom line it is still a 30 caliber bullet and will kill elk at any range you can reasonably hit them at.

[brutal]

Not this again.

Get it, make sure you can shoot it well.

I use Hornady 165gr Interbond. They haul ass and best any off the shelf ammo by leaps and bounds, and likely do as well or better than anyone's hot hand loads.

[Rabid]

With good bullets and most importantly good shot placement a 308 will drop an elk just fine.

[Marine24]

Ditton. I have a Browning BLR in .308 that shoots 168gr Barnes TSX bullets that has worked well in close and out to 300 yards on elk when I do my part.

[Mtn.man]

Me cuz has used nothing but a 308 for moose and elk and deer for the last 35 years.
Killed many many many including a 407 score bull in Utah.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

308 is just fine. 270 WSM isn't too shabby either.

[J]

Bah, anything short of a 416 rigby is too small for Elk!!!!

Just kidding. I probably wouldn't try to bust through the shoulder of a huge bull at 300+ yds with anything smaller than a 7Mag and heavy bullet, but if you can make a clean shot with a good bullet, the 308 has ample energy for an elk out to 600+

Such shots are the reason some hunters tote heavy for game calibers. A 180-190 from a 300Mag will take a trophy bull through the shoulder if that is the best shot you can get on a trophy animal. Those rounds will bust the shoulder and still drive deep enough for an ethical kill. I wouldn't try it with a 308.