.308 for Elk?

[brutal]

The off the shelf Hornady that I run is a 165gr running at 2840fps.

http://www.hornady.com/store/308-Win...Superformance/

I only run a 20" barrel (-~200fps), but it still hauls ass. I figure I'm good out to 300yd, the unit we hunt doesn't offer shots that long anyway.

Test Barrel (24") Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 200 300 400 500
2840/2955 2635/2544 2439/2180 2252/1858 2079/1574 1902/1325
Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 200 300 400 500
-1.50 1.80 0.00 -7.60 -22.10 -44.70

[Grant H.]

Down in the 155-168gr 2800+ isn't too hard with max loads and 24-26" barrels.

It's something to be done very carefully though. Factory ammo is probably fine, but when reloading at these velocities, be sure you know what you're doing, and be careful.

[streetglideok]

They hurt like a SOB to shoot. 3 for zero check each year, and 1-2 for hunting season is plenty.

Kind of defeats the purpose of a 308 doesn't it? Better off using an '06 that can do that with no problem and slightly more weight to make it feel tolerable. No fun in shooting a gun if you can only stand to pop it 2-3 times. With those velocities, I think if you were using a pressure gauge you would find you're further over than you think. Have you measured the brass at the case head for signs of stretching? Might consider doing that compared to some factory ammo in that gun to get a comparison.

[CO Hugh]

FYI

http://www.gunsandammo.com/2013/09/10/ga-perspectives-does-the-308-fit-the-long-range-hunting-bill/?utm_source=ENL-BRAND&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily+Newslett ers