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.308 for Elk hunting
#6037797
11/19/15 12:31 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 132
mason15
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 132 |
Looking to do a Elk hunt next year will the .308 be enough gun?
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6037802
11/19/15 12:34 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083 |
Sure. Use the right bullet, and limit your range and you'll be fine.
What barrel length? What ammo (or handload) were you planning to use?
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6038029
11/19/15 02:27 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,753
Nathan Nelson
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,753 |
Yes, 308 is fine for Elk. It will work well.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6038233
11/19/15 04:39 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612 |
Unless I was expecting extreme ranges, I'd take my .308 rather than buy something new. If the guide said be prepared to go to 500-600 yards, I'd add a 300 Win Mag to my collection or borrow one.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6038237
11/19/15 04:43 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 236
kmartinusa
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 236 |
Killed mine a couple of months ago, loaded with Chad's bullets. http://dallasreloads.com
We kept it as a pet for several months until it got run over by a truck. Then we ate him.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6038560
11/19/15 02:58 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645
7x57
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645 |
I'd say under 400 yards is fine for .308.
As others said, bullet selection will be more of a factor. Go with something like a TSX, GMX, partitions, etc.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6038630
11/19/15 03:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 132
mason15
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 132 |
Thanks guys,im thinking about using TSX
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6038664
11/19/15 03:38 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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The 308 Win is fine for elk. The most elk killin' fool that I know uses a 308 Win and culls about 500-800 cows a year. Thanks guys,im thinking about using TSX However, I would not recommend the TSX. The copper bullets will punch all the way through, but they do not have the shock of a lead bullet. If you did go TSX, I'd lean towards a fast one, like a 150 grain. But a 165 or 180 grain bonded bullet would be very good medicine.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: kmartinusa]
#6038665
11/19/15 03:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
ChadTRG42
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Posts: 18,907 |
Awesome!! Which round did you use?
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#6038701
11/19/15 03:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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Posts: 39,481 |
However, I would not recommend the TSX. The copper bullets will punch all the way through, but they do not have the shock of a lead bullet. If you did go TSX, I'd lean towards a fast one, like a 150 grain. But a 165 or 180 grain bonded bullet would be very good medicine. I agree with chad, 308 doesn't have enough speed for a tsx.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6038730
11/19/15 04:13 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,016
SingleShot85
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,016 |
A 175gr bullet running 2700 for will carry 1000ftlbs out to 700 yards under most all environmental condition. That is plenty of killing power. If you have 100% confidence in your 308, happy hunting and don't over think it
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: SingleShot85]
#6038794
11/19/15 04:47 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907 |
A 175gr bullet running 2700 for will carry 1000ftlbs out to 700 yards under most all environmental condition. That is plenty of killing power. If you have 100% confidence in your 308, happy hunting and don't over think it Big +1!!
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#6039113
11/19/15 07:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645
7x57
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645 |
The 308 Win is fine for elk. The most elk killin' fool that I know uses a 308 Win and culls about 500-800 cows a year. Thanks guys,im thinking about using TSX However, I would not recommend the TSX. The copper bullets will punch all the way through, but they do not have the shock of a lead bullet. If you did go TSX, I'd lean towards a fast one, like a 150 grain. But a 165 or 180 grain bonded bullet would be very good medicine. What kind of bullets would you recommend? I ask so that in the future I won't recommend something that might not be ideal. Sorry for any misinformation.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: 7x57]
#6039511
11/20/15 12:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,300
clarkfork
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,300 |
I'd try 165gr Partitions, AccuBonds, or Hornady SP /BTSP from your .308 at normal .308 Win speeds. See which one your rifle likes, sharpen your knives, and go find yourself an elk!
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#6039553
11/20/15 12:31 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
TFF Caribou
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432 |
The 308 Win is fine for elk. The most elk killin' fool that I know uses a 308 Win and culls about 500-800 cows a year. Thanks guys,im thinking about using TSX However, I would not recommend the TSX. The copper bullets will punch all the way through, but they do not have the shock of a lead bullet. If you did go TSX, I'd lean towards a fast one, like a 150 grain. But a 165 or 180 grain bonded bullet would be very good medicine. Who has to kill 500-800 elk a year? That's alot of meat.
The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference. -George Washington
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6039567
11/20/15 12:41 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168 |
I'd go with a good 165 grain bullet and not think twice.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6039580
11/20/15 12:46 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499
charlesb
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499 |
I would hunt elk with a .308 if that's what I had.
Given a chance to take my pick though, it would not be near the top (or bottom) of the list.
My first choice would be a .338 Winchster mag, maybe a 325 WSM.
Last edited by charlesb; 11/20/15 12:48 AM.
Kind regards, charlesb
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6039587
11/20/15 12:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,606
Revoman
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,606 |
I've been shooting Hornady SST's out of my 308 on whitetail and mule deer. I wouldn't hesitate using them on an elk
Call'm an Kill'm
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6039800
11/20/15 02:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 173
Hunter Gatherer
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 173 |
308, 309, whatever it takes.....
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6039980
11/20/15 04:41 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,192
TexasVine
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,192 |
TexasVine
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6039999
11/20/15 05:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,624
DStroud
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,624 |
I shot a few with the 178gr AMax from.308 with good results from 100 to 420 yards.
"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."
Jack O'Connor 1963
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#6040007
11/20/15 05:21 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 236
kmartinusa
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 236 |
178 A-Max.
I've got what's left of the bullet, will text a picture to you tomorrow in case you're interested.
Wasn't my best shot for a couple of reasons...a little far back however he was done within 100 yds and about 60 seconds.
I highly recommend Chad. He's a responsive and helpful.
We kept it as a pet for several months until it got run over by a truck. Then we ate him.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6040970
11/20/15 09:31 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 132
mason15
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 132 |
thanks guys for the advice!
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6041691
11/21/15 02:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 296
Jon B
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 296 |
I used a 180 grain accubond in a 300 Weatherby on my last bull. Shot was 259 yards. The bull shuddered at each hit but just kept walking. I finally broke the offside shoulder and he fell. Three of the five shots went right through his ribs. No doubt fatal but he showed minimal reaction to the shots. All bullets except the last one passed all the way through. Please understand that I hunt with a few guys from Wyoming and their rule is you shoot until he quits standing or you no longer have a shot. Long story short.... I would have preferred something that expanded a bit quicker and imparted a bit more shock. But a dead bull is a dead bull.
I wish stupidity was not so handsomly rewarded.
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Re: .308 for Elk hunting
[Re: mason15]
#6041755
11/21/15 02:47 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 453
MWTX270
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 453 |
My wife just shot her Utah elk, with a 308 and 165 gr Accubond. Didn't go over 50yds after a hit behind the shoulder. It was a mature, big bodied bull. I would not hesitate to use the 308 for elk.
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