308 for Elk, Marginal?

[bodkin16]

My son has pulled a cow elk tag. His only center fire is a 308 Win. What do you think of useing this rifle with a 160grain Nosler bullet? My pref would be at least 30.06 but he doesnt really have the spare cash to buy a new rifle. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[COHunter]

He'll do fine with the .308
It has plenty of gas to get the job done. If he wants a little more pep, he can use Hornady Light Magnums.

 

[340mag]

Ive had reasonably good results with a 30-06 on ELK with the SPEER 200 grain bullets, the 308 win is very similar in performance, I would have picked a 180 or 200 grain nosler for a 308 win. while the 160 grain will no doubt work , Id suggest at least the 180 grain weight for increased penetration

 

[snoopdogg]

Your .308 will do fine. Like you, I would "want" a bit more oomph, but, what the hell can you do? If your strapped for cash, you are strapped for cash. But, spending an additional $10 or so bucks for the light mags is a sound investment. Good placement and quick follow-up shots never hurt either.

 

[bodkin16]

Thanks for the input guys. I will have him look
into the light mag ammo.

 

[Constitutionalist]

Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement.

Any questions?

 

[rukidnme]

Make sure you get a good broadside shot where you can get both lungs and you should be good out to 300 yards or so.

That caliber is light for bad angle shots and they should not be attempted.

Since in the real world is easy to say you won't take anything but a perfect shot but in reality it is tough to pass on what may be the only shot you will get ......
the Nosler Partition is great but I would try a Barnes X of 160 grains to ensure maximum penetration.

Good luck!

 

[Speckmisser]

This is good to know, since I'm probably carrying my BAR .308 as a backup for my CO trip in October. I do have a 742 in 30-06, but it's iron sights only and not the most reliable shooter.

I doubt I'll need a backup anyway... my Savage with the new Leupold is pretty bulletproof (knock wood and barring major disaster).

I didn't realize they loaded a 180 or 200 gr. for the .308... or is that a handload only? Is such a thing available from a factory load?

 

[SDHNTR]

The .308 is just fine for elk provided you excercsie some discipline, ie. don't shoot past 300 yds and take broadside shots. As mentioned, a 180 gr pill is better suited for elk but if you have confidence with that 160 gr load, by all means use it. This is for a cow hunt and its sounds like you have a perfect combo for a youngster. No elk will know the difference of 160gr vs 180gr put throught the heart and lungs. For factory loads I'd look into the Federal Premium High Energy load that shoots a 180gr Nosler Partition. That would be bad medicine for any elk in the woods. Speck, you may not want to shoot this load out of your BAR since its semi auto. The new Remington Coreloct Ultra would probably be a good choice and they have a factory 180gr load.

 

[huntducks]

Your talking less then 100 FPS differance between a 308 and a 06 shooting 160 gr bullet and max about 150FPS with a 180 gr bullet, that dead elk will never know.

The 160 Noslers would be my choice as I would rather have a flater shooter then the 180gr bullet, 20 grs on the penteration end will mean nothing but will on the FPS side.

It's where you put the pill that counts

 

[arizona jim]

180 grn. Winchester "Fail Safe" bullet & place your shot well. Stay inside 250 yds. - You will have no problem.

 

[wmidbrook]

If the State of Alaska says you don't need a Belted Magnum for Grizzlies & Moose, you sure as heck don't need one for Elk. They do place a BIG emphasis on using a good 'partitioned' bullet though.


http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/wildlife/genin...ing/huntak7.htm

 

[BradCa]

wmidbrook,

Thanks for that great link. I forwarded it to a friend who is shopping for a new rifle.

Brad