.308 for Elk question

[AZ Jim]

Recently I picked up a Winchester .308 model 100 for my daughter's bull elk hunt. It has a 22-inch barrel with a 1 in 12 RH twist. Due to the terrain we will be hunting, I estimate average shooting opportunities in the 50 to 200 yard range, with 300 yards on the outside extreme. I want to have the best accuracy, penetration, energy transfer, and terminal performance I can get.

I was wondering if anyone out there has a recommendation / opinion based on experience as to the best cartridge manufacturer, bullet type / weight combination to use. The reps. at the different gun shop / sporting goods stores out there all have so many different opinions. I am hearing "use only 150 grn. Winchester XP3's" to "use the 180 grn. Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Tip" and everything in between. I know the gun will prefer / shoot some rounds better than others, just looking for some advice where to start considering 30 to 45 dollars a box for ammo.

I did try some 165 Hornaday GMX bullets and the gun was shooting 1.5 to 2-inch groups at 100 yards.


Thanks,

AZ Jim

 

[baco]

My 308 loves the winchester silvertips in 150 grain. Havent used it on elk but numerous deer

 

[RoosterKiller]

You need to try different types of ammo and pick one that performes.I was out yesterday sighting in rifles and found that my savage liked the Remington 150's and the Winchester 180's. I went to a Mauser and it only liked the Winchester 180's. The 150's of either brand performed poorly in the Mauser. So you really need to try different ammo and pick one that you are comfortable with on the accuracy.

 

[dc83]

I don't know if this will help you at all but I'm going elk hunting next week with my 308 I'll be shooting barnes 180 TSX handloads if my bolt is fixed that is

 

[ltdann]

Jim, I've had one-shot-drops on cow elk with 150 grn e-tips (230 yds). I prefer the 150's over the 180's for recoil purposes. I like the e-tips, they preform well. Just tried the new winchester 95/5 stuff, it shoots the same point of aim as the e-tip (150 grns) and goes for around $28 a box at Sportsmen's warehouse. After I burn thru the last of the e-tips, I'll be switch to the 95/5

 

[AZ Jim]

Thanks all, I am going to hit the range this weekend with the Federal Trophy Bonded Tip, Winchster Silvertips, Remington Core Lokts, the Barnes Vortex TTSX, and Nosler Partitions. All in the 165 grn. to 180 grn. bullet (thought I should use the heavier weights for Bull Elk) . I'm going to break the bank, but hopefully I find one that shoots as good as or better than the GMX. The Accubonds shot about a 3-inch group, and I am looking for better than that.

Itdann, I am interested in the E-Tip, and XP3's, but can only find them in 150 grn. Anyone know if they make them in heavier factory .308 loads ?

AZ Jim

 

[Mel Carter]

AZ Jim,
Please let us know how they work out, i'm wanting to try the TTSX in my .308 and would like some input on how they shoot. I'm shooting the Accubonds now, accurate but may want to try the TTSX or TSX.

 

[dodgerfan175]

I just got back from Colorado and dropped a cow at 475 yds. on the spot. I used Federal factory ammo with 150 gr. Barnes triple shock bullet Federal load number P308V.

 

[daddy63]

You have a story on your cow elk hunt dodgerfan175?