The .308 is fine for elk. A bull won't know whether the .30 caliber bullet that hit him came from a .308 or a 30-06 or a .300 magnum, but that being said, the effective range is different for each of those calibers, with the .308 having the shortest effective range of the three. Just don't try to take the same shot with a .308 that you would with a 300 magnum, if your shot is long -- say over 250 yards. A 150 grain bullet from a .308 is traveling about the same speed at 300 yards as one from a .300 Win Mag is traveling at 400 yards. The 30-06 is somewhere in the middle. You might try Hornady Light Magnum ammo in your gun to see if it is accurate for you, because the ballistics are close to regular 30-06 loads.
Speckmisser
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A .308 ought to be fine if you manage your shots... but that's the case with any caliber.
I carry a .308 BAR as a backup when I travel to elk hunt, and use a 30-06 as my primary...well, I did until I got my newest toy, a .325wsm. That'll be my primary elk gun from now on.
I shoot 180gr Corelokts in the .308. At 100 yards, it groups like a champ. At 200 it opens up a bit. I don't care much for shooting beyond 200 or 250 so that makes it just fine for practical purposes... especially if that's what you already have.
If you're looking to buy a new rifle, the .308 is a good gun but the 30-06 is more versatile and offers a little more on the upper end and would be my recommendation in the .30cal family.
I carry a .308 BAR as a backup when I travel to elk hunt, and use a 30-06 as my primary...well, I did until I got my newest toy, a .325wsm. That'll be my primary elk gun from now on.
I shoot 180gr Corelokts in the .308. At 100 yards, it groups like a champ. At 200 it opens up a bit. I don't care much for shooting beyond 200 or 250 so that makes it just fine for practical purposes... especially if that's what you already have.
If you're looking to buy a new rifle, the .308 is a good gun but the 30-06 is more versatile and offers a little more on the upper end and would be my recommendation in the .30cal family.
Absolutely, it is enough. A 165/168 grain pill might be the best compromise. The 308 loses a bit of velocity with the 180's, the 150 would work just fine, but the 165/168 should give a bit more penetration. The 308 is tremendously versatile and usually very accurate. If you handload, take a look at the trophy bonded bear claw.
My son shot his first elk with a 308 - 180 grain nosler partition bullet. He was just 12 and the elk was a 6 x 6 bull. The distance was 285 yards through the range finder. The shot was through both lungs and the elk went down within 60 yards and he finished him off with a heart shot at 255 yards. The 2nd shot was not neccessary for the kill but I like to dispatch all animals as quick as we can, especially one as big as an elk. This last year he harvested a big California mule deer ( 4 x 4 with eye guards - 24.5 wide ) using the same gun and bullet. This shot was off hand at about 100 yards. One shot through both lungs and the deer traveled maybe 25 yards. The make is - Weatherby Vanguard. I have shot it and I am amazed with the out of the box accuracy this rifle has. The 270 is another caliber you may want to check out.
p.s. --- The kid drew another well sought after bull elk tag in Idaho. Three great tags in three years.
Good luck with your decision, EB
p.s. --- The kid drew another well sought after bull elk tag in Idaho. Three great tags in three years.
Good luck with your decision, EB
