Is a .308 big enough?

[doorman]

Well just about all of you are right. However I would say use a 300.cailber. I shot an elk 406 2/8 non typical heart & lung shot first, it took 3 more shots at about 150 yds. For whitetail or smaller I'd say yes on the smaller gunns, but on the over hand large is better, who want to track a wounded animal

sometimes you find them and some times you do not

Doorman

 

[PoorAim]

Your 308 should do just fine out to 300yards, assuming you do your
part and put the bullet where it needs to go. I would not recommend
the 243, especially since you already have the 308.

As for bullets, since you reload, I would use any high-quality
bullet 165gr and up that shoots well out of your rifle. Some
good choices would be (I may be repeating some here)
Core-Lockt (not really a "primo" bullet , but they have been proven work)
Nosler Partition
Nosler Accubonds (My Savage 99 likes these)
Trophy Bonded Bear Claws
Barnes XLC, or Triple Shock (XXX)
and many more...

With a bullet weight of 165 grain, you can pretty much match
30-06 performance. The 30-06 only really "beats" the 308 in
the heavier bullet weights.

I also have a savage 99, but mine is in 300 savage. It shoots the new
Barnes Triple Shock Bullets (XXX) very well. The Barnes bullets
retain roughly 99% of their weight, so you can usually get away
with a slightly lighter bullet, but still get very
deep penetration, with a better trajectory. Most folks will say for 308/30-06 velocities 180gr is the best choice for Elk, and I would agree, except for the
barnes bullets, where I think the 168gr is the ticket.

Good Luck, Elk hunting is very fun (and challenging!)

 

[Mailman Bill]

Thanks to all of you for your information. I haven't reloaded any for the .308 cause I hadn't used the gun much since it was my father-in-laws. I have just lately started shooting it some. I will have to buy the dies for it and experiment with different powders and bullets. This gun has a very small diameter barrel so I'll have to be careful not to let it heat up to much while I'm shooting it on the bench. Even with the over the counter shells that I sighted it in with really made the barrel hot after 5 or 6 shots through it. The shots started to wander on the paper at 100 yards. Thanks again for all of your input. I think my wife would be happy if I took an elk with her dads gun. Mailman Bill

 

[Mailman Bill]

P.S. this is to WYOBOY.....I would love to have that little Sako .243 that you have. Sweeeet!

 

[WYOBOY]

NOOO way man. My grandfather broght that back from one of his trips over the pond in the early 70's. I love that thing. Weighs maybe six pounds with a varyXII
Thing will drive tacks with any load I concoct. The rock dog population would probobly appreciate it if I got rid of it though.

 

[Mailman Bill]

WYOBOY .... When I first started hunting back in 1963 I used an Ithaca 37 20gauge with slugs. This was my only gun at the time. I was invited to hunt with my high school buddy at his families farm in central Missouri. His mom had already gotten her deer and offered her gun to me to use. I didn't realize it at the time what a slick little gun she had. It was a Sako .243. I have seen a few at the gun show lately but they are really pricey. I guess that if I want one I will have to pay the price. I can't really complain about my Rem. 700 .243. It has never failed me yet. But for the .243 caliber the Sako reigns King. Later...Mailman Bill