308 for elk?

[t-slice]

Might be getting a 308 soon. What should I sight it in for? And how far out can I drop an elk ethically?

[mx'r]

where I hunt I cant see more than 100 yards. I think most places that hold elk are about the same. If it holds @ 250 yards than thats good in my book.

[t-slice]

So it prolly has more range than a 30-06?

[USMC88-93]

So it prolly has more range than a 30-06?

I would be willing to take longer shots with a 30-06 than with a .308. Things to consider ... the barrel length and bullet weight combination you are considering will result in a specific muzzle velocity and energy delivered on target at a given range (pick the appropriate bullet weight and type for the given task). I personally have not been in a situation hunting elk where the shot would be longer than 220 yards.
.308 has served me well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/PhotoTWB/Colorao%20Elk%20Hunt%20Medium/DSCN2263Medium.jpg

[trlcavscout]

I would sight in for 100 for normal hunting conditions. With quality ammo, gun combo and depending on your skills you can go a long damn way down range. Unless your looking for trouble most shots will be inside of 200yds, but check you tube and longrangehunting.com if you are interested, I do not advise this silly stuff unless you know what you are doing! But the 308 is a 1k round IMO, "effective kill range" 850, "effective target range" 1100 depending on ammo. Most factory match ammo I have ran is good for 900-950, hunting ammo falls way short of that. I have seen it kill at over 1k in the hands of a pro, but not elk.

[Bill]

hands down the 30-06 will out shot the 308

on the 308 go with a 150/165gr bullet ( fed trophy bonded tip,Barnes triple shock, hornady GMX, Win XP3 or E-tip, and rem scirocco) becuase of the thick skin. Sight in at 200yds and your good for a kill shot from 100 to 400yds

[bryjcom]

If your using a bolt gun you can bump up the weight on a 308 to 180 grains. 168 grain barnes bullets are excellent and are very accurate....that is if you reload...

I would not feel underguned with a 308 and elk. Would I be taking 800yrd shots at one? NO.

A 30-06 will have a slightly faster velocity and you can get up to 220 grains I believe. So there is more ammo choice and reloading choices with a 30-06

[sniper7]

just bought a leftover cow tag...I am considering taking my K98 mauser[Tooth]

its either that or my .243

[t-slice]

just bought a leftover cow tag...I am considering taking my K98 mauser[Tooth]

its either that or my .243

Don't use the 243 not enough knock-down power...trust me I've been there [Bang]

[ronaldrwl]

just bought a leftover cow tag...I am considering taking my K98 mauser[Tooth]

its either that or my .243


I could lend you something with a little more whop-ass if you need. Just send me a PM.

[sniper7]

Don't use the 243 not enough knock-down power...trust me I've been there [Bang]


yeah that is what I am thinking. I use it for deer as I have never rifle hunted for elk...I always go archery or muzzleloader

I think I want to get a 300 win mag, possibly a .308.

[t-slice]

300 win mag has more punch but the 308 would leave more meat. Either way they are both great calibers. Mauser would be pretty awesome lol

[mx'r]

What? .243 drops an elk with one shot. Small entry wound, NO exit wound. Bullet comes apart and does MUCHO damage to the important parts. Big Bullets are bullshit. I must have hella "knock down" power with my arrows. They havent failed me yet. Big bullets might carry more energy, but it's all about shot placement in the end.

[sniper7]

What? .243 drops an elk with one shot. Small entry wound, NO exit wound. Bullet comes apart and does MUCHO damage to the important parts. Big Bullets are bullshit. I must have hella "knock down" power with my arrows. They havent failed me yet. Big bullets might carry more energy, but it's all about shot placement in the end.


that is true too, with the right bullet a .243 would be okay as long as the shot is good.
I will have to go see what rounds I have and if anything I can load some up. if I enjoy rifle hunting for elk (which I question due to the amount of hunters) then maybe I will go for a bigger caliber.

guess I have some thinking to do[Tooth]

[t-slice]

Good luck with your hunt 243 should work as long as it's not a long shot like I tried [ROFL2]

[Mtn.man]

Cuz has killed alot of elk , caribou, muleys, blacktails, whitetails, and moose with a 308 for 35 years.
243 good antilope round.