.308 for Elk?

Was looking into a .308 (Ruger American) as a new Elk gun. I know that alot of folks will have opions on Yes it is versus the NO it's not... I have heard about the placement of the shot also so let me hear you personal experience with the .308. I know that choice of ammo also plays a BIG part... I plan on using I believe 180 grain in Nosler... I already own a Rem 300 SAUM (Rem Model 7 SA) that I use for elk and deer... I plan to pass this onto my son's one day and I am saving it from the beating that the tree's and brush give the barrel lol...

So toss it out gents... let me hear it...

I have taken more than a couple of Cows with a 308.. No issue.

I use 168gr Winchester Ballistic Silver-tip without a worry

While I wound up buying a 30-06, I borrowed a friend's 308 for a while and shot it. Killed deer with it, an the perceived recoil is lighter than an 06.

I would recommend dropping bullet weight to a 168 Barnes X. Check the ballistics tables but there should not be any problems.

I want to convert to a 270 for logistical reasons, and though many writers say a 270 win is too light for elk, check websites and postings, tons of elk killed with 130 gr 270 bullets.

For your son a 308 will be easier to start with than an 06, or magnum.

Bottom line it is still a 30 caliber bullet and will kill elk at any range you can reasonably hit them at.

Not this again.

Get it, make sure you can shoot it well.

I use Hornady 165gr Interbond. They haul ass and best any off the shelf ammo by leaps and bounds, and likely do as well or better than anyone's hot hand loads.

With good bullets and most importantly good shot placement a 308 will drop an elk just fine.

Ditton. I have a Browning BLR in .308 that shoots 168gr Barnes TSX bullets that has worked well in close and out to 300 yards on elk when I do my part.

Me cuz has used nothing but a 308 for moose and elk and deer for the last 35 years.
Killed many many many including a 407 score bull in Utah.

308 is just fine. 270 WSM isn't too shabby either.

Bah, anything short of a 416 rigby is too small for Elk!!!!

Just kidding. I probably wouldn't try to bust through the shoulder of a huge bull at 300+ yds with anything smaller than a 7Mag and heavy bullet, but if you can make a clean shot with a good bullet, the 308 has ample energy for an elk out to 600+

Such shots are the reason some hunters tote heavy for game calibers. A 180-190 from a 300Mag will take a trophy bull through the shoulder if that is the best shot you can get on a trophy animal. Those rounds will bust the shoulder and still drive deep enough for an ethical kill. I wouldn't try it with a 308.