I am liking the idea of a T3 Stainless Lite at 6.3lbs. for my elk hunt next fall, but am wondering about the 308 as a good all around caliber. Is it enough? I will handload and would like to reach out to at least 300 yards if I have to. I can get a 300 win mag, but at only 6.6lbs it would be a bear to shoot. The '06 at 6.3lbs is another option, but would also kick more than the 308 and how much would I gain in practical field performance? If I ever draw a big bear tag, I would get a 338 or a 375, so moose would be the largest animal that this gun would be used for. Any handload recipes are welcome. I am thinking of a tough 165 grain bullet at 2780fps. Velocity really drops off with the 180 grainers or bigger in this caliber..that is one area that the '06 has the advantage(the only one in my opinion). Thanks in advance, everyone.
2007-12-22 09:11:22 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
Dropped both Elk and Bear with a 7MM Rem Mag with no problems
2007-12-23 13:29:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, but I would prefer to err on the side of caution and keep the .308 within 200 yards and that with a well-placed shot right in the boiler-room.
Many times the only shot an elk will present is quartering away, and I would want all the power I could carry to penetrate thru to the vitals of a big, heavy, dense animal. The .338winmag is my sentimental favourite among magnums, but the .340Wby, .358 alaskan, and the .375/.378 family would not be over-doing it for the once-in-a-lifetime shot. Neither for that matter would a .416.
But back to the .308 - being a fan of big bullets I personally would use 180gr, but I wouldn't say your "tough 165gr" is inadequate either. Just get as close as you can, place that perfect shot, be ready with quick follow-up shots, and don't even worry about 300 yards. It's hunting, not match competition.
2007-12-23 14:54:23 · answer #2 · answered by geraldine f 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you now your rifle and know the load used in it and you use premimum hunting bullets you should be able to take elk with a 308. Many people out there believe you have to have magnum power for kill elk. What did people hunt with before the super duper wowzere mag cartridges? If you want to hunt with a 308 then get the rifle and spend plenty of time on the range working up your handload then pratice with it shooting from all the different shooting positions. I would even pack a backpack for range trips and pratice shooting off of it in different pisitions.
If you are a good marksman and pick your shot carefully you should have no problem taking an elk with a 308. I would also find a premimum factory load that shoots good in your rifle just in case your handloads get lost of something happens to them on your way to your hunt. Your thinking is right on with the 165gr bullets.
2007-12-22 10:09:41 · answer #3 · answered by cpttango30 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is all dependent upon whether you are hunting in a crowded area or are taking a single Elk trip of a lifetime wih a guide or outfitter. In both cases, leave th .308 at home. You need a gun to anchor a Bull in its tracks in the former scenario and in the latter you are paying so much for the opportunity to maybe get one opportunity to shoot that you may not have a choice of how distant the Elk is away from you or at what angle or how much brush in in the way. Again a poor choice in the .308. Get a .338 and learn to shoot it! At the very least, a 30/06. You are very foolish to bank on the .308 though under standard conditions it could and would get the job done. I would hate to see you have someone else tag your 6x6 Bull that ran a few hundred yards in the wrong direction. The .338 is also good protection in grizzly country where Rocky Mtn. elk live.
2007-12-22 17:32:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Actually, yes, the .308 with at least a 165 grain bullet is more than adequate for elk, as long as you take your time and place the shot well. A lot of un informed people will claim it isn't, but I have used one to compete at 1000 yards. My son shoots a Winchester model 70 in .308 win and has kept right up with me when shooting deer and elk (I use a .270 win) and he has taken 3 black bear so far, with number 4 coming up this spring. My uncle shot nothing but .308 win in a Remington 700 right up until he passed away. His was a 1 shot kill rifle for as long as I hunted with him on large western mule deer and elk. Just practice and be careful not to rush your shot.
Shoot safe
2007-12-22 10:15:40 · answer #5 · answered by randy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
308 with 180's may drop off a bit compared to 30-06, but up to 300 yards, the difference isn't that great, so I don't see why there'd be a problem.
2007-12-22 09:42:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used a 338Winchester magnum for bear, elk and deer in Montana. You don't even notice the kick when shooting at game. The 338wm has as much energy at 300 yds as your 308 has at the muzzle.
2007-12-22 09:19:01 · answer #7 · answered by jimmymae2000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the .308 is definatly a good gun. when i go elk hunting i use a .300 wthrby mag. which is plenty of power.....considering i blew a hole in the side of the last 5x6 that i shot that i could put my hand through!!!!!
2007-12-22 11:04:30 · answer #8 · answered by cztheman64 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best choice for your purpose is the 30-06, because you have a greater variety of bullet weights to choose from.* I prefer the 180 or 220's myself.* When you have a 30-06 you don't need any other rifle.* It will harvest any game in North America cleanly.* Magnums are not needed with a 30-06.*Recoil is moderate.*
2007-12-22 09:26:48 · answer #9 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
dude no way is the .308 enough barley enough for whitetail u want a all around gun get the .300 win short mag.
2007-12-22 09:14:10 · answer #10 · answered by Jesse C 1 · 0⤊ 7⤋