Adequate for elk? Beginner

[EmeraldBullet]

I'm fairly new to hunting, but I really like the idea of providing for myself.

I bought  a sig m716 patrol rifle to defend my property against a black bear. Unfortunately, I scared away the bear and a huge mountain lion made its home here when the bear left. The Mountain lion killed my neighbors pitbull and cat but that is besides the point. 

I recently these holidays reconnected with my Godfather, and he hunts elk. He invited me to go with him, I just want to make sure my rifle is adequate for that purpose. I have a trijicon acog with red dot mounted on it. I also can get a long barrel shot gun from my grandpa if that is better, he was given the shotgun from his father and it only has been fired 3 times, but the pass is bad and I would have to drive to the eastern side of the state to get the shotgun.

Thanks for all advice in advance.

[bobcat]

Yes, perfectly adequate with the right bullet. I'd go with a good 150 grain bullet, Barnes or Nosler Accubond would be good choices.

[actionshooter]

I wouldn't hesitate to use it with the right ammo/bullet.

[EmeraldBullet]

You wouldn't want a heavier grain bullet? 150 is easy to find but I feel like closer to 200 grain might have more stepping power. I don't know...Thanks for the brand recommendation too.

[bobcat]

It's all personal preference on bullet weight. Anything from 150 to 180 will work fine on elk from a 308.

With the 100% copper bullets such as the Barnes, the more velocity the better. It ensures the bullet will expand properly. So with copper bullets I'd definitely go with the 150.

[EmeraldBullet]

I see, you want the bullet to be big enough but also tosses with enough velocity. Would it be better for me to fire 7.62 ammo with the over gassed setting?

[bobcat]

Maybe someone else can answer that last question. I'm not familiar with your rifle.

[EmeraldBullet]

Maybe someone else can answer that last question. I'm not familiar with your rifle.

No problem, you already have been a big help. Thank you so much.

[Dan-o]

308 is a perfectly acceptable elk round.

More important than the round......   Putting the bullet into the vitals.

PRACTICE and PROFICIENCY mean way more than getting a bigger gun.

Good luck!

Dan

[12Gauge]

I see, you want the bullet to be big enough but also tosses with enough velocity. Would it be better for me to fire 7.62 ammo with the over gassed setting?

I would not, 7.62 ammo does not expand so well, you want the bullet to expand when it makes contact with the animal.   
A suggestion for ammo;  Federal Fusion 165 grains.  Stay within 150 and 180 grains and you will be fine, I don't think you need anything heavier. 

[coachcw]

So your 716 is typically a 1.5 moa gun. That being said I'd play with  different amo   and she  what  she likes . My bet would be  a  lighter bullet  my stabilize quicker and   be more accurate . 308 s  typically  like  165 and 168 grain bullets both the accubond  and throphy bonded perform well. If you can shoot 1.5 off the bench you should consider limiting your shots  to uunder  200 yards . Stay in the pocket .

[EmeraldBullet]

So your 716 is typically a 1.5 moa gun. That being said I'd play with  different amo   and she  what  she likes . My bet would be  a  lighter bullet  my stabilize quicker and   be more accurate . 308 s  typically  like  165 and 168 grain bullets both the accubond  and throphy bonded perform well. If you can shoot 1.5 off the bench you should consider limiting your shots  to uunder  200 yards . Stay in the pocket .

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have my trijicon acog sighted in for 150 yards, so I definitely will keep it under 200. Even at those ranges I find the red dot more accurate than the scope, may just be my shooting style. Thanks again for the help!

[Karl Blanchard]

Coach is spot on.  Every .308 I have loaded for shot the 165's well.  With a 10 twist 16" tube, I'd go with a 150 or 165 nosler partition.  Great bullet that will perform amazing at the velocities that gun will be spitting them at.  Good luck, and like has been said already, practice practice practice.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

308 is a perfectly acceptable elk round.

More important than the round......   Putting the bullet into the vitals.

PRACTICE and PROFICIENCY mean way more than getting a bigger gun.

Good luck!

Dan

 

[EmeraldBullet]

Thanks guys, really appreciate it. I practice as much as I can, unfortunately most ranges in my area don't allow the rifle I have or limit me to single shot loads (defeats the purpose of owning a semi auto capable .308).