.308 for elk hunting

[ackbizzle]

so i was planning on using my .308 for my elk hunt this year and i was wondering if anyone has recommendations on bullet size. i was thinking of loading some 180 grains but wanted to see if that was to big? thanks

[bobcat]

I'd use 180's if you're using cheap bullets (Power Points, Core Lokts, etc.) but if you go with a better bullet like Partitions or Accubonds, I'd use 165's.

Or if you like lighter bullets use the Barnes 150 grain. It's 100% copper so you can afford to go down in weight a little. They won't lose more than about 10% when going through an elk.

[ackbizzle]

well i have a bunch of 150 grain sierra game kings, think they got the knock down power?

[bobcat]

well i have a bunch of 150 grain sierra game kings, think they got the knock down power?

They would be fine but you would want to be careful and try not to take a shoulder shot or anything where it's going to have to punch through a lot of bone. I would get some cheap Winchester Power Points in 180 grain instead of those. They're $20 a box or less at Wal Mart.

The Sierra 150's would be great for deer.

[huntnphool]

 I have killed a few bulls with 140gr. Noslers, all went down with one shot but they were heart/lung shots.

[bobcat]

I have killed a few bulls with 140gr. Noslers, all went down with one shot but they were heart/lung shots.

I'm not sure I've ever heard of 140 grain bullets in 30 caliber.   

[huntnphool]

I have killed a few bulls with 140gr. Noslers, all went down with one shot but they were heart/lung shots.

I'm not sure I've ever heard of 140 grain bullets in 30 caliber.   

 I've no idea if they make a 140gr. 30 cal bullet, my point is 140gr. anything is capable of killing elk so he should not feel like a 150gr. will not be effective.

[SI Eagle]

I have used the Sierra Game Kings and killed 8-9 bulls with them. They are great and don't let anyone tell you different. Load em up and go elk hunting. You will be fine.

[bobcat]

It really is personal preference in what weight and style bullet a person likes to use for elk. I've seen standard jacketed (cheap) bullets disintegrate on nothing more than a single rib bone on a deer. So if someone asks I always try to recommend going with more of a "premium" style of bullet for elk, either a monolithic like the Barnes or a bonded bullet like the Nosler Accubond. With deer it really makes very little difference what bullet you use. But elk are a lot bigger and a lot tougher.

The weight of a bullet is really not that significant. Personally I don't like recoil so in a 308 for myself I would try to go with a 150 grain in a Barnes bullet. Yes, anything will kill an elk, even a 40 grain bullet from a 22 long rifle. But you need to use what you have confidence in, and know your limits. With a Barnes bullet you don't have to be afraid of hitting a shoulder or other heavy bone on an elk, and that's what I like about it. I also like that it allows me to go with a relatively light bullet for less recoil, without a reduction in killing ability.

[M_ray]

I couldnt find 140's for my 300 when I wanted to start re-loading, I was looking for Nosler Partitions so I know they didnt offer a 30 cal 140grn then. I went with 150grns and they have been great! I wouldnt personally buy cheap ammo talking about confidence ... you get what you pay for and I am not going to wager my shot at a bull on a cheap ammo, thats just me.

[washelkhunter]

308 in 165 - 180 should do you right.

[Curly]

so i was planning on using my .308 for my elk hunt this year and i was wondering if anyone has recommendations on bullet size. i was thinking of loading some 180 grains but wanted to see if that was to big? thanks

No.  180's are not too big.  Load them up and go kill an elk.

[jaymark6655]

What is the twist of the barrel?  1:12 you can load either the 165 or 180.  I use the 180 and don't think its too big.  Has higher BC so even though muzzle velocities will be lower, usual downrange performance is a bit better.  190 or higher is starting to get to big unless you have a 1:10 twist, but then that barrel would hate those 165 rounds.

[ackbizzle]

well i will be using a remington 770 which had a 1 : 10" twist. i have been looking for some 165 accubonds but seems like everyone is backordered.

[coachcw]

fedral premium 165 tsx