308 Winchester for elk

[kyrob]

My son got drawn for a cow elk tag here in KY this year. I reloaded a bunch of 150 gr Hornady BTSP Interlocks that are 2650 at the muzzle we use for deer and was wondering if this load would work for elk. Elk are a bit bigger than the deer around here but this load shoots great from our rifles. My son shoots 3" groups at 200 yards but I hope to have the shot at well under 100 if possible. Finally got drawn so we want to be prepared as best as possible so thought we'd ask those who have actually killed elk if this load would work. I have a couple boxes of Win silvertip factory loads in 180 gr but they are pretty rough from his light rifle but can use them if that would be a better choice. Have read that the silvertips did not do well on larger animals but have no first hand knowledge of it. Anyone have experience with them? Anyway, thanks for your opinions and good luck on your hunts this year.

Like the site Paul. Hope it does well.

Rob

[N5J]

.308...150gr is plunty for elk, it's all about bullet placement. Practice...practice...practice...put the bullet in the boiler room. Cougratulations on the tag.

N5J

James

[JohnFitzgerald]

Agree with N5J, .308 is big enough.

[Buckriser]

+ 2

[ElkNut1]

.308 for your hunt will suit you well! We've taken a few elk with this caliber, use premium bullets designed for heavy game such as elk are & you will have no issues! Do lots of practicing before hand to get comfortable with your weapon & you will have great confidence in it in crunch time! Be sure to practice in all types of positions so you know your limitations, a rest of some sort is always best but not always available, things can happen fast, try to be prepared mentally to act quickly & accurately!

ElkNut1

[JoeH2o]

I would feel a little more comfortable with 180gr, but its not necessary. Shot placement trumps everything. You should reload some 180s at mid load range and compare them side by side with the 150s. The heavier bullet is going to have a little better BC, especially if you slow it down a bit. The .308 isn't known for put'em down in their tracks kind of load. Its known for being accurate. You don't need 180s, but for elk, I just don't see why not.

[kyrob]

Thanks for the replies guys,I appreciate them. I'll try the 180's myself and see what they are like and then let my son have a round with them.

Rob

[rkpalmblad]

When my daughter was 17 she killed a bull with her .308 win, Handloads I put together for her were 180 gr Nosler Partitions doing the same FPS as your 150's. She shoots a Remington 660 and recoil is not a problem with this load. The Hornady's are OK but, if you are up close and your best shot is a shoulder, you want a bullet that will not blow apart on those large bones and continue into the vitals.