7mm-08 for elk

[David Emerson]

My neice has her first Bull ELK tag in Nevada and shoots a 7mm-08. The only factory ammo they could find was the Hornady 150 ELD-X I offered to reload for them and would like feedback from shooters who have used the 7mm-08 for Elk. What Bullet and Powder............ Ive used the 708 in the past but used the 120 X

I believe like aussie hunter and jebel. Good bullets that will penetrate. The new 140 absolute hammer would be my choice. Think 3100 from a 7/08. You probably would need to go with as fast a powder as H4895 but I would sure try it.

 

[seattleman1969]

I am a lead free guy, Barnes or GMX in the 140-150 range are my go to, and I keep shots under 400 if using the 7mm-08. Just my preference, but it works.

 

[HawkeyeSATX]

The 7mm-08 has been taking elk since it became a commercial cartridge.
I would use premium bullets, factory loaded, like Hornady or Federal Premium, since FP use Nosler, and Sierra bullets.

The lightest bullet I would use would be a Nosler 140gr Partition, or the Accubond. The Accubond will shoot faster and flatter, and hit with more energy than the partition.

But, Nosler has a 150 gr Accubond, and I think this would be a better fit, since it's heavier, bonded, and retains it's energy better than the 140 gr.

If handloading, I would use one of the new powders, like RL-26, or Winchester StaBall 6.5 to eek out the most velocity possible without spiking pressures.

 

[Wyosam]

I'll add to the hammer recommendations- if under 450 or so is the goal, choose whatever sledgehammer is appropriate for twist. If she's confident at longer range, the hammer hunter or ultimate hammer get the nod.

 

[sjb8215]

My neice has her first Bull ELK tag in Nevada and shoots a 7mm-08. The only factory ammo they could find was the Hornady 150 ELD-X I offered to reload for them and would like feedback from shooters who have used the 7mm-08 for Elk. What Bullet and Powder............ Ive used the 708 in the past but used the 120 X

The 7-08 is a fine medium to large game rifle at reasonable distances, out to 500 yds. Many fine factory loads are available and the the caliber won't set you back big bucks to buy or reload ammo. For shooters with smaller frames and new to the shooting sports it is a fine choice for deer/elk. I would recommend a load with a premium bullet for Elk at all ranges. Look for factory ammunition from Nosler, Barnes, Hornady. Bullet types Nosler partition, Accubond. Barnes TSX, TTSX and LRX. Hornday GMX, Interbond and ELD-X. Bullet weight 120-162 gr. Any of these will get the job done on a tough large animal such as elk.

 

[JAYgs8163]

162 ELDX and Varget. Should be good to go. Usually pretty easy to load for also. I Run the 168 ELDX in my 308 with 45.5 grain Varget with great results. The 150 they bought will do just fine also unless they're having accuracy issues. I would stay 300 and in.

 

[tyleray]

7-08 will do the job fine. If it were me I'd go with Hammers or Barnes.

 

[JMW67]

I do believe the new 140 absolute hammer would be amazing in this situation say to 600

 

[Battering Ram]

Barnes LRX 145 with CCI primers and R-17. 2900 FPS and light recoil. Every elk shot with it has died.

 

[BLASERMAN]

Why not first shot counts put bullet where it is supposed to go It will do the job

 

[RevJim]

Whenever I think about the 7mm08, I just compare it to the old 7x57 "properly loaded) meaning around 62K of so. Long track record for the old war horse! Goose/Gander applies here, ha. I hope she has a great hunt!

 

[BigNate]

The cartridge isn't the variable to spend much concern on. The ELDx will be fine. Boring I know but I think a 140ish Nosler Partition would be my go to for normal ranges. If she's been practicing out beyond 500yds, my choice might be for something else. Give her confidence in what she is doing, and she's golden.

 

[COmtnman1]

I took an elk with my 7-08 loaded with the 131gr Hammer Hunter over Varget. At 340 yards the shot was a little forward. It broke the near femur, through the chest, broke the far femur, and exited. Plenty of power for elk.

Now that's a heck of a trick shot, since the femur is in the hind leg!

 

[thwatson2]

I have used 150 grain accubond bullets with imr4831 and varget. I load both to about 2750fps. I find 4831 to be slightly more accurate. Both these powders will be at their max to achieve that performance but I've not had any pressure issues