7mm-08 for elk

[Bobcape]

I shot my elk last fall with a 7-08 and 150gr ELD-X. 1 shot, pass through, dropped in tracks. The shot was only 211 yards but the performance was perfect. The bullet hit a rib on each side. Exit hole was about the size of a lime. I was hunting alone so I did the gutless method. Didn't open the chest. Got the tenders out without having to open the paunch at all. Good result.
Bob

ETA - 41.0gr IMR4166 Fed 210 22" barrel 2781fps

 

[Gills]

I highly recommend the ELD M 162 at 2600 to 2750 fps. It will throttle an ELK out to 1100 yards

See my recent post about bullet performance on a mule deer buck at 840 yards

I wouldn't use a match bullet for hunting it can have disastrous results.
I use the 150 gr. Eld x. But in a 7 mag. I have had great luck with this bullet they never go more than 20 yards. But I have not shot one with it at much over 300 yards

 

[wkdwdg66]

More than Enough, I've used 53gr BTHP @ 4300 fps on Elk one head shot stops them in their tracks .

Sounds like a 220 I own. Laser beam to 500 yds

 

[Ernie]

I have killed a number of cow and bull elk with a 7mm-08 performance level.
The actual weapon was a center-grip 15.75 inch 284 Winchester XP-100

 

[tooth doc]

More than Enough, I've used 53gr BTHP @ 4300 fps on Elk one head shot stops them in their tracks .

Not legal in many states

 

[Jed2925]

My daughter, about 2 years ago dropped a 5x5 bull at 425 yards with her 7mm-08 shooting a 168gr Berger Classic Hunter flying at 2550fps. Took out both lungs, he took a few steps, and was done.

 

[wkdwdg66]

My daughter, about 2 years ago dropped a 5x5 bull at 425 yards with her 7mm-08 shooting a 168gr Berger Classic Hunter flying at 2550fps. Took out both lungs, he took a few steps, and was done.

Good for her, sounds like she's got it dialed in.

 

[shortshot1]

I'm a little concerned that folks are recommending the eld-m. Years ago I spoke with a Hornady technician and he told me never to use Hornady match bullets on game. They're not designed for that purpose. Yes they'll work with a perfect shot but perfect shots in the field at longer ranges are hard to come by. Use a hunting bullet designed specifically for the task at hand. Just to many variables to take the risk of a failure.

Best comment I've seen on this subject.

 

[LVJ76]

3100 from a 7MM08?You are talking 280AI velocities.

Steve is getting 3370 with a 22 inch 280 ackimp. They are saying 2 to 300 increase over normal

Theae bulleta are supposed to give you 100 to 200 fps more than a cup and core bullet, so if tou can get 2,900 with an 140gr Accubond you should be able to get between 3,000 and 3,100 fps with the 140gr Absolute Hammer

 

[Ricky C]

Hey, I've never shot an elk with a 7-08, but I've killed a bull moose with one. Here's the load I used: Rem case, Nosler 140 gr partition, 47.7 hrs of H414, CCI 200, OL case 2.800. Vel was 2816 FPS from the first model Chrony chronograph. By the way the 2020 Hodgdon manual shows a load using StaBall 6.5 and a Barnes 150 gr TTSX at 2891 and a 139 gr HDY SP at 3054 FPS so the 140 gr absolute hammer at 3100 FPS sounds achievable to me. Good luck to your niece!

 

[MAD10]

I'm a little concerned that folks are recommending the eld-m. Years ago I spoke with a Hornady technician and he told me never to use Hornady match bullets on game. They're not designed for that purpose. Yes they'll work with a perfect shot but perfect shots in the field at longer ranges are hard to come by. Use a hunting bullet designed specifically for the task at hand. Just to many variables to take the risk of a failure.

Don't be concerned about the ELDM....you have to know how to use it. Please read Nathan Foster's data at ballistics research....ALL I use is the 162 ELDM and he explains very clearly why it works so well - but you have to be using it at the right velocity and distances - too fast a velocity and the bullet is no good at close ranges slow it down and it will slay beasts from point blank out to incredible distances. The assumption is you know how to shoot and are ethical in what you are capable of.
______________________________________________________
Here is my post for a hunt I just returned from

Update on the 162 eld-M ….

9 days in the Maroon Bells Wilderness - right up the road from my house. Hard to get Early season rifle tag above timberline wilderness hunt.

"SENT IT" 840 yards, 17º slope angle - I was at 10,700 buck was at 11,500 hiding in a southwest facing jungle. He gave me a quartering away shot and I slipped the 162 ELD M in my 7mm 08 between the last two ribs angling towards the off shoulder. Bullet entrance was a 2" hole under the hide - it destroyed virtually all vital organs except the heart. He made it 10 yards before piling up and zero meat loss from fragmentation - meaning no exit hole. Ave. MV 2738 / ES 6

I will add this is a long range forum and if you are using "controlled expansion" bullets for long range applications you are WRONG. You must understand bullet jacket properties and how they work regarding distances and velocities - otherwise stay with your partitions and keep it inside 400 yards.

 

[Warbird2006]

I highly recommend the ELD M 162 at 2600 to 2750 fps. It will throttle an ELK out to 1100 yards

See my recent post about bullet performance on a mule deer buck at 840 yards

It's his niece...be realistic. 1% of hunters would be able to make a kill on 840 yards. So your comment is completely irrelevant.

 

[RYEWSKY25284]

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've used it on Cow Elk 140gr partition 350yds DRT

 

[NorCalRiceGuy]

3100 from a 7MM08?You are talking 280AI velocities.

Correct.