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Ethics always comes into a thread like this. No way around it. I like to say that ethics is like people's limitations. Everyone has them but not everyone's are the same. I'll agree the numbers are intimidating for the 308 on Elk BUT it can be done easily if the right finger is on the trigger and conditions being good.
I understand that completely
Well said, I primarily hunt Elk so the threshold I use is the Colorado recommended 1500 lbs of energy at the target.
Shot placement is always key. I'm not a fan of a 308 myself but it's kinda the difference between Ford and Chevy. Everyone has their preference. I would say if you shoot it well and are sure of your ability you are good to go. That being said I would never talk a guy out of a new rifle.
your 308 will kill anything in North America, but it all depends on the Shooter as to how clean the kill is. the 308 should be a one shot kill from 10 to 1000 yards if the shooter knows how to shoot his gun.
I was weened on a 308 in the army at 18 years old and we shot accuratly out to 900 meters. I have been shooting 308 ever since with my Howa 1500 heavy barreled mountain rifle for 30 years as my high powered hunting riffle. I see no reason to go to anything else! Up here in northern NH a 600 yard shot is rare. Thic woods and brush. I am more than comfortable with my 308. Ammo is plentyfull but I reload and don't buy much new factory ammo. I hit the sweet spot with my 168gr. HP loadings and my 165gr. S.P. loadings. I'm all set.
The short answer is.....yes...maybe. You need to look at the terminal performance of the specific bullet to see if it will still perform at 600 yards. They are velocity sensitive when you get near their outer design limits. For instance Barnes ttsx 165 May need 1500 fps to expand reliably. I just made this number up so don't take it as fact. For examples sake at the distance this bullet drops below 1500 fps you can expect it to act like an FMJ. You may very well hit the animal and kill it because FMJs tumble creating devastating wound channels. The problem is if it partially expands it may prevent tumble but also not expand enough for a good quick kill. For 600 yard shots you will have to reasearch what bullets will still have terminal velocity at that range. And that goes for any rifle. Even a 338 wm won't perform at 600 yards with the wrong bullet.
Working on getting my FINGER better now. Touching up my equipment and getting to be a more consistent reloader. Money was never the issue in my decision. I didnt want to stock different powders, calibers of bullets and chose calibers that were cast friendly. Heck...I shoot all the inside 125 yard deer with a 44 magnum and a cast bullet.
why do you need something bigger to shoot a Bear ???? I killed 3 Blacks with my M1 Carbine one of them was well over 600#, you don't need a cannon to kill animals in Montana for years I hunted with my 22-250 and all one shot kills including ELK. it's called shot placement.
