My first elk hunt

[michaelfelix13]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions I will use my 308 and I am researching the federal terminal ascent cartridge 175 grain. Seams to have the right balance of power

 

[FEENIX]

Do not reload would be over the counter cartridges. I have always used Hornady SST for dear in northeast. They work well.

Do you have a friend/family that can reload for you?

It is hard to recommend factory ammunition, esp. if you cannot get them. I am not sure if they have in stock, but you might want to check HSM's offering loaded with Berger bullets >>> https://hsmammunition.com/trophy-gold/

Midway has some very good selection but you need to act quickly ...

https://www.midwayusa.com/308-winchester/br?filters=4294957290&cid=22188

 

[michaelfelix13]

Do you have a friend/family that can reload for you?

It is hard to recommend factory ammunition, esp. if you cannot get them. I am not sure if they have in stock, but you might want to check HSM's offering loaded with Berger bullets >>> https://hsmammunition.com/trophy-gold/

Midway has some very good selection but you need to act quickly ...

https://www.midwayusa.com/308-winchester/br?filters=4294957290&cid=22188

I am trying to connect with someone to teach me. I was advised not to try it alone. This past year it's been difficult. Hopefully now that we are opening I can find a class

 

[FEENIX]

I am trying to connect with someone to teach me. I was advised not to try it alone. This past year it's been difficult. Hopefully now that we are opening I can find a class

It is always better to have a trusty and experienced reloader to provide you a hands-on experience and mentor you.

 

[memtb]

I am trying to connect with someone to teach me. I was advised not to try it alone. This past year it's been difficult. Hopefully now that we are opening I can find a class

With some good written material (manuals) and the modern conveniences, aka internet......it's pretty simple! I started @ 15 in the late '60's with no tutors. With the abundance of information available and the "want to" on your part....you shouldn't have to wait on a tutor! But.....if it makes you more comfortable! memtb

 

[calling4life]

How is he supposed to get reloading components?

At this point it seems to be a crap shoot as to whether you'd get either, but to start reloading you need a whole lot more stuff to be in stock.

I'd go bonded bullet, A frame, federal trophy bonded bearclaw, don't mind monometal bullets, but prefer premium bonded.

Thank you all for your support and suggestions I will use my 308 and I am researching the federal terminal ascent cartridge 175 grain. Seams to have the right balance of power

Federal has them in stock, order several boxes, it's a bonded bullet, should be good. Looks like 400-500 yd numbers are good with it as well.

 

[Rubberduckie]

DRT, and while you eat the heart on the spot, vegans pray for it's liberated soul.

@michaelfelix13 , Welcome to the Forum! Seems you've been a lurker for some time now.

This response warms my soul. And makes me hungry.

 

[7070yshot]

How is an elk killed ethically?

A quick death.

 

[tomsd]

For Elk - the rule used to be at least 180 grain bullet - and that was even considered on the light side for big boys.

Thus - go with the .308 - heavier bullet and wider circumference - just knocks 'em down better.

Modern ammo is good - but an old hard hitting hammer is what I trust.

Nosler Partition was invented for Elk - and it's all some of my buddies in Oregon use - but there are other good rounds that have come out since.

 

[7070yshot]

What is your current load for the .308 Win?

Honestly, I would use the rule of non-magnums keep it under 300y and magnums 500y but 700y is doable but I recommend neck shots between 500-700.
elk is still a thin skinned animal but in case you misjudge wind or elevation or don't know your MPBR then you need to stick with close distances of 50-200y.

ive harvested animals between 300-500 with 6.5 and 308 and even good shot place those calibers have lost a lot of energy and sometimes required a second shot. Neck shots haven't required a second shot.
Use good bullets and be smart. If you can't shoot 1MOA or better at 500y keep them close

 

[TheLongRanger83702]

I will be hunting elk this year in Colorado. I have a 308 and 6.5. Both shoot very accurate out to 500 yard. I practice shooting from 300 to 500
Are both guns enough for an ethical kill I read ballistics and plan to use 1500 ft lbs of force giving me a range of 400 yards. I will be using Hornady eldx

If all you're going after is meat make it a head shot. If your kill zone isn't that precise to call, go for a high shoulder/lung shot so he drowns quickly in his blood and can't run away. Good luck!

 

[michaelfelix13]

Honestly, I would use the rule of non-magnums keep it under 300y and magnums 500y but 700y is doable but I recommend neck shots between 500-700.
elk is still a thin skinned animal but in case you misjudge wind or elevation or don't know your MPBR then you need to stick with close distances of 50-200y.

ive harvested animals between 300-500 with 6.5 and 308 and even good shot place those calibers have lost a lot of energy and sometimes required a second shot. Neck shots haven't required a second shot.
Use good bullets and be smart. If you can't shoot 1MOA or better at 500y keep them close

Thank you

 

[Hoss Smith]

308 with 180 grain Nosler Partition or Accubond or any good bullet. The stories you hear of folks regularly killing elk at 500 plus yards - well I'm not going to call them out on the Internet, but it is rare. Elk are big tough critters who live in a tough environment. You can put a 180 gr bullet through the shoulder at 125 yards and a big old tough bull will shrug and walk off - with a limp, but walking.

 

[Stammster]

You'll be fine with either choice you listed in your original post - as long as you shoot it in the boiler room.

Just shoot the 2nd shot into the same hole made by the first bullet - in order to push #1 in a little further.