Enough Gun ?
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186

My question is concerning using a 308 Win. to hunt elk. The reason I ask is that this is what my "favorite" hunting rifle is chambered for. I have hunted deer (white tail and mule) since about 1964, I have never hunted elk before.
I have 2 other choices. A 300 Win. Mag. and a 338 Win. Mag. I took the 300 Win. Mag. to Montana a few times hunting mule deer. I have shot the 338 only at the range. Recoil is not an issue. All 3 rifles are very accurate, with very good triggers and excellent glass.
I am looking for candid advice on which I should take.
I have 2 other choices. A 300 Win. Mag. and a 338 Win. Mag. I took the 300 Win. Mag. to Montana a few times hunting mule deer. I have shot the 338 only at the range. Recoil is not an issue. All 3 rifles are very accurate, with very good triggers and excellent glass.
I am looking for candid advice on which I should take.
Last edited by Mojotex; 01-10-2013 at 06:06 PM.
#3
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019

As was stated, all three will kill an elk. However, I would be choosing between the two bigger calibers if it's strictly an elk hunt for the extra zip at longer distances just in case that one and only shot comes up where the 308 would be marginal.
#4
#5
Spike
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 9

If recoil or weight are not an issue, The 338 Win. is the best choice. In D. Y. Jones book " Ask the Elk Guides" He ask the most successful Elk Guides what rifle they prefer to see the clients bring. The 338 is the overwhelming winner. I agree with you that a 308 Win. is a wonderful deer rifle but if you have a 338 Win Mag it should be your Elk rifle.
#6

Some shot angles on elk are not ideal, so I believe that a fellow would be best served with the larger cartridges unless they have the time and willpower to pass up some shots. A quartering bull at longer ranges would be more easily put down with some extra power.
However, I have seen quite a few elk taken cleanly with the .308 at fairly long ranges by guys that calmly wait for that nice broadside shot.
However, I have seen quite a few elk taken cleanly with the .308 at fairly long ranges by guys that calmly wait for that nice broadside shot.
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: west central wi USA
Posts: 2,226

All 3 will kill elk equally dead. You are best off with the rifle you can shoot best. If it's your favorite rifle and you've shot it a lot and you know it well, I don't see the down side of using it.
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,320

If recoil or weight are not an issue, The 338 Win. is the best choice. In D. Y. Jones book " Ask the Elk Guides" He ask the most successful Elk Guides what rifle they prefer to see the clients bring. The 338 is the overwhelming winner. I agree with you that a 308 Win. is a wonderful deer rifle but if you have a 338 Win Mag it should be your Elk rifle.