code7c

I have a problem. My son is 11 years old and will be going on his first deer hunt during the 2005 season. I have been looking at rifles (compact/youth sizes) and one of the things I have noticed is that they come in calibers between .243 and .308 (to include calibers like the .260 and 7mm-08).

After talking it over with my Dad, I have pretty much decided on the .308 WIN. But, because rifles aren't cheap, I would like to get my boy something that will also be adequate for elk. Dad says the .308 will do the job for deer and elk, but I'm not sure. Does anyone else have an opinion?

NVMIKE

Of all the short actions the 308 has the most knockdown power. It'll do for elk, but has a LIMITED range. They say 1200 ft/lbs for whitetails, so I'd guess at least 2000 ft/lbs for elk. Useing that the 308 would be good out to @200yds. I'm sure someone who's shot this caliber for years and knows it inside and out can stretch that but none of the short actions are ideal for elk. A 30-06 would be better there are so many different loads for it that you can buy lower velocity(hence lower recoil) loads for deer, then get some premium loads for elk.

mattyk6

My mom has used a 308 to kill three elk (the only three that she has had a shot at). All were under 200 yds.

I just want to add that I started hunting at age 10 w/ a 30-06. I was and am a bit of big boy so it wasn't too much for me. But I would definitely suggest the largest caliber that he can muster.

handloader1

The Thompson Center Encore with a 308 Win. rifle barrel will work well for your son, and as he ages he can replace the 308 Win. with more potent calibers (barrels). Good luck.

James B

I can say for sure that the 308 with 190 grain Hornady BTSP will drop elk to 300 yards with the 308. I have shot thousands of rounds through the 308 as a steel silhouette shooter and used the same load for all big game. The 190 grainer does not start to fast but hangs in there out to 550 meters. It will still knock the Ram down at that range and still shoot clean through big mule deer as well. The Encore would be a good thought as Handloader one has said. The barrel caliber combinations are almost limitless. There is just something special in my opinion about hunting with a good single shot. That would include the very loew cost NEF rifles which can be had in 308 as well as 7mm-08. These little rifles shoot very well and Walmart sells them for about 200.00. I have several including one in 280 Remington. Its a great caliber and this one is a great shooter. You can also send them in for addittional barrels if you wish. Good luck and I hope you have many good hunting seasons ahead of you.

code7c

Thanks for the advice guys! I'm going to go ahead and get the boy the .308. I think I'll get it in a full size rifle. I never used a youth rifle growing up and it worked out good. Thanks again! I appreciate the comments.