Is a .308 large enough for most north american and canadian big game? If not what animals is it not large enough for?

The 308 with the proper bullets would take all American and Canadian big game. This would include the big bears. It would not however be ideal for the latter. The 308 with bullets up to 180 or 190 grain are basically equal to the 30-06 which has taken all N. A. Big game. Many here will tell you that you need a 338 Mag or even bigger for grizzly and Brown bears. It would be a good idea to use a bigger gun but in a pinch you could make due with a 308 by picking your shots. If you are serious about hunting the big bears then I would start with a 300 Win Mag. However most hunters will never hunt the big bears and the 308 will handle everything else with ease if you can do your part.

What he said.

308 win, has and will take N.A big game. the 308 is almost the same as the 30-06 in performance . Always remember its all in your shot placment. there is no animal that can live with a hole in its heart.

yes , that would be big enough.

Ditto to the above. I have hunted all my No. America big game and African big game with the .308. The only other rifle I own is a .375 for dangerous game.

.308 + shot placement = a harvested animal.

Ant
www.anthonypmaurosr.com

James B is right on the money.

It is, but so are the 7mm-08 and .260 Remingtons. The secret is in the bullet placement, but the higher the sectional density of the bullet the better the penetration.

I use my .308 for 95% of all my rifle hunting. I have dropped moose, elk and deer with it. If I was going after big bears I would step up a bit in power, but otherwise its all I need.

the 308 is fantastic at 200yds and under, not to bad at longer distances either. On deer/antelope sized animals if you can make the shot it'll kill it, You might want to limit shots on elk a little though, they're dirty tough critters.