aflineman

I'm looking for a new elk rifle (I already have a Browning BAR 30-06, a Savage 300 win mag, and a Marlin 30-30). The Ruger Compact has caught my eye as it is light and short. I enjoy walking on hunts, but carrying my larger rifles has become harder with my age and lingering issues from old injuries. I'm looking for something short and light, but with a longer range than my old 30-30 lever. I mostly hunt the coast range of Oregon, or the southern Cascades.
Anyway, the Ruger comes in 7mm-08 and .308. I am leaning toward the 7mm-08, but am not really sure if either will do the job at 200 yards or so. (I have not really had to shoot an Elk much farther than that). The rifle would also be used for deer and maybe bear (although I really only go after bear to get out of the house, and the 30-30 does well for that).
Thoughts? Does the 7mm-08 got what is needed? Should I just stick with the 30-30 for short and light?
Thanks

700xcr

7mm-08 will work fine. Years ago a female in our elk camp took several elk with the cartridge. I myself carried a TC Encore 15" 7mm-08 Handgun for elk. Use a 140gr. or heavierbullet and put it in the boiler room and you should do just fine. The advantage of the 308win. is you can shoot a heavier bullet.

SILVERTIP-CO

7mm-08 yes.

The30-30? Save it for whitetails or hog hunts.

utdavidhunting

The 7mm-08 will do and do it well. I took a moose with mine with 160 grain nostlers partitions. I have also taken elk with it.

camelcluch

Hit'em good and they will fall.


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Buckshot

Shot an elk a few years ago w/ my 7mm08 140gr barnes xlc, bullet went thru both shoulders and the bull went right down.

aflineman

It sounds like this may just work for me. I will have to head down to Bimart and see what it will cost to order me in one. Then save up for it and a new scope. I should be able to get one, (and get some trigger time in) before hunting season this fall.
Thanks all for the help.

homers brother

7mm-08 would be fine for elk, especially if you get some range time with it between now and the season opening.

ox1443

i would get the 308 Win Because u have heavier Bullet weights with the 7mm-08 it is 140-160 grains and in the 308 you get 55-100-110-125-140-150-165-180-190-200-210-220 grain bulletsand U can find ammo every where 7mm-08 not so much