Max effective range for a .308

[megastink]

What is the max range to take an Elk with a .308? I shoot Hornady Custom Match right now with 168 gr A-Max.

I am planning on beginning to reload next month, so if you have a good recipe for medium to big game, please let me know!

Thanks all!

-Mega

[Hunter Welch]

The rule of thumb is 1500 lbs. of energy. So 400 yards give or take?

[Tumbleweed]

Originally Posted by Hunter Welch

The rule of thumb is 1500 lbs. of energy. So 400 yards give or take?

The minimum energy level to cleanly take game will always be up for debate

[kcebcj]

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed

The minimum energy level to cleanly take game will always be up for debate

I agree but if someone ask me what amount of energy does it take to cleanly take a elk I will always use what seems to be the standard 1500 for elk 1000 ft lbs for deer. Now I have taken deer with a lot less energy but the placement was perfect.

One when learning has to start somewhere and the above seem to be good numbers.

[frickpse]

i would use a different bullet also with elk. amax's work fine and dandy with deer but i think you may want a stronger bullet with elk, like tsx, ttsx, bergers hunting vld, or the accubond

[zupatun]

Would also depend on your rig, bullet and your load. If I put a 200 grain pill in my 26" barrel behind a stiff load of RL17 I might see 1500 out past 800...it all depends I guess. 165 Interbond in front of 44.5gr of Varget gives me 2000fps and 1471 at 400yards...marginal. Need to do more homework and figure out what works for you.

Matt

[trebark]

Originally Posted by frickpse

i would use a different bullet also with elk. amax's work fine and dandy with deer but i think you may want a stronger bullet with elk, like tsx, ttsx, bergers hunting vld, or the accubond

+1...Amax is a great bullet for deer, but you will want a tougher bullet for elk. Barnes, Bergers and Accubonds are all good options.

Also, pretty much agree on 1500lbs for elk and 1000lbs for deer.