7mm-08 pistol for elk hunting?

[backyardsniper]

I hate to even start one of the "is this caliber good for this" threads but I'm going to. I'm admittedly a magnum guy. I usually carry as much gun as I can pack and usually way more than necessary. My 1st elk was a 338 lapua improved, 2nd was a 300 ultra mag. Went on a Kodiak hunt with a buddy of mine, he was doing the hunting, I was just helping out, brought a 458 Lott. You get the idea.
I'm in on the 2020 group hunt and I've been seriously considering using a pistol. I have an encore pistol in 7mm-08 and it's scary accurate. I've shot several moa or better groups at 400yds with it. I thought about moving up to a bigger caliber barrel but I have to think that the 7mm-08 would have plenty of power out to 400yds or so.
Do any of.you all have some first hand experience with the 7/08 on elk? What's your thoughts?

 

[LVJ76]

The 7mm-08 can handle the Elk no problem but I would not shot past 400 yds at it. Now, what muzzle velocity are you getting and what bullet do you plan on using?

 

[backyardsniper]

Haven't got a good chrono on it
Yet but looking at roughly 2550 with a 140 berger vld

 

[LVJ76]

Haven't got a good chrono on it
Yet but looking at roughly 2550 with a 140 berger vld

I know the VLD's have a high BC so they might have enough juice on it at 400 yds. If not provably go with a 120gr bullet or a 113gr Sledge Hammer that you can push faster and almost same recoil. You'll get and additional 200 to 300 fps with these lighter bullets.

I've read that the VLD will work well down to 1,800 fps, at 400yds you might still have it, maybe run it by a ballistics calculator and see what you get.

 

[cross]

My son used a 140 Accubond on a small bull out about 535 yards last year. 20 inch barrel and i think the muzzle velocity was near 2,800. As long as your impact velocity is near 1,800 i think you'll probably be ok. I would try to stay off of the shoulder at long range if possible.

Cross

 

[LVJ76]

My son used a 140 Accubond on a small bull out about 535 yards last year. 20 inch barrel and i think the muzzle velocity was near 2,800. As long as your impact velocity is near 1,800 i think you'll probably be ok. I would try to stay off of the shoulder at long range if possible.

Cross

Great point, best to go for a double lung behind the shoulder.

 

[WyoHunter1]

I would verify the 2550 fps. Sounds like a lot out of a pistol.
What barrel length?

 

[backyardsniper]

It's a 15". I agree with you though. I haven't put it over a chrono yet. My old beta chrono has about had it. I'm afraid I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and buy me a Labradar. You can bet that if I do decide to use it that I'll have her nailed down for sure by time to go hunting

 

[gsp2west]

The 7mm-08 can handle the Elk no problem but I would not shot past 400 yds at it. Now, what muzzle velocity are you getting and what bullet do you plan on using?

I have an encore in 7mm-08, what bullet do you use for Elk? I've take whitetail, antelope and hogs with the 08 but thought Elk were just to big. Interested in what bullet you have used on elk and what your results were. thks.

 

[J E Custom]

I hunt with a 7/08 Pistol and have been successful at distances of 500+yards on white tail using a 150 grain Ballistic tip bullet for the weight and ability to expand at lower velocities. For rifle hunting, I prefer the 120 bullets for the velocity (3000 to 3150 ft/sec).

For Elk I would definitely recommend the chest shot and avoid the shoulder bone.

Normally pistols do better with heavier bullets in 7/08 as long as they have a longer barrel. (14 to 16"), and for some reason get better velocity in the 150 grain bullet velocity.

J E CUSTOM

 

[LVJ76]

I have an encore in 7mm-08, what bullet do you use for Elk? I've take whitetail, antelope and hogs with the 08 but thought Elk were just to big. Interested in what bullet you have used on elk and what your results were. thks.

I have a 24" barrel in my rifle so I can push bullets a little faster. 160gr to 168gr bullets do a pretty good job on large game, they hit with more energy. The right 150gr bullet is also a great option.

Like J E mentioned trying a 150gr Ballistic Tip is a great idea, good weight and also will expand perfectly at the speeds of your pistol like he mentioned.

If you want to go with an all copper bullet then a 120gr Hammer Hunter would be my choice

Stay safe

 

[backyardsniper]

Would the 162 eld be a possibility in the pistol

 

[gsp2west]

I have a 24" barrel in my rifle so I can push bullets a little faster. 160gr to 168gr bullets do a pretty good job on large game, they hit with more energy. The right 150gr bullet is also a great option.

Like J E mentioned trying a 150gr Ballistic Tip is a great idea, good weight and also will expand perfectly at the speeds of your pistol like he mentioned.

If you want to go with an all copper bullet then a 120gr Hammer Hunter would be my choice

Stay safe

Thanks, I've hears and read about the Hammer Hunter but have not tried it yet. I'll see if I can find some.

 

[backyardsniper]

I asked about the 162 because I have a 7 SAW and I run the 162 in it do I have a supply of them and it would make it extra nice to be able to buy in bulk.