My first elk hunt

Do not reload would be over the counter cartridges. I have always used Hornady SST for dear in northeast. They work well.
Do you have a friend/family that can reload for you?

It is hard to recommend factory ammunition, esp. if you cannot get them. I am not sure if they have in stock, but you might want to check HSM's offering loaded with Berger bullets >>> https://hsmammunition.com/trophy-gold/

Midway has some very good selection but you need to act quickly ...

https://www.midwayusa.com/308-winchester/br?filters=4294957290&cid=22188
 
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Do you have a friend/family that can reload for you?

It is hard to recommend factory ammunition, esp. if you cannot get them. I am not sure if they have in stock, but you might want to check HSM's offering loaded with Berger bullets >>> https://hsmammunition.com/trophy-gold/

Midway has some very good selection but you need to act quickly ...

https://www.midwayusa.com/308-winchester/br?filters=4294957290&cid=22188
I am trying to connect with someone to teach me. I was advised not to try it alone. This past year it's been difficult. Hopefully now that we are opening I can find a class
 
I am trying to connect with someone to teach me. I was advised not to try it alone. This past year it's been difficult. Hopefully now that we are opening I can find a class
It is always better to have a trusty and experienced reloader to provide you a hands-on experience and mentor you.
 
I am trying to connect with someone to teach me. I was advised not to try it alone. This past year it's been difficult. Hopefully now that we are opening I can find a class

With some good written material (manuals) and the modern conveniences, aka internet......it's pretty simple! I started @ 15 in the late '60's with no tutors. With the abundance of information available and the "want to" on your part....you shouldn't have to wait on a tutor! But.....if it makes you more comfortable! memtb
 
How is he supposed to get reloading components?

At this point it seems to be a crap shoot as to whether you'd get either, but to start reloading you need a whole lot more stuff to be in stock.

I'd go bonded bullet, A frame, federal trophy bonded bearclaw, don't mind monometal bullets, but prefer premium bonded.
Thank you all for your support and suggestions I will use my 308 and I am researching the federal terminal ascent cartridge 175 grain. Seams to have the right balance of power


Federal has them in stock, order several boxes, it's a bonded bullet, should be good. Looks like 400-500 yd numbers are good with it as well.
 
For Elk - the rule used to be at least 180 grain bullet - and that was even considered on the light side for big boys.

Thus - go with the .308 - heavier bullet and wider circumference - just knocks 'em down better.

Modern ammo is good - but an old hard hitting hammer is what I trust.

Nosler Partition was invented for Elk - and it's all some of my buddies in Oregon use - but there are other good rounds that have come out since.
 
What is your current load for the .308 Win?
Honestly, I would use the rule of non-magnums keep it under 300y and magnums 500y but 700y is doable but I recommend neck shots between 500-700.
elk is still a thin skinned animal but in case you misjudge wind or elevation or don't know your MPBR then you need to stick with close distances of 50-200y.

ive harvested animals between 300-500 with 6.5 and 308 and even good shot place those calibers have lost a lot of energy and sometimes required a second shot. Neck shots haven't required a second shot.
Use good bullets and be smart. If you can't shoot 1MOA or better at 500y keep them close
 
I will be hunting elk this year in Colorado. I have a 308 and 6.5. Both shoot very accurate out to 500 yard. I practice shooting from 300 to 500
Are both guns enough for an ethical kill I read ballistics and plan to use 1500 ft lbs of force giving me a range of 400 yards. I will be using Hornady eldx
If all you're going after is meat make it a head shot. If your kill zone isn't that precise to call, go for a high shoulder/lung shot so he drowns quickly in his blood and can't run away. Good luck!
 
Honestly, I would use the rule of non-magnums keep it under 300y and magnums 500y but 700y is doable but I recommend neck shots between 500-700.
elk is still a thin skinned animal but in case you misjudge wind or elevation or don't know your MPBR then you need to stick with close distances of 50-200y.

ive harvested animals between 300-500 with 6.5 and 308 and even good shot place those calibers have lost a lot of energy and sometimes required a second shot. Neck shots haven't required a second shot.
Use good bullets and be smart. If you can't shoot 1MOA or better at 500y keep them close
Thank you
 
308 with 180 grain Nosler Partition or Accubond or any good bullet. The stories you hear of folks regularly killing elk at 500 plus yards - well I'm not going to call them out on the Internet, but it is rare. Elk are big tough critters who live in a tough environment. You can put a 180 gr bullet through the shoulder at 125 yards and a big old tough bull will shrug and walk off - with a limp, but walking.
 

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