Hunting & Fishing Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

[Eric24]

I hope I'm posting this in the correct section, since I will be using this rifle for hunting, I figured this should be in this section, rather then the Bolt Action Section. If I'm wrong please let me know.

Just got back from Afghanistan and will be going on a father/son first time Elk hunt (for me), and i have an old M77 Rueger 308. My dad is shooting a 7MM Remington. So i have done alot of reading on here and asking other hunters what i should do, shoot the 308 or go bigger. Most people i know refer me to the Remington XCR 300 RUM.

Then i read on here everyone changing out triggers, stocks etc..

So my question is what would a good hunting rifle be, I know this is like asking what truck should i get...Chevy/Ford/Dodge etc...and if i need to upgrade once i get one?

I know a 308 with a good grain bullet would do the job if I'm close enough from what I'm told, I would just hate to miss out on a good Elk because I can not reach out there with enough energy to kill one. By no means will i be doing this long distance stuff some people are doing now, I dont have the time or range to shoot long distances.

Shoot, who doesn't want a new gun anyways, gives me an excuse to buy one, LOL...

Thanks in advance for any input you have...

Eric

 

[JCH]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Welcome back and glad you get to go do something fun with your family.

I wouldn't opt for an ultra mag if it were me. The 7mm Rem Mag/300 win mag (pick your favorite) has plenty of energy and a great bullet selection. Don't overlook the .280 Rem or .284 Winchester, both are plenty of cartridge as well.

 

[3hundredWM]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

First off....from one vet to another..Welcome Home Sir. Thank you for your service.

As for your rifle question.....the best rifle you can use is the one you will be most comfortable with. Your .308 will do the job.

I personally shoot a .300 WinMag. No worries on power, and range is not a problem either. Excellent ballistics. The reason I went with this caliber is it's vast flexibility not only as a hunting cartridge, but also as a target cartridge. I can take any large game in north america, coyotes, and p-dogs(messy) plus I can ring steel at 1000 yards if the rifle was properly set up.

What ever caliber you choose, choose something that can perform at more than one task.

 

[jrpilot]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

First off a 308WIN will kill an elk. With that said, I have shot and seen many elk shot with bigger guns, and they can take a pounding and still be on thier feet. They can run a long ways even when hit hard. If it we me I would go with something bigger, and it also gives you a good reason to get a new gun. There is a good pic on here, of a nice bull that PGS shot with a 308WIN.

 

[SledDog]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

I often use 30-30 for elk, and we can all agree the 308 is more potent. Do your part and it won't be an issue.

 

[patriotoutlaw]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Thanks for your service. Your .308 will do the job adequately. The .338 Win.Mg. is supposed to be the IDEAL Elk round, but definitely not necessary. Any excuse you can find to buy an aftermarket trigger, stock, DBM, or new gun for that matter is alright by me.

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Thanks for all the input and advice. I guess i need to read more on making this a multi purpose weapon, so in the off season i can shoot it as well. Maybe i will go with a 300 then.

I read peple saying this rifle and that rifle are great "platforms" to build on. Guess i need to read on Platforms etc...

Thanks

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Welcome home and thanks for your service, Brother.

I don't like recoil, but I also tend not to notice it as much in the heat if the hunt. The time when recoil is most noticed, and least useful, is when getting sighted in.

This is a very old question with a very old answer. While I don't really think your .308 is the perfect answer, it's pretty close. IMHO, the .308 has always been the redheaded stepchild cousin of the real answer.

The .30-'06; also the .280 Rem, but thats just one of my own personal quirks.

They both work good. I just think the '06 works it all a bit better.

The thing about the Mags an' such, I think, is that they may tempt folks to take an overly optimistic shot. For me, an enjoyable part of the hunt is a good stalk. LR shooting tends to take at least some of that away.

Meanwhile some other shots just don't present any alternatives.

Maybe they're the ones best left for another day. Maybe I should consider it from the animal's perspective when I'm in doubt...

These days, I hunt a lot less, but still plan to continue at least a little longer.

Greg

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Welcome home and thanks for your service, Brother.

I don't like recoil, but I also tend not to notice it as much in the heat if the hunt. The time when recoil is most noticed, and least useful, is when getting sighted in.

This is a very old question with a very old answer. While I don't really think your .308 is the perfect answer, it's pretty close. IMHO, the .308 has always been the redheaded stepchild cousin of the real answer.

The .30-'06; also the .280 Rem, but thats just one of my own personal quirks.

They both work good. I just think the '06 works it all a bit better.

The thing about the Mags an' such, I think, is that they may tempt folks to take an overly optimistic shot. For me, an enjoyable part of the hunt is a good stalk. LR shooting tends to take at least some of that away.

Meanwhile some other shots just don't present any alternatives.

Maybe they're the ones best left for another day. Maybe I should consider it from the animal's perspective when I'm in doubt...

These days, I hunt a lot less, but still plan to continue at least a little longer.

Greg </div></div>

Great advice on recoil, forgot about that...I have heard that the recoil sometimes will hinder your shot because your thinking about it. As an Infantry Soldier for more then 20 years, M16's and M4's have little to no recoil, I have never been a rifle hunter so these are the things i need to consider.

I was originally staying in KY/TN area but the Army has decided to move me to Wa State for a few years, so I want to upgrade to a larger caliber for possible hunting in the Great NW or other areas while I'm there.


Thanks again

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

I would without a doubt go with a .280, .280 AI, .30-06, or even a .270 for elk hunting. Use the proper bullet. A factory rifle will get the job done quite well.

I prefer the Rem 700s. You could always get a CDL or any of the other models that suite your taste. I personally prefer the old-style Rem 700 triggers and would swap out the X-mark for the old flavor, but that's just a preference. I would make certain that I had good optics for the hunt rather than spending more on the rifle. I would also look into good binos. I recently picked up a set of used Swaro 10x42s and must say they are EXCELLENT.

I think one of these chambered in .280 Rem would be quite nice:

http://remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-mountain-lss.aspx

Especially if you stuck it in a nice LW stock like this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=199519

ETA: Anything the .30-06 can do, the .280 can do better

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

My military experience was most fortunate. I was trained on and equipped with both the Garand and the M-14. A different time, a different war, and a very different shooting experience. Since then, I have owned an AR-15, an M1A, and the Garand. The Garand alone remains within my small collection. It's a keeper, and I still shoot it a few times a year. It's going to my Grandkids when I am no longer a shooter, which should be when I'm also done breathing.

I also like the .280, although it is a new acquaintance. I would really, really like to be able to use it in a Garand.

Greg

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

the .308 with 180gr or above will work well at shorter ranges (within 200 yards - confidently in "hunting" conditions), however the .3006 would be a better choice for elk as it could handle heavier bullets better, and has many shelf loads for smaller stuff.

no need for a belted or ultra magnum if you are going for anything else other than elk. a .300 win tears up an average sized black bear, and messes up whitetails even worse.

even a 35 rem. would work out, but as long as you are patient and have the self dicipline to take the shot unless it's a "good" one. the .308 will be ok (though a little on the "light" side), .3006 would be a better fit for elk.

that ruger 77 is a hearty rifle, and there's lots you can do to enhance that too.

if you are paying decent bucks on a guided hunt, perhaps a savage axis or stevens 200 rifle in .3006 would be a good insurance policy. even a marlin x7. those rifles with tax, transfer, and background check will run under $400.00. if you need a good reason to buy another rifle, with the savage you'll have a heck of shooter out of the box and the ability to swap out triggers, stocks, etc. if you choose to swap out anything.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

From experience and observation. I have killed elk with 7 mags up to .338. They all work. Use what you can hit with. With new bullets...the .308, .30-06...will be all you need. Years ago, I was into the big bullet stuff. I went out to Montana on a backpack hunt...we found two bulls at about 500 yards. I had a .338 Win and my guide had a 7 Mag. I used 210 Noslers. He used 160 Sierras. I laid down across my pack and as I snuggled in, he asked if he could shoot the smaller one when I hit the biggie. I said, "Of course". I hit the big one 5 out of 5. He shot once. Both died within 12 feet of each other. So...Put the bullet where it ought to go, and wait for the results. The .30-06 after all these years...that is the go to piece. Shoot one until you know it intimately...you will not need anything else for the 50 states. JMHO

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Great info.....I have been looking at binos and trying to find a good used pair before i go out and purchase new ones.

I'm sure the Army has trained me to shoot pretty well. I just got back from Afghanistan and I can tell you i did pretty well.

This is a free hunt for dad and I, the guy is letting us hunt since I'm getting back from the Stan, it is a 5 day hunt so i dont want to make sure we get something.

 

[psinclair]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Thanks for the service! I'll bet your looking forward to getting out in the hills with your dad.

I would stay with your .308. I've taken and seen taken many elk, including large, heavy bulls with various .308's over the years. Put any extra money you have into good optics(bino's and spotter).

Good luck and have a ball out there!

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the service! I'll bet your looking forward to getting out in the hills with your dad.

I would stay with your .308. I've taken and seen taken many elk, including large, heavy bulls with various .308's over the years. Put any extra money you have into good optics(bino's and spotter).

Good luck and have a ball out there! </div></div>

It has been a long time coming for him and I, we have never really hunted together and I'm looking forward to it.

It has a Leupold on it for now, if i stay with it then i might upgrade it to a higher power. I will be buying good binos as well.

What grain and bullet would you use in the 308?

Thanks

 

[psinclair]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

I've had very good luck with 155gr Lapua Scenars. I like Swift Scirocco's as well(165's or 180's). I dont know if they are available in a factory offering or not. Lapua does have a factory load with the 155's. I've seen elk killed with the 165gr AccuBond out of a .308 also.

This bull was taken at 447 meters by a good friend of mine with a GAP .308 I loaned him shooting 155gr scenars. He was hit twice through the ribcage, behind the shoulder. Both bullets went all the way through and left 1.5" exit holes.

6X6 I shot last fall with one shot at 320 meters as he slowly approached the timber. .308 shooting 155gr scenar. The shot broke both front shoulders and exited. He dropped right there and never took another step.

Here's a bull we got a couple years ago. My friend used his GAP .308 and 165gr AccuBonds. The shot was 267 meters.

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had very good luck with 155gr Lapua Scenars. I like Swift Scirocco's as well(165's or 180's). I dont know if they are available in a factory offering or not. Lapua does have a factory load with the 155's. I've seen elk killed with the 165gr AccuBond out of a .308 also.

This bull was taken at 447 meters by a good friend of mine with a GAP .308 I loaned him shooting 155gr scenars. He was hit twice through the ribcage, behind the shoulder. Both bullets went all the way through and left 1.5" exit holes.

6X6 I shot last fall with one shot at 320 meters as he slowly approached the timber. .308 shooting 155gr scenar. The shot broke both front shoulders and exited. He dropped right there and never took another step.

Here's a bull we got a couple years ago. My friend used his GAP .308 and 165gr AccuBonds. The shot was 267 meters. </div></div>


Ok OK...stop it......LOL

I'm so jealous....man that gets the blood flowing when you see Elk like that, simply awesome. Thanks for sharing the info and pics, i really appreciate the help.

 

[patriotoutlaw]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had very good luck with 155gr Lapua Scenars. I like Swift Scirocco's as well(165's or 180's). I dont know if they are available in a factory offering or not. Lapua does have a factory load with the 155's. I've seen elk killed with the 165gr AccuBond out of a .308 also.

There is nothing like photographic evidence to prove a point. Nice kills, btw.

This bull was taken at 447 meters by a good friend of mine with a GAP .308 I loaned him shooting 155gr scenars. He was hit twice through the ribcage, behind the shoulder. Both bullets went all the way through and left 1.5" exit holes.






There is nothin like photographic evidence to prove a point. Nice...

6X6 I shot last fall with one shot at 320 meters as he slowly approached the timber. .308 shooting 155gr scenar. The shot broke both front shoulders and exited. He dropped right there and never took another step.

Here's a bull we got a couple years ago. My friend used his GAP .308 and 165gr AccuBonds. The shot was 267 meters. </div></div>

 

[BrettSass844]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Thank you for your years of service to our great nation. I hope you have a excellent time on your hunt and make many great memories with your father.

I to am planning a elk hunt and have been beating myself up over what rifle and caliber. I finally narrowed it down to the 280Rem and 7mmWSM. I will make my final decision soon when I decide how much range time I want the rifle to see and how this will effect barrel life. Will likely go with the 280, with a medium contour barrel. Goal is total weight of around ten pounds. I dont think I am sacrificing much with this decision given the great barrel life of the 280. It is hard to argue with a 162 Amax or 160 Accubond at 2850 - 2900 fps! Good luck

 

[longguntoter]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eric24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hope I'm posting this in the correct section, since I will be using this rifle for hunting, I figured this should be in this section, rather then the Bolt Action Section. If I'm wrong please let me know.

Just got back from Afghanistan and will be going on a father/son first time Elk hunt (for me), and i have an old M77 Rueger 308. My dad is shooting a 7MM Remington. So i have done alot of reading on here and asking other hunters what i should do, shoot the 308 or go bigger. Most people i know refer me to the Remington XCR 300 RUM.

Then i read on here everyone changing out triggers, stocks etc..

So my question is what would a good hunting rifle be, I know this is like asking what truck should i get...Chevy/Ford/Dodge etc...and if i need to upgrade once i get one?

I know a 308 with a good grain bullet would do the job if I'm close enough from what I'm told, I would just hate to miss out on a good Elk because I can not reach out there with enough energy to kill one. By no means will i be doing this long distance stuff some people are doing now, I dont have the time or range to shoot long distances.

Shoot, who doesn't want a new gun anyways, gives me an excuse to buy one, LOL...

Thanks in advance for any input you have...

Eric
Shot placement and bullet type are important when hunting larger game. You want the bullet to expand, but stay together and get deep penetration.
</div></div>

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

The mention of the .35 Rem jogged my aging memory.

There's the 35 Whelen to consider, if a larger bullet weight is desired for useage within average 'normal' hunting distances.

For some reason, the Russians have been playing around with it, or something essentially the same as it, for tactical rifle purposes in Saiga/Dragunov platforms. What it amounts to is essentially a 9mm-'06. For outright knockdown power out to, say, 500yd, I think it could be significantly effective, and you can buy the ammo off the shelf. However, such knockdown power will definitely have a payback where recoil is concerned.

For handloading, the 9mm is .355", the '38/357' is .357" and the '35' is .358". Folks have been swapping all these bullets in and out with the handloaded 35 Rem for decades. It can get kinda interesting when you take a closer look at the subject of obturation.

For boosting an expanding handgun bullet out to rifle distances, it could/might/maybe be a fairly heady combination.

As a tactical round, such a bullet could be very deceptive; being a long shot masquerading as a short one. Just consider the prospect of a trashcan handgun hollowpoint arriving a coupla hundred rounds downrange, still moving at a significant percentage of handgun muzzle velocity... And if one were to fill the hollowpoint with some sort of silicone gel, like maybe a Hornady Leverevolution projectile, the ballistics could take on somewhat of a healthier jump...

BTW, you did not hear that last part from me...; and maybe those Russians aren't so crazy after all...

Greg

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Nothing wrong with the Whelen. I've got one I'm planning to work up a RL17/225 gr Accubond load for.

 

[thewileyone]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Thank you for your service.

A 308 will do the job, it is all about shot placement. A trigger job can be done on the Remington 700 that will take the slack out and lighten it up a ton. I have never swapped triggers but get a trigger job done. A factory gun works GREAT, there is no need to swap stocks, just bed the action and make sure that the barrel is free floated. I have shot elk with arrows, muzzleloaders, 300wm, 7mm mag and they all work! I like the magnum rounds because they reach out a little further. There are a lot of rounds out there that will work on elk, 30-06,270, 338 and others (history states that more animals were killed with a 30-30 than any other, elk included). If you reload, the Nosler Partitions are great bullets, the Accubonds or the Scirroco's are all good just stay away from ballistic tips because you need the penetration. If you get the Scirroco's make sure that you order from somewhere online that gets new stock, I bought old stock from a local store and the bullets explode like a varmint grenade...

If price is an issue, buy a stock rifle and do a little work to it. You can upgrade stuff later. Heck you can pick up a used Winchester or Remington, use it for the hunt then you have an action to build on later down the road or sell it after the hunt.

Good luck with the hunt.

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thewileyone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for your service.

A 308 will do the job, it is all about shot placement. A trigger job can be done on the Remington 700 that will take the slack out and lighten it up a ton. I have never swapped triggers but get a trigger job done. A factory gun works GREAT, there is no need to swap stocks, just bed the action and make sure that the barrel is free floated. I have shot elk with arrows, muzzleloaders, 300wm, 7mm mag and they all work! I like the magnum rounds because they reach out a little further. There are a lot of rounds out there that will work on elk, 30-06,270, 338 and others (history states that more animals were killed with a 30-30 than any other, elk included). If you reload, the Nosler Partitions are great bullets, the Accubonds or the Scirroco's are all good just stay away from ballistic tips because you need the penetration. If you get the Scirroco's make sure that you order from somewhere online that gets new stock, I bought old stock from a local store and the bullets explode like a varmint grenade...

If price is an issue, buy a stock rifle and do a little work to it. You can upgrade stuff later. Heck you can pick up a used Winchester or Remington, use it for the hunt then you have an action to build on later down the road or sell it after the hunt.

Good luck with the hunt. </div></div>

I see your from NM...thats where my hunt will be. I have been told about accubond rounds, will look more into those this week. Appreciate the info and advice.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

If I may, echo the voices of many here. First in thanking you for your sacrifice, and second for the good old .308. I've used my .308 many times and it is plenty of gun for Elk at up to ___yds. I have shot them from 150 to 560yds shooting the 175smk. If you've got one, shoot it!

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I may, echo the voices of many here. First in thanking you for your sacrifice, and second for the good old .308. I've used my .308 many times and it is plenty of gun for Elk at up to ___yds. I have shot them from 150 to 560yds shooting the 175smk. If you've got one, shoot it! </div></div>

Thanks for the input. Been watching some recorded various Elk hunting TV shows i recorded. A variety of calibers out there being used, but the last show a kid smoked a Elk at 275 with a 308/180 grain round. So the more i think about it, i should just keep mine and get it really zeroed in.

I will still watch maybe for some used guns being sold as well, if nothing catches my eye, then the ol' 308 will be the gun of choice.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eric24</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I may, echo the voices of many here. First in thanking you for your sacrifice, and second for the good old .308. I've used my .308 many times and it is plenty of gun for Elk at up to ___yds. I have shot them from 150 to 560yds shooting the 175smk. If you've got one, shoot it! </div></div>

Thanks for the input. Been watching some recorded various Elk hunting TV shows i recorded. A variety of calibers out there being used, but the last show a kid smoked a Elk at 275 with a 308/180 grain round. So the more i think about it, i should just keep mine and get it really zeroed in.

I will still watch maybe for some used guns being sold as well, if nothing catches my eye, then the ol' 308 will be the gun of choice. </div></div>

Excellent choice!! good luck, and make sure to come back with lots of pics for us to drool on.

 

[Nocalphoenix]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Money spent on a trigger tweak, possibly bedding and ammo will be better spent that picking up a new rifle. At .308 speeds a ton of bullets will work fine, TTSX, accubond, partition, etc. If running the TTSX go with 150gr, accubond or partition take 165s and your good to go.

 

[Eric24]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Norcal Phoenix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Money spent on a trigger tweak, possibly bedding and ammo will be better spent that picking up a new rifle. At .308 speeds a ton of bullets will work fine, TTSX, accubond, partition, etc. If running the TTSX go with 150gr, accubond or partition take 165s and your good to go. </div></div>

Ok, so a few of you have mentioned "Bedding"? What is that and what does it do? Is it worth doing to my 308 since it is old? I bet it is 30+ yrs old, in case that matters.

 

[michael_aos]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

My hunting rifle is a Remington 700 SPS Stainless in 270 WSM.

140gr AccuBond @ ~3250fps.

It works great for elk.
--

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

I keep coming back to the buy vs build question.

I think it's practical to build a rifle when it addresses an application which is not well served by the manufacturers.

I also think it's hard to justify building a hunting rifle from a practical viewpoint. I base this on the fact that of all the things the manufacturers do, building hunters is what they do most, and also what they do best.

I'm not saying they're perfect, but I do think that when their products fall short in the individual's view; that view may be biased rather less by practicality, and rather more by vanity. It's a good question, at any rate.

Mass production is not intended to deliver perfection. It is intended to deliver the best practical solution to the largest segment of a given market. Between you, me, and that lamp post over there; when that solution comes up short for someone, odds are high the core problem isn't with the gun.

I don't ask for perfection. I ask for something that will get the job done reliably. When it doesn't, I look to myself for the solution, not the rifle. (Unless of course, there's a diagnosable failure on its part. Then, I repair it.)

Greg

 

[c1steve]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

Epoxy bedding helps secure the action to the stock, for minimal movement. The action can still be removed, but it fits tight, like a glove. You can do it yourself, it is relatively easy to do. There is an excellent post with photos in the Gunsmithing section on SH forum, showing how to epxoy bed. It is very well done.

Your 308 should be okay, but shots have to be accurate. For a new rifle, I would go with a 300 WSM or 325 WSM.

 

[teamr2]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

I've killed moose, black bear, and elk with a 308 shooting 165 Accubonds. Shot the moose twice but not because it needed it. If I were to get a new rifle it would be a Kimber Montana in 325 wsm. Two of my buddies have them and they are pretty potent rounds in a really little rifle. Good luck to you.

 

[MBC223]

Re: Hunting Rifle Caliber/Model Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had very good luck with 155gr Lapua Scenars. I like Swift Scirocco's as well(165's or 180's). I dont know if they are available in a factory offering or not. Lapua does have a factory load with the 155's. I've seen elk killed with the 165gr AccuBond out of a .308 also.

This bull was taken at 447 meters by a good friend of mine with a GAP .308 I loaned him shooting 155gr scenars. He was hit twice through the ribcage, behind the shoulder. Both bullets went all the way through and left 1.5" exit holes.

6X6 I shot last fall with one shot at 320 meters as he slowly approached the timber. .308 shooting 155gr scenar. The shot broke both front shoulders and exited. He dropped right there and never took another step.

Here's a bull we got a couple years ago. My friend used his GAP .308 and 165gr AccuBonds. The shot was 267 meters. </div></div>

Wow! Great bulls in some good looking country. Sigh...anyways back to the topic. I have seen two big bulls go straight down between 300-400 yards with Hornady SST's in .308. i think it really depends on how you hunt. if you have to hump it on foot for a few days then weight and ergos might be the most important thing to consider. Any of the 30 cals should be ok.