would you use a 150 grn 308 bullet for elk?

[wyohome]

I wonder how many elk run off to die days later after being hit with a 308 or '06 round?

Probably fewer than those shot by once a year shooters using magnums.

 

[Runningman]

would you use a 150 grn 308 bullet for elk?

Depends on the bullet design. Not all bullet designs are created equal. Some premium design bullets such as Nosler Partition, Barnes TSX, TTSX, Swift A Frame to name a few. Can deliver some amazing penetration. Sectional density has become blurred these days since it more or less applies to traditional cup and core bullets.

Years ago I whitenessed a test where a 30 cal 150 grain Swift A frame penetrated much deeper in both water jugs and wet phone books than a 30 cal 180 grain Sierra SBT Gameking. Not so scientific, but the results were none the less interesting.

I also know of a guy who bought a 300 Weatherby more than 15 years ago. He did not like the recoil of 180 grain factory loads. So he started shooting 150 grain Nosler Partition in it. He has hunted Deer and Elk for years with the 150 grain Nosler Partition. Never seen him have a problem talking down an Elk with the 300 WBY and 150 grain bullet.

 

[375shooter]

I did a test once using a 308 (18" barrel) and 150gr Barnes X (preTSX), 200gr Partitions and 180gr Failsafes. I fired at 50 yards, to simulate normal deer hunting ranges in my area. I had 2" of wet newspaper followed by 2" of dry newspaper and the rest wet. The results were as follows:
150 X, 2694 mv - 11.5" 100% weight retention
150 X, 2661 mv - 12.75" 100%
180 Failsafe, 2445 mv - 14" 100%
180 Failsafe, 2454 mv - 14" 100%
200 Partition, 2239 mv - 11.75" 61%
200 Partition, 2231 mv - 13.75" 79%

It's just a bit of information I wanted to share. I wish I would also have tested some conventional designs such as Speer, Sierra, Hornady, etc. to see how they would have compared.
Pat.

 

[jbech123]

I wonder how many elk run off to die days later after being hit with a 308 or '06 round?

ones that are hit in the right spot - none

poorly hit ones - probably a similar number to the poorly hit ones with other calibers. under 300 yards a 308 is plenty for elk.

 

[bad_aim_billy]

I also know of a guy who bought a 300 Weatherby more than 15 years ago. He did not like the recoil of 180 grain factory loads.

Exactly why I like 150 gr out of my /06. I used Interbonds last year, I think they're plenty for elk. Any bonded/premium 150 gr .308 bullet will do the job at reasonable distances I'm sure.

 

[grubbylabs]

Well like any thing else shot placement trumps every thing. I am not sure I would be shooting at any animal past 300. I am an archery hunter at hart and am used to having to close the distance. I was just wondering if the bullet would hold up to it. I am by no means a rifle or gun expert. I was planning on the 165 grn but my brother in law suggested the 150 grn.

 

[Deaf Smith]

would you use a 150 grn 308 bullet for elk?

Nosler 150s. YES!

I have several Elk hunting friends who use the 30-06 and that bullet, backed by 4895 powder, is what they use. And they have many many elk to their credit.

 

[WYcoyote]

Yes but a premium bullet like the bonded cores, partition, etc.
If you want to use standard style bullets I would go to 180 gr.

 

[Onesiphorus]

It comes down to bullet placement, always. I use a Saiga 7.62x39 with a 5 round mag and open sights. If I don't have good shot, I don't take it. (In the ear works very well)