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Q:
Would a 7mm-08 be enough for elk up to 300 yards? I've taken deer at 300 with it, but will it be enough for an elk?
Question by mihunter. Uploaded on November 04, 2009
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Answers (16)
I think the 7mm-08 would be fine for elk out to 300 yards or so. Just like any rifle, shot placement is the key!
It should be.
I wouldn't suggest using a 7mm-08 for elk. It is kind of like using a 243 it works, but it isn't the best option. Try a 7mm mag, or even a 300 RUM.
It still has the velocity and energy at 300+ yards to get the job done with a 140 grain premium bullet like Barnes TSX or Nosler Partition. I would stay away from deer bullets like Ballistic Tips and cheap soft points for elk in that caliber. Of course, the 7mm magnum would be "better" and the Uber Mags not necessary.
I agree with those who've written that the 7mm-08 should be entirely adequate for elk at 300 yds with good bullet placement.
I agree with a "proper" shot placement, and GOOD bullets it will get the job done.
That being said, I'm not a fan of small fast bullets.
I like the .308 family myself (.308/.30-06/.300 Win Mag) which are all more than enough for elk with regards to energy and ft pounds of energy.
Yes more than enough. Good luck.
If only it was 7mm-'06 AKA .280 Remington. Awesome cartridge.
sure i use the 7mm mag to elk hunt and it works well for me
a 7mm or a 30-06 will be better for a elk
that would be plenty to bring down and elk in a heart beat. or if you hit him rite, less than a heart beat.
Definitely enough!
behind the shoulder will do the trick.
The elk around here are big. I can't imagine shooting an 800+ pound bull with something like that. Minimum of .338 Win. Mebbe a .340 Weatherby.
7mm-08 for Elk? Absolutely yes!! 11/6/09 my 16 year old daughter took her 2nd elk at 30-40 yards through the shoulders. 3 years earlier she shot her 1st cow Elk at est. 300 yards behind the shoulder. Both killed with a 145 gr Speer sbt moving 2800 + fps. Shot placement being the key, and the 300 yd. shot was only taken as I advised her of the bullet drop. I wouldn't advise this shot unless practiced, anything under is well within range. Good luck.
The 7mm-08 is a fine cartridge for everything from coyotes to moose with the various bullet weights offered.
Example: For big bull elk or moose in this calibre, the Hornady Super Performance 139 gr., SST or GMX bullets in their factor loadings will cleanly demise either of these large ungalutes in short order.
Of course with any large game hunted, bullet placement is paramount. The hunter must be confident in his/her ability to pick their shots for a quick, clean harvest - or wait for a better oppurtunity and set-up.
On a double lung shot just behind the front shoulders, these Hornady 139 grain slugs will exit out the far side in most instances, completely shattering the organs and creating massive blood loss quickly. Similiarly for shots to an elk's heart, either from the front or rear angles. ( I dislike shoulder shots for the amount of 'venison' meat lost..)
One can't ask for more than that in a hunting cartridge. There's no need for a howitzer in putting prime elk and moose meat on the table.
Just find a gun that fits the individual using it, put good glass on it and in a firearm manufacturer that'll keep the total weight down to 6 1/2 - 7 1/4 lbs. ( The Sako Finnlight comes to mind, and a few others...)
Plus, the mild recoil of the 7mm-08 will make anyone a better marksman in the field and on the range.
A sportslady I know who is of small stature has taken 18 Rocky Mountain Elk with her 7mm-08, all one shot kills at ranges out to 400+ yards.
Now that's shootn'g, and the bottom line Partners..!
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It still has the velocity and energy at 300+ yards to get the job done with a 140 grain premium bullet like Barnes TSX or Nosler Partition. I would stay away from deer bullets like Ballistic Tips and cheap soft points for elk in that caliber. Of course, the 7mm magnum would be "better" and the Uber Mags not necessary.
I agree with those who've written that the 7mm-08 should be entirely adequate for elk at 300 yds with good bullet placement.
I agree with a "proper" shot placement, and GOOD bullets it will get the job done.
That being said, I'm not a fan of small fast bullets.
I like the .308 family myself (.308/.30-06/.300 Win Mag) which are all more than enough for elk with regards to energy and ft pounds of energy.
7mm-08 for Elk? Absolutely yes!! 11/6/09 my 16 year old daughter took her 2nd elk at 30-40 yards through the shoulders. 3 years earlier she shot her 1st cow Elk at est. 300 yards behind the shoulder. Both killed with a 145 gr Speer sbt moving 2800 + fps. Shot placement being the key, and the 300 yd. shot was only taken as I advised her of the bullet drop. I wouldn't advise this shot unless practiced, anything under is well within range. Good luck.
I think the 7mm-08 would be fine for elk out to 300 yards or so. Just like any rifle, shot placement is the key!
Yes more than enough. Good luck.
If only it was 7mm-'06 AKA .280 Remington. Awesome cartridge.
It should be.
I wouldn't suggest using a 7mm-08 for elk. It is kind of like using a 243 it works, but it isn't the best option. Try a 7mm mag, or even a 300 RUM.
that would be plenty to bring down and elk in a heart beat. or if you hit him rite, less than a heart beat.
Definitely enough!
The 7mm-08 is a fine cartridge for everything from coyotes to moose with the various bullet weights offered.
Example: For big bull elk or moose in this calibre, the Hornady Super Performance 139 gr., SST or GMX bullets in their factor loadings will cleanly demise either of these large ungalutes in short order.
Of course with any large game hunted, bullet placement is paramount. The hunter must be confident in his/her ability to pick their shots for a quick, clean harvest - or wait for a better oppurtunity and set-up.
On a double lung shot just behind the front shoulders, these Hornady 139 grain slugs will exit out the far side in most instances, completely shattering the organs and creating massive blood loss quickly. Similiarly for shots to an elk's heart, either from the front or rear angles. ( I dislike shoulder shots for the amount of 'venison' meat lost..)
One can't ask for more than that in a hunting cartridge. There's no need for a howitzer in putting prime elk and moose meat on the table.
Just find a gun that fits the individual using it, put good glass on it and in a firearm manufacturer that'll keep the total weight down to 6 1/2 - 7 1/4 lbs. ( The Sako Finnlight comes to mind, and a few others...)
Plus, the mild recoil of the 7mm-08 will make anyone a better marksman in the field and on the range.
A sportslady I know who is of small stature has taken 18 Rocky Mountain Elk with her 7mm-08, all one shot kills at ranges out to 400+ yards.
Now that's shootn'g, and the bottom line Partners..!
behind the shoulder will do the trick.
sure i use the 7mm mag to elk hunt and it works well for me
a 7mm or a 30-06 will be better for a elk
The elk around here are big. I can't imagine shooting an 800+ pound bull with something like that. Minimum of .338 Win. Mebbe a .340 Weatherby.
Post an Answer