308 - Big Game Effective Range

D

-Doug-

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Assuming the shooter knows what they are doing what’s the furthest effective range given proper bullet selection (not absolute max it may or may not work situation) for the following:

1. Deer
2. Moose

I know there are more favourable cartridges for long range shots (300 win mag…etc) but I am curious what the old faithful 308 can do.

For the purpose of this question let’s assume the rifle is your generic 20-22” barrel bolt gun.
 
Depends on the bullet and when the terminal ballistics drop below 1,000ft-lbs for deer and 1,500 ft-lbs for moose.
 
Last edited:
-Doug- said:
Thanks for the input everyone

Same question but for a 300 WSM (180gr) - what ranges are we talking?
Click to expand...

Some chamberings are not effective at longer ranges like the 30-30 or 7.62x39 for example. Otherwise, for the most part it really depends on the ability of the shooter and what he is comfortable with.
 
Moose are surprisingly easy to kill but take a while to fall down.....place your shot carefully and be patient...they will eventually wander a few yards and lay down and either die or be unable to stand when you get there....308 is about minimum for moose but 30-30 has killed lots of moose too....an old timer once said after you shoot a moose slowly smoke a whole cigarrette before you go after him....ideally wait 5 minutes.....which seems like a long time lol
 
Using what I like in the 308, a 130gr TTSX, I'd go with the 300-350 yard limit but feel quite confident of it within that limit.

Not a big fan of the ft/lb requirements for killing certain animals...way too many variables not accounted for.
 
Once shot an elk broadside at 400 yards at last light. Took until 2am to find it and it was only by the grace of God that I did. Bullet went through one lung only. At that point I switched to a 7mm mag and since then 300 wsm. Would not be afraid to shoot an elk at 400 with the 300wsm. 308 not a chance I would risk it. Having said that the last few elk I got were no further than 200 yards. Never know though.
 
Gatehouse echoes my take on the 308.
I have, in fact, shot several moose with that
chambering, and besides one cow that I
shot a bit too far back, all died quickly. EE
 
I have shot moose at 275 yards and deer at 350 yards with the 308 using 165 cup and core bullets (mostly hornady interlocks). Made clean one shot kills at those ranges.
 
As with any cartridge, having the correct bullet for the job and placing where it needs to be is the biggest part of the equation.
Having seen a western mule deer dropped dead in its tracks at 440 yards with a 6.5 Grendel I would not hesitate taking a 600 yard shot on a deer and 500 yards on a moose with a 308.
Knowing velocity will not be ideal at 500 to 600 yards something like an SST or Amax bullet in the 200 grain area would be my choice. The shot would have to be full broadside so as to have a clean shot at the vitals. Hitting a shoulder would likely defeat the bullet and killing capability.
 
I agree with this. Realistically, wait for the clear shot on the big broadside target on the big animal and let’er fly. To me, wind etc is more important than what impact velocity you are relying on to make the big wound channel in the spot you didn’t intend for the bullet to go.

Shoot smart.
 
At 650 yards, my handloads are at just under 1800fps and 1000 lb/ft. This is also the max range on my cds turret. I've never shot an animal that far but it would do the job if I did. I've only shot one deer over 400 yards and a couple antelope. All were with 308.
 
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