308 blr for Alberta elk, good idea?

Update: I have just acquired a BLR in .308Winchester as part of a package deal and I need to sell it. I haven't fired it and I don't want to because it just feels so right handling it I can see myself wanting to hunt with it all the time and all my other guns going to waste. :(
 
I shot my first elk with my .308 BLR and 165gr Partition. If you reload modern powders in the .308 will push the 165-180gr class of bullets almost as fast as a 30-06. I shot mine way before the modern powders though lol
 
my .2c

a308 calibre will be a fine choice, its not really what u point at em but rather where ya point it!
i also 100% agree about using the right projectile for the game your chasing... Eg. dont just use a 150 SP for a Bull Elk tag... can be done im sure but id rather a premium projectile... SP for deer etc.


I tried the WSM thing an started devoloping a flinch so it now resides in the Safe unless we are plinkin at distance (or have a few young lads around)

also a fan of Leoupold scopes of VX2 or better.

good luck

WL
 
i can shoot tons and get good with

That's the key phrase, right there.

The gun is fine, the cartridge is fine, but it's all for nought if the guy standing behind it isn't up to the challenge. Shoot it until everything about it is second nature. Shoot it off a bench until you know what the rifle and load will do, then shoot it standing, and prone, and kneeling until you don't even have to think about it. 99% of that 'buck fever' people talk about is lack of confidence. If you're completely certain, beyond any doubt, that you are able to use that rifle to it's maximum effectiveness, it's all steak & gravy from there on.

Once you have that part handled, you can spend the rest of your life very happily learning to hunt..learning to stalk, to be silent, to observe tracks and spoor and wind. It's a very satisfying way to spend a lifetime, believe me.
 
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I have your compromise for all the guys saying it's too small, a BLR in 7WSM!!!! Problem is a like it too much!

Ok, back to the question.

The .308 will be perfect and will be very effective with quality bullets and a very good all around rifle.

As for optics IMO opinion I would recommend a fixed 4X low profile and for few reasons.
-You can go with a bit better quality of glass if you spend what you would have on a variable.Low light gathering and clarity trumps magnification in hunting situations.
-No fumbling or thinking about zooming in and worry about where your scope is set as this is your first scoped hunting rifle and learning the fundamentals first is very important and easier to do when having less things to think about.
-Think about it this way an elk @ 300 yards with a 4X scope will make it seem like he is at 75, not so far all of a sudden. ;)

Weaver still makes their 4X steel tube scope, a bit of cash but one nice unit, many animals have been downed with them over the years and it would be a very nice combo.
 
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TheTooner said:
Update: I have just acquired a BLR in .308Winchester as part of a package deal and I need to sell it. I haven't fired it and I don't want to because it just feels so right handling it I can see myself wanting to hunt with it all the time and all my other guns going to waste. :(
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Was going to post in this thread there's a good BLR at a good price from a good guy in the forum right now. If you want a .308 BLR, that's pretty darn fair and I'd jump at it OP.
 
The BLR .308 will be fine and you dont need super bullets at the velocities the .308 sends them downrange either. A good 180 grainer or even a 165 will do the trick if placed in the boiler room.
 
In the past hundred years ,Elk and the great bears have benefitted from all that acid rain and chemical pollutants.I know because I read all the stories of this armour plating they have under the hides. Guides whom suggest a minimum of a 5 inch shell . I have also lived my life taken great Bears taken big Moose and Elk If you use well constructed bullets ,shoot them accurately ,and shoot to kill,, then your 308 win is all you will ever need .Just my rant
 
freebore said:
In the past hundred years ,Elk and the great bears have benefitted from all that acid rain and chemical pollutants.I know because I read all the stories of this armour plating they have under the hides. Guides whom suggest a minimum of a 5 inch shell . I have also lived my life taken great Bears taken big Moose and Elk If you use well constructed bullets ,shoot them accurately ,and shoot to kill,, then your 308 win is all you will ever need .Just my rant
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Not a rant at all just good old common sense advice.
 
I've got an old .308 in my safe thats shot dozens of moose, deer, black bears, goats and elk. So yes, a .308 is just fine for elk. I shot all my deer this year with a .270.

GunNewb said:
After a loooong process i think I've decided on my first hunting rifle. It's supposed to be an all-arrounder that i can shoot tons and get good with, then go humanely harvest some meat with well placed shots.

thinking blr because I'm a lefty and i reload, 308 because of the balance of a short action. i know this will do me for deer but i wouldn't buy without asking the wise folks on here if this would be a decent elk gun as well- that being something im interested in down the road.


scope suggestions appreciated!
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Yes, the BLR in 308 will do just fine, for optics I'd say go variable 2-7 or 3-9. The 308 should have no problem dropping an elk or moose at 300 yards.
Have fun
 
The BLR will do the job just fine. It is a strong rotary locking bolt and strong. The older ones had steel receivers, the newer lightweights have alloy (aluminum I think) receivers. The 308 is up to the task and there is an astonishing number of choices for ammo that includes premium bullets and cheaper practice stuff.

Elk are tough but they don't wear kevlar yet. Use a sturdy bullet and hit what you aim at, dead elk.
 
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