7mm08 and elk

powder burner

powder burner

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Some people use a .308 on elk. Other people even use .243 on elk. I personally have never shot an elk, but a question came to mind in the 25-06 and 7mm08 deer rifle post.

If the 243 and .308 are capable of downing elk, would the 7mm08 be capable of downing one as well? Of course we are talking about reloads here and most likely in the 165 grain category. Why stop there lets say 175gr even.

to give you a scenerio to think about, how about a good bullet such as nosler partition, or even the sierra series. (I'm not sure if they make nosler partitions in 7mm 175 or 165 grain and am just throwing it out there.)

Would it work if the shooter did all the proper things leading up tp the event?(practise, proper shot placement, proper bullet selection, knowing the range, and their limits as a shooter)

When comparing the 7mm08 to the 7mm Mag, the 7mm08 is not too far on the heels of the 7mm mag.

Lets hear your responses.
 
175 gr bullet is pretty slow in a 7mm-08, although having said that, I would hunt elk with one no problem, simply limit your maximum range. Use a controlled expansion bullet in the 130 to 140 range, and you have velocity plus bullet weight retention. In short, yes, the 7mm-08 is fine for elk with the right bullets and at a reasonable range (like most calibers). - dan
 
I dont think it is possible to kill an elk with a 7mm-08, you must neck the case down to 6.5mm in order for it to become lethal ;)
 
I woudl have no problem shooting an elk with a 140gr TSX bullet...

If a 30-06 using "regular" 180gr bullets will kill it, so will the 140r TSX and the 7-08:p :)
 
I think it would work fine, although I'd probably go with a 150 grain bullet myself (probably a 154 Interbond). Too slow, and you risk having no expansion. Remember, most 7mm bullets were engineered with the 7mm rem mag in mind.

Still, I'm no minimalist. The 7mm08 WOULD work; but I'd prefer something with a little more margin for error. I guess I'm smack in the middle of Elmer Keith territory, but I don't think you can find a more ideal elk/moose cartridge than a 338-06 or 338 win mag. More than you need in most circumstances, but you'll be glad you've got it if you ever find yourself in less-than ideal circumstances.
 
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The 7-08 would work for elk, mabey not quite as effective as a .30 cal or .338 in terms of initial knockdown power but it will definately do the job.

On a side note, I know an Inuit guy from up north that uses a .243 for Polar Bear and claims that many people up north do.:eek: :eek: :eek:
 
The 7mm-08 could work for moose and elk (I have never shot an elk) but I would consider it a bare minimum.

I know elk are smaller than moose but I have heard they pretty hard to put on the ground. I would feel better if I necked that .308 case up to .338 and stuffed a 225g bullet in it.
 
I used a 145gr GS at 2930 in my 7x57, basically the same twin but with a lot more history. My first and only Bull Elk so far took it right in the heart at 200 yards. The bullet stopped under the hide on the far side, in poster-boy formation. I wouldn't hesistate to use it again for Elk and I even carried it for a big bull Moose up north last fall.
FWIW, I upped the ante to 154gr bullets for the Moose as mentioned, it isn't going quite so fast but it can carry the momentum when the 145gr starts to fall off.
Within reasonable range I would say go for it!

Noel
 
I'd absolutely use the 7-08 for elk. I'd use the 140 triple shock, or in second place a 140 or 150 partition and call it good.

The quickest, deadest moose I've ever shot was with a 140 NP out of a 284 Winchester. In fact, I rebarreled a M70 classic stainless 300Wby to 358 Norma because the 300 didn't kill game any better or faster than that little 284 Win did.

Use a good bullet, stick it in the right spot and it's a dead animal.
 
The biigest elk that walks is no match for a 7mm-08 with any good bullet. As well, most guys will shoot better with the seven than they will with a heavier recoiling cartridge.

I use a 375 H&H for most of my hunting. My wife has used the 270, 7X57, 280, 308 and 30-06 over the years. I would venture to say that she has killed more moose, caribou and bears than the majority of the guys on this board. Literally dozens of animals.

I have not seen a lot of difference in how her game goes down and that taken with my 375. Shredded lungs quickly result in death with any cartridge.

Ted
 
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140gr XLC from my 7-08AI Mtn Rifle through the ribs... he went a few yards.

This year I packed my standard 7-08 Rem mtn rifle w/140gr TSX... no elk but ended up whacking a charging bruin....very effective!

Elk9.jpg


I've taken Stone's Sheep, mtn goat, moose, elk, deer, blackies, and grizz with the 7-08AI (100fps difference only)..... not a critter in NA the 7-08 Rem can't take with a 140gr TSX.... and I certainly don't consider it just "marginal"!

In all honesty, I don't notice game falling any faster from the 35 Whelen, 375 H+H, 338 Win Mag, 300 Mag, and smaller stuff like the 7 Rem Mag, 30-06, 270 Win, 280AI etc.

The 7-08 Rem is the real deal, and those that don't think differently have likely not used one!

280_ACKLEY
 
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I was under the impression that 7mm-08 had some more "oomph" and was essentially a 30-06 competitor? :confused:

But from some of these super duper huge cartridges available and all the hype, it seems .600 Nitro is minimal for doe season. ;);)
 
7mm08 is nowhere near 30-06 power levels. The 30-06 can be loaded to the 3,000-3300fpe levels, the 7mm08 is somewhat behind the 270
 
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