What 308 bullet works for both deer and elk?

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GunNewb

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Im creeping around with a semi auto this season, mainly for white tail. But I do have a tag for an elk and just in case one appears id like to be prepared to take it.

Is there a bullet I could load my mag with that would be able to take an elk without vaporizing a deer? Sucks not having a bolt gun, I doubt I would get the chance yo change mags if I see an elk.
 
Nosler Partition, Accubond, or similar styles from any manufacturer would be my choice. In that order, unless the rifle I am carrying determines the bullet for me, such as my 325, it loves the 200 accubond.
 
There's several choices depending on what action you are sporting.
I use federal vital shok 160ish grain factory loaded with the Nosler Partion. Perfect for deer/moose/elk
I've taken both moose and several deer with a custom "m14" with that bullet. Perfect performance based on where I put the shot. (Heart/lung)
I've also cleanly taken several more deer with that rifle and the winchester supreme CT 160ish grain ballistic tip I think it was....

When I carry my .308 , the 160ish grain bullets are what I have always considered the "best" choice for deer and moose and I would suppose elk too. That said, I'm certainly no expert hehehe and I've only taken game with a .308 bullet that's been shot out of an M14 type semi so am limitted to maximum 174gr due to the rifle's designed limitations.
 
Ive seen the 150gr Nosler Accubond knock down a couple mature bull elk. Both ran a short ways before going down, but not far. Maybe 20 yards. And should work real fine on deer
 
I'll be the voice of dissent. I've shot a couple of deer with 180gr bullets from a 30-06. All worked perfectly, and nobody would argue against a 180 for elk. My recommendation would be any premium bullet; Accubond, Partition, TSX, take your pick.

Any 165gr premium would work just as well in all honesty.
 
If I was using a .308, I'd stick a 130 or 150 TTSX in it, and slay deer, bear, moose and elk with no worries.

The Nosler Partition is the bullet all others USED to be measured against, it still works great, and it used to be my go-to bullet, but there is too much shrapnel in the meat, core separation and poor BC for me to use them anymore.In 2015, I'd rather have a TTSX or an Accubond.

And using a TTSX in your rifle will make your rifle perform like a .300 WM with 200gr cup and core bullets.
 
Never had a Partition fail yet...........like the Sciroccos and Accubonds as well.Had core separations with Hornady Interlocks in several calibers including a 286gr 9.3 blowing up into confetti on a cow moose shoulder at 180 yards.Used to be a great economical bullet in the old red box before they cut corners somewhere in the manufacturing end of things.Don't trust them on anything bigger than deer......Harold
 
I've been using 180 grain speer hotcors for years- a tad heavy for deer, but also halfway decent bear medicine
 
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