Short Action Elk Rifle

Mnwhiskeyman · Sep 19, 2026

Would anyone use a 308/7mm-08 for an Elk hunt within 400 yards. I am asking cause I would like to double this as my sons new rifle and with the cost of things why not get one that can do elk pronghorn whitetail and more?
Thanks

samson7x · Sep 19, 2026

I know several guys who successfully use 308. You’ll be fine, just keep it closer ranges. I’d probably make 300yds the max depending on bullet and speed.

bashaw · Sep 19, 2026

338 WM BEST ALL round next to 300 WM, 270 WIN Has killed a lot of Elk

Tdsmith517 · Sep 19, 2026

300wsm or 7mm wsm

Flbt · Sep 19, 2026

Blr in 358 or 325?

BeeMaa · Sep 19, 2026

300WSM or 270WSM would be options. Or any of the WSM/SAUM cartridges would probably do it.

Wouldn't be my first choice because I truly believe there are better cartridges available in standard/long/magnum length actions. Not to mention the lack of factory ammo. But if you are trying to shave weight...

Tgood1 · Sep 19, 2026

Ive personally seen a handful of bull elk perish soundly with a .308, a .338 could not have deceased them any better under the circumstances, +/-250 yards roadside, i prefer a significantly larger cartridge

Comanche 6 · Sep 19, 2026

308 will get it done. A 7mm 08 is a touch small IMO on elk. If you’re looking for just one, it’s a pretty easy choice. Lot more variety of ammo and better ammo availability for the 308 as well.

thoma018 · Sep 19, 2026

308..absolutely.

pilar · Sep 19, 2026

.308win paired with 130gr barns ttsx is pretty good short action cartridge imo
My friend Margie uses a.270wsm paired with 140gr ttsx and I’ve never seen anything run off .
My 6.5cm I wouldn’t be scared to bust a elk or something similar in size

bwanamrm · Sep 19, 2026

.338 Federal would fit the bill nicely but if the choice is .308 or 7mm-08, then the .308.

CamoManJ · Sep 19, 2026

Easy choice…300 WSM.
Great all around caliber.
Short, Efficient & Effective.
Plenty of factory ammunition available & nice selection of Winchester Model 70 rifles.

Andrew62 · Sep 19, 2026

.308 paired with a quality bullet, you'll be good to go!

Mtn_Infantry · Sep 19, 2026

Mnwhiskeyman said:
Would anyone use a 308/7mm-08 for an Elk hunt within 400 yards. I am asking cause I would like to double this as my sons new rifle and with the cost of things why not get one that can do elk pronghorn whitetail and more?
Thanks

I used an older Rem 700 BDL in 308 for multiple elk before it was stolen. I shot 165gr Trophy Bonded Tips, and older Federal loaded 165gr Accubonds. Within 400yds you should be fine with quality premium ammo and knowing/learning both you and the rifles capabilities.

I now shoot a 257wby or 300WM but wouldn’t hesitate to use a 7-08 if that’s what I had. I know a lot of guides and almost universally they’d say they prefer someone to hunt with their deer rifle or whatever they’re most comfortable with than a new gun or a bigger magnum that’s a little bit too much for them to practice with.

Bonk · Sep 19, 2026

Comanche 6 said:
308 will get it done. A 7mm 08 is a touch small IMO on elk. If you’re looking for just one, it’s a pretty easy choice. Lot more variety of ammo and better ammo availability for the 308 as well.

Agree. I'm a 7mm-08 fan but .308 is a much better choice for elk.

meigsbucks · Sep 19, 2026

I’d feel comfortable with either on elk to 300yds. 400yds for lighter game.

Firebird · Sep 19, 2026

In my group there have been a handful of cow and spike elk killed with a 7mm-08 rem 700. Bullets have varied but mostly 145 grand slam and 150 Accubond long range handloaded bullets. Haven’t lost any and I don’t remember any that required extra shots. Goes without saying that Shot placement is key.
I would have no qualms about the .308 or the 7mm-08. All my little girls and a couple nephews used my little 7 rifle to take their first elk or two-

375-9.3x63 Fan · Sep 19, 2026

My choice would be .308 if your son can handle it, my daughter started with 7mm -08 but now likes the 308, both are great on Elk, shot placement is key!
We have taken five elk bulls/cows with the above mentioned calibers.

RyanPalmer · Sep 19, 2026

Those two calibers are easily sufficient enough out to that range.

Captain Jack · Sep 20, 2026

I agree with many of the above comments; .308 with quality bullets and good shot placement is more than adequate for elk. 7-08 will do it too, but is a touch light for my tastes. That said, I shot exactly one cow elk with a .243 when I was a kid and it worked just fine, but shot placement was perfect.

You don't need a magnum round to kill an elk, but it can certainly be an advantage. I generally carry my 7 PRC these days.

Short Action Elk Rifle

Mnwhiskeyman

samson7x

bashaw

Tdsmith517

Flbt

BeeMaa

Tgood1

Comanche 6

thoma018

pilar

bwanamrm

CamoManJ

Andrew62

Mtn_Infantry

Bonk

meigsbucks

Firebird

375-9.3x63 Fan

RyanPalmer

Captain Jack

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