Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting 308 or 243AI for elk?

Saturday’s the opener. Choices are 308 with 175 Berger VLD hunting or 243 AI with Hornady 105 BTHP.

Ranges from probably 200 yards to ???

I’ve shot the 308 to 400 with good dope, the 243 AI past 600 with confirmed dope.

Open sage brush public land hunt.

Is the 105 BTHP enough? This rifle is <MOA past 600 with my handloads.

Never had any trouble killing Elk with my 243 a.i. and a 105 Scenar, put it in the plumbing and they die quick. my 308 works well with 130 gr. TSX, Elk are not bullet proof. Rio7

Copy.

Shots can be long, and I'm already regretting not taking a 550 at a deer because my hunting buddy didn't have dope on his rifle out that far.

Seems like whichever you love the most. The 308 sounds better if your on elk. But I’d run either or.

You just never know what will happen during an elk hunt.
Is he going to walk in front of you at 20 yards or will you spot him 2000 yards out? Bad shot where you hit the shoulder. Just never know
Personally I’d take the 308 vs the 6 mm 105 gr HP bullet in case a Close encounter happens

Hit them where they live, and the difference will be indiscernible.

Uh...... you have a 3rd option??

Personally, I’d prefer the 308.

If you compare the velocity loss and energy loss of these two rounds at long distance, it sure doesn't seem responsible to me to be using the .243 past 200-300 yds . on elk sized game!

You know what the two things are that result in landowners finding the most elk carcases in the brush come the end of Novermber are?

Bergers and .243s.

You're choices are [bleep] and [bleep]. Someone needed to tell you.

Federal's .308 165gr Trophy Bonded Tip and 180gr Partitions loads are available on Midway right now. Buy some appropriate ammo.

Llama Bob, let me correct you, Bergers, and poor marksmanship. Rio7

I love elk burgers & prefer that I can take shots at bad angles & through bone at 300 yards if that fills the freezer. I don’t want to count on broadside opportunities at less than 400 with lots of room.

Shooting marginal calibers at elk doesn’t make much sense to me but my main goal is to kill & eat them not brag about shooting them with some small cartridge.

I understand some young guys are recoil shy with their super light rifles - add a muzzle brake a recoil reducer in the stock or a heavier rifle that allows you to shoot a little higher energy cartridge - your full freezer will thank you. For folks with physical disabilities who need to limit recoil exercise discipline.

I assume you mean a .308 Win and not a 30 Carbine! In which case........the .308 Win. memtb

The 308 - I’m assuming .308 Win - would get my vote

Thanks guys. I was prioritizing distance over diameter. However, I have lots of 155 Scenars loaded for the 308, and will use those.

I don’t really give a flip about others opinions, mine included sometimes, but a 243 (AI or not) would be the last thing I’d carry elk hunting. I’m assuming we’re talking about a bull elk hunt? Way too many things can go not exactly perfect when the trigger is pulled.

Preach on

308.

You been watching too many episodes of best of the west.. go take some your Uncle Sam bucks and go buy a 6.5 prc. Better yet go buy a 270 Winchester shoot some 145 eld-x. 🥰

The 308 is my favorite cartridge, and elk are my favorite game. You could load up 500 rounds with 155 Scenars, and have a lifetime supply for any NA hunting IMO.

Best wishes David, hope you’re well.