going to coloardo on a elk hunt would the .308 win be enough ?
In a word, �Yes!�
Like all cartridges, however, a .308 Win has its limits.
For purposes of discussion, let�s compare three cartridges using Nosler 6th�s fastest loads for each:
.30-30 w/ 170g Partition RN @ 2192fps (BC .252)
.308 Win w/ 165g Partition @ 2910fps (BC .410)
.300 WM w/ 165g Partition @ 3290fps (BC .410)
When comparing cartridges I like to look at three things � bullet drop, retained velocity and retained energy. I find it useful to compare bullet drops at 24� (although I�m willing to deal with more), retained velocity at 2000fps (although I�m willing to deal with less), and 1500fpe (although there is nothing magic about that number). I also like to compare Maximum Point Blank Range for the cartridges, based on a 6� diameter target. Those are the numbers I�ll use here. If anyone objects to those numbers they are welcome to choose their own and run the ballistics accordingly.
All three cartridges and loads have taken elk successfully. In fact, many elk have been taken with many different .30-30 loads, which should answer your question �would the .308 Win be enough ?�
That said, there is a pretty big difference in the capabilities of the three cartridges. Using bullet drop and retained energy and velocities, they compare as follows when using a Maximum Point Blank Range zero for a 3� max rise/drop (6� diameter target):
Zero/MPBR
167/206 yards = .30-30
245/287 yards = .308 Win
273/320 yards = .300 Win Mag
-24�
310 yards =.30-30 (1374fps, 712fpe)
435 yards =.308 Win (2033fps, 1514fpe
490 yards =.300 Win Mag (2233fps, 1827fpe)
2000fps
65 yards =.30-30 (+2.4�, 1506fpe)
450 yards =.308 Win (-26.5�, 1473fpe)
615 yards =.300 Win Mag (-52.5�, 1467fpe)
1500fpe
65 yards = .30-30 (+2.4�, 1997fps)
440 yards =.308 Win (-24.5�, 2024fps)
600 yards =.300 Win Mag (-48.5�, 2029fps)
You will notice there isn�t a great deal of difference between the .308 Win and .300 Win Mag in terms of MPBR � a mere 33 yards. For a -24� drop the difference is 55 yards. If the bullet you choose needs about 2000fps to expand properly, the .300 Win Mag adds 165 yards to the capability of the .308 Win and if 1500fpe is the desired energy at impact the .300 Win Mag bests the .308 Win by 160 yards.
What does this mean in practical terms to the hunter? Perhaps nothing, perhaps everything � it depends on the terrain the hunter will be hunting in and on other factors like the hunter�s skill with the weapon in hand and the ranges at which the hunter is prepared to take shots.
When I hunt elk with my .30-30, 150 yards is on the long side of my comfort range. Grab my .308 Win and I�m very comfortable to 400 and would push that to 450 without much concern. With the .300 Win Mag in my hands, 600 is very doable.
If you are hunting in heavy timber, a 600 yard cartridge won�t buy you much over a .30-30. If you are hunting clearings from an overlook, cross canyon hillsides or open sage, as I often do, the difference in a .300 Win Mag and .308 Win can be very significant. To put things in perspective, I like to use a football field analogy. Often when using the .30-30 I find myself watching a area much smaller than a single football field, which measures 6400 square yards. Thus a single football field worth of coverage with the cartridge in hand is significant to me and easily visualized.
Note that the football field comparison compares area rather than range, which is appropriate when you consider that elk live in an area, not on a straight line, and can appear from any place in that area or enter the area from any place along the edge. Also note that the % differences remain the same whether you are talking about a full circle or simply a narrow pie-shaped wedge.
Using the numbers from above and measuring in Football Fields (FF):
MPBR
40.4 FF = .308 Win
50.3 FF = .300 Win Mag
=================
9.8 FF = .300 Win Mag Advantage (24.3%)
-24�
92.9 FF = .308 Win
117.9 FF = .300 Win Mag
=================
25.0 FF = .300 Win Mag Advantage (26.9%)
2000fps
99.4 FF = .308 Win
185.7 FF = .300 Win Mag
=================
86.3 FF = .300 Win Mag Advantage (86.8%)
1500fpe
95.0 FF = .308 Win
176.7 FF = .300 Win Mag
=================
81.7 FF = .300 Win Mag Advantage (86.0%)
If you are prepared for long shots and are hunting an area where they are possible, the .300 Win Mag clearly provides a significant advantage when such opportunities arise. On the other hand, I�ve been hunting elk since 1982 and have never taken a shot over 350 yards. (Although I have turned down numerous opportunities to do so, sometimes coming home empty-handed as a result.)
Know your .308 Win and load, choose an appropriate bullet, and success or failure will primarily depend on your ability to find elk and the time you put into that effort.
Oh, yeah � some people will tell you that you can always �get closer�. Ask them if they�ve always been able to do that. If they�ve hunted elk much and answer honestly the answer will be �No.� FWIW.