308 Win 165 or 180 grain loads for elk

[rmarshall]

Hey guys, I need some help on some good loads for Elk hunting this fall. This is for a whitetail hunting friend of mine. He is very comfortable with his 308 so instead of borrowing some ones monster magnum i suggest he shoot what is the most comfortable to him. What would be a good load-I keep telling my friend working with him to load Nosler PT's of Accubonds. Whats your thoughts or experience? What powder would be good for 165 or 180's? thanks
rm

 

[Guest]

If I were going out west for my first elk hunt, I'd sure enough be carrying a good 180gr bullet in that rifle. Either the Partition or the AccuBond (whichever is accurate out to 300yds or more depending on the guy's shooting skill) would be the first choice. If those don't work, a 165gr E-Tip, TTSX, Interbond, GMX, A-Frame, or Deep Curl would be a logical next choice, I think. That's just from the standpoint of someone who hunts a lot of deer and has thought about what I'd take if I get the chance to hunt elk.

 

[DrMike]

For sure, either the 165 or the 180 grain Partition (or AccuBond) will work very well on elk. I would prefer the greater mass, but there is no question that the 165 grain will work. The standard powders will work well with the .308 (BL-C(2), Varget, H380, IMR 4895, IMR 4064). I've recently used IMR 8208 XBR with good success in the .308.

 

[SJB358]

I loaded up some 165 AB's for my wifes 308 just before I left. Used RL15 and man, it shot really well for her rifle and was a tick over 2800FPS. I was actually pretty impressed with it, accuracy and speed wise. If she were to elk hunt with me next year, I would feel pretty comfortable with her using that load within her shooting ability. I think you are on the right track for your buddy, if he shoots it well, he will do well. I like more on elk, but if you smash the bullet in the lungs, I don't see them shrugging it off!

I used WW cases, CCIBR2's and RL15. Can't remember the charge, but it was around mid 40's if I remember correctly. I think I actually got the data from Nosler's manual..

Yep, it was labeled on the picture..

45 grains

46 grains

While not a barnburner, it seems like it is plenty accurate enough.

 

[onesonek]

Being I am the slightly heavy for caliber type,,,my choice would be the 180 gr. in either PT or AB. What ever of the 2 shoots best.

 

[OU812]

Either will work for elk but if it were me I would opt for the 180 Partition. I've seen the 308 with 180 partitions used on elk with very favorable results.


Bill

 

[rmarshall]

thanks guys for replies, i truly appreciate it. If we try a 180 what powder would give the best results for speed and accuracy. Most important accuracy.

 

[OU812]

I use RL 15 in my sons 308 with 180 partitions with good accuracy.

Bill

 

[BK]

First thing I would ask, is what kind of elk? Is it gong to be a spike or cow hunt, or are you going to be chasing mature, trophy bulls? Spikes/cows are not terribly different from a big whitetail, while a trophy bull could go 800 pounds, and enough muscle and heavy enough skeleton to allow an animal to do some pretty miraculous things and go in some pretty horrifying places to pack them out of.

That being said, I'd would be comfortable with a 165 AB or Partition (I didn't say happy...) for any of them. Or a 150 TSX or TTSX.

 

[sask boy]

If you are only going to be out to 300 yards I would go with the 180 AccuBond just cause it is a boat tail.
I have loaded for the 308 for a number of years and had good success with IMR3031 I believe.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[JD338]

As already mentioned, both will work. I like heavy bullets and would go with the 180 gr PT as my first choice.

JD338

 

[Richracer1]

FWIW, I'll be using my 308 Win this fall for antlerless elk & Muleys. I initially bid on & won a case of Nosler 308 Win ammo w/165AB, but got shipped 165BT instead so that's what I'll be using. Taking the 30-06 loaded w/180ABs as well.

 

[Guy Miner]

I'd be happy with the 165 Nosler Partition, AccuBond or Ballistic Tip, loaded over either Varget or RL-15 for about 2700 - 2800 fps. Put that in the kill zone, and go tag the elk!

Ballistic Tip:

Partition:

Great results with either. Haven't used the 165 AccuBond myself, but there are favorable reports here. Check out the bullet tests for the various 165's & 180's. They'll all do the job, placed well.

Regards, Guy

 

[rmarshall]

Hey all thanks a million, you have been great, I too think the 165 or 180 in the AB or the PT will do the trick. I will let them sort it out now. And in reply to BK this is for Big Hopefully monster Utah Bulls, well bull anyway. have a good all
rm

 

[Guy Miner]

Best of luck on your hunt! Hoping to see a hunting report this fall.

 

[ridgewalker]

I believe I have taken 15 elk (mostly meat cows) here in CO in the last 30+ years. I have used .308, 30-06 and 300 WM. I prefer the 165 Nosler Partition in the .308 and 180 Nosler Partition in the 30-06 and .300 WM. You just take a big velocity loss in the .308 with the 180. JMO

I have taken one 5x5 I called in with a bow and darted (put to sleep and cut the antlers off) a near perfect 6x6 (SCI 335) at Elk Quest out of Durango (very easy, but interesting hunt).

Elk hunting is awesome, but you have to be ready for the worst...worst weather, worst sightings, worst let downs, worst places to hunt, and on and on.

Either of your choices should do the job just fine. Just put it in the "boiler room" and keep shooting until it goes down and stays.

Good luck!

Oh, my .308 with 165 NPs will do 3/4" or less 3 shot groups using Varget.

 

[Oldtrader3]

The .308 is just a .30-06 at a few less yards range. A lot of elk have been killed with each. Either bullet will work. The 180 Partition will give you more penetration for an off angle shot.