.308 or 300 win mag for elk hunting

[cambo0420]

Hey guys got my 7mm fully outfitted for my elk hunt but the guide recommended bringing a backup gun just in case something crazy happens. Would you rather have a 308 win with a 22 inch barrel or a 300 win mag with a 26 inch barrel. Thanks

 

[LightFoot]

Depends on the terrain. If it's wooded and shots are going to be at a short distance, the 308. Long distance on open areas, 300.

But remember, it's a backup gun. If you need your backup gun, which one it is probably isn't going to matter.

Good luck.

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[elkguide]

I've seen elk shot with a .357 Mag hand gun, a .30-.30 and a 25.06. So in the right place, any caliber will do.

With that said...…………...

Big .30 caliber fan here.

.300 Win Mag is my go to caliber, especially for elk.
Too many things happen and the elk aren't always standing or broadside.

 

[SoDaky]

Ditto.

 

[boom]

300 WM.

now what bullet ? 180 nosler partition for me.

 

[ramont]

It depends on which caliber you are most comfortable with, a .300 Win Mag in the hands of a guy that hasn't used one is probably a bad idea. As said already, if it were me I'd use the .308 for 300 yards and under and/or in heavy timber and the .300 WM for anything outside those parameters - if I thought I were good enough to take an ethical shot at over 300 yards.

 

[bigmoose]

I'd go with the 300 Win Mag with 180 or 200 grain Nosler partitions or accubonds. In fact, that would be my #1 gun for elk (over the 7 mag).

 

[DougP]

I just sold my 300wm and used the funds for mods to my 308. It depends on your hunting style.

My style is to practice shooting a lot in the off season, then spend hunting season walking around carrying my rifle and not encountering any elk. For my purposes, the 308 was the better choice.


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[cnelk]

Tell the guide you’ll use his gun ‘if something crazy happens’

 

[Wapiti1]

Honestly, I would just take one rifle, and two scopes. QD mounts and the backup scope is sighted and ready. The only time I would consider a second rifle is on a horseback hunt where a rifle in a scabbard can be rolled on. Even then, I never have.

Jeremy

 

[Jsunkler]

300 WM would be my vote.

 

[MTNRCHR]

300

 

[thinhorn_AK]

You already have one magnum, if you’re getting another rifle, why not get something a little more different than you already have.

308 will kill elk just fine.

 

[S.Clancy]

My .270 has never had a problem, so a .308 would be my choice.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

My .270 has never had a problem, so a .308 would be my choice.

I barely even touch my magnums these days and I live and hunt in Alaska. Done plenty of elk with a 270 as well.

 

[Fjelljeger]

I use (or will use) a .308 for just about everything, including elk, caribou, deer, sheep.....

 

[Northernpiker]

Whichever one you like...Eeny, meeny, miny , moe!!!

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I use (or will use) a .308 for just about everything, including elk, caribou, deer, sheep.....

I pretty much have for the last ~4 years myself.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

I used to buy into the the super long ultra short mag craze. It disgusts me how much I spent over the years on new, sexy calibers only to have them kill animals the same dead as standard chamberings. I've gone full circle and am back to doing a majority of my rifle hunting with a 308. I have another one ready for pickup tomorrow. When I was shooting the belted mags that burn barrels and blow ear drums I still had a self imposed 400yd limit. Inside of 400 there's not much a 308 can't do....

The classic 300 win is just that... a classic. But chamberings like the 308 and (someone mentioned) the 270 are also proven and still around for a dang good reason. They're pleasant to shoot, affordable and will kill anything in the lower 48 and most things in AK just as dead without the bruised shoulder.

 

[R H Clark]

I would take the one I was most confident shooting. If it's a wash, then I would take the 300 Win.