7mm-08 120 gr Ballistic Tip on Elk?

[jazz3ring]

I’m taking my daughter elk hunting. The 7mm-08 (18” & suppressed) she will be using is currently set up with 120 BT’s for deer.

Does anyone have any experience (positive or negative) with 120 BT’s on elk?

I am considering a heavier bullet (140 VLD, 140 AB, 150 ELD-X). Thoughts on these compared to the 120 BT?

I shoot factory ammo only.

 

[mlob1one]

If she can shoot it well, under good conditions, it could work.
With my kids, I opted for the heavier 140gr accubond Nosler trophy grade (before reloading).

With the 7mm-08, we set up hard limits on range so that we could maximize our opportunities with clean shots. I think I've recovered 3 or 4 bullets on the inside of the far hide on cows and one young bull.

Hope that helps.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

 

[jtevanMT]

All three of my kids started with a youth 7mm-08 for elk before moving to a 30 caliber. IMO- 120 gr is too light for elk. Even with a 140 gr and decent shot placement, several elk needed follow-up shots after tracking. Use the 140 gr and limit the range to 250-300 yards. Some people will tell you it’s all about shot placement and practice, but a 12 yo shooting her first elk with a 120 gr bullet is not a good idea. I like the 140 AB or 150 ELD-X based on which load shoots best.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

check out the 7mm08 success on big game thread. There are a few people that use that load. 1 for sure on elk.

I think @Oregonmuley used that on a bull, he may chime in

 

[JPeters218]

It’ll be just fine. I shot my first elk with a .243 and a 100gr soft point. Piled up in 40 yards just like every other elk I’ve seen shot with .270’s and 30-.06’s. Put it in the lungs and it’s gonna die. I’ll be taking my 6 creed with a 108 eldm this year for elk.

 

[beerbucksducks]

My wife killed a rag horn last season with the 120 NBT out of her 7-08. MV is 3000. She shot him at 80 yards slightly quartered to. The bullet broke the leg just below the shoulder blade, hit top of the heart and both lungs, then stopped on the off side rib cage. The bull stumbled 20-30 yards and tipped over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stevevan]

My wife killed a rag horn last season with the 120 NBT out of her 7-08. MV is 3000. She shot him at 80 yards slightly quartered to. The bullet broke the leg just below the shoulder blade, hit top of the heart and both lungs, then stopped on the off side rib cage. The bull stumbled 20-30 yards and tipped over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'd go with the Barnes 120 TTSX. Wonderful bullet in 7-08 with better penetration especially on elk.

 

[freddyG]

Ballistic tips suck on elk. They have thin jackets. They will work at close range, but there are too many better options to use them. Why do you want to possibly set her up for failure?

 

[jazz3ring]

Ballistic tips suck on elk. They have thin jackets. They will work at close range, but there are too many better options to use them. Why do you want to possibly set her up for failure?

I don’t want to set her up for failure. In fact, I want to give her the best chance possible of being successful. That is why I started this thread asking for people to share their experiences and opinions so I can make the most informed decision on bullet selection.

 

[Oregonmuley]

Must of got lucky I guess on this bull. From last November, will admit it took 2 shots

 

[Deerhunter6250]

My daughter and son each killed three elk out to 425 yards which I admit was a stretch) with the 7-08 kimber montana. I started using it and love it. If you shoot straight (hit them in the right spot) its deadly. To me its about bullet placement.

 

[jazz3ring]

My daughter and son each killed three elk out to 425 yards which I admit was a stretch) with the 7-08 kimber montana. I started using it and love it. If you shoot straight (hit them in the right spot) it’s deadly. To me it’s about bullet placement.

What bullet? 120 BT or something else?

 

[Deerhunter6250]

What bullet? 120 BT or something else?

Hornady 139 grain interlock, but I want to switch to solid copper of some type because I am getting away from shooting lead at animals we eat.