Cartridge for cow elk at close range?

[mlgc20]

Hey Guys. (first time/long time)

Need your expertise. I am taking my daughter to New Mexico for the youth cow elk season at the end of December. She shoots a .308 using the Hornady Custom Lite 125 gr. ammo. She has proven to be very proficient dropping a deer and multiple wild pigs in the 75-100 yard range. I currently have a 100 yard cap for her, that I might stretch to 125 if the conditions were right.

I wouldn't feel comfortable with the 125 gr custom lite, even at 100 yards. So, I was hoping to get some input of what you think I could ethically have her shoot? I am a novice reloader, having done it successfully for my 300WM. So, if you can recommend a bullet/load combo or a lighter punching factory load, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[Snowcrest6]

7x57 160gr

Very good, versatile cartridge, very little recoil. I started with a 7x57 ruger #1 at 12 y/o and shot everything from antelope to elk with it.


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[realunlucky]

7x57 160gr

Very good, versatile cartridge, very little recoil. I started with a 7x57 ruger #1 at 12 y/o and shot everything from antelope to elk with it.


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I don't think he needs a new gun a 308 is pretty versatile. He is looking at different loads for it. If she shoots those 125 great I wouldn't worry about changing anything with your limitations it'll do the job

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[mlgc20]

I don't think he needs a new gun a 308 is pretty versatile. He is looking at different loads for it. If she shoots those 125 great I wouldn't worry about changing anything with your limitations it'll do the job

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Thanks for the quick replies guys. Yes, ideally I would like her to continue using her .308.

 

[sndmn11]

Have you recovered any of the 125gr SST bullets on deer or pigs?

 

[bhylton]

i would think a 125gr through the ribs of an elk is more than enough.

 

[mlgc20]

Have you recovered any of the 125gr SST bullets on deer or pigs?

No. They have all been pass-thru.

 

[MuleyFever]

Why change? The load you have would be plenty on an elk at 100yds.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

MUZZLE- 2675 FPS, 1986 ft/lbs
100 YARDS- 2384 FPS, 1578 ft/lbs
200 YARDS- 2112 FPS, 1238 ft/lbs

I would say she's good to 200 yards with that setup at least, just based off of the info on Hornady's website. You should have better numbers at higher elevation than sea-level. I would shoot a cow with confidence at 125 yards.

 

[UtahJimmy]

I killed a cow with the 30 cal 125 SST 2 years ago at 160 yards. Took maybe 5 steps before tipping over. Recovered under offside hide after passing through the heart.

If she shoots it well, I wouldn't hesitate.

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[mlgc20]

I can't thank you guys enough. I wasn't sure about using the 125 setup. But, keeping things the same for her would certainly be ideal. I appreciate you guys sharing your experience.

 

[efnm]

Awesome to hear - which unit is she going to hunt?

 

[mlgc20]

Awesome to hear - which unit is she going to hunt?

We will be in unit 16E, southwest of Socorro. Very remote. Going to be hiking some miles. In the process of finding a new hunting pack (between Kifaru, EXO, Mystery Ranch and Stone Glacier.)

 

[belly-deep]

Why not just re-zero the rifle yourself with some 165 gr loads, say Nosler Accubond or something similar, and don’t tell her they kick more? She’ll never know, even after the trigger is pulled.

 

[mlgc20]

Why not just re-zero the rifle yourself with some 165 gr loads, say Nosler Accubond or something similar, and don’t tell her they kick more? She’ll never know, even after the trigger is pulled.

I’ve definitely considered this.

 

[Oldffemt]

Either stay with what she’s shooting well already or go sight her rifle in with some stouter bullets and don’t tell her till you’re done packing meat. Either way as long as she makes a decent shot you should be good.

 

[sneaky]

Barnes makes 130gr and 150gr Vor-TX loads in 308. The 130 wouldn't kick anymore than the 125, but the all copper bullet will stay together. Wouldn't hesitate to use either of those, but if it ain't broke don't fix it is good advice too.

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[HiMtnHntr]

Close range elk, look no further than the Nosler Partition.

 

[TauPhi111]

Barnes makes 130gr and 150gr Vor-TX loads in 308. The 130 wouldn't kick anymore than the 125, but the all copper bullet will stay together. Wouldn't hesitate to use either of those, but if it ain't broke don't fix it is good advice too.

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I heavily second this. The custom lite load has a reduced velocity as well for that bullet weight. 308 with a 125 max load would do somewhere around 3000 fps I imagine. If you do handload and want to keep recoil impulse the same, I'd handload the Barnes 130 TTSX to a similar velocity. If you don't mind spending some money on really good bullets, Cutting Edge makes the 125 grain Maximus that'll expand no probem at lower velocities. I'm currently shooting that in my 300 Blackout at 2350 FPS. With the all copper bullets, you won't have to worry about penetration even with the lighter bullet at reduced velocity.

 

[efnm]

Good luck in 16e, I'll be taking my boy on a cow hunt in 16d just after Christmas.