Understanding the Fundamentals: Ballistics and Elk Hunting
Before we delve into the specifics of the .308 and the 7mm-08, it’s important to understand the core principles that govern a successful elk hunt. The goal is to deliver a bullet with sufficient energy and terminal performance to quickly and humanely dispatch the animal. Several factors contribute to achieving this: bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, trajectory, and energy at impact. Bullet construction also plays a vital role, influencing penetration and wound channel characteristics. Effective shot placement is, and will always be, the absolute king.
Bullet Weight and Selection: The Right Tool for the Job
The .308 Winchester offers a wide range of bullet weights, allowing hunters to tailor their choice to their specific needs. Commonly available bullets for .308 range from lighter varmint loads to heavier, more powerful options. For elk hunting, bullet weights typically range from a minimum of one hundred and fifty grains to over two hundred grains. A good starting point for many hunters is around one hundred and sixty-five to one hundred and eighty grains, providing a balance of trajectory, retained energy, and controlled expansion.
The 7mm-08 Remington, on the other hand, generally has a slightly different weight range available. While you’ll find lighter bullets intended for varminting, optimal choices for elk hunting usually fall between one hundred and twenty to one hundred and sixty grains. This smaller bullet weight can sometimes give the 7mm-08 an advantage in terms of trajectory at longer ranges, although this depends on the specific bullet design and ballistic coefficient.
Sectional density, a measure of a bullet’s weight relative to its diameter, influences a bullet’s ability to maintain velocity and penetrate. Ballistic coefficient (BC), describes a bullet’s ability to resist air resistance. Bullets with higher BC values tend to retain velocity and energy better over distance, which could translate to better performance at longer ranges. When comparing the two, the .308, with it’s generally heavier bullet weights, can have a slight advantage in sectional density. However, the 7mm-08 can often provide excellent BCs.
Bullet construction is a critical factor that impacts how a bullet performs upon impact with an elk. Controlled expansion is essential for deep penetration and efficient energy transfer. Bonded bullets, where the core is chemically bonded to the jacket, are known for their exceptional weight retention and deep penetration. Partition bullets feature a partition in the jacket, separating the front and rear sections, with the rear retaining its weight while the front expands. Monolithic bullets, crafted from a solid piece of copper alloy, excel at deep penetration and often create a larger wound channel. Choosing the right bullet type is vital for success.
Velocity, Trajectory, and Energy: Factors in the Equation
Muzzle velocity is the speed at which a bullet leaves the barrel of a rifle. The .308 typically boasts a muzzle velocity that depends on the bullet weight. For example, a one hundred and sixty-five-grain bullet may leave the muzzle around twenty-eight hundred feet per second.
The 7mm-08, being a smaller cartridge, generally has a slightly higher muzzle velocity compared to similarly weighted .308 loads. Depending on the bullet weight, a 7mm-08 can achieve muzzle velocities exceeding twenty-nine hundred feet per second with a one hundred and forty-grain bullet.
Trajectory, the path a bullet follows through the air, directly affects how a rifle should be sighted in and is vital for accurate shots, particularly at longer ranges. While both calibers have relatively flat trajectories, the higher velocity of the 7mm-08 can give it a slight advantage at extended ranges, providing less drop.
Energy at impact, measured in foot-pounds, is a crucial factor in a bullet’s effectiveness. Elk hunting demands sufficient energy to break down vital organs and inflict a quick, clean kill. The amount of energy delivered at various ranges dictates the practical effective distance for each cartridge. The .308, with its heavier bullets, often carries more energy at closer ranges. The 7mm-08 may retain energy better at greater distances, though this depends on the specific bullet and its BC. Hunters should carefully consider the energy levels required for their typical hunting situations and the expected ranges.
Rifle Considerations: Beyond the Cartridge
The choice of a caliber impacts the rifle selection.
The .308 Winchester is incredibly popular, resulting in an abundance of rifle platforms available. Bolt-action rifles are the most common, but the .308 is also chambered in semi-automatic rifles, offering various features and price points. Due to its widespread use, .308 rifles tend to be readily available at most gun stores, and often at more affordable prices compared to less common chamberings.
The 7mm-08 Remington is less common, but still remains a popular choice. Though fewer options may be available, a range of excellent bolt-action rifles are offered. Because it’s not as popular as the .308, 7mm-08 rifles may come with a slightly higher price tag.
Recoil is an important consideration, particularly for new hunters or those sensitive to recoil. The .308, with its heavier bullet weights and often more powerful loads, usually generates slightly more recoil than the 7mm-08. While the difference may not be substantial for many hunters, it can influence comfort and accuracy. Excessive recoil can lead to flinching, which can reduce precision.
The weight and handling of a rifle also play a role. While the cartridge itself doesn’t influence the rifle’s weight, the platform does. Both calibers are typically available in manageable rifle weights. Hunters should select a rifle that is comfortable to carry over long distances and easy to maneuver in various hunting situations.
Effectiveness on Elk: Penetration, Wound Channel, and Knockdown Power
The ultimate goal is to efficiently and humanely dispatch an elk. This is achieved with a combination of adequate penetration and the creation of a significant wound channel. The .308 Winchester, known for its ability to drive a bullet deep, can reliably penetrate the thick hide and vital areas of an elk, especially when using a well-constructed bullet. The 7mm-08, with well-chosen bullets, also boasts excellent penetration capabilities.
The wound channel, the path of the bullet through the animal’s tissues, influences how quickly an elk is incapacitated. The larger the wound channel, the more damage to vital organs and blood vessels, the faster the animal will lose the ability to function. The .308, with its heavier bullets, may produce a slightly wider wound channel at closer ranges. The 7mm-08, with its higher velocity and design characteristics, can still create a substantial wound channel.
Knockdown power is a term often used, but it’s important to understand what it entails. It refers to the ability of a bullet to immediately incapacitate an animal. While energy plays a role, shot placement, and bullet performance are even more critical factors. A well-placed shot with either the .308 or the 7mm-08, regardless of the specific energy figures, will likely lead to a quick kill. The ability to accurately place the shot is often the biggest factor in a successful elk hunt.
Range Considerations: Choosing Your Shooting Distance
The effective range of each caliber is crucial. This is the distance at which you can reasonably expect to place a shot accurately and with sufficient energy to deliver a clean kill. For most elk hunting situations, the .308 Winchester has an effective range of up to approximately three hundred yards, possibly stretching further, depending on the hunter’s experience and the conditions.
The 7mm-08 can potentially extend the effective range due to its flatter trajectory and slightly higher ballistic coefficient, especially when using heavier, high-BC bullets. This can translate to a longer maximum effective range if the hunter understands ballistics, can make accurate range estimations, and has practiced extensively at long distances.
Long-range hunting demands specialized skills and equipment. If you plan on engaging elk at extended distances, meticulous preparation is necessary. Consider using a rangefinder to accurately determine the distance to the target, a scope with ballistic turrets for adjusting for bullet drop, and spending extensive time practicing in the field to consistently hit your target.
Practical Application: The Hunter’s Experience and the Hunting Environment
Personal experience and hunting conditions significantly affect the choice of a caliber. Many experienced hunters have successfully taken elk with both the .308 and the 7mm-08.
Hunting habitat, or the environment in which you’re hunting, significantly impacts your choice. In densely timbered environments where shots are often taken at close to moderate ranges, the .308’s heavier bullet weight and generally better knockdown power may be an advantage. If you frequently hunt in open terrain where long shots are required, the flatter trajectory and superior BC of the 7mm-08 could prove beneficial.
Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages
.308 Pros:
Availability: Wide selection of rifles and ammunition readily available.
Cost: Typically more affordable rifles and ammunition options.
Stopping Power: Often provides more energy, making it a strong choice for diverse situations.
.308 Cons:
Long-Range Potential: Trajectory may not be quite as forgiving at extended distances.
7mm-08 Pros:
Ballistics: Can offer slightly improved long-range performance due to its BC.
Trajectory: Flatter trajectory for easier long-range shooting.
7mm-08 Cons:
Availability: Rifles and ammunition are sometimes less common and may be more expensive.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Hunt
Choosing between the .308 Winchester and the 7mm-08 Remington for elk hunting is a complex decision. Both calibers can be effective with proper shot placement, bullet selection, and effective hunting ranges. The best choice hinges on your individual hunting style, expected ranges, and the specific environment you will be hunting in. Consider the pros and cons carefully. No matter your choice, remember that ethical hunting, accurate shot placement, and a good understanding of your equipment are paramount. Practice with your chosen rifle and ammunition to ensure you can make a clean and humane kill.
