Sierra 165 grain BTSP in .308 Winchester for elk?

[Mr. Hill]

Trying to prep for my first elk season in November. Trying to save money, having serious financial problems. I have a box of Federal premium Sierra Gameking BTSP, 165 grain rounds, for my .308 rifle. My rifle shoots these rounds very well. So well that I've never used any other round for deer. I believe that Federal states that these rounds are for "medium" game. Will they kill elk as effectively as they kill deer, or do I need to use a different bullet?

[jmr40]

You're overthinking this. There may be other bullets that might be marginally better at the extreme edges of practical ranges. But put most any 150-180 gr bullet from a 308 into the vitals of an elk at ranges under 300-400 yards and you'll have a dead elk. Post photos of the hunt when you get back.

[Mr. Hill]

That's what I was hoping. If I can use this ammunition, I can get out and practice with it at least a couple of times before the season begins. That Federal ammunition shoots so well through the rifle! Sometimes ya gotta shoot what ya got I suppose, and the 165 grain .308 SP round is what I've got.

[MarkCO]

Perfectly fine. I load 165 grain for my boys in .308 for elk. Take your time, get steady, just like with any other caliber.

When he was 12, my older son shot his elk at 350 yards with a 165 SP.

[T. O'Heir]

Bang! Thud. A 165, out of a .308, will kill any game you care to hunt in North America. Providing, as you say, your rifle shoots 'em well. That doesn't have to be a one hole group either. An elk is a big critter.
Practice, off hand, at 100 yards at a 9" pie plate.

[AllenJ]

As stated above, shoot one in the vitals and you'll be eating good this winter. Elk are big and tough, and in my experience they don't show the same signs as a deer when hit with a bullet so if you think the shot was good track him as far a possible before assuming a miss.

[Art Eatman]

From earlier comments from a Sierra guy, here, back in the last century the soft point version should work better than the hollow point in that bullet. From many other posts about 165-grain bullets in general, that weight should be plenty good.

[Mr. Hill]

Thank you all for the advice. I'll go ahead and use it out of necessity. Here's another review I found about the use of federal Gameking 165 grn btsp .308 for elk:

"Wolcott, Colorado Elk. Some may doubt the effectiveness of a .308 as it pertains to shooting Elk...This past weekend was proof that this cartridge is more than sufficient. 16 minutes (For some reason the guide kept time) after sighting in the rifles and driving up to glass our next mornings hunt, we luckily snuck up on a bedded herd. 240 yards, 1 shot, 1 kill. Two days later one of my hunting partners slipped and fell with his .300 WSM hitting the scope on a log. Unsure if the scope was off or not he borrowed my .308...8:01 Saturday morning - 2 more Elk shot and tags were filled for the trip. I love this round. All 3 shots were through and through with large exit wounds. Precision was excellent. 2 Elk dropped where they stood, other made it about 50 yards and dropped."

Entirety consistent with the advice herein! Thank you!

Now if anyone can tell me how to stitch up a sleeping bag using surplus blankets, I'd appreciate it!

[Mobuck]

Do as you wish. I would prefer a "tougher" bullet.

[Wyosmith]

If you shoot well I expect it will be fine.
I would prefer a Remington 165 Core-Lokt, or any bullet that is a bit tougher then a Sierra, but if you must use them out of necessity go ahead.

In fact if that is the case I see little reason for this thread.

Marksmanship is far more important then the tools you used.
Good luck and good hunting.

[Mobuck]

"Now if anyone can tell me how to stitch up a sleeping bag using surplus blankets, I'd appreciate it!"

Unless you already have the blankets, a low end synthetic insulated bag is cheaper than butchering "surplus blankets".

[Wyosmith]

Mr Hill, where are you and where will you be hunting?

[Mr. Hill]

I'm in Colorado Springs, will be elk hunting near Leadville.

[taylorce1]

I've killed elk with the .308 caliber 180 grain Pro Hunter and that bullet is tough enough on any elk. I find the Pro Hunter with its flat base bullet holds together from jacket/core separation better than the boat tail of the Game King. A jacket/core separation has never stopped a bullet from killing game. However, in the 165 grain weight the Pro Hunter isn't an option.

If you live in Colorado Springs, take the blankets to a sewing shop on B Street off of Ft Carson. Have the ladies sew in a zipper and sew the blankets together. However, I'd just go to Sportsman's, Bass Pro, Dick's or Big 5 and buy a bag rated for at least 0 degrees. If you're sleeping in a tent with heater this one will cover your needs. Last time I camped during 4th season elk and deer season the average temp was 20 below every morning with highs in the 40's.

[doofus47]

You're bullet is fine.
If you shoot them well from your rifle, that's the gold standard.

[Dufus]

If you gotta use a Sierra, aim between the ribs and you will be fine.

Practice tracking beforehand so if you hit a good bone you will be ready.

[Worc]

My .308 goes along for elk as a back up to my normal elk gun. Never needed to use it but, I take a long Nosler ammo with 150 gr Accubonds at 3,025fps. If I did need to use my .308 back up for elk, Id keep the shots shorter and better angles than when using my bigger gun. BTW, I use 180 gr AB out of elk gun when after elk.

I think your load would be fine for elk. There's just a little less room for error and limits some shots on a very large animal.

[Jack O'Conner]

I've only shot four Wyoming elk so I'm no expert. I've used a Marlin 336 in 35 Remington and a Savage 99 in .308 for these hunts. Factory Remington core-lokt has worked quite well for me. My longest shot was approx 225 yards but my short shot with the 35 was about 75 yards or so. None got away.

Jack

[huntinaz]

Yes that is good elk medicine. A bonded or monolithic bullet would be better but that is certainly adequate.

We shot cup and core at elk for years and killed a pile of elk. Switched to bonded and monolithic about 5 elk ago and could not be happier. I'll never go back. Obvious difference for the better.

[Mobuck]

"I'm in Colorado Springs, will be elk hunting near Leadville."
East of the river or west?
Lots more longer range open shot opportunities east. Lots more chance of "in your face" shots west unless you get up higher on the slopes.

[jrothWA]

.308 Dear loads for use in Washington stae for Elk.
They recommended that I use the 165 HPBTS, as they are heqavier construction
and handle a elk nicely.
The SPBT were great for close in shot 250 or less, if over that the HPBT.
Ease up on powder charge to get a higher velocity but still get you good groups.

[ZeroJunk]

First elk I ever killed was with a Sierra BTSP, but I'm thinking it was actually 150 grain. Not the absolute best choice I'm sure but the elk didn't move but a few yards and fell over dead.

[Crankylove]

Practice, off hand, at 100 yards at a 9" pie plate.

That's what do. 3 quick shots, off hand in a paper plate at 100 yds.
If you can do that with your 165's, you'll be fine.

[bamaranger]

I read at least one response noting that boat tails may have a greater tendency to slip their cores than their flat base counter parts. I've read that statement from other authorities as well. I've actually had some boat tails come apart on our southern whitetails. The various bonded bullets likely have solved that problem, if it existed to any great extent at all, but there are those that certainly have a stance on conventional lead core boat tails.

That said, I expect there have been quite a few elk killed with just such a bullet.

I've not killed an elk, and may well never have the chance. But a box or two of premium shells seems a small expense compared to the total cost of a western trip. Elk are not bullet proof of course, but they are a heck of a lot bigger than the everyday whitetail. I'd scrimp elsewhere, and hunt the best ammo I could.

[Guv]

I've had Sierra 165 BT's out of a 30-06 shed their jacket on whitetail deer and feral hogs. I would choose a heavier jacketed, controlled expansion (Partition, Grand Slam, etc...)165 gr bullet myself.