Can ammo brand affect my .308’s accuracy on elk?

Choosing the Right Ammunition

When it comes to hunting elk with a .308 Winchester, selecting the right ammunition is crucial. Look for cartridges with a bullet weight between 150-180 grains, as these tend to offer a balance between penetration and expansion. For example, the Hornady 165-grain InterLock and the Federal 168-grain Trophy Bonded Hunter are popular choices among hunters. These bullets are designed to expand consistently and penetrate deep, increasing the chances of a clean kill.

Ballistic Performance and Range

Elk hunting often takes place at longer ranges, so it’s essential to consider the ballistic performance of your chosen ammunition. A .308 Winchester with a high ballistic coefficient (BC) will maintain its trajectory and velocity better over longer distances. For example, the 168-grain bullet has a BC of around 0.475, while the 150-grain bullet has a BC of around 0.420. This difference in BC can result in a 10-20 inch variation in point of impact at 500 yards. If you’re planning to engage elk at extended ranges, choose an ammunition with a higher BC, such as the Sierra 168-grain MatchKing.

Real-World Testing and Results

In real-world testing, ammunition manufacturers have demonstrated the performance of their products in various conditions. For instance, a study by Hornady showed that their 165-grain InterLock ammunition expanded consistently to 1.5-2.0 inches in diameter at 100 yards, resulting in a 90% success rate in controlled hunting scenarios. Similarly, a study by Federal Premium showed that their 168-grain Trophy Bonded Hunter ammunition penetrated an average of 18 inches in gelatin at 100 yards, indicating a high likelihood of a clean kill. These results provide valuable insights for hunters selecting ammunition for elk hunting.