7-08 bullet for elk

Hey,

So I guess I'm in a good position... my Model 11 lightweight hunter in 7-08 shoots 120gr ttsx and 140 parititions into the same group at 100 yards. 6 shots can be covered by a dime. So now begins my questioning of the collective wisdom... do you think a 140gr partition is enough for elk? How about a 120 TTSX?

My main thought has been: the velocity of the 7-08 isn't enough to reliably expand a 140gr tsx at 150-200 yards, and the 120gr tsx might be too light for elk.. hence the 140 partition idea. It might be light enough to get decent velocity and expand at a longer range, but still be heavy enough for elk. Any ideas?

--SRS

Velocity on the 140 TSX should be high enough out to 400-500 yard to have them open enough and they are tough enough to penetrate on a broadside shot as long as you keep it out of the shoulders. 120gr I think is too light to get the penetration needed. 140 Partition would work and if the accuracy is there....go for it. Shot placement is the more important factor

I would go for that partition, or if you can get a box, try the sierra 140 gr Game King. I am going to Colorado in a few weeks and almost took my 284 Winchester but decided against it, nothing against the 7mm bore I just want to go with some special to me rifles.

I shoot the 140 Sierra Game King in my 7-08. I have never shot an elk but I have excellent bullet performance from 30 to 200+ yards on axis deer, goats and pigs with the same load - 46.5 gr IMR4350.

Thanks for the replies. I might end up taking my .308 stoked with 150gr ttsx bullets at 2950fps. It pushes a heavier projectile at 100fps more. I don't plan on having any long shots up here... maybe 150 yards, although some of the freshly burned areas near me might afford longer shots. I haven't shot an elk before, but a few deer have fallen to the 308 and 7-08.

SRS

I killed a good cow last year here in Colorado with my 7-08. I used a 160 grain Sierra Gameking. It was a through and through. She only took 10 or so steps before she fell on her face. Shot was at 225 yards with a herd of about 50 elk, The hard part was to get a shot at a cow that was not standing in the group.

I'd shoot the partition with zero hesitation. Out to around 300 yards or so it should blow through unless you hit the shoulder. Partitions always work. Not saying it won't do fine further out but as someone else mentioned, shot placement is key.