Steve,

Never shot elk, and I don't handload, but I do hunt quite a bit with an open sighted 8mm Mauser rifle, that I bought cheap from a small store gunsmith, sixteen years ago. I've mostly used Federal 170 gr Power Shocks, because they are cheap, and they work very well with the open sights on my rifle. They work equally nicely on deer, and pigs. I am also regularly able to find the ammo at around $ 9 plus tax a box, and it isn't a caliber that disappeared from the shelves when Dear Leader tried sucking up all ammo in the country.

I've also used Prvi Partizan 196 gr PSPs, as well as PMC 170 gr PSPs, but both cost much more than the Federal stuff both here in Texas, as well as in Illinois and Wisconsin, where I still visit from time to time.

Good hunting, my friend!