180 or 200 grain bullets for elk

ar_mcadams Member Joined Nov 2003 Posts 3698 EE 99% (95) TX, USA	Posted: 1/26/2022 8:08:08 PM EDT If you had to pick one to go on a elk hunt with what would you choose? Or does it really matter? I dont see myself trying a 1000 yard shot.
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DVCER SHTF ammo dog Joined Jan 2001 Posts 22010 EE 100% (18) CO, USA	Posted: 1/26/2022 8:44:25 PM EDT [#1] I use 165 in my .308, 180 in my -06 and 300WM. I have dropped a fair number of them out to 350 yards, usually much closer. Never had one go more than 20 yards with any bullet.
	"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G. K. Chesterton

SpeyRod Member Joined Mar 2008 Posts 21891 EE 100% (27) OR, USA	Posted: 2/6/2022 7:04:09 PM EDT [#2] Won’t matter to the elk. Choose the one that is most accurate in your rifle.

RIFLESPEED Member Joined Nov 2021 Posts 61 EE 0% (0) TN, USA	Posted: 2/21/2022 1:07:19 AM EDT [Last Edit: RIFLESPEED] [#3] If you're going 30 cal, go 168 TTSX. Absolutely crushes shit and penetrates like crazy. Very accurate as well.

arowneragain Director of Marketing and Ad Revenue Joined Nov 2003 Posts 66456 EE 100% (22) TN, USA	Posted: 2/27/2022 9:12:58 PM EDT [#4] I'd rather have a 165 grain Accubond than a 180 grain SST. But I guess I'd rather have a 180 grain Accubond that anything else for elk, for a 30-06 sized case. Maybe 200s with the bigger magnums. All of that assumes typical 0-400 yard shooting at elk. I'd choose a different bullet for longer shooting. YMMV.

Iowaredneck HATER OF ALL THINGS BUSHNELL Joined Mar 2001 Posts 8352 EE 100% (131) IA, USA	Posted: 3/5/2022 7:56:22 PM EDT [Last Edit: Iowaredneck] [#5] Whatever you go with make sure it's well constructed. I like partitions
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3BP Joined Nov 2008 Posts 6478 EE 100% (3) OH, USA	Posted: 3/6/2022 12:11:15 PM EDT [#6] Need more info, but a generic answer is whichever is most accurate out of your rifle at the realistic distances you may be shooting the animal at. In the end, with a well-constructed bullet and well-placed shot, 180s or 200s will be more than enough.

seca40 Joined Feb 2007 Posts 2804 EE 100% (3) NM, USA	Posted: 3/16/2022 10:33:51 PM EDT [#7] Last years elk was dropped by 140 nosler partition. .270w at 265yds. Bread basket type deal.

Bigger_Hammer We are the Knights who say Fuuuuu! Joined Sep 2004 Posts 39438 EE 100% (628) TX, USA	Posted: 3/16/2022 10:45:29 PM EDT [#8] I like the 180 for elk in 30.06. As said, highly recommend a bonded bullet or partition type construction. BIGGER_HAMMER
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FedDC Member Joined Oct 2003 Posts 17727 EE 100% (9) USA	Posted: 4/9/2022 10:05:46 AM EDT [#9] In 30-06, this is the hotness. https://www.laxammo.com/rifle/30-06-sprg/barnes-vor-tx-lr-30-06-sprg-175-gr-lrxbt-20-rounds-30748-detail Superb QC, accurate, crimped and sealed, and 99-100% weight retention for penetration and exit wounds.

coldboremiracle Joined Dec 2015 Posts 9 EE 0% (0) UT, USA	Posted: 4/30/2022 12:21:39 AM EDT [#10] Whatever shoots best. I havent used a bullet that big in probably ten years. The last four or five elk Ive killed have been with 130's and 140's

Techsan02 Polite and professional Joined Jan 2013 Posts 9191 EE 100% (74) MT, USA	Posted: 9/7/2022 7:38:21 PM EDT [#11] Any thoughts on this for elk? Not for me but a friend. We don’t have time to develop a load for him. https://www.federalpremium.com/rifle/premium-centerfire-rifle/berger-hybrid-hunter/11-P300WBCH1.html
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SpeyRod

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Joined Mar 2008
Posts 25504
EE 100% (27)

OR, USA

Posted: 9/7/2022 9:25:44 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Techsan02:
Any thoughts on this for elk? Not for me but a friend. We don’t have time to develop a load for him.

https://www.federalpremium.com/rifle/premium-centerfire-rifle/berger-hybrid-hunter/11-P300WBCH1.html

View Quote

I love Berger’s but have heard enough grumbling about them to stick with Barnes for hunting. I also love any accubond load. I have found them to be very accurate, more so than partitions. But if he puts the Berger in the lungs or heart the elk will die.

Bigtwinlvr Joined Sep 2006 Posts 2620 EE 0% (0) CO, USA	Posted: 10/8/2022 12:32:35 AM EDT [#13] Partially depends on what cartridge. These would be ideal weights for 30 caliber. ‘06, go with the 180gr. Shooting a magnum, 180 or 200. I shoot 200gr out of a 300 mag. If you’re doing a Barnes bullet, you can do 165-180 gr easily. Smaller caliber guns can shoot light bullets as the SD is different for a given weight than a 30 caliber.

Bounce19712 Joined Feb 2007 Posts 20639 EE 100% (1) AZ, USA	Posted: 10/8/2022 12:58:10 AM EDT [#14] what 174gn? remington cor-loct. 68 yards. went until the hide on the other side. pieces that is...

180 or 200 grain bullets for elk

Outdoors » Big Game

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