kchamp36446

I will be hunting Colorado for elk this October. I will be carrying my Rem. 700 Mountain rifle in 30-06. It doesn't seem to like the 180 gr. loads as much as 150 or 165 gr. loadings. I was thinking of shooting the Hornady Light Magnum load using the 165 gr. Innerbond bullet. Have any of you had any experience with this load on elk? Or would you settle for less accuracy with the heavier bullet?

brother hal

I suggest you use the bullet most accurate in your rifle. Might try some 180 gr Nosler Partitions in Fed Premium or Win Supreme 180 gr Failsafe. And there are many others out there which would be suitable as well. The 165 gr you presently have would kill an elk, so if it shoots the groups you want, use them. We are all different, and I like heavier bullets, so I would find a 180 load that shot good and use them, but you shouldn't hesitate to go with the 165s if you like em'. Hope you get an elk!

Virginia7

I take it you are referring to the Hornady "InterLock" bullets. 165gr should be okay for
Elk, but if you can stick with a 180gr. that would be better. As already noted, there are
others such as Federal Premium 180 using Nosler Partition, or the Trophy Bonded bullets.
These are also available in "High Energy" loadings, as well as standard.
I believe, there's also the Remington CoreLokt Ultra in 180gr.
You didn't mention what kind of accuracy you're getting with the 180's. Elk are big.
1-1/2" - 2" groups at 100yds will do. Anything better is just more icing on the cake.
Sight in approx. 2-1/2" high at 100yds. If at all possible, check your loads at a 300yd.
target. Every rifle is different, so the ballistic charts are only a rough guide. Practice some on breezy/windy days at 100, and 200yds. Learn to judge, and adjust for the breezes.

(note: formerly a Wyoming resident)