Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

gandilamont · 02-13-2006, 11:02 AM

I want to start loading 200 grain accubonds with my 300 WSM for Elk. With my 23" barrell it looks like I can only get about that velocity(2700-2800 fps). I like to keep all shots under 250 yards if possible and would really like to try the 200 grainers but that seems kind of slow. Opinions?

Roskoe · 02-13-2006, 11:12 AM

You should be fine for elk - out to evenbeyond 300 yards. I would probably try the 180 grain as well and go with whichever one shoots better. Either of these bullets should have adequate penetration.

02-13-2006, 11:32 AM

That would be fine for elk, but no need for any bullet more than 180gr IMO. I used 200gr in 300RUM for moose, but looking back it sure wan't needed. Lots of elk go down to a 30-06 and 180gr with less velocity than you got.

James B · 02-13-2006, 11:51 AM

I agree 100 percent. With a premium bullet like you are using, I would go with the 180 as well unless it does not shoot as well in your rifle.

handloader1 · 02-13-2006, 11:05 PM

Gandilamont:

At the distance you are talking about, the 200 gr. AB will do the job for you. I have some data from Sierra where they push a 200 gr. SBT 2900 f/s with a 24" barrel using RL-19. I think you should be able to be very close to 2800 f/s if you have enough powder space. I really like bullets with a SD over .300 for elk, but if you havethe problem with a 200 gr. bullet intruding in powder space, go with a 180 gr. Good luck.

HighDesertWolf · 02-14-2006, 01:46 AM

My first time elk hunting I used federals 180 grain nosler partition loads in my 308 win which according to federals ballistic chart its pushing 2,620 fps from a 24 inch barrel so I'm guessing it was pushing around 2,580 fps from my 22 inch barrel. I shot a nice 5x5 bull nearing the 400 yard mark and was probably right at 400 yards when i put a second one in him ive been told many times its pretty common even having to put a second round into a elk at that range even with the magnum calibers. both shots were good solid lung hits, after the second shot it took a couple more steps and fell over. If that little bit tells you anything, your 200 grain accubond at 2,700 fps will be just fine. good luck

gandilamont · 02-14-2006, 09:46 AM

Awesome. thanks for all the help. It seems that everyone is concerned about getting there bullets flying as fast as they can that it seemed very important. Its good to know my boomstick will kill some elk.

James B · 02-14-2006, 02:48 PM

Most good bullets traveling at or above 2500 fps will get it done. Thats bullets with enough weight and SD. The 30-30 with 170 grain bullets at 2200 fps has taken a lot of elk and moose.

thndrchiken · 02-14-2006, 09:28 PM

I'm sure many elk have fallen to a 300 Savage which pushes a 180 gr pill a lot slower than 2700 fps.

HighDesertWolf · 02-15-2006, 12:40 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: thndrchiken

I'm sure many elk have fallen to a 300 Savage which pushes a 180 gr pill a lot slower than 2700 fps.

Try under 2400 fps..... according to federals ballistic chart a 300 savage with a 180 grain soft point from a 24 inch barrel has a MV of 2,350 fps. I have to agree im sure many elk have fallen to the 300 savage.