Originally Posted by
Big Uncle
We all have diferent experiences. I always use heavy premium bullets on bull hunts (such as a NP). I have taken quartering shots at bulls that I would not have taken on a cow hunt, and I have shot bulls that were quite a bit larger than any cow that I have cleaned. The shots that I take on a cow hunt are always broadside, and probably at a closer average range.
I have shot some big bulls that were tough enough to take a well placed shot and still run down to the bottom of some hellhole before calling it quits.
It is my opinion that any good (fairly heavy for caliber) bullet traveling at .30-06 velocities will do an effective job on a calm broadside elk at reasonable ranges.
There is certainly some truth in what you are saying but IMO there isn't enough difference between a bull and a cow to worry about different loads and especially worry about differentiating shot placement. I understand that you wouldn't shoot a worked up cow due to how it makes the meat tast but other than that I prefer to have one elk load that I practice with and know well. I just load for a large elk and if a smaller one steps in my path or I have a cow tag then I know what I've got will get the job done on any of em.
Just my 2 cents.