charlie brown

Hey guys.

I am looking to put an elk load together in my .30-06.

I am currently loading a 150 grain Speer SPT Hot Cor over 57.0 grains of H4350, which is putting 3 shot groups at 100 yards in the 1" +/- range.

I am happy with that, and it has killed one deer so far at 230 yards.

I normally hunt with a muzzle loader for elk, but am going to start applying for bull elk rifle and muzzle loader hunts here in NV, and possibly Wyoming if I can afford the $600 or so to do it.

Anyway, I wanted to start putting a load together for elk.

I will likely stay with the H4350, unless I just cannot get a group with that powder, which I think is unlikely, as my gun will digest just about anything.

I am considering 3 bullets that I can find from Speer.

180 Grain Deep Curl
200 grain SPT
180 Grain Grand Slam

These bullets could also be replaced by the Sierra, or Hornady models as well.

My gun is an old Sears Model 53 (Winchester post 64 model 70), and a 22" barrel. I have also found that it seems to like loads on the lighter side of the curve, so I won't be pushing the bullets to max anyway.

I have never shot at a big game animal beyond 300 yards, and don't plan to change that habit.

Also, I am wanting to stay away from BT bullets, as I have not had good luck with them on deer, and I really see no need to spend the butt loads of cash on the "premier" bullets for a .30-06.

Any thoughts.

Thanks,

Marcial