been trying different ammo in 30-06 to take on my first elk hunt in october the three best consistant 100 yard groups are 2 1/2" from federal nosler 180, 1 1/4" from win. superX 180 SILVERTIPS,and 3/4" from hornady light magnum 180 btsp interlocked. I know the nosler does good on elk but the other two group better have any of you guys used these on elk?

I've seen the Hornadys. Don't recommend them. Shoot good, blow up easy. Ifn the partition will shoot unner 2" @ 100 yards, use it.

BJ

i have tried all 3 and I'll tell you to use the federal nosler, even with a 2" pattern you can't go wrong.

I would go with the Hornady because they shoot the best, try not to hit the elk in the shoulder. Good luck.

i would go with the partitions fed, rem, or who ever else puts them in a factory round. they work great and i PUT them in the shoulder
stops them right now

I've taken three elk and four deer with 30/06 Hornady light magnum 180 grains and have had exelent luck with them. I have not had a single one come apart yet. The worst bullet I have ever seen for exploding was the old Federal rounds before they started using the Noslers. I saw a friends deer with one entrance wound and exit holes in all four quarters, no kidding, shot to pieces with a single shot.

I used factory loads --- Winchester PP & Remington "Core-lokt" in 180 grain out my 30/06 for years. Never had a problem--- Last year I used some 180 grain "Hornady spire points" in some handloads for elk. They worked well on that bull. About a 150 yard shot. I'm not a fan of boat-tail bullets---- I like the old standard--flat base. I never have used the Nosler pt. The key is to hit'em in the boiler room with the 1st shot.

Have you tried Winchester failsafe's? Taken 2 elk with them, no problems. Biggest knock is grouping with these bullets, some guns just don't like them.

As far as Hornady goes, I have used different Hornady Ammo and it has always performed well on the game. I prefer Boattails, due to my shoot range and locations. Most guys don't like how they first part of the jacket comes apart with BT, but that is by design...to release more energy on the animal than the standard flat base bullet. If you want a bullet to be all intact don't shoot this style. Will it work, oh yeah and IMO will put the game down quicker. Shoot selection maybe a little more limited with BT, but I think aiming at the shoulder or wheels is just setting yourself up to any bullet failure. If you got the shoulder you got the boiler room, no? If quarter away you have the opposite shoulder as backing and will more than likely take out Lungs and that shoulder. Quartering towards you, you have the rib and out through the yuk (guts), but still take him down. This where accuracy takes over for sub accuracy and retention, JIMHO. I would rather use a bullet that I can put in the zone, then one that if I yank it...well it should be good enough.

I say go with what makes you the most confident in all aspects. If it is 1" groups, then you have your answer. If 2" groups and retention are going to give you the confidence you'll need, shoot Parts. It's all up top!!! 180 Gr bullet is more than enough to take down an elk, my 2 I mentioned were with a 270 140Gr bullet, both wher lung shots...so shot placement is always the key to successfully filling your tag and recovering your game.

(BTW my elk both went farther than I would have liked, 200 and 300 yards...I attributed that to the bullet performing to well. More recently I shot one with a 7 mag 154 GR hornady Interlock BT, he went 75 yards...same shot!!!!)

Good Luck!

PS, I forgot to mention "Welcome to the Board". A good bunch with great knowledge, you'll have fun and get some great tips here.