30-06 bullet weight on elk
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 49
30-06 bullet weight on elk
I would like opinions on the bullet weights for my 30-06 for an elk load. I am looking at 180 and 165. I can not find much in the 180 grn locally. I have found a couple like the 165 failsafe. Thanks for any input!!
#2
RE: 30-06 bullet weight on elk
If the 165 failsafes will shoot good for you then by all means shoot them. They will penetrate better than any lead 180 grain bullet.
However, their design does not create as large a mushroom as a lead core bullet but on the flip side they will bust through bone and keep on going and bust the bone on the other side.
Another thing you can do is have a store order you a couple boxexs each of a few different bullet types.
Or you can go to this site and order 5 boxes and shipping is free. However you must be 21 years old to order ammo through the mail.
http://www.cpcartridge.com/index.htm
However, their design does not create as large a mushroom as a lead core bullet but on the flip side they will bust through bone and keep on going and bust the bone on the other side.
Another thing you can do is have a store order you a couple boxexs each of a few different bullet types.
Or you can go to this site and order 5 boxes and shipping is free. However you must be 21 years old to order ammo through the mail.
http://www.cpcartridge.com/index.htm
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: durango Colorado USA
Posts: 567
RE: 30-06 bullet weight on elk
I like 180 grain bullets----my Remington seems to shoot tight groups with them. I've never had any luck with "Fail-safes" grouping-----BIG groups---plate size. IMO--the 30/06 does well with standard bullets. I like the Hornady "interlock" spire point in 180 grain for my handloads but have taken elk with plain jane "Core-lokts' & "Power-points"---in factory loads.
But if you feel the more confident in a premium bullet---I suggest the Federal 180 grain Nolser Partition.
I also feel that the standard loads for the 06 are just fine for elk. IMO the HE or Light Mag loads are nothing but marketing hype.
But if you feel the more confident in a premium bullet---I suggest the Federal 180 grain Nolser Partition.
I also feel that the standard loads for the 06 are just fine for elk. IMO the HE or Light Mag loads are nothing but marketing hype.
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 49
RE: 30-06 bullet weight on elk
I shot a few Remington 180 core lokt yesterday and my gun likes them. I have a box of the Federal with the 180 barnes coming to try. If they don't shoot as good as the cheeper remingtons I will go with the Remingtons. I shot a six shot group one right after the other with no barrel coolong time into a nice 1 inch cluster.
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 13
RE: 30-06 bullet weight on elk
For long range: I like the 180 grain Federal High Energy Loads (can't use in Semi's)
For short range: I like 180 grain - any quality round (nosler partition, hornady interlocks or interbonds, etc).
Just remember, with elk, shoot them until their dead. They take a lot of killing! Last year's bull took 4 rounds before dropping. Year before took 2 rounds. Four years ago took 3 rounds. My first bull, a spike took 6 rounds. All of these were shot with 30-06 180 grain....and only one shot ruined any meat. I've heard of too many elk getting away wounded. I shoot them until they stay down.
For short range: I like 180 grain - any quality round (nosler partition, hornady interlocks or interbonds, etc).
Just remember, with elk, shoot them until their dead. They take a lot of killing! Last year's bull took 4 rounds before dropping. Year before took 2 rounds. Four years ago took 3 rounds. My first bull, a spike took 6 rounds. All of these were shot with 30-06 180 grain....and only one shot ruined any meat. I've heard of too many elk getting away wounded. I shoot them until they stay down.
#10
Join Date: May 2004
Location: The Last Frontier
Posts: 26
RE: 30-06 bullet weight on elk
ORIGINAL: huntingpal
I shot a few Remington 180 core lokt yesterday and my gun likes them. I have a box of the Federal with the 180 barnes coming to try. If they don't shoot as good as the cheeper remingtons I will go with the Remingtons. I shot a six shot group one right after the other with no barrel coolong time into a nice 1 inch cluster.
I shot a few Remington 180 core lokt yesterday and my gun likes them. I have a box of the Federal with the 180 barnes coming to try. If they don't shoot as good as the cheeper remingtons I will go with the Remingtons. I shot a six shot group one right after the other with no barrel coolong time into a nice 1 inch cluster.