Latest Update.

Spent the afternoon at the range with the 180 gr Barnes XBT. I stuck with the 70.3 gr load of IMR 4350 that gave such a consistant 2943 fps velocity.

After setting up targets at 100,200, and 300 yards, I proceeded to further tweak my Que Brake equipped 300 WM Remington 700 BDL.
Got good 100 yard groups but they would wander at 200. So adjusted the brake in some more to try to stabilize the 200 yard groups.

Final results were 5 shots into 1 5/8 inches at 200 yards!!! 4 were into 3/4 inch with the one shot pulled out to 1 5/8. Group was a bit high and left so I made a few clicks on the scope. I also figured it was a fluke and I probably couldn' t repeat this.

So after a bit, I fired 2 more just for verification. Dead on at 200 with another 3/4 inch spread.

With the scope on the 14x setting at the 300 yard target, I could hold over and use the point of the Heavy post below the crosshairs as an aiming point for accurate hits. This figured it to be about a 9 inch drop at that range/power.

Groups were fired from prone with a bipod and bag rest. Rifle is equipped with a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5x14 scope, an H-S Precision stock and the stock trigger tuned to 3#.

I realize this is much better than necessary hunting accuracy. However, under actual hunting conditions and excitement, we all know the group size can easily double, triple or worse.

Thanks to this forum and the sound advice (and some deserved bashing) , I found a much better elk load for my trip. Now if I can only find that elk to try it on.........

spd,
Excellent.

Note: I' d recommend that you use the lowest power as the default on that scope until the situation calls for more. Sometimes elk present themselves way closer than you' d ever expect and often in timber (which makes acquisition difficult) -- it' s key to be able to find them quickly shooting offhand -- and, in that situation, your window of opportunity is likely to be quite short.

However, assuming you get lined up on one it sounds like you' ve got everything you need -- make sure you take a saw or a hatchet in addition to a sharp knife!

Good luck on your hunt.
EKM

I always have the scope at the lowest setting unless terrain indicates a long shot is about all that may present itself and I am stationary. Sometimes in dark timber, even the 4.5 power setting is too much.

Thanks for the info and advice. Just talked to my UPS delivery guy who returned from a bow hunt in the unit we will be hunting. Saw lots of elk and had the opportunity for a cow on a few occasions. But he passed, holding out for a bull. Did take a nice 5x5 Mulie that was in full velvet.

spd522,

I' ve taken cow elk using the 150 Nosler in a .308 Win. I' ve never had a problem and I think that' s because I place my bullets in the neck, just below the ear. If you have the time, you might want to try the 165 grain bullet. It will give you a little more assureance. Have a great hunt.[&:]