Anyone have any advice on what bullet to use for elk. I drew a cow tag this year and am not sure what bullet to use. I am looking at the nosler partition, trophy bonded bear claw, sierra gameking and silvertip. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I forgot to mention, I will be using factory loads.

I' m in the same boat, cow tag for Colorado' s first rifle season. 30-06 is my biggest boomstick. Based on the advice of friends, I' m going with Federal Premium 180 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claws. Check out Federal' s site www.federalcartridge.com. They list the Bear Claws, Partitions, and Game Kings. From everything I' ve read, the Silvertips are the wrong tool for Elk.

I went with the Bear Claws and snagged the last three boxes that were on sale at Midway. Saved $5 a box off my local store!

Not much for the Ballistic Tip... shoots OK but the bullet construction for elk ???????
I have used the GameKings on deer and they shoot real nice. But on elk?????
Used Federal Noslers 180 grn on a cow a couple of years ago.She took a couple of steps and she was DONE!!!!!! Quite an exit wound.But my Model-70 doesn' t like to shoot them as much as I would like it to.
Last year I used Remington Cor-Locts 165grn. My gun likes' em. But...I pulled the shot just a hair and hit her in the shoulder and if it weren' t for the fact that the bullet deflected into her neck and killed her. I don' t even want to think!!!!!!!!! Some may say well it' s just a cow and any of these bullets will work given shot placement.Well things happen and I don' t think that the Cor-Loct or the Ballistic tips etc... are bad bullets.I should have stuck to a heavier grain.But I will say that the construction of the Noslers,Fail Safes and Trophy Bonded should be considered ahead of the others.
Find one of these that you and your gun likes to shoot in a 180 grn and you will not have to worry!!!!!!!
I just yesterday put Winchester Supreme Partition Golds to the test and my gun REALLY!!!!!!! likes them!!!! So I will use them on my rifle bull hunt in nov.

Just my nickel' s worth
Good luck!

I would recommend Federal Premium ammunition loaded with 180-grain bullets.
Nosler Partition or Trophy Bonded Bear Claw' s will work great. If they shoot worth a darn in your rifle?
Good luck & have fun,

Of the ones mentioned, I would suggest the trophy bear claws or partitions. I used hornady interlock after a few frustrating session on the range with other factory ammo & limited selection available. I ended up taking a 5x5 last week with my 7 rem mag, the bullet performed very well and held together nicely, the bull went down within 50 yards of the shot. A 180 grain interlock in hornady custom ammo would be another option. Federal Premiums also load 180 gr barnes x for the 06, which would be another solid choice.

Good luck!

I know you feel the four you mentioned have it covered ,but think about WIN. 180 gr FAIL SAFE. Trust me!!!!! you can' t go wrong on this slug. I loaded it up for elk,but will be using the exact same load for grizz when the time comes.[soon I hope]. silvertip is a great round for bear! Shot a mulie with one a few years ago.Nice little entry hole,but NO SHOULDER LEFT ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!Like I said silvertip is for bear or dangerous game.It does max. tissue dammage RIGHT NOW!! one word-FAILSAFE. THEY ARE GREAT!!and very flat shooting

180gr. Trophy Bonded always used in my .30-06 for big game (factory loads).

Use any of these bullets in either 165 or 180 grain. If you find one that shoots good then use it. The ones in bold will usually give better penetration. The Barnes and failsafe offer outstanding penetration even through shoulder bones.

TBBC
Nosler Partition or partition gold
Nosler Accubond
Barnes X
Failsafe
Swift A-frame
Swift Schrocco (sp)
Hornady interbond

180 gr. Barnes X, Nosler Partition, Swift A-Frame, Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, or Win. Fail Safe. Good luck on your hunt.