If elk is what is on the menu, then Nosler Partitions are a good place to start on the Premium bullet bandwagon. They do the trick (though there are "better" ones out there) and they seem to shoot well in a large number of rifles. If you are wanting to "move up the ladder" a bit, bigbulls has pretty well gave you the shopping list.

I am surprised however at the general absence of the Barnes X in this general discussion. (I know, it was mentioned once)

The argument can be made that "anything will work you just gotta be careful." However, given the cost of big game hunts (even do-it-yourself hunts) and the unknown factor of how good of a shot opportunity you are you going to get, premium bullets are great odds enhancers and envelope expanders. I prefer a wide latitude in my choice of the angles and shot types that I am allowed to take according to my cartridge/bullet combo. If elk hunting was like fly fishing, i.e. you can do it many weeks per year I might not object to being pushed into a "you just gotta be careful" corner; however, at 5 days per year (preferably get it done in 3 and get to butchering by Monday) I demand a bit more flexibility in the performance of my cartridge/bullet cominations in order to accomplish the task in whatever form it gets presented to me.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,

EKM

I agree with that.

This would be my ranking and I've shot every animal in north america except a goat, antelope and a grizzly.

1. Trophy Bonded Bearclaw
2. Nosler Partition
3. Barnes X
4. Winchester Failsafe

HL--------1st welcome to the board. 2nd----The Tikka is a great rifle & your choice of a Leupold is right on the money. I've used a 30/06 Model 700 & a 2 1/2 x 8 Leupold for over 25 years here in Colorado. I've used a 180 grain bullet for everything from elk, bear, sheep, mtn goat & mulies. I know I'm in the minority here but I've used mostly factory ammo. Core-lokts or Power-points with NEVER a problem. I've handloaded some Hornady "spire-points" for my sheep & goat hunts. But they are just a plain jane bullet also. And in all honesty a Rem or Win would have worked just as well.

I've tried a box of Fail-Safes------pie plate size group. Went back to "Core-lokts".

Lots of moose are killed every year in Canada with "Core-lots" & "Power-points". Lots of elk here in Colorado, also.

I would stick with the 180 grain bullet. 165's would probably also work but 180's have always work for me & I see no reason to change.

Good Hunting.

180 gr. Nosler Partition. Good luck.

Colorado Bob - That's just crazy talk. You mean to tell us that you have actually killed big game animals with over the counter bullets manufactured for that specific purpose? Now I've heard it all.

Colorado Bob...thanks for the warm welcome.

I love my Tikka. At the range it's putting up great grouping with the Core-Lokt's in the 165 grain. Last week I was at 1/4 inch consistantly...I'll post pics once I get a chance. Haven't tried 180 grain yet...I remember reading a post on this website saying 165 grain put similar (close enough) numbers in velocity and energy that the 180's put out. Hence, I've been sticking with 165 for their straighter line. Although I noticed that 180's put significant numbers when moving into the premium line of ammunition.

Back to the topic...

Since I live in Milwaukee, WI, the more specialty bullets like Barnes X, Scirocco, AccuBonds, and even failsafes are hard to find. I guess you can factor in that WI probably doesn't sell too much big game premium rounds when the largest animal we hunt here is white tail. Guess they pay no attention that us WI folk are just a puddle jump to Canada! Anyways, I would love to try all the bullets mentioned but here are the most popular brands I see .30-06 ammunition in almost every sporting goods store...the top models would be:

1. Core-Lokts (including Ultra) - a Wisconsin favorite
2. Over-the-counter Remington, Winchester, Federal Classic & Blue Label, Hornady
3. Remington AccuTips (Including Scirocco ONLY in 150 gr.)
4. Federal Nosler Partition
5. Federal Sierra GameKing
6. Winchester Silver Ballistic Tips

I guess the new factor for me, unless I buy via online, would be accessability to specialty/premium loads. I'm sure most of you that live west, east, north and south probably don't have that hard of a time finding the bullets that have been mentioned here in the is thread. Am I right by saying this?

That rifle obviously likes that load. Poke your moose right behind the crease of the front leg and that 165 will do the job. If he happens to stand there like nothing happened hit him with another. He will tip over, or he may trot off. Like I said before you just don't drop a moose unless you hit the head or spine, and most guys do that accidentally by shooting high.

lol!

Right on!!! The rifle loves the Core-Lokts in 165 gr. The only thing is that I not entirely sold that construction can hold up on thicker skin and fur. It'll definitely be my deer load this coming deer season if I can't find a universal round. I just hate to have to change bullets, and weight, AND change the sighting on my scope for the transition of different game. Call me lazy but I love simplicity!

Looks like I'll need to get the TBBC in 165 gr. Gosh, that's expensive...$28 a box at the local Gander Mountain and Bass Pro Shop.

Give the Federal Premium 180-grain Nosler Partitions a try. Most rifles I have been around shot better groups with the Partitions than the TBBC's.