Which bullet for elk ???
 

I am going Elk hunting this fall I am going to shoot a Win. 300 mag.I want a factor load,most likly a 180 grain bullet. Who makes the hottest load? Maybe you expert Elk hunters can help.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

I shoot a 30/06 & use a 180 grain bullet also. I too like factory ammo & have good luck with Remington "Core-lokt". I know alot of other hunters swear by the Nolser partition but I've had good luck with the plain jane "Core-lokt". I would find the load that your gun shoots the best & use it. If it's Remington, Winchester or Federal. The honest truth is any one will kill an elk, you have to do your part & place the shot in the right spot.

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RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Federal 180 Trophy Bonded Bear Claw HE 3100 f/s, 3840 ft/lb. Good luck.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Lately I have been having very good success with Winchester factory premium ammo...shoots real well. I would try their 180 Partition Gold load and that should work real well. i have also had failsafes group extremely well another consideration.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

If we are talking factory loads Fail safes and Trophy Bonded Bear Claws are excellent bullets and will work great but my experience has been that the Nosler partitions from Federal fly just a little better, but then again every rifles different. I know a guy who swears by the core-lokts, don't think you'll go wrong with any of them.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

One thing to keep in mind with the 300 mag Federal Partition loads. They are loaded with Protected Point Partition bullets, not standard Partitions. The Protected Point load does not retain the flat bullet flight path, energy or velocity that a standard Partition bullet does. I have found accuracy to be extremely bad with the PP's, almost as bad as TBBC. The standard Partition is my favorite but you will not find any ammo manufacturer that uses it because of the length of the 300 case. I have no first hand knowledge but have heard many good things about Remington's Safari Grade A Frame loads. Good luck !

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

With the various .300 mags I really like the Barnes-X 180 or 200 gr bullets. But what ever you decide to shoot out of your .300 just make sure it's a stout bullet stay away from the ballistic tips they tend to do nasty nonpenetraiting things at high velocity.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

i shoot a 300 mag with trophy bonded bear claws 200 grain shot elk at 15, 35 and 75 yards all the bullets were just under the skin on the opposite side.perfect mushroom and total payload deliverd can't ask for more than that.

you can use your pepper spray my 12 gauge with 3 inch slugs works fine

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Surestrike-Out of curiosity have you ever shot an elk with a ballistic tip?Have you ever personally witnessed it?Or are you just speading heresay with no experience to back it up?I personally have taken two bull elk and two bull moose with 180gr ballistic tips out of my 300 ultramag.They did not blow up,they did penetrate and produced four of the quickest one shot kills I have ever seen on elk or moose.Three bullets exited and the fourth stopped against the hide after passing through the chest and offside shoulder of the bull.I would not recommend you take texas heart shots with them but if lung shots are used they do a fine job.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

I seen what surestrike described on several occassions. Mostly good advice 'bout elk bullets here. I'd jus' add thet the 200 would be my choice in a 300 mag. Onliest reason I see to use a mag over an '06 is to push a bigger bullet. The 180 is good in an' '06, the 200 would be my choice fer a 300 mag. I'd also stick with a partition of bear claw or somethin' tuff. You'd be surprised at the percent of elk taken at less than 100 yards. A fragile bullet ain't gonna punch thru like you want.

BJ

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

This past January a friend & I were lucky enough to take a bull each in Manitoba. My partner shot his bull at 125 yards. He was shooting a 338 win mag, shooting Winchester 230 gr. - Supreme Fail Safe. The bullet passed through, the bull ran for the better part of 100 yards when he zigged to the left, zagged to the right, then fell over dead. I took my bull at a little more then 250 yards. I was shooting a 300 win mag, shooting Speer Nitrex - 180 gr Grand Slam. He too ran, only about 40 yards before running out of gas. I found the bullet just under the skin on the far side. As far as I am concerned both bullet's preformed perfect. We both shoot the same brand of rifle but found the bullet which groups the best with each rifle.

Tikka Hunter

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Good Point Flattop....they(Nosler) go on and on about the neck being so short(300 win mag) and I guess thats why Federal loads them that way. I use standard partitions and have not been affected in any way shape or form. I once in awhile use the CT uncoated partitions. Any bullet that groups well and is heavy for caliber is the best choice...I am not a big fan of ballistic tips but they seem to do real well in 30 cal and larger calibers on big(Elk+) game especially at launch speeds greater than 3100 fps. I saw a moose in Newfoundland dropped like lightning with a 180 BT in a 30-378. There is a lot of BS out there about certain bullets spread by hearsay and our good ole gun writers.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

I agree that the nonsense about ballistic tips is just that: Nonsense. I've been using them for 4 years out of a 7MM Rem Mag.and have been spoiled by the accuracy. I've never experienced this shredding of the bullet that is often talked about. Good, heavy bonded and a-frames are certainly effective, but if your gun can't consistantly put them tightly on target, what's the use? I'll take a bullet that I can put spot on an elks' ticker at 300 yds. anyday.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Beans is full of hisself<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>You been usin' 'em fer a whole 4 years. Wow! Now tell me how seein' dozens of elk took ever year fer 20 or so years with ever kind of bullet on the market makes it nonsense? Maybeso you shot 4 elk in those 4 years. Any bulls? An anyhoo, shootin' a ticker at 300 yards on a movin' target with no rest shows yer full of beans. Huntin' ain't bench shootin' son. These fellers are shootin' tough bullets cause thets proved medicine. All's them ballistic doodads have proven to me is they won't make it through shouders an' they're good to git me trackin' (which ain't fun) when I should be guttin'. Sides, them funny colors is kinda girlish, ifn' ya ask me.

BJ

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RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

mOOsehead-I think you're right on the money with your assessment.Someone is very full of themselves and we know who it is.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Oh excuse me fer slightin' the highly experienced hunter callin' heavy-made bullets an' other folks experience nonsense. Let me try agin.

Beans:
Contrary to your assessment of ballistic tips, I have found in many years that they don't penetrate tough bull elk like other bullets. They are designed for accuracy, and for deer they are fine. But most elk are taken at less than 100 yards, and fragile bullets won't reliably perform at high velocity. In addition, planning on a heart shot at any range is inadvisable, in my humble opinion. Shoot for the shoulder to incapacitate and lung shoot the bull. Tough bullets are the choice of most seasoned elk hunters because of the need to punch through the animal and eliminate a lengthy, difficult track, regardless of range. I had the misfortune of tracking a BT shot elk just 2 years ago. The bullet over-expanded on thick muscle, and after a lengthy track, another shot was needed (which also blew up on the neck at 15 yards). Other hunters in my camp also have had similar misfortunes as I have, so my opinion is based on many real life occurances under hunting conditions. Another episode 5 years ago with mule deer is also etched in my mind, but I am far too humble to quote my real life experiences when I certainly haven't done all the quality bench rest shooting that most hunters have. I know bench rest shooting is the utmost in preparation for elk hunting, but I have been much too busy to do much of that. I have not carried sand bags in my day pack for years, finding that wind, moving animals, obstructions, winded hunters, and fading light typically confound bench rest hunting. Now that doesn't mean it doesn't work for you. After all, you have been remarkably successful in your four years of hunting elk. So please accept my opinion in the friendliest, non-inflammatory manner as possible. I know its just nonsense, because after all, you said so.

BJ

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RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

The truth of the matter is that there have been several versions of the ballistic tip over the years.The first ones were very soft but they were toughened up over the years to where according to several bullet tests including the latest by shooting times they penetrate and retain weight as well as the hornady interlocks.Most people remember the results of the early versions but do not realize the current versions are very much a different bullet as far as their performance.Some of the earlier versions are still being used so even recent incidents may not involve the newer bullets.I have used the latest versions on elk and moose and they have not failed.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

The 180's are definitely the best choice. I have seen Winchester Fail Safe's do the trick quite nice. I also have seen the Nosler Partions do the deed in one shot, NO problem. I used to shoot a 7mag and two years ago shot a bull with 160Gr Nosler's. The bull literally was knocked off his feet at 100yds and was probably dead before he hit the ground. Just make sure you place your shot well and you should have no problems. I would sum it up and say use a premium bullet( Fail Safe, Nosler Partition, Barnes X, Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Swift Scirocco, etc.)

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

BeaverJack thanks for the laugh, I like your attitude your my kind of folk.

As for the bullets I always use partitions on elk. I once accidentally grabbed the wrong box of shells once and took my BT's that I hunt deer with and killed a cow at about 75 yds. Did just fine buts that only time I've ever used one. I've heard some people have problems with them but never have seen it. One thing I have tried though is take a stack of phone books at shoot at em at different ranges, you'll see exactly what your bullet will do.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Jeez, Beaverjack. Did'nt mean to get you so riled! I certainly didn't intend to insult anyone's experience, and sincerely apologize if I did. Just stating that I have not experienced these problems that some people seem to have with BT's. ..and for the record, my good man. Yes. I have killed 3 elk in those four years. (11 total in my life) 2 cows and a modest 5X6. The bull caught one of those BT's square in the brisket at 90 yards and dropped like a piano fell on 'im. I'm not going to criticize anyone's choice of gear. We should probably all spend more time becoming better shots rather than agonizing over what kind of lead we're chunkin'. And what's all this stuff about shooting to incapacitate, Beav? Kinda seems like an unnecessary step to me. Why not just kill 'em on the first go-round? At any rate, I don't think I've ever been dressed-down in such a colorful manner. I bet you're a hoot around the campfire at night.

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Beans,
What kinda elk you shootin' son? The bulls I kill are heavy, tuff critters thet hold onto life like a wino holds onto his Wild Irish Rose. Sure, some drop quick. But I've seen elk run into the darkest, steepest country carryin' a bullet with 'im. I seen 'em have a busted spine an' still try to get up an run. I seen a cow run off with a leg shot right off, an' a bullet in the lungs too. An' all this crap 'bout slippin' a bullet here an' there is hog hooey. YOU AIM FOR THE SHOULDER 99% of the time. Bust up his wheels an' take out his lungs. Thets how grandaddy taught me to make meat, an' thets what I tell dudes. Huntin' ain't bench rest shootin'. Plannin' on makin' a MOA shot on a movin' animal under field conditions is the sure sign of a greenhorn.

BJ

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Beaverjack-I have killed all of my elk with lung shots.Some bullets hit the offside shoulder after passing through the lungs but my primary target in all cases was the lungs not the shoulder.I have never had to track an elk as they don't go far after their lungs are severely damaged.You may aim at the shoulder but many others shoot at the lungs and it is very effective.

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RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Moose,
We ain't here to dance partner. If you cain't disagree, be a pretty boring place, right? Rump slappin' an' suckin' up make fer a dead site.

Stubble,
Ain't nuthin' wrong with a lung shot. My point is thet the kill zone on an elk is yay big. No sense on whittlin' it down by aimin' fer the heart or neck or god ferbid the brain. Too much wind in the air an' too little in yer lungs mos' the time. I seen fellers totin' them Cabelas shootin' sticks cause they were afraid to shoot their rifle 'thout a rest. Noisiest contraptions on earth. I hate the term shot placement. Shot selection is my rule. You aim fer the center of the kill zone every time, takin' only the shots thet give a good chance of hittin' vitals. Aimin' fer the center of the kill zone gives you a margin fer error. Lots of factors will confound good shootin', but face it, most hunters ain't good shots 'thout the bags an' bench. Sure, there's always the occassional broadside, standing still, no wind, 50 yard shot off a improvised rest. Waitin' fer thet kind of opportunity means you ain't gettin' into yer share of elk. Forcin' a shot into a reduced target area don't always turn out well. Liver shot elk can run miles afor you find yer first blood sign. Puny bullets blown up on neck meat will do the same thing.

You boys gotta learn to shoot the sh!t 'thout gettin' offended. I ain't no charm school graduate. Don't care ifn' folks like me. Don't like mos' folks my own self. Gettin' yer feelins hurt cause some ol fart calls you a greenhorn ain't natural, at least fer men it ain't.

BJ

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RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Moose,
Whar you hang yer hat?

BJ

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RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Hell Moose, we might be kin. Most of my great grandaddys came from Virgina an North Carolina. Came into Tennessee thru the Cumberland Pass. Homesteaded as war veterans in the late 1790s. Some went to Southern Kentuck, an' thet's whar ol' BeaverJack's seed was sowed. So you can see, I gots a lil' 'sperience with round top mountings. Still miss the fall colors an' redbuds an' dogwoods in bloom. Too many northerners back there now. Condos an' shoppin' malls whar I used to hunt an' pick wild berries. Yuppie backpackers stompin' around ever weekend. Traffic jams in mounting towns. Same thangs happinin' to Wyom. Maybeso its a good thang ol BJs gettin' long in the tooth. Maybe I'll be gone under afor thangs is too intolerable. First blue-haired hunter I see with a earring in his lip is gettin' shot jus' outta principle though.

BJ

RE: Which bullet for elk ???
 

Beaverjack... I knew you were a man of intellect as well as experience. You spell in the proper vernacular...(smile) I have read that... back in the day, the oldtimers swore by big heavy bullets. One guy put it to me like which would I rather get stuck with a nail or a pin? I don't go for the super high speed stuff either. One thing I noticed on this board is the difference in bullet performance based upon distance. A shot at 15 yards blew up on the neck? That had to be something dealing with velocity to be true. I think cartridges have become so sophisticated, a hunter must know its complete performance at a variety of ranges. I also think that is why many guys have success with plain old Remington core-locked, etc. I like Winchester Silvertips but they do a lot of damage to the meat. I like the accuracy and power of Hornaday in my '06... but again... too much damage. I am glad that neither cow I shot went farther than twenty yards with shots just behind the shoulder, out just over 150 yards. The exit wounds of both rounds were about twelve inches across and damaged both shoulder and rib meat going in as well as coming out. I went out thinking I might be undergunned. Came in thinking I had too much gun. I'm thinking optimum range... optimum performance. I want a bigger slower round if I ever get to go out again, and although I am a decent shot at the range and even off-hand... I am not looking to take a shot past 200 yards and it would have to be a great profile shot in great weather for me to take that. I think your 35 Whelen might be the right kind of medicine. I am confident with my 30-30 or my '06 just about anywhere for my hunting needs. My daughter shoots a 7mm mauser.

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