What do you feel is the best 30-06 load for elk? Bullet weight and type.

Federal 180 grain Nosler Partition.

I use handloads, so this info may not help you much. My 30/'06 load for things like elk, moose, and big bears consists of the Nosler 200-grain Partition bullet loaded with 59 grains of RE 22 or H4831 for a MV of 2690 FPS.

I have only shot a couple with a 30-06. But this load sure does chill them. I use 54 grains of 4831 with a Sierra 200 grain Gameking. Not the extra fancy high dollar bullet, but it sure does work. I shoot it out of a Remington pump rifle with 18 1/2 carbine barrel. I have chronographed it at 2550 fps. Tom.

I would say use a 220 grain Nosler Partision.

180 Nosler Partition &165 or 180 Barnes TSXwould be my first choices. Though other such as 180 Nosler accubond, 165 or 180 TBBC, 180 Hornady Interlock Sp, 180 Hornady Interbond, 165 or 180 CT Failsafe, 180gr Swift Aframe will work well for elk. Go with the one that shoots the best in your rifle.

Everybody here has good advice. In essence, 180 grain bullet designed to retain a good amount of weight. Ideally, a binded or partition will do. Bullet placement is everything. EJ

180 Nosler partition

Most any 180 grain bullet is going to work well in this caliber. The Hornady Interlock has a solid reputation going back many years for good large game performance in the 30/06. And don't cost a lot either. 180Partition is tough to beat as well - if you want to spend twice as much. Premium bullets, while a virtual necessity in the big magnums, are not needed at 2600 fps. Even a regular old Remington Corelokt will work like gangbusters.

E.J- skeeter and ejpaul hit it on the head. all good choices on here, but shoot what you can shoot best with YOUR rifle, and put it in the right spot. That's all that matters.

Jerry