Community
Reloading Share techniques for reloading, where to get the hottest in reloading equipment and learn how to reload from fellow hunters.

Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

Thread Tools
 
Old 02-13-2006 | 11:02 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From:
Default Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

I want to start loading 200 grain accubonds with my 300 WSM for Elk. With my 23" barrell it looks like I can only get about that velocity(2700-2800 fps). I like to keep all shots under 250 yards if possible and would really like to try the 200 grainers but that seems kind of slow. Opinions?
gandilamont is offline  
Reply
Old 02-13-2006 | 11:12 AM
  #2  
Roskoe's Avatar
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,127
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

You should be fine for elk - out to evenbeyond 300 yards. I would probably try the 180 grain as well and go with whichever one shoots better. Either of these bullets should have adequate penetration.
Roskoe is offline  
Reply
Old 02-13-2006 | 11:32 AM
  #3  
bigcountry
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

That would be fine for elk, but no need for any bullet more than 180gr IMO. I used 200gr in 300RUM for moose, but looking back it sure wan't needed. Lots of elk go down to a 30-06 and 180gr with less velocity than you got.
 
Reply
Old 02-13-2006 | 11:51 AM
  #4  
James B's Avatar
Boone & Crockett
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,474
Likes: 0
From: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

I agree 100 percent. With a premium bullet like you are using, I would go with the 180 as well unless it does not shoot as well in your rifle.
James B is offline  
Reply
Old 02-13-2006 | 11:05 PM
  #5  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,516
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

Gandilamont:

At the distance you are talking about, the 200 gr. AB will do the job for you. I have some data from Sierra where they push a 200 gr. SBT 2900 f/s with a 24" barrel using RL-19. I think you should be able to be very close to 2800 f/s if you have enough powder space. I really like bullets with a SD over .300 for elk, but if you havethe problem with a 200 gr. bullet intruding in powder space, go with a 180 gr. Good luck.
handloader1 is offline  
Reply
Old 02-14-2006 | 01:46 AM
  #6  
HighDesertWolf's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,171
Likes: 0
From: A flat lander lost in the mountains of Northern,AZ
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

My first time elk hunting I used federals 180 grain nosler partition loads in my 308 win which according to federals ballistic chart its pushing 2,620 fps from a 24 inch barrel so I'm guessing it was pushing around 2,580 fps from my 22 inch barrel. I shot a nice 5x5 bull nearing the 400 yard mark and was probably right at 400 yards when i put a second one in him ive been told many times its pretty common even having to put a second round into a elk at that range even with the magnum calibers. both shots were good solid lung hits, after the second shot it took a couple more steps and fell over. If that little bit tells you anything, your 200 grain accubond at 2,700 fps will be just fine. good luck
HighDesertWolf is offline  
Reply
Old 02-14-2006 | 09:46 AM
  #7  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

Awesome. thanks for all the help. It seems that everyone is concerned about getting there bullets flying as fast as they can that it seemed very important. Its good to know my boomstick will kill some elk.
gandilamont is offline  
Reply
Old 02-14-2006 | 02:48 PM
  #8  
James B's Avatar
Boone & Crockett
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,474
Likes: 0
From: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

Most good bullets traveling at or above 2500 fps will get it done. Thats bullets with enough weight and SD. The 30-30 with 170 grain bullets at 2200 fps has taken a lot of elk and moose.
James B is offline  
Reply
Old 02-14-2006 | 09:28 PM
  #9  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 0
From: Garfield NJ USA
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

I'm sure many elk have fallen to a 300 Savage which pushes a 180 gr pill a lot slower than 2700 fps.
thndrchiken is offline  
Reply
Old 02-15-2006 | 12:40 AM
  #10  
HighDesertWolf's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,171
Likes: 0
From: A flat lander lost in the mountains of Northern,AZ
Default RE: Is 2700-2800 fps OK for Elk?

ORIGINAL: thndrchiken

I'm sure many elk have fallen to a 300 Savage which pushes a 180 gr pill a lot slower than 2700 fps.
Try under 2400 fps..... according to federals ballistic chart a 300 savage with a 180 grain soft point from a 24 inch barrel has a MV of 2,350 fps. I have to agree im sure many elk have fallen to the 300 savage.
HighDesertWolf is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.