Ammo for Elk Question?

[CODE3RUN]

Do you think the Remington 30-06 Core-lokt 150 grain at 20 bucks a box will be sufficient for cow elk?

Thanks

 

[cjack]

I believe It Is more than enough. I used a 308 180 e-tip and my guide said that it was fine even though I missed with my gun and ended up shooting my cow with the guides 6.5mm 150 grain. Shot placement is everything in my opinion. I know you will get varying opinions on this topic as there are many out there that subscribe to the bigger is better theory but I also believe most will agree that a 30-06 is more than sufficient. Where is your hunt? AZ?

 

[CODE3RUN]

I am looking for simple ammo that I can find anywhere and is not to expensive. Everybody sells this stuff at 21.00 a box. Its going to be for my 15 yr old sons cow elk hunt in Arizona 6a....

 

[dustin ray]

I used Hornady 300 min mag GMX 150 grain on cow elk last year at 150 yrds with no pass threw i was hunting by my self darkness approaching and no blood trail only by luck i found her that night the shot was good but i think if i used a heaver grain bullet would of been better.

 

[easymoney]

There are many new wildcat calibers out there, more coming every year. BUT, you can walk into most gas stations, markets and sporting good stores country wide and find .270, 30.06, 7mm and other long time favs right there on the shelves even in non tox. And for cheap too...
That being said, for elk big is always better. Sure there people who claim they dumped a bull elk with a lightweight small caliber round.
A corelock 150 grain should be fine depending on shot placement.

 

[jls456]

Your '06 is perfect for elk. I personal switched from that caliber and now shoot 270 WSM. Easy to find. Good luck.

 

[cjack]

Best of luck to your boy on his hunt!

 

[Bankrunner]

I think it would fine, but if it was me i would step up to 165 or 180. They are sitting on the shelf next to the 150's.
I'm with Cjack on the next two points. It's about shot placement. Good luck to you and your Son!

 

[JustGuy]

Juts do not forget to sight it in( or verify POI) with the ammo of your choice. 30-06 150 Gr a is plenty for elk of any size given the right shot placement.

 

[CA Karen]

Shot Placement and 180's =cow elk down for me and my 30-06. 150 seems a little light, I tried 165's but did not like the performance, had to track the cows, 180's seem to drop em quicker.

 

[dustin ray]

If you look right next to the barrel you can see bump under the skin that is a 150 grain bullet




View attachment 85003

 

[fishnhunt]

I always use 180. It doesn't matter if it's elk or deer. I'd rather not worry about messing with the scope. That said 150 should be fine. I bought the wife a 7mm-08 last year for deer/elk and it shoots 140 grain bullets. I'd rather women and kids shoot a smaller gun and be more accurate. a shot in the rump is a shot in the rump rhapsody of the size.

 

[Bubblehide]

It looks like my NSHO is a bit different than most. In the not so distant past, after the advent of copper bullets, I talked to a few of the African guides. They like the way copper bullets performed so well, that they are now advising their clients to bring a high powered rifle in 30 caliber (preferably) for everything except their largest game animals; i.e., 30-06 and up, including 308. They advise on 30 cal because it is readily available if any ammo issue arises. The penetration and knock down power of cooper is superior. Talking with them, they strongly suggest stepping down in bullet weight by 10 to 20 grains from what one would have used in a lead bullet, depending on the game animal hunted. What they swear by is that even stepping down 20 grains in bullet weight, the copper bullet will achieve much better penetration than a lead bullet 20 grains heavier. From my experience using copper, this is true. So, in the past, for elk, I'd would have went with a 180 grain lead bullet. I prefer a flatter shooting bullet, but I was convinced the heavier bullet was beneficial. However, with cooper, I'd use a 165 grain bullet. I simply see no advantage in a heavier copper bullet. Of course all of what I am taking about infers the use of bullets designed for big game; thus you have an appropriate expansion rate. In the case of cooper, your really looking at weight retention and more efficiently dispersed kinetic energy.

 

[eoats]

My 30-06 likes the Barnes 180gr or 165gr seems the cheap stuff doesn't group as well and is off by 3 inches or so at 200 yards.

Point is see what he shoots best with that rifle. The CoreLokt from 125 to 180 didn't shoot so good with me, the Rem 'Hog Hammer' with 165gr was the best I got out of the Rem.

 

[signguy]

First- congratulations and thanks for being a good dad and bringing the sport to another generation!
As for your round of choice- More than enough- if he can place it.
I would much rather hunt (cow elk) with someone shooting a 270 who can really hit the mark than a poor marksman shooting a bigger round....
Shot placement is key on any hunt. Have your son shoot a caliber and grain that allows him to place the round- not just hit the animal.
If the 30/06 150 grain does the above- you have a very solid and ethical platform to work from. Get him 10-15 boxes and get out to the range and shoot a box or so every other week until he is really comfortable.

As a side note, this a perfect opportunity to help him become much more proficient and have a lot of fun. When I hit the range with my son we both start with $20.00 in the bank. We add or subtract $1.00 for each shot depending on placement once we have a gun sighted in. This little game has lead to some really great times and heated competition between us.

Drew an early season archery tag in AZ and my son has a rifle cow elk tag. I am more excited for his hunt than my own!

 

[CA Karen]

A cheap way for him to get familiar with the rifle without spending a lot of money is to invest in a couple of silhouettes (ram, turkey, pig etc) and set them up in the backyard in one corner and sit as far as possible from them and site and "shoot" using snap caps. That way he will get use to the heft of the rifle and can practice standing, sitting and kneeling. You could even take him out to the national forest and set them out and stalk them.

 

[RoosterKiller]

I shoot that load for cow elk and also use the 180grain as well. I shot an elk in the heart dropped it. It still got up and was wandering off and had to put a second one in it. shot placement is the important factor,but be ready to put another shot on them.

 

[CODE3RUN]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I am now thinking about using the same ammo but stepping up to 165 gr.
I cant wait for the hunt.
Thanks

 

[AZ Jim]

Agree CODE3RUN,

Use the 165's or 180's on Elk. The CoreLokt is designed to open up some, so the extra energy from the heavier bullets will help drive it through.

AZ Jim