Best Elk Hunting Bullet

[AZ Jim]

OK, so we have been answering a poll now for a while regarding the minimum caliber for elk. So I thought it would be interesting to see what people thought was the best bullet and weight to use on elk. I am a fan of heavy for caliber, well constructed bullets with good weight retention for elk. We (myself, family members, and hunting buddies) have have had good experience with Winchester XP3's, and FailSafes, Nosler Partions and Accubonds, and Trophy Bonded BC's. We have also used Winchester heavy Power Points, Speer Grandslams, and Barnes X with mixed reviews. I know shot placement, velocity and energy when the bullet hits has a lot to do with it, but if I had to pick my favorite bullet to date it would be the Winchester XP3's in 180 grn. (30 cal.). I have been reading and watching videos on the Berger VLD's, but not sure I am ready go that route yet. The concept is interesting, but I lean towards the bullets that will pass through and break bone on the way in and out if necessary. Can anyone change my mind about the Berger VLD's.

What is your favorite bullet for elk based on experience?


AZ Jim

 

[Land Cruiser]

Berger vld 210gr

 

[Railguner]

I too love the Nosler Partions and Accubonds. My last deer was with a 210g Berger VLD from a .300 RUM. Accurate as HELL is a mild statement. Not the best bullet for a shoulder shot, but with this kind of accuracy there is NO reason why you cant hit right behind the shoulder at 600+ yards. It was a laser shot, just needed good wind reading. Personally though, the Accubonds have served me well also.WR

 

[CA Karen]

I vote for Sierra or Nosler 180g's. I have not tried the Berger but will try them to see if my rifle likes them (Browning A-bolt 30-06). It is most accurate shooting @ 2600fps.....for 180g bullets. Barnes have not impressed me with their performance, accurate yes but their expansion qualities are over rated.

 

[Calif_Mike]

HAve done very well with the old Nosler Partition through the years in a 300 Win Mag and a 7mm Rem Mag. Also took a big cow with a 300 WSM and Nosler Accubonds. The 30 cals were 180 grains and the 7mm has been 160s. I've played around with some other bullets but never get the accuracy so I stick with what works.

 

[Mr. Luckypants]

You need to understand how bullets perform at various ranges. For up close and personal, use either bonded or all copper. If you plan on shooting an elk at extended ranges, then you need a bullet that will expand much faster (VLD). There are no "perfect" bullet.

 

[AZ Jim]

Mr Lucky,

Agreed that there is no perfect bullet. It does also have a lot to do with distance and bullet design construction. So what is your "favorite" long distance and closer distance bullets?

AZ Jim

 

[Mr. Luckypants]

I personally use 130gr TTSX for medium game. I would up that to 150 - 168grn TTSX for elk. At extended range, I would use the 208gr AMAX but those are almost impossible to find now. Nosler is coming out with a "long range" accubond that has a BC of .7+. If you can get your hands on those that would be the ultimate because they claim it can expand at just 1300fps.

So your best bet now is the TTSX.

 

[sancho]

180 gr nosler partition.

elk are pretty tough. i shot an elk in the heart and it just stood there. i had time to put a second round 2 inches to the right of the first hole. it still walked over a tiny knoll, out of sight and dropped. it walked about 20 yards. powerful animals. my shot was about 150 yards.

 

[dirtpoor]

338 win mag, 225 gr Barnes , 14 elk over 10 year period, distances from 30 yds to 350 yds, never had to track one.

 

[sancho]

338 win mag, 225 gr Barnes , 14 elk over 10 year period, distances from 30 yds to 350 yds, never had to track one.

You win. That is THE best elk option. Awesome caliber.

 

[sagebrush]

I've used the 210 gr. Nosler Partition out of my .338 Winchester Magnum with great results from 70 to 301 yards. I have twice had a tag in the same unit where the only shot I could possibly get was at 550 to 730 yards, cross canyon. I just didn't trust the Partition to do the job and I passed both times. I have since been shooting a 200 gr. Hornady SST at the range and that load is accurate and has the down range energy to do the job. It will get it's first test this year when my wife sends a 200 gr. pill down range on her NV elk hunt.

 

[Deleted member 33033]

 

[easymoney]

Popcorn time...
I use a win model 70 300 win mag shooting 180 grain hand load noslers or factory barnes Tsx, Winchester Etips.
I have dropped em with one shot and had them wander off, they are tough animals to put down. I never take risky shots but sometimes things happen and it leads to a blood trail...
Most times they drop in their tracks not knowing what happened to them.

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

Killed my first bull two years back with Remington Core-Lokt Express bullets. My trusty Aught-Six with 180 grain pills. Killed my first buck using the same bullets, just using 150 grain pills. This fall I'm chasing cow elk with 150 Gr Barnes TTSX bullets I hand loaded. I will report on those if I get lucky. The Core-Lokt did good, dropped my bull in his tracks and my buck didn't go a hundred yards before keeping over.

 

[AZ Jim]

Here is what I have so far......

Here is what I have so far...... , to test try in my 300 Win. Mag for long range shooting accuracy. I might pick up a couple of other rounds to see which one shoots best. I am having a heck of time finding 200 grn. rounds. All of these are 180's.


180 grn. Winchester Supreme XP3's,
180 grn. Remington Express PSP CoreLokt
180 grn. Barnes Vortex with TTSX (Tipped Triple Shock)
180 grn. HSM Trophy Gold with Berger VLD's
180 grn. Remington Premier with Swift Scirocco II's




AZ Jim

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

.300 WM with 180 gran pills is a good combo! I still stand by my trusty Aught-Six!!

 

[Railguner]

Post up the groups when you finish testing them all. RG

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

So now I made myself a dilemma. I handloaded 165 Gr Sierra GameKings, 150 Gr Sierra GameKings, 150 Gr Barnes TTSX, and 130 Gr Barnes TTSX. All shoot five rounds in a quarter at 100 yards. I can't decide!!!