Need some advice from experienced elk hunters

[pbguy]

My buddy is going on a hunt in Utah on private property. The land owner told him most shots are 300 yards due to flat open terrain. He has a cow tag and currently shoots a 30.06. 180 grain core loct. Would you go down to 165 grain for a flatter shot? Also what ammo brand you would you recommend? He needs to start sighting in the new rounds now to be prepared for January. Thanks for the help guys. Hope this isn't a thread that's been beaten to death. Didn't see any on here.

 

[jrod]

Nope. Stick to what he has been/comfortable shooting. No matter what the bullet, confidence and shot placement trump all else. They have a large kill zone
My dad just killed an elk at 393 yds with a light 270. Right in the motor room, went 30 yrds and piled up. Core lokt are great
Cheers and good luck

 

[CaliCoyoteCaller]

Shot my bull in Idaho last year at 375 yds with 150 grain Sierra Gameking out of a 30.06...it got the job done no problem. I agree with above. Shoot what he's used to!

 

[eoats]

I'm another for shoot what the rifle does the best groups with!

My 30-06 shoots the 180gr & the 165gr 'almost' the same. 150gr seem to go all over the map though.
Barnes & some of the Hornaday loads have been shooting tighter for my Vanguard.

 

[cjack]

I'm sited in to 500yds and am comfortable shooting a 308 with 180gr. Shoot what he's are comfortable with. What town in Utah? I'm doing a cow hunt in January out of Vernal.

 

[CA Karen]

My 30-06 is sited dead on at 200yrds and I run 180's Nosler Partitions.. hand loaded. Very sucessfully in my Utah elk hunts.

 

[outdoorsman35]

I agree. Shoot what you feel comfortable with. The bullet size within reason doesn't matter as much as where it hits. If you take the time that you would have spent sighting in a new round, practicing at 300 yards (if you have available) with what you have that would be time better spent. If there is heavy snow I would think the elk will be low, herded, and more concerned with survival than hiding.

 

[snoopdogg]

The verdict is unanimous.

 

[pbguy]

Thanks a lot for the help. I'll pass along the info to my friend. And to answer your question he will be hunting in aurora.

 

[RoosterKiller]

Stick with 180 grain