best factory ammunition for elk in 30-06

WELCOME TO THR!

In Colorado, I use the factory 220 gr RN loads with great success. My current reference is Federal, but I have also used Winchester (discontinued) and Remington. If that's too heavy, make sure NOT to drop below 180 gr, making the bonded 180 gr Federal Fusion a good low cost candidate and the Remington 180 gr Swift A-Frame a higher cost option.

I am not a big fan of light for caliber, lead free, and/or polymer tipped specials that are trendy right now.

30 06

I'm in Southwestern Idaho. I've used 30 06 on elk my entire life. You can spend as much as you want for ammo. I' ve killed more than my share of elk so I'll weigh in on what I've used. I'm a handloader as well. Have had no problem using 180 gr. Rem core locks at 30 to 425 yards (mainly in a 24" Rem 721). The last several years I've been using 190 gr. Hornady core lock Boat tails at the same ranges with no issues either (Have been using the 190 gr. bt in a 20" barrel Win 70. and I thought the added velocity might be useful).
I have always hunted in steep country so it's important to lay the elk down about where you want (even using horses). We've been able to do that without exception. My personal limit is 425 yards from a rest in the field. I have no real preference for either bullet in a 22-24 inch barrel. Sighting in at 2 1/2 inches high at 100 yards will zero at 200 yards. 9 inches low at 300 yards. 24 inches low at 400 yards. Since an average 4 or 5 point elk is about 24 inches from back to brisket, think you can see the advantage of the 200 yd. zero. (of course large 5,6,7 pointers are larger). We are picky about what shots to take. ( I would expect the same performance from the Win. 180 gr. but never had a reason to change). OYE

I'm not an elk hunter, but I've read probably thousands of posts about elk hunting here and at TheFiringLine.com, as a moderator. Fifteen year's worth, anyhow.

As near as I can tell, almost any 180-grain bullet that gives decent groups in your particular rifle will do the job.

If I didn't handload I would use one of these.
165 or 180 grain either one will do the job nicely with a good premium bullet.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/69...-swift-a-frame-box-of-20?cm_vc=ProductFinding

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/77...tail-lead-free-box-of-20?cm_vc=ProductFinding

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...sler-partition-box-of-20?cm_vc=ProductFinding

You can spend a lot more but I've seen and had very pleasant results from the Rem Corelokt in weights from 150-180. I prefer the 165.

I really like federals trophy bonded tipped ammo in 165 gr in the 06 for elk.

I use good ol' Remington Core-Lokt 180s on elk and deer with great success. The only reason I don't use 165s is that the rifle shoots the 180s better, but the difference in group sizes is really insignificant, to tell the truth.

I vote for Core lokts, they have never given me a reason to look for other bullets. Go with the 180 grainers for elk. 150's have tendancy to fly apart at elk within 100 yards.

I would go with well constructed 180gr. Barnes, Accubond, Partition would be the my choices for reloading. Store bought ammo would be the Premium stuff that shot the best out of my rifle. BTW, the CorLokt and Federal's Fusion would be tested with the premium stuff. They are that good.

Count another vote for CoreLokt. I used 150 or 165 factory loads on deer for many years and it has never let me down. The first muley I took with hand loads was with a 165 gr CoreLokt. For elk, I would use 180 gr., though 165 gr is surely adequate.

Although I'm a reloader, I've heard some good things about the Rem. Core lock, and the price of a box isn't at all expensive.

GS

What everyone else says: 180 gr should do the trick. Core Lokts are the standard. I am partial to Federal Ammunition though, and I think the Power-shoks, Fusions, etc are worth a look.

If 150gr is good for whitetail, and 220gr for Alaskan moose, 180gr will be just right for Elk

Find the 165-180 gr load your rifle shoots the best and be sure to bring us back pictures of your successful hunt.

Remington 180 grain Core-Lokt.