Federal FUSION ammo 30-06?????????

[Dave816]

I have finally found a cartridge that my BAR likes. Federal Fusion 30-06 in 180 grain...problem is this, federal claims it's a deer round, but I'd like to use it for ELK. how much of a problem is this? It's reasonably priced and my rifle loves it. decent groups at 200 yds. The winchestor series, ballistic silvertips and accubonds were all over the place.
Haven't tried anything beyond that...any opinions?

 

[Gewehr98]

So the question is...

Why can't you use the Federal 180gr Fusion load for elk?

 

[The Deer Hunter]

well, you could shoot the elk in the head.....

Anywho, why dont you think it wont penetrate an Elk?

 

[rwc]

I took a good sized mule deer last season with the .308 version. PM me if you want details.

It shot as well as the Hornady Match and Black Hills loads I had been shooting with before (both 165gr. BTHPs I think). I spent a lot of time a couple years ago burning through a dozen different manufactured rounds before settling on those two.

Good luck.

 

[Jackal]

My grandpa has only used 180 grain 30-06 in his old huntin rifle for over 30 years. He has taken an elk almost every season.

 

[Dave816]

Federal lists this round as for deer and light game. They have other recomendations for large game...better penetration for thicker skin and muscle mass, bone etc.....
Just wondering from the masses here, if there is going to be a noticeable difference. A well placed shot should be no problem, but its the questionable shot that I'm concerned about.....I'm probably getting excited over nothing...........

 

[Gewehr98]

I think I've forgotten how many mule deer and elk I've dropped...

With 180gr loads from my .30-06 rifles, both factory and handloads. One doesn't need a big .300 Magnum or .416 Rigby, truthfully.

 

[sumpnz]

I think the issue here is a question of whether or not the 180gr Fusion round is suitable for elk. From what I understand it would not be recommended for an animal the size and toughness of an elk. Likely this is due to jacket design and core alloy. I'd bet it has a reltively thin jacket and probably a softer core compared to what you'd want in an elk hunting round. Try the federal Premium with the Barnes TSX or Nosler Partition or Bear Claw bullets and see how they shoot. Any of those three will be more suitable.