OK, Talk Me Into/Out of a Premium Bullet for Elk

[Sav .250]

THe "old" mouse trap works just fine. I know you can figure that one out.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Why wouldnt' you shoot a premium bullet? You ammo has to be the cheapest part of your elk hunt, and could ultimately have the biggest impact on the success of your hunt. Any of the listed bullets would work very well.

If it aint broke, dont fix it.

--An old quote that surely stifles improvements and invention. I'm glad I'm not still shooting my old "not broke" NEF single shot at the trap range like I did when I was a kid.

 

[JWF III]

Another Partitions vote here. With Trophy Bonded Bear Claws a close second. I've yet to try the new Tipped TBBC Federal has out. Too expensive and no bullets for reloading yet (that I've seen).

Wyman

 

[GJgo]

I voted Partition. If it aint broke, dont fix it.

Does Nosler blowing up yesterday make it broke?

*Win for Barnes*

 

[wankerjake]

Why wouldnt' you shoot a premium bullet? You ammo has to be the cheapest part of your elk hunt, and could ultimately have the biggest impact on the success of your hunt.

My buddy's exact argument. The reason, I suppose, is that the bullets I've been using have been killing elk just fine. BUT, if I can get a little more edge I guess I'm willing to splurge. They are incredibly tough animals. GO HUSKERS!!!

 

[jmr40]

Any of them will work. The advantage of the Barnes bullets is that you can drop down in bullet weight and still get the penetration you need. You can load a 130 grain Barnes bullet to over 3200 fps in a 30-06.

If you feel the flatter trajectory of the lighter Barnes bullet will make hits easier go for it. I see no advantage to using the heavier 168 grain copper bullet. If I'm going that heavy I'd just as soon use a conventional lead bullet.

 

[Boxhead]

A 185 gr TSX from my 338-06 = dead bull elk



A 225 gr TSX from my 35 Whelen = dead bull moose



A 250 gr X from my 9.3x62 = dead gemsbuck, bushbuck, two kudu (1 shot) and eland





The Partition is a fine bullet without question and I used to use it but find the Barnes to be more accurate and certainly quite effective.

 

[OYE]

I use 30 / 06 for elk as well. Have had no failures with 180 gr. Rem core lock or Hornady
190 BT interlocks. Have 2 30/06. One an old 721 Rem. ( my first gun ) shoots the Rem
core locks to sub minute of angle but throws any boattail bullet all over a 16 inch target(and I do know why that is).
The other one a model 70 Win. likes either bullet , so for the ballistic advantage I go with the 190 BT. I"m good to 400 yds and that's it. They have put a lot of elk in the freezer with no failures. I expect the bullet debate has been going on for a long time and will continue for a long time. To each his own!!!!

 

[jim in Anchorage]

In a 30-06? Easiest poll I ever took. 180 Noslar Partition, 57 gr 4350. Closed the debate for me 30 years ago.

 

[retrieverman]

I have never hunted elk and may never get the opportunity, but what for me would be a once in a lifetime hunt, I would definitely buy the best bullet possible be it premium or whatever.

I have never found a load using Barnes bullets that has shot good enough to suit me, so I would more than likely go with an Accubond or Partition.

For whitetail deer, I almost exclusively use Corelokt bullets in my 30-30, 308 or 6.5x55, and I am fairly confident that they would be more than adequate for elk as well.

 

[azar]

I see both sides of the argument as being valid, and neither really being right or wrong. I think as a general rule, the tougher or harder to kill the game is the tougher or more durable bullet should be used. But if you have been killing elk with the standards for years it's hard to argue with repeated success.