BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[maveric]

For those who shoot the 30-06, who makes the best round for taking elk. Penetration, expansion, sheer knock down power........

[andrewparker]

I'm not going to pretend to know what is the best. I shoot 165 g Winchester soft tips for both muley's and elk and have never failed to have one go down quickly. Many prefer a heavier bullet. To each thier own. Most go down on the spot or within a few yards. The furthest I had one go was a nice 5x6 bull. I shot him quartering slightly away. Penetrated both lungs and broke his shoulder on the opposite side. He went about 100 yards. Look at some of the previously posted threads on elk guns, there is a lot of varying advice. Good luck on your hunt.

[donmillion]

I prefer the Hornady Light Magnum with 180 grain bullet, but the truth is that almost any .30-06 bullet will do the job if you do YOUR part and place it properly. And if you DON'T do your part then no .30-06 is going to be powerful enough!

[rather_be_huntin]

For elk I personally feel anything 180 grs. and above is elk ammo if it's a premium bullet like; partition, accubond, trophy bonded bear claw, barnes X, failsafe, etc.

I personally like the high energy 180 gr. nosler partition by Federal. I don't shoot an 06 anymore but that was my first elk rifle and this ammo did well for me. The thing is your rifle may not "like" this round or in other words not shoot it accurately. Every rifle is different so try different rounds. It's best to group your round at 100 and 200 yds. You want to do this with the best and absolute best rest you can. If the round groups pretty well then you've got your elk round.

[DeltaDawg]

There's a number of great bullets out there, from inexpensive to expensive. If you don't reload, Hornady Custom and Light Mags are pretty good rounds. The Nosler Partitions (and CT Partition Golds), Swift A-Frames and Speer Grand Slams are also very good. Federal has the Grand Slams and Partions, Winchester has the Partition Golds and Remington has the A-Frame. These aren't cheap so if price is an issue, I'm sure that the Remington Core-Lokt, Winchester Power Point or Federal Premium bullets will do fine and cost much less. The 30-06 is adequate for elk as long as there's good shot placement. Good Luck!

[147 Grain]

What do you folks think of Nosler's new AccuBond round?

[fuzzybear]

The Nosler Accubonds that I have used
180gr 30 cal
200gr 30 cal
140gr 270 cal
all performed to my expectations.
These bullets fly so well that a few of the long range target shooter I know have loaded them.
Another impressive bullet is Hornady's Interbond. Try it you'll like it.
130gr 270 cal
150gr 30 cal
165gr 30 cal

[Guest]

The harvesting of a bull elk takes a very good bullet to get the job done and the weight of that bullet should not be thought about lightly. The bullet must penetrate possible big bone, tuff muscle and still go the distance through the vitals of said bull.

I know that the best choice for a 30-06 is the 180 grain bullet, as it offers plenty of sectional density (ability to penetrate) and sufficient weight to carry on through to the other side of the animal. Powders now days can almost reach magnum velocities with such a bullet out of a 30-06. This bullet setup will without a doubt take elk out to 400 yards, nowdays my limit on long range shots.

In bullets there are several on the market, that meet my criteria for taking bull elk in the wild. The Speer TBBC, Swift A Frame, Nosler Partition and Partition Gold. Noslers Accubond is also now on my list, as a very accurate long range elk or mule deer bullet.

[147 Grain]

For a 30-06, I recommend High Energy Federal 180-gr. Partitions. This Premium ammo has more downrange energy than standard (Remington or Winchester) factory 180-gr. bullets in a 300 Win Mag at 250 to 300 yards.

Hornady Light Magnum cartridges are impressive too, but I'm partial to Nosler's more aerodynamic ammo with the highest BC's across their line-up.

[younghunter12]

I have read that the 150 gr bullet from a 30-06 is enough for elk. That was from a hunter safety corse. I acutaly think 165 gr is the miniunm. Just remember bullet placement is more important. Alec.

[147 Grain]

In 30-06, you are almost always better off using 180-gr. for elk.

[fuzzybear]

If you own one 30-06 and plan on using it for Elk. Find the bullet in 165 or 180, preferably 180, that shoots the best out of that rifle and use it for everything that you hunt with that rifle.
You will get a chance to know the rifle.
To name a few choices that work.
Power point
Cor lok
Partition
Accubond
Interbond
hot core
X bullet
Failsafe
etc...

[elknewbie1981]

165 grain federal premium btsp dropped this bull from 300 yards