Elk Bullet Recommendations

[The Big Game Hunter]

I got really lucky this year and drew an Observatory rifle bull elk tag. I plan on using a Ruger .300 Win Mag on the hunt. In addition to all my scouting work, I've been spending a lot of time at the range lately testing different loads and trying to decide what to use. Right now, I've got it narrowed down to two different loads: 180gr Barnes VOR-TX TTSX and 200gr Nosler Partitions. Both loads are pretty accurate in my rifle, though the Noslers shoot a little better (.8-.9" groups vs 1.1-1.2" groups at 100 yards off a bench). On the other hand, the Barnes bullets shoot a little flatter. I've used both bullets pretty extensively on a wide variety of big game (deer, hogs, African plains game, etc.) and been impressed with their terminal performance.
However, I've never used either bullet on elk before. Does anybody have any experience with these bullets on elk that would be willing to offer a recommendation on which one to choose? Or is it really just a wash between the two?

[Buzz2401]

I've killed over a dozen elk with the Barnes and my wife has killed three.  Never seen one run more then 100 yards and usually less then 30yrds.  That being said bullet placement is much more important then bullet itself.  After all guys kill stuff with arrows all the time.

[kirkl]

ive used a 150 grain nosler out of my 270 on elk before and it killed em dead. That barnes is a good bullett to. I say use the one that shoots the best which is the barnes. i shoot 180 grain bulletts out of my 300.

[losdaddy7]

X3 for Barnes VOR-TX.  Outstanding performance for me.....   180 grain 300 WM

[fisheral87]

I've started using the Barnes Vor-Tx in 7mm and 30-06. They have performed very well on elk and bear. I have also used the Nosler partitions in .325wsm and they were also very effective on elk. All of these were between 160-220 grain bullets.

I would say that the Nosler partitions provided more expansion, with that said it was not a material difference. Both rounds place correctly were effective on elk.

Al

[Dead-Eye]

I guess it goes without saying that a well-placed bullet is what really makes the difference. But there, I've gone and said it anyway. Study the kill zones from all angles, and practice, practice, practice. Get to know how your rounds drop at greater distances.

And remember, shooting up or down at a steep angle like a ravine (up or down), it minimizes the effect gravity usually has on the bullet, and you'll shoot high, so aim low.  Unfortunately, it's tough to find a place to practice and get to know what your rifle will do under those conditions.

I'm not saying that a round with good penetration and killing power isn't important. When the bullet hits, you want it to do some damage. Lots of other factors - just like the ones I just listed - can make just as much difference, and can also leave you going home just as empty-handed.

[The Big Game Hunter]

Thank you all very much for your input. I plan on spending some more serious time at the range before I hit the woods. I'll let you know what bullet I end up choosing and how the hunt goes.

[Dead-Eye]

What range were you going to shoot at? Maybe we could go together. I live close to DuPont.

[JDHasty]

200gr Nosler Partition

[BNAElkhntr]

I Use Nosler E-tip 180 grn in my 300win been to Africa twice with it everything dies right there.   retains about 98% after it penetrated 32'' of wet phone book.  shoots like a solid but Mushrooms perfectly

[dewandgin]

200gr Nosler

[kevinlisa06]

I shoot a .300 win mag as well and use the 150 grain Barnes X bullets. Still have quite a bit of stock before trying the newer bullets. Have yet to recover a bullet on an elk.

[jeffitz]

Definitely use the most accurate of the two,both are excellent elk bullets,good luck on your hunt.

[demontang]

I've been running accubonds for years. Head great luck with them. The partition is close to what I'm running and you should have great luck with it. I'm not a fan of all cooper bullets. Shoot what's most accurate and holds together.

[Buzz2401]

A partition is nothing even close to the same as a Accubond.  Totally different type of bullet.  One is a bonded copper jacket to a solid lead core which is designed to maintain as much possible weight retention allowing for deepest penetration.  Partition is not bonded and designed to essentially lose half of its weight on impact  causing severe tissue damage while still causing penetration with the remaining partitioned portion of the bullet.  Every partition I've ever shot anything with blew up on impact but they kill stuff quick also.   The Accubond is designed to work alot more like the Barnes then the Partition.  Barnes and Accubond typically have weight retention numbers above 95% while a partition has weight retention numbers closer 70%.   All work well though and I have killed with each.  But honestly quit using the Nosler Partition when I switched to the Winchester FailSafe back around 2000 or so.  I feel the Failsafe was the best bullet ever made but it was just simply to expensive to make.  I then switched to the Barnes and have never had a reason to go back.