30-06 anybody?

[bobcat]

Been following this one. Gotta ask.....I've shot a 30-06 only for my entire hunting life. Blacktails, mulies and elk. Killed them all. But I've really started paying attention to what my bullet is doing or not doing on the last couple of elk. I shot my elk at an honest 25 yards this year as it was walking broadside from left to right along a game trail. Hit it tight behind front shoulder. With snow on the ground I trailed it by tracks, not blood. When I found it piled up some 100 yards later there were only two small drops of blood before it fell. My bullet did not pass through at that close range. In fact the last couple elk I've taken and both of my sons elk haven't either. These are boiler room shots at timber hunting distances. I use the same bullet now as I did when I started hunting many years ago. Remington core lok 180 gr pointed soft point.
Why will this round not pass through? We are finding the bullets just inside of the hides on the far side of the entrance shot. And they are in pretty good shape after expanding. They do major damage to the pump room for sure, but I would feel better if there was an exit hole for a better blood trail especially in difficult terrain. I'm not interested to start reloading my own ammo. I've read where some of the ammo manufacturers sell premium bullets. Would that help?

Yes you need a "premium" bullet if you want an exit hole every time. That 180 grain Core Lokt would probably pass through on a longer shot. The higher impact velocity with your 25 yard shot causes the bullet to expand more than it would if the elk was at a longer distance, and that means less penetration. So when you really need the premium bullets is for the close up shots. Longer shots you can get by with a softer bullet that opens up more easily. For elk I'd go with at a minimum a Nosler Partition, and with that bullet a 180 grain weight would still be a good choice in the 30-06. If you go with something like a Barnes that retains even more weight, you could justify dropping down to as low as a 150 grain, and you'll still get complete penetration on an elk at just about any angle.

[highmuley]

Bought my wife a weatherby vanguard in '06. Smoothest shooting rifle we have! We shoot 180 grain pills out of it, hardly kicks. Light weight, synthetic stock. Its great.

[elksnout]

Thanks Bobcat. What you say makes sense. I'm a timber hunter at heart and never gave the dynamics of a bullet much thought I guess. I'm assuming the Barnes bullets a guy can purchase instead of handloading?

[bobcat]

Yes, Federal loads them:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=217019&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Ammunition%20-%20Centerfire%20Rifle%20-%20Big%20Game-_-PriceCompListing-_-217019

[bobcat]

I see Barnes is actually offering loaded ammunition now, with the Tipped Triple Shock bullet. I think the 150 grain would be a good all around bullet in the 30-06.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=891122

[elksnout]

Bit more spendy than the Remington huh? But if it will help I'll get a box and see how they group out of my rifle this off season. These are the things I didn't know and now have learned. Again, thank you for the info.

[bobcat]

Yes, they are not cheap. But if you only shoot a few a year it's not bad.

[Crisptrigr]

What Bobcat shares with you concerning bullet weight is true. I've killed many elk with the 308W and yes I know, not the same as 30-06. My handloads with 150gr and 165gr bullets equal factory 30-06 speeds. I've tried 150, 165, & 180 grain bullets and found the best overall performance (with Noslers and Sierras) from the 150grs. Both bullets makes work well up close and far away, if I want an exit wound for sure then I use a 150gr Nosler Partition. I've never lost an elk to a good load and good bullet. There is more to bullet performance in our hunting situations than bullet weight. I think that's why "premium" loads sell so well these days, generally speaking, better bullet gives better results. That being said, once a bullet enters an animal there are so many factors that determine its behaviour it's almost impossible to say this combo or that combo will give me what I want. One's best bet is to put that bullet in the boiler room, whether you have an exit wound or not, that animal won't go very far.