30-06....again

[elksnout]

A while back there was a post on here about 180 gr 30-06 factory loads. I remember Federal Premium Cartridges being recommended as a good choice for elk. So tonight I went down to buy a box to see how well they will group from my M77. Holy crap, there's three different bullets in that weight and cartridge type. Nosler, Accur-bond and Triple Shock. Which one?  I have been using Core-loks for years and have had decent success with them. However, last fall my son and I each took our elk at close range in the big timber. And the bullets didn't pass through either rib cage. Stopped short on the far side. So I was thinking to ramp up the horsepower a bit. Staying with the '06. Any one of the above bullets better suited than the other?

[Special T]

I shot the federal trophy bonded bearclaw at 3o yrds and turned the inside to liquid... I've been wanting to try the new polymer tipped one that is on the back of the regulations booklet... Supposed to bee pretty bad ass...

[SniperDanWA]

I use Core-lok 180 too and was planning to try Nosler this weekend at the range.  Difference in price, ouch.  Might have to stay the course.

[ribka]

I have had very good accuracy and knock- down with this ammo:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Ammunition/Rifle-Ammunition|/pc/104792580/c/104691780/sc/104532480/Hornady-Superformance8482-SST-Rifl

[JimmyHoffa]

If you're wanting a pass through, might sound counter-intuitive, but actually back down off the 'horsepower' OR get a slower expansion bullet.  When they hit at the higher velocities, the bullets expand sooner and transfer the energy more quickly.  Pretty much the ideal bullet/velocity is one that doesn't exit, but is flattened out on the opposite side of the rib cage--everything gets transferred to internal organs.  Not great for tracking (assuming they survive).

[Bean Counter]

....  Pretty much the ideal bullet/velocity is one that doesn't exit, but is flattened out on the opposite side of the rib cage--everything gets transferred to internal organs.  Not great for tracking (assuming they survive).

This is exactly what I've seen from the cheap Federal Power Shok's... and what really sold me on them. One shot to an elk... Lungs and heart turned to goo, round held together for the most part, and was stuck in the hide on the other side. $1 rounds. Why pay $4/ea?

[bobcat]

Nosler, Accur-bond and Triple Shock. Which one?

Well, the Accubond is a Nosler bullet. I assume you are referencing the Nosler Partition, and the Nosler Accubond. Either one is fine and is a lot better than the Core-Lokt for elk. They will each retain about the same weight. Now the Triple shock, that's made by Barnes, and it's a 100% copper bullet. It will retain at least 90% of its weight, and chances are it will go all the way through an elk no matter the angle or distance. The Triple Shock would be my #1 choice if it shoots reasonably well out of your rifle.

[KNOPHISH]

My bro shoots 180 gr Core-lokts in his .06. I told him to try the Partitions or Accubonds so he bought Accubonds but they didn't shoot as well so I guess that's what his gun likes.

[jackmaster]

i know that i have had the best luck with the nosler partition through my 06 single shot but i only use 165 gr bullets so i dont know if there is a big differance when it comes to a heavier bullet

[GoldTip]

Personally I am no fan of the all copper bullet.  I've seen them pass through and impart little to no energy to the animal, ie: knock down.  Yes, they leave an exit hole virtually every time, but the exit is little if any bigger than the entrance and much of the "energy" of the bullet is imparted into the hill on the other side of the animal in the 3-4 elk I've seen shot with them and the blood trail less than impressive in my opinion.  If you make a practice of shooting elk from one end to the other, than I am sure they would be fine, but for most game shots I just don't think they are the BEST bullet.  Personally I have had excellent results with the Nosler Accubond on two Moose and a couple elk and deer.  I've used the swift scirocco (a bullet much the same as the Accubond) on quite a few elk and had excellent results as well.  I've seen my buddy shoot a half dozen deer and 2 moose as well with the Nosler Accubond and they have always performed impressively.  Of the three you listed, the Accubond would be my recommendation.  With them you leave a lot of the energy of the bullet in the animal and still get an exit as well. Thats my  , and if you add another 95 cents to it you can get a cup of coffee at the Tesoro!

[GoldTip]

And personally for the 30-06, I'd go with the 180gr bullet.

[bobcat]

I agree with the 180 grain, except if it's a Barnes. In that case, go with 150 or 165, the extra velocity helps the bullet expand completely and they lose virtually no weight, so you can afford to go lighter than with a standard lead bullet. You also get the benefit of lighter recoil.

[elksnout]

Sounds like the Accubonds might be a decent choice, providing they shoot well from my rifle. I'm not much of a ballistic type of guy so I appreciate the advise. My elk was hit unaware at approx. 25-30 yards total broadside tight behind the front shoulder. It ran 80-100 yards in the snow and didn't leave one speck of blood except where it fell. My thought process was like the bowhunter....two holes stand a better chance of leaving a decent blood trail. Had there been no snow and it was in, say the reprod, that might have been a long 80-100 yards. Know what I mean?

[Ridgeratt]

A while back there was a post on here about 180 gr 30-06 factory loads. I remember Federal Premium Cartridges being recommended as a good choice for elk. So tonight I went down to buy a box to see how well they will group from my M77. Holy crap, there's three different bullets in that weight and cartridge type. Nosler, Accur-bond and Triple Shock. Which one?  I have been using Core-loks for years and have had decent success with them. However, last fall my son and I each took our elk at close range in the big timber. And the bullets didn't pass through either rib cage. Stopped short on the far side. So I was thinking to ramp up the horsepower a bit. Staying with the '06. Any one of the above bullets better suited than the other?

Considering the Kinetic energy of a 06. The fact that it was all transferred to the animal and didn't pass thru I would be ecstatic. Besides I like to pick the round out of the far side of the hide to see how it proformed.   

[BOWHUNTER45]

Not an 06 guy  but I do load alot for it ... 180gr seems to be the best for the 06...does not waste much meat and hits hard ... I hate bullets that blow up into a thousand pieces,,,