Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 03:59:43 PM

Title: Ammo question
Post by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 03:59:43 PM: Currently shooting a .30-06 with 165 grain round. I have used that round for the last 20 years for hunting deer in the south. If I bumped it up to 185 grains would that be big enough for an elk? I understand that shot placement is everything as well. Thanks.

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Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: CP on December 13, 2015, 04:13:43 PM: The 165g will do the job.
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: h20hunter on December 13, 2015, 04:14:12 PM: Cp beat me to it.
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: lokidog on December 13, 2015, 04:29:59 PM: :yeah:
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: bobcat on December 13, 2015, 04:30:56 PM: Weight doesn't matter so much as the type of bullet. You didn't say which bullet you're using. If it's a core-Lokt or similar, I'd recommend more of a "premium" bullet, even if it's only 150 grains.
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: RB on December 13, 2015, 04:38:31 PM: Quote from: bobcat on December 13, 2015, 04:30:56 PM
Weight doesn't matter so much as the type of bullet. You didn't say which bullet you're using. If it's a core-Lokt or similar, I'd recommend more of a "premium" bullet, even if it's only 150 grains.
:yeah:

I am partial to Nosler Partitions, but there are plenty of good "premium" bullets available for the good old 06!
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 05:37:22 PM: They are core lokt. Thought about going to the nosler or federal brand.

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Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 13, 2015, 05:40:14 PM: Quote from: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 05:37:22 PM
They are core lokt. Thought about going to the nosler or federal brand.

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They will work fine. I wonder just how many animals were harvested with these that didn't know the difference. Old Cor-lock's and Silver tips?
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 05:57:30 PM: Quote from: Ridgeratt on December 13, 2015, 05:40:14 PM
Quote from: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 05:37:22 PM
They are core lokt. Thought about going to the nosler or federal brand.

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They will work fine. I wonder just how many animals were harvested with these that didn't know the difference. Old Cor-lock's and Silver tips?
I have often thought of that myself. I read a petzl article in field and stream saying that years ago those were the premium.

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Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 13, 2015, 06:01:37 PM: Quote from: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 05:57:30 PM

Quote from: Ridgeratt on December 13, 2015, 05:40:14 PM
Quote from: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 05:37:22 PM
They are core lokt. Thought about going to the nosler or federal brand.

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They will work fine. I wonder just how many animals were harvested with these that didn't know the difference. Old Cor-lock's and Silver tips?
I have often thought of that myself. I read a petzl article in field and stream saying that years ago those were the premium.

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I'm not sure the buck I tipped over this fall could tell you the difference between an Accubond, Nosler, or the Silver tip he ran into. Dead is still Dead.!!!
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: bobcat on December 13, 2015, 06:04:34 PM: If you're going to use core-lokts, I would go to the 180 grain. Core-Lokts will come apart if you hit any bone, so the 180 grain helps in two ways. First, it's just that much more weight that will help in penetration, and second, it's going slower than the 165 so it's less likely to disintegrate when hitting bone.

Yes the core-Lokts will kill elk just fine with a broadside double lung shot just like anything would. But it's the less than ideal shots when it's nice to have a bullet that you know is capable. You want a really good elk bullet that will punch through no matter what the angle is, use Barnes tsx, I'd go with 150 grain but if you can't find that weight 165 would also work well.
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: bobcat on December 13, 2015, 06:06:34 PM: Here you go:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/891122/barnes-vor-tx-ammunition-30-06-springfield-150-grain-tipped-triple-shock-x-bullet-boat-tail-lead-free-box-of-20
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 06:11:58 PM: I agree with both of yalls points. I may keep the same weight with a little better round. Preciate the help.

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Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: lokidog on December 13, 2015, 06:22:26 PM: All of my -06s have liked 165 grain bullets better than 180s as far as accuracy goes. A barnes 165 would probably work great.
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: ghosthunter on December 13, 2015, 06:34:36 PM: Yep killed several elk with 30.06 165.
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 06:51:42 PM: I had tossed the idea around of upgrading caliber a to a .300, but opted to stay with old faithful. Hopefully I will be able to put one down next season.

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Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: lucky7 on December 13, 2015, 08:20:48 PM: IMO I would just buy a box of each premium 165gr factories and go to the range to see which type that rifle groups the best. 3or5 shot strings should do it (cooling between) and stay with that brand. You could sell or just shoot up the other ones if you want.165gr Noslers will put the hammer down on everything in Wa w/ correct shot placement. Practice, Practice, Practice...
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: Rick on December 13, 2015, 08:21:45 PM: A 30-06 doesn't have enough velocity to require a premium bullet. Blue box Federal,Winchester Power Points or Remington Core-Lokts will kill an elk just fine. 165 or 180 doesn't matter.

Buy a few different boxes, find the most accurate and go punch your tag.
Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 08:33:36 PM: Quote from: bobcat on December 13, 2015, 06:06:34 PM
Here you go:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/891122/barnes-vor-tx-ammunition-30-06-springfield-150-grain-tipped-triple-shock-x-bullet-boat-tail-lead-free-box-of-20
thanks bobcat!!

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Title: Re: Ammo question
Post by: mjustice79 on December 13, 2015, 08:40:21 PM: Quote from: Rick on December 13, 2015, 08:21:45 PM
A 30-06 doesn't have enough velocity to require a premium bullet. Blue box Federal,Winchester Power Points or Remington Core-Lokts will kill an elk just fine. 165 or 180 doesn't matter.

Buy a few different boxes, find the most accurate and go punch your tag.
yup, like the core lokts, only lost one deer shooting them and that was my fault. I'll wait until I can find a sale and buy a few boxes. Thanks again fellas!!

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