Post by: adamR on November 11, 2023, 06:54:54 PM
I'm looking for a 300 Win Mag rifle under $2,000. I will be mounting a Nightforce NX8 4x32x50mm to it (already own it).
Some thoughts:
1. I want a long range (capable of 700 yards or better) elk rifle.
2. I currently shoot 180 accubonds (factory round). Also, I really like what I've seen from Federal Terminal Ascents.
3. I have reloading equipment so I may shift to that in the future.
4. "Build" potential is interesting to me, but, admittedly, I'd be surprised if I ever really "build" anything in the future.
5. I'm not opposed to changing out a factory trigger.
6. I prefer a cerekote finish.
7. I really like what I see with the Browning X-bolt Hell's Canyon but a small portion of reviews are scary...
8.I have a Tikka T3X in 6.5 Creedmoor and am happy thus far.
9. Generally, I like a lightweight rifle, as I tend to put on a lot of miles each day. However, I think lightweight has held me back somewhat and am okay with a somewhat heavier rifle for stability.
Any thoughts on what I should be looking at?
Post by: deerlick on November 11, 2023, 07:00:13 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on November 11, 2023, 07:09:35 PM
Shoots great the factory trigger breaks like glass
Took his first deer this season with it
It will be a great elk rifle also
Post by: jrebel on November 11, 2023, 07:09:54 PM
Post by: jrebel on November 11, 2023, 07:11:51 PM
Post by: jrebel on November 11, 2023, 07:13:45 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on November 11, 2023, 07:23:11 PM
Post by: adamR on November 11, 2023, 07:48:27 PM
Post by: jrebel on November 11, 2023, 08:33:35 PM
Not opposed to the Tikka T3X Viel. Any thoughts on 26" vs. 24" barrel? 1:8" twist vs. 1:10"?
Given the choice 1:8 to push heavies or monos without sacrificing too much weight. 24-26 is negligible but I like long tubes so given the choice 26. Definitely not afraid of 24. I like brakes so 26 starts to get long and that’s where 24s excel. Coin flip really. My 2 cents.
Post by: BUTTER on November 11, 2023, 08:40:50 PM
Post by: dreadi on November 11, 2023, 09:59:50 PM
Version 2.5: Put it in a Magpul stock, Magpul bipod, changed to Timney trigger, put a Magnus on it. Factory 180gr Accubonds were dead on and the rifle weighed more. Shot enough to be happy with it, changed to loading the same bullets with all the Nosler brass I had shot.
The trade off of weight just had to be accepted to make the rifle less jumpy so that I would shoot more. The weight in the field while packing…just has to deal with it.
BLACK HAMMER ARMS
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Post by: HereDuckyDucky on November 12, 2023, 04:50:53 AM
RW
Post by: buglebuster on November 12, 2023, 06:23:06 AM
Post by: BA Mongor on November 12, 2023, 06:52:52 AM
Post by: Klickitatsteelie on November 12, 2023, 03:55:31 PM
Post by: Fidelk on November 12, 2023, 04:42:56 PM
***It will print under 1" at 300 yards, which is the longest range available locally to me. And that's where it stays zeroed.
***I only shoot factory ammo......180 gr. Barnes VOR-TX. Have tried other loads and tested those marketed as LR. Barnes VOR-TX always printed better.
***The factory trigger was pretty good.....it was Remington's replacement trigger, from the one that was a problem. But off it came and was replaced with a Timney from midwayusa.
***Not sure of actual weight but I carry it across my chest with a safari sling.....which makes it feel fairly lightweight and can be carried hands free. Conventional slings were uncomfortable.
***I bought the rifle after elk hunting in Oregon in open country. Between the heavy winds and the distance of shots...400-450 yards, I needed to make a change from my lightweight rifle, too hard to make the light barrel hold still. Not real good for offhand......just need to get stable and the extra weight helps.
Post by: andersonjk4 on November 12, 2023, 08:09:12 PM
P.S. I will have my .300 WM up for sale soon. It’s a trued Howa 1500 action with 26” Broughton mag sporter barrel , Timney trigger, and Hogue full bedding block stock. Action and barrel are grey Cerakote. (custom work was done by BPI rifles out of Dillon Montana before they moved their operation to the Midwest). Right at 9lbs. Shoots great. Best guess is 70-80 rounds through it. I have taken 2 elk and a bear all between 400 and 500 yards. I was planning to list it at $900.
Post by: Pnwrider on November 12, 2023, 08:35:49 PM
You might look at the Springfield Arms Waypoint 2020. Incredibly accurate rifle. Mine shoots 1/2 MOA all day long.I’ll second this vote only because rumors are 7 prc are starting to show up in gun stores even though their website doesn’t show that in their long action calibers (or didn’t a few weeks ago when I last checked). I could have saved a lot of money on my last two custom builds as they are spec’d very similar to the waypoint.
Post by: Sneaky on November 13, 2023, 05:53:21 AM
If you are serious about wanting to shoot that far you might look into the 7PRC or even 300 PRC. Lots of rifles out there and factory ammo is available/growing in variety.
Post by: slm9s on November 13, 2023, 09:21:32 AM
Post by: TeacherMan on November 13, 2023, 11:39:26 AM
700 yards is a long ways for hunting with a .300 win mag especially with factory ammo and tough bullets like an accubond. Per Nosler's website, you will be at about 1793 FPS at that distance with their 180gr accubond load which is on the bottom edge of getting reliable expansion with that bullet design.
If you are serious about wanting to shoot that far you might look into the 7PRC or even 300 PRC. Lots of rifles out there and factory ammo is available/growing in variety.
Push that bad boy out past 1000 😂 really only need 1000-1200 fps for bullet expansion.
Post by: adamR on November 13, 2023, 01:44:11 PM
Post by: TeacherMan on November 13, 2023, 01:52:02 PM
I suppose I should have been more specific; I don't plan on hunting elk at 700 yards. I do plan on practicing out to 700+ accurately with the hope of sub 600 yard shots. As I said, I currently shoot Accubonds but have reloading equipment and plan to play around with other projectiles in the future. I want a rifle capable of whatever I decide to do; my current rifle is not the gun to do that with. I've been hunting with a 300 win mag for probably 20 years and have used those Accubonds for probably 15 of those; I'm very aware of their capabilities. Sub 600, would not hesitate!
If you are practicing at 700 I’d have zero hesitation taking that shot with a 300 win mag and 180gr bullet for elk. More than enough energy to drop an elk. Reality as long as that bullets 1200 fps or faster that bullet will expand and it has that out to 1,000. The key to all of it is PRACTICE.
Post by: jrebel on November 13, 2023, 01:53:07 PM
Past 600, I prefer the lapua!!! :chuckle:
Post by: MeatMissile on November 14, 2023, 04:46:48 PM
700 yards is a long ways for hunting with a .300 win mag especially with factory ammo and tough bullets like an accubond. Per Nosler's website, you will be at about 1793 FPS at that distance with their 180gr accubond load which is on the bottom edge of getting reliable expansion with that bullet design.
If you are serious about wanting to shoot that far you might look into the 7PRC or even 300 PRC. Lots of rifles out there and factory ammo is available/growing in variety.
Does something change with a given .308 caliber bullet where a difference of around 50fps makes you more serious at long range?
Post by: jrebel on November 14, 2023, 05:02:24 PM
700 yards is a long ways for hunting with a .300 win mag especially with factory ammo and tough bullets like an accubond. Per Nosler's website, you will be at about 1793 FPS at that distance with their 180gr accubond load which is on the bottom edge of getting reliable expansion with that bullet design.
If you are serious about wanting to shoot that far you might look into the 7PRC or even 300 PRC. Lots of rifles out there and factory ammo is available/growing in variety.
Does something change with a given .308 caliber bullet where a difference of around 50fps makes you more serious at long range?
As long as you have the velocity needed for the bullet to perform, you will be fine. Most bullets like at least 1700ish fps to perform optimally. This doesn't mean they won't perform at 1600 fps, just not optimal. Hammer Hunters (a monolithic bullet) recommend 1800 fps for their original HH's but the HHT's appear to perform down to 1700 fps. Accubond long range and ELD-X state they will perform at 1300 ish fps (if my memory serves me) but the standard accubond recommends 1800 fps.
For a magnum caliber to fall under that threshold of 1800 (give or take) fps, would likely mean it is to far of a shot for most hunters. I would also look hard at the FP of energy created at those ranges and make sure it is sufficient for the game be shot at. Again, most people shouldn't shoot at ranges that would drop the FP of energy below a threshold to kill anything in North America. Just my two cents....
Post by: dreadi on November 15, 2023, 05:38:57 AM
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07/02 NFA Dealer
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http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
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Post by: Rugsnfeathers on November 16, 2023, 10:09:13 AM
Post by: xXLojackXx on November 21, 2023, 10:23:04 AM
Post by: birddogdad on November 21, 2023, 10:43:34 AM
Post by: Igor on November 21, 2023, 11:09:00 AM
If you're going to hunt long range, shoot a match bullet. Placement is key.
I would seriously disagree with that advice.
Match bullets have a thinner jacket and are typically not bonded to the core.......they often fragment on impact, resulting in limited penetration.
I would stick with quality bonded bullets, no matter the caliber.
Post by: buglebuster on November 21, 2023, 12:23:41 PM
If you're going to hunt long range, shoot a match bullet. Placement is key.
I would seriously disagree with that advice.
Match bullets have a thinner jacket and are typically not bonded to the core.......they often fragment on impact, resulting in limited penetration.
I would stick with quality bonded bullets, no matter the caliber.
I disagree with that statement
Post by: xXLojackXx on November 21, 2023, 01:21:05 PM
If you like to break shoulders on elk and waste meat then you better shoot a bonded bullet.
I tell people all the time that you don't need a big .30 cal to kill elk size animals, you need a rifle you can place a bullet in the vitals from any field condition position of fire.
To the OP, get a caliber that cheats the wind the best. A fast and heavy (180gr+) 7mm is almost impossible to beat ballistically. Unless you get into .30 cals pushing 230's over 2950, it won't be done. The 7mm will be much more enjoyable to shoot and practice with, and more importantly, you'll be able to see more of your impacts through the scope.
Post by: Taco280AI on November 21, 2023, 02:08:28 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 21, 2023, 02:13:50 PM
https://shoot2hunt.com/35-bullet-ballistics-a-hunters-guide/
Post by: xXLojackXx on November 21, 2023, 02:22:37 PM
I'll just leave this hear as they articulate my opinions and experiences with many bullets and countless kills. Bullets matter far more than headstamps and some bullets are just far superior killing implements than others. We are all so endoctrinated by 30+ years of marketing, that sometimes we can't see what's right in front of us :twocents:
https://shoot2hunt.com/35-bullet-ballistics-a-hunters-guide/
I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 21, 2023, 02:28:12 PM
:chuckle:🤦♂️. The fallacy spouted about match bullets gets me every single time hahaI'll just leave this hear as they articulate my opinions and experiences with many bullets and countless kills. Bullets matter far more than headstamps and some bullets are just far superior killing implements than others. We are all so endoctrinated by 30+ years of marketing, that sometimes we can't see what's right in front of us :twocents:
https://shoot2hunt.com/35-bullet-ballistics-a-hunters-guide/
I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away :chuckle:
Post by: jrebel on November 21, 2023, 02:30:08 PM
Bullets do matter….ive had good and bad experiences over the years. With that said, knowing your bullet and its capabilities is a must.
Post by: xXLojackXx on November 21, 2023, 02:36:49 PM
I haven’t tested the lower velocity range yet, but I can guarantee hammer hunter monolithic bullets are deadly accurate and deadly on animals.
Bullets do matter….ive had good and bad experiences over the years. With that said, knowing your bullet and its capabilities is a must.
Thats because they aren't bonded :sry:
Post by: buglebuster on November 21, 2023, 03:47:26 PM
Everyone can shoot what they want, but bonded bullets at long range and slow speed do not perform as intended. Again, placement is key. If you can't guarantee a lung, heart or soft tissue organ kill then don't shoot long range. Match bullets have no problem killing properly shot elk. Even when the thin bullet jacket peels off the lead core and the core punches through the animal. In fact, all of the elk I've taken or seen taken with match bullets to the rib cage resulted in total destruction of organs. I would take a 1/4 moa match bullet over a 1-2 moa bonded bullet at 700 yards 7 days a week.
If you like to break shoulders on elk and waste meat then you better shoot a bonded bullet.
I tell people all the time that you don't need a big .30 cal to kill elk size animals, you need a rifle you can place a bullet in the vitals from any field condition position of fire.
To the OP, get a caliber that cheats the wind the best. A fast and heavy (180gr+) 7mm is almost impossible to beat ballistically. Unless you get into .30 cals pushing 230's over 2950, it won't be done. The 7mm will be much more enjoyable to shoot and practice with, and more importantly, you'll be able to see more of your impacts through the scope.
:yeah: my 6.5 prc 147 match bullets absolutly destroyed my elk internally at 500 yards on the dot this year, impossible right?
Post by: MeepDog on November 21, 2023, 04:28:02 PM
For this reason I think you should consider a 12 gauge slug gun for your elk rifle.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 21, 2023, 05:01:50 PM
Why is it that every time I see one of these "long range" hunting youtubers who say they practice so much and that they never miss etc etc just to see them fling a bunch of lead downrange at 700 yards and hit back hams or gut punch animals. The one youtube group that is censored on here being a great example of guys who say theyre good out to 750yards then proceed to edit out the bad shots they make because the wind shifted because theyre shooting too damn far to begin with. Everyone these days wants to think theyre good out to a half mile, and maybe they are, but its my opinion that you shouldnt shoot that far at our animals with any bullet, match, bonded or otherwise.One or more of the following:
For this reason I think you should consider a 12 gauge slug gun for your elk rifle.
They suck
Their scope doesn't track
Scope lost zero
Poor zero to start
They suck
Post by: MeepDog on November 21, 2023, 05:10:19 PM
Post by: xXLojackXx on November 21, 2023, 06:35:13 PM
Why is it that every time I see one of these "long range" hunting youtubers who say they practice so much and that they never miss etc etc just to see them fling a bunch of lead downrange at 700 yards and hit back hams or gut punch animals. The one youtube group that is censored on here being a great example of guys who say theyre good out to 750yards then proceed to edit out the bad shots they make because the wind shifted because theyre shooting too damn far to begin with. Everyone these days wants to think theyre good out to a half mile, and maybe they are, but its my opinion that you shouldnt shoot that far at our animals with any bullet, match, bonded or otherwise.
For this reason I think you should consider a 12 gauge slug gun for your elk rifle.
I bet we could get a rifled slug gun to shoot 700 yards :drool:
Post by: andersonjk4 on November 22, 2023, 09:58:20 AM
I'll just leave this hear as they articulate my opinions and experiences with many bullets and countless kills. Bullets matter far more than headstamps and some bullets are just far superior killing implements than others. We are all so endoctrinated by 30+ years of marketing, that sometimes we can't see what's right in front of us :twocents:
https://shoot2hunt.com/35-bullet-ballistics-a-hunters-guide/
This was a very good listen. Thanks for sharing.
Post by: MeepDog on November 22, 2023, 11:44:11 AM
It would need to be a similar set up to a military mortar with the hand winding adjustments and lots of misses.Why is it that every time I see one of these "long range" hunting youtubers who say they practice so much and that they never miss etc etc just to see them fling a bunch of lead downrange at 700 yards and hit back hams or gut punch animals. The one youtube group that is censored on here being a great example of guys who say theyre good out to 750yards then proceed to edit out the bad shots they make because the wind shifted because theyre shooting too damn far to begin with. Everyone these days wants to think theyre good out to a half mile, and maybe they are, but its my opinion that you shouldnt shoot that far at our animals with any bullet, match, bonded or otherwise.
For this reason I think you should consider a 12 gauge slug gun for your elk rifle.
I bet we could get a rifled slug gun to shoot 700 yards :drool:
Post by: crabcreekhunter on November 22, 2023, 03:45:31 PM
Post by: okie john on November 25, 2023, 10:21:29 AM
Not opposed to the Tikka T3X Viel. Any thoughts on 26" vs. 24" barrel? 1:8" twist vs. 1:10"?
Crunch the numbers and see just how heavy you need to go for a hunting bullet that can kill elk cleanly at the distance you plan to shoot.
I grew up around target shooters. Definitely study what they're doing but remember that their goals are very different from yours. They can be quick to dive down some pretty specific rabbit holes and you don't have to follow them every time.
The 30-03 (which became the 30-06) had a 1:10 twist to stabilize 220-grain bullets. That's been the standard for .30-caliber American rifles ever since but it's fast compared to a lot of other bore diameters. Monos depart from the Greenhill formula somewhat (https://www.ssusa.org/content/how-to-calculate-rifling-twist-rates-for-stabilizing-bullets/#:~:text=Enter%20Professor%20Sir%20Alfred%20George,2)%20%C3%B7%20L%20%3D%20T.) but you should be good for at least 220 grains with a 1:10 twist.
Okie John
Post by: adamR on November 29, 2023, 04:54:36 AM
Post by: HereDuckyDucky on November 29, 2023, 05:16:52 AM
Does anyone have any actual experience with Seekins Havak PH2 rifles? I have not read a negative comment about them and I'm leaning that way... It will be a 300 win mag.
My buddy owns a gun store. When I asked about off-the-shelf, high-end rifles, this is what he recommended. I ended up going custom. Had I not, I probably would have gone with the Seekins. Nice rifles!
RW
Post by: raydog on November 29, 2023, 06:09:33 AM
Does anyone have any actual experience with Seekins Havak PH2 rifles? I have not read a negative comment about them and I'm leaning that way... It will be a 300 win mag.I bought a seekins 7mm RM havak last year. It's a fantastic rifle. I took it to Montana this year and got my buck early in the trip. My dad like how well the rifle performed so much, he used it for the rest of the trip until he got his buck. I really like how seekins rifles have a faster twist allowing heavier bullets. My deer was shot at 400 yards and his at 460, which is pretty far for us westside guys
Post by: dreadi on November 30, 2023, 01:48:19 PM
That’s a dandy.Does anyone have any actual experience with Seekins Havak PH2 rifles? I have not read a negative comment about them and I'm leaning that way... It will be a 300 win mag.I bought a seekins 7mm RM havak last year. It's a fantastic rifle. I took it to Montana this year and got my buck early in the trip. My dad like how well the rifle performed so much, he used it for the rest of the trip until he got his buck. I really like how seekins rifles have a faster twist allowing heavier bullets. My deer was shot at 400 yards and his at 460, which is pretty far for us westside guys
BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer
http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms
Post by: xXLojackXx on December 03, 2023, 08:08:28 PM
Does anyone have any actual experience with Seekins Havak PH2 rifles? I have not read a negative comment about them and I'm leaning that way... It will be a 300 win mag.
Seekins makes nice rifles all around. The barrels are Rock Creek 5r 416 stainless cut rifled and shoot well. You also won’t find a nicer groups of guys to deal with. Do not hesitate to get a Seekins rifle.
Post by: raydog on December 03, 2023, 08:11:14 PM
That’s a dandy.Does anyone have any actual experience with Seekins Havak PH2 rifles? I have not read a negative comment about them and I'm leaning that way... It will be a 300 win mag.I bought a seekins 7mm RM havak last year. It's a fantastic rifle. I took it to Montana this year and got my buck early in the trip. My dad like how well the rifle performed so much, he used it for the rest of the trip until he got his buck. I really like how seekins rifles have a faster twist allowing heavier bullets. My deer was shot at 400 yards and his at 460, which is pretty far for us westside guys
BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer
http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms
Thanks Dreadi!
Post by: jbuck on December 05, 2023, 07:35:36 AM
If you handload the PRC makes it easier since it doesn't have the belt and should be built with a tighter twist to take advantage of high BC bullets.
A Seekins PH2 is probably my next rifle. Or a waypoint 2020. Still deciding.
Now to my 700yd soapbox. Please do the animal right by actually practicing at the ranges you are planning on shooting. Field positions, not just off a bench. Every year I get to see people blasting at deer or elk way past their abilities. The best scenario is they miss 7 or 8 shots throwing dirt all around. The worst case is they actually wound the animal just to have it run off and suffer.
Post by: sage rat on December 05, 2023, 08:01:44 AM
Post by: Sneaky on December 05, 2023, 08:16:48 AM
I suppose I should have been more specific; I don't plan on hunting elk at 700 yards. I do plan on practicing out to 700+ accurately with the hope of sub 600 yard shots. As I said, I currently shoot Accubonds but have reloading equipment and plan to play around with other projectiles in the future. I want a rifle capable of whatever I decide to do; my current rifle is not the gun to do that with. I've been hunting with a 300 win mag for probably 20 years and have used those Accubonds for probably 15 of those; I'm very aware of their capabilities. Sub 600, would not hesitate!
If you are practicing at 700 I’d have zero hesitation taking that shot with a 300 win mag and 180gr bullet for elk. More than enough energy to drop an elk. Reality as long as that bullets 1200 fps or faster that bullet will expand and it has that out to 1,000. The key to all of it is PRACTICE.
does anyone have a photograph of a recovered accubond at 1200FPS? You might not, because that bullet at that speed will likely pass through with minimal expansion.
I found this video in a quick search that shows a 140gr accubond traveling at 1700-1800ish FPS. A tough, bonded bullet like an accubond can pencil through an animal with that sort of performance at low velocities.
This is why a lot of long range guys are shooting ELD-M/Berger style bullets is because they are still getting good upset/killing characteristics out of low velocity bullets....not to mention superior accuracy. Its all about picking the right tool for the right job. If you plan on shooting long, use a hyper accurate bullet that will provide reliable expansion at low velocities. If you plan on sub 500 yard impacts and want the ability to take advantage of unorthodox shot angles, pick a tough bonded or monometal bullet. Whatever you do, make sure your rifle has a barrel with a fast enough twist to stabilize the bullet you decide to shoot. :twocents:
Post by: ipkus on December 05, 2023, 09:41:52 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on December 05, 2023, 09:51:52 AM
People also need to understand that using a Berger type bullet in their military grade sniper rifle that they are all dialed in to kill rabbits at 1,200 yds will blow up and usually not kill the whitetail/elk/whatever that jumps up at 80 yds. when they are hiking in. I've seen waaaay too many examples of it over the years. Looks like a grenade went off on the entry side and little if any penetration.:rolleyes:
Not anything ive seen. Ive used plenty of berger bullets from 95 grain 6mm clear up to 215 grain 30 cal, very near to far and never had one not penetrate and kill the animal.
Post by: Taco280AI on December 05, 2023, 09:54:02 AM
...Looks like a grenade went off on the entry side and little if any penetration.
That was the last time I used BTs on game.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 05, 2023, 10:25:57 AM
People also need to understand that using a Berger type bullet in their military grade sniper rifle that they are all dialed in to kill rabbits at 1,200 yds will blow up and usually not kill the whitetail/elk/whatever that jumps up at 80 yds. when they are hiking in. I've seen waaaay too many examples of it over the years. Looks like a grenade went off on the entry side and little if any penetration.This is interesting to me. Do you happen to have any more info on these incidents? Weight of bullet and in what caliber they were fired? Impact velocities? I've partaken in HUNDREDS of berger kills at this point in my hunting carrier, between 20 yards and 1300 yards and projectiles ranging from 95gr 6mm's at lightning speed to 300 grainers out of a 338 Terminator. Ironically the terminator was actually the closest berger kill I've seen. Sitka blacktail buck on kodiak.
Like I said, I'd love some more data points. Possibly enable us to find a common theme to these exploding bullets :tup:
Post by: jbuck on December 05, 2023, 11:41:07 AM
I'm working thru a bunch of ELDX bullets in my 6.5cm and I have definitely seen shallow wounds on deer. The closest one I seen killed was about 10yds. I was hunting with my kid and seen a spike walking up a game trail so we got ahead of it and set him up on a stump expecting the deer to pop out on the trail. Deer ended up popping out a different trail on our side. My kid hit it in the vitals, but the bullet exploded as you would expect. Deer died as it's lungs were Jell-O, but did zero damage to the inside of the offside ribcage. I'd guess less then 10" penetration without hitting a bone. It took off towards a steep hill and he shot it a second time. Had it been a elk shoulder instead and I would guess it would have took out the bone, but not significantly damage the vitals. The only bullets that I've had exit are either neck shots or 350yds+.
I've seen a bunch of deer killed with the 143ELDx and as soon as I'm out of what I have on hand I'm going to move to a bonded bullet. They reason I don't switch now is they routinely shoot 2-3" groups at 500yds.
Post by: pickardjw on December 05, 2023, 12:01:40 PM
1. Mule Deer at 325 yds - two shots, one through neck and one through vitals. Both bullets exited, golf ball size exit. Didn't leave his bed.
2. Black bear at 350 yds - two shots, one through hip/femur and one through vitals. Both exited, golf ball size exit again. Maybe went 100 yards. (pic with finger)
3. Mule Deer at 100 yds - two shots, both through vitals. Only saw one exit but I wasn't doing most of the butchering. Went down in less than 100 yds. (pic with havalon)
I'm happy with the bullet and have read/seen enough of other's successes with it to be confident in it. Would not hesitate to shoot an elk with it at all.
Post by: ipkus on December 05, 2023, 12:37:10 PM
7 STW - 140 VLD - elk at 60 yds, deer at 80-100 yds
300 Weatherby - 155 VLD - deer at 125 yds
To be clearer, I'm not saying this always happens, but 5 times out of the probably 10 critters I've seen people harvest with the above guns at short distances have required follow up(s) and 2 resulted in lost animals. Not all were perfect hits, but one was absolutely 10 holed and still did it on a rib.
The only thing I can reckon is the high speed the bullets are still doing at that short of a distance negatively affects the bullets ability to perform properly.
A Terminator at 20 yds. on a blacktail?? The muzzle blast probably would've killed it :chuckle:
Post by: jrebel on December 05, 2023, 12:42:45 PM
300 win mag Christensen Ridgeline Rifle
212 ELD-X
MV 2850 if my memory serves me right....I may still have the notes on the load to confirm if it really matters to someone.
One Bear....bullet dynamited on a shoulder and did not kill the bear. 500 yard shot, high shoulder hit with a slightly quartering to shot. I had elevation with bullet trajectory downhill....would have exited mid way down body. I have pictures of this bear the next year with a large hair patch missing. I found hair and meat at impact site....very little blood. Bear lived.
Two Moose:
1'st moose was 40 yards broadside. 1st shot to the head...moose locked up and stood their (dead moose standing). 2nd and 3rd shot right behind shoulder, neither exited. Moose died but not overly impressed with results.
2nd moose was 300 yards broadside. 1st shot looks to have penciled through with entry and exit being less than 1-1.5" diameter. Moose lunged and dropped to his knees. Second shot to the neck....which put the moose down for good.
My impressions....very inconsistent performance. I won't hunt with them again. Some dynamited, some penciled, the ones that dynamited....I never found the bullets, only copper fragments. I didn't look overly hard, but I usually find bullets on the offside hide....nothing.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 05, 2023, 12:48:18 PM
300 Ultra - 215 Hybrid - two different deer - one at 100 yds another at 175 ydsAppreciate the info. The 215 is very surprising to me. The other two I could definitely see where those light of bullets behind those big gas tanks could cause issues.
7 STW - 140 VLD - elk at 60 yds, deer at 80-100 yds
300 Weatherby - 155 VLD - deer at 125 yds
To be clearer, I'm not saying this always happens, but 5 times out of the probably 10 critters I've seen people harvest with the above guns at short distances have required follow up(s) and 2 resulted in lost animals. Not all were perfect hits, but one was absolutely 10 holed and still did it on a rib.
The only thing I can reckon is the high speed the bullets are still doing at that short of a distance negatively affects the bullets ability to perform properly.
A Terminator at 20 yds. on a blacktail?? The muzzle blast probably would've killed it :chuckle:
Bad part about not recovering the lost critters is its impossible to truly know what happened. Was it rapid upset or was their a failure to upset. But with any long nose vld style bullet you are still gonna get "tumbling", which causes massive trauma (think DTAC's).