Post by: Jburke on September 16, 2010, 02:22:12 AM
Post by: cwuwildcat on September 16, 2010, 05:39:42 AM
Any recommendations for a good factory load for elk? Something without breaking the bank, I've seen prices on some of this stuff and it's crazy. :o :bash:
It might help to let us know what caliber you're shooting.
Post by: GoldTip on September 16, 2010, 06:24:57 AM
Post by: BlackRidge on September 16, 2010, 06:35:58 AM
Post by: ing on September 16, 2010, 07:03:45 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on September 16, 2010, 07:19:50 AM
Post by: demontang on September 16, 2010, 07:25:49 AM
Post by: BlackRidge on September 16, 2010, 07:56:39 AM
Before that, it was Federal V-shock
The OP has pleeeeeenty of options
Post by: bobcat on September 16, 2010, 08:13:57 AM
Try something loaded with a Nosler Accubond or a Barnes tsx. Not sure what cartridge you're shooting, but for 30-06 you can get them right around $40/box. If you get something with a cheap bullet, you'll pay about $25. So you're only saving $15 to use a bullet that will reliable take down an elk. If you really want, I bet you could make a box of 20 last 5 years or more. So cost of ammo really shouldn't be a factor. How much does it cost to fill up your gas tank? :dunno:
Post by: grundy53 on September 16, 2010, 08:46:02 AM
Post by: Bofire on September 16, 2010, 08:55:07 AM
Carl
Post by: grundy53 on September 16, 2010, 09:27:27 AM
:)thousands of elk were killed long before anyone brought out "premium" bullets. I do not think elk are tough enough to warrant them, and I think they are 85% hype. but then bright colors sell lures not success!! :IBCOOL:
Carl
I get them for their reliability. I've never had a misfire with one unlike some of the cheaper bullets. When I pull the trigger on a bull I want it to work.
Post by: Rick on September 16, 2010, 09:27:42 AM
Core-lokts ??? :o I would say anything BUT core-lokts. They may be alright for deer but there's a lot of better bullets available that will stay together and give you the penetration you might need on an elk.
Two of the three cows killed in our camp last year were shot with 175gr Core-Lokts from a 7mm Rem Mag. Both elk literally dropped in their tracks,like you jerked the rug out from under them. Complete pass throughs on both shots.
Don't know what else you could ask for? :dunno:
Its all about shot placement. Shoot an elk in the ass and they'll run for miles. Shoot them in the lungs and they die rather easily.
Post by: elk311 on September 16, 2010, 11:48:38 AM
I pretty much only hunt with federal premium. It's worth it
:yeah:
Post by: bobcat on September 16, 2010, 11:54:01 AM
Core-lokts ??? :o I would say anything BUT core-lokts. They may be alright for deer but there's a lot of better bullets available that will stay together and give you the penetration you might need on an elk.
Two of the three cows killed in our camp last year were shot with 175gr Core-Lokts from a 7mm Rem Mag. Both elk literally dropped in their tracks,like you jerked the rug out from under them. Complete pass throughs on both shots.
Don't know what else you could ask for? :dunno:
Its all about shot placement. Shoot an elk in the ass and they'll run for miles. Shoot them in the lungs and they die rather easily.
Not saying they won't work but I've seen them come completely apart just from going through the ribs on a little mule deer buck. And this was out of a 30-06 so it's not like the velocity was more than the bullet is designed for. I just don't see any reason to not use a bullet that can be relied on to stay together and penetrate all the way through. I want to have an exit hole for the much better blood trail it will provide. Two holes are much better than one, and one hole is likely all you will get with a non-premium (cheap) bullet.
Post by: Hornseeker on September 16, 2010, 02:11:25 PM
Id say...invest a few hundred dollars and start reloading.
Post by: Bofire on September 16, 2010, 04:07:41 PM
Carl
Post by: fremont on September 16, 2010, 07:45:11 PM
Post by: Jburke on September 17, 2010, 12:38:13 AM
Post by: Hornseeker on September 17, 2010, 07:07:31 AM
Bofire.... that would be some fun chit.... for a while anyway! I have a buddy that has a buddy that kills problem Griz in Wyoming... :rockin:
:mgun:
Post by: thinkingman on September 17, 2010, 08:38:39 AM
Today, I'd look for Barnes TSX bullets in that loading.
I agree that Corelokt is a deer bullet, not elk, and yes, elk have been dying for years but they've also run away with bullet holes and died someplace else for years.
Let's not start this debate again.
Post by: GoldTip on September 17, 2010, 09:13:56 AM
I would focus on a bullet that has a partition or solid. Federal used to make a Trophy Bonded BearClaw they called H.E.(high energy). Closed to 3000fps with a sledgehammer bullet.
Today, I'd look for Barnes TSX bullets in that loading.
I agree that Corelokt is a deer bullet, not elk, and yes, elk have been dying for years but they've also run away with bullet holes and died someplace else for years.
Let's not start this debate again.
Ok no debating, I've killed multiple elk with premium bullets and multiple elk with Corelokts. Double shouldered most of the elk with either bullet, none of them have come back from the dead, the last elk I had to shoot twice was shot with a premium bullet (handloaded swift scirocco) that took out both front shoulders and rested under the hide on the far side, he was still trying to get up and I didn't want him to suffer. While I agree a premium bullet gives you that extra confidence factor that your bullet won't come aprt. I would venture a guess that more elk have run off with a bullet whole in the ass due to people shooting "premium" bullets that will drive "lengthways" thru an elk smashing everything in it's path, then have ran off with a 180gr '06 core loft to the shoulder.
Post by: Skinnyman on September 17, 2010, 10:16:09 AM
Post by: SkookumHntr on September 17, 2010, 10:23:53 AM
Post by: highmuley on September 17, 2010, 10:34:07 AM
Post by: robmill70 on September 17, 2010, 04:55:30 PM