I've shot and used both. Berger 185s and 180 accubonds out of my 300wsm. 2 completely different bullets. Both will work well. The bergers definitely gave me more meat damage though.
Had the same thing happen to me years ago on the biggest bull I've had a shot at. Probably 340 ish. Made me sick. Never found him. Punched my tag and called it a season on the best tag I've ever drawn. Still makes me sick when I think about it.
Congrats that's awesome! 25 miles? I live in idaho in similar country as CO for the most part. I'm in great shape and the thought of killing an elk about 12 miles from the truck makes me wanna puke.