.03-06 bullet selection - elk out to 500 yards

[EdP]

I shoot 165 gr GKs, 180 gr GKs and 180 gr ABs in my '06. The load for both 180s is 55.5 gr of IMR 4350 giving 2760 fps for the GK and 2720 fps for the AB. The 40 fps difference is insignificant and the ballistics for the two loads is essentially identical out to 500 yds. I have loads using Varget and IMR 4064 that shoot very close to the same POI as the 180s out to 300yds (1" more drop for the 165s at 300 with a 200 yd zero for both). The 165s are less expensive and have less recoil and I use them for shooting practice out to 300.

 

[Chiledawg]

I have loaded the Barnes TTSX with H4350 in my 06. Killed elk out to 200 yds and recovered a bullet that entered between ribs and exited between ribs and settled inside the hide. Perfect expansion. Flattened the elk on the spot. However, I would not shoot this load past 350 because I don't think it would expand enough. Switched to Accubonds and likely will not go back it shooting out to 500.

 

[Libtard McSocalist]

If I could only HUNT with one bullet it would be an accubond.

 

[FredH]

When I lived in Wyoming I shot a lot of elk. I used 180 gr. Winchester PP factory loads, 180 gr. Speer Hotcor spitzers, 180 gr. Hornady innerloks and 180 gr. Partitions. I also shot a couple with 150 grain Speer Hotcors. I also use a 7MM RM, a 300 WM and a 338 WM. I ended up using my 30-06 using 180 grain Patitions exclusively after doing all that playing around. The 150 gr. Speer Hotcor is a great deer bullet but a bit soft if you hit a shoulder bone (not blade). None of the other gave any problems whatever. I never had to shoot past 450 yards and I never lost or had any problems finding a 30-06 hit elk. Funny how a bunch of non plastic tipped flat based soft points did so well. I have also used the 180 gr. Ballistic Tips and will recommend them highly even if they have a plastic tip.

 

[Diamondback]

Any of the above listed will work and whatever is most accurate in your 30-06.
Accubond is my go to.

 

[BuckSmasher]

Trying to finalize bullet selection for an elk hunt this year. My guide advised to be prepared to shoot out to 500 yards - we will make every effort to get closer, but he implied that shots at this distance are more common than they might be in the average unit.

I've narrowed it down to the following (rifle has a 24" barrel):

Nosler Partition 180 grain
- This is what I'm currently shooting. I ordered two batches...
- First batch has been working flawlessly (still have plenty of it left)
- Second batch had a ~20% misfire rate across three boxes. Nosler replaced that entire order including all the unopened boxes, but I did have one misfire out of the first 40 rounds I shot from the replacement boxes. I'll shoot from the first batch if I choose the partition.


Barnes LRX BT 175 grain
- I have 100 rounds of this, haven't tested it yet
- Better ballistics than the partition or accubond at longer ranges


Hornady ELD-X 178 grain
- I've heard questionable things about terminal performance on impact
- Best long range ballistics compared to the other three


Nosler Accubond 180 grain
- Heard good things, but is it worth choosing this over the Barnes or Partition, both of which I already have in quantity?


Appreciate your input.

How did your hunt go? What bullet did you end up using?