300 WSM Bullet preferences

[wind gypsy]

Somewhat of a tangent, but what are yalls thoughts on using 165s for elk? Ive currently got a load with 178gr eld-x and h4350 that is shooting really well but thinking of making up something a little lighter, faster, less recoil, etc. Not sure if it's worth the loss of BC and knock down power though..

Depends on which pill. 178 ELD at high WSM velocities is already going to be splashy. My thought is if i wanted less recoil i'd probably go with less cartridge and keep a higher SD/BC bullet that is going to penetrate well while making a mess.

 

[Matt5266]

185 Berger classic hunters with IMR4350 shoots lights out in my Winchester model 70

 

[GRUBECHA]

Depends on which pill. 178 ELD at high WSM velocities is already going to be splashy. My thought is if i wanted less recoil i'd probably go with less cartridge and keep a higher SD/BC bullet that is going to penetrate well while making a mess.

What does "splashy" mean?

Still pretty new to the whole reloading game. My larger thought process is that if I keep my max range on game to 500yds and in, and as long as I'm keeping the energy above 1500ft/lbs and am going fast enough to get good expansion, then why not use a little smaller bullet or less powder and make it more shootable. Am I missing something?